In Nicaragua, cigar making isn’t just a business—it’s part of the land, the people, and the culture. The volcanic soil here has shaped some of the richest tobacco in the world, and for the Reyes family, it shaped a legacy.

When Geoffrey Antonio Reyes lost his father, Mario Reyes—a master blender respected throughout the industry—he was just 19 years old. The future of the family’s cigars was uncertain, and the factory once full of life had gone quiet. But Geoffrey knew the craft too well to walk away.

With what little he had saved, Geoffrey opened a small shop in 2019—a cozy spot where people could enjoy fresh-rolled cigars alongside coffee and aged rum. It was more than a business; it was a way to keep his father’s legacy alive. But when COVID hit, like many small businesses, he lost everything.

Still, Geoffrey wasn’t ready to give up. The passion for cigar making—and the dream of rebuilding—never left.

What happened next wasn’t planned. While spending time at a local bar in Granada, Geoffrey noticed a group of American travelers—Josh, James, and their friends—smoking cigars and talking shop. Growing up around tobacco and the craft of cigar making, Geoffrey couldn’t resist joining the conversation. He introduced himself and shared his story—how his father was a master blender and how he had spent his life learning the art.

The group invited him to dinner the next night, bringing along some of their favorite cigars. After trying them, Geoffrey smiled and said, “I can make these, but better.” That simple line kicked off something much bigger—a friendship built on shared passion and a conversation that quickly turned toward the future.

They asked him what it would take to revive his father’s legacy and open a new shop and factory. Geoffrey laid out the vision, and shortly after, with their support, that vision became real. Together, they helped fund the rebirth of Don Reyes Cigars.

Geoffrey returned to the fields, selecting tobacco by hand from Nicaragua’s most fertile volcanic regions. He focused on small-batch production, blending with care and refusing to cut corners. The same rollers who once worked beside his father came back to be part of the new Don Reyes team—because they believed in the vision.

To bring it all together, Geoffrey is working with local artists to create a space that feels personal—handmade furniture, custom artwork, and a setting that reflects both the culture of Nicaragua and the craft of cigar making.

Don Reyes Cigars is not just a tribute to Mario Reyes. It’s a continuation of something deeply rooted in the land and kept alive through people who believe in the work. Every cigar is a product of that commitment—to tradition, to quality, and to the people who made it possible.

This is The Art of Cigar Making.