Ortega Cigars is making a comeback. About three years ago, Ortega Cigars kind of disappeared without officially closing the books. Eddie Ortega found it was time to take a break. A break from re-inventing new brands. A break from all the traveling and the promotions. Some time off from all the things that Ortega felt were necessary to sell cigars in the current environment.

New energy

Around the same time, Alan Rubin from Alec Bradley cigars ran into Ortega. Rubin had one big question. Would Ortega be willing to work with or for Alec Bradley Cigars. It was just what Ortega needed, and he put Ortega Cigars on hold. And now Ortega feels better than ever, with more energy than ever. That translates into a reboot of Ortega cigars with new cigars.

Ortega Cigars is experimenting with a new formula for distribution. Direct sales to consumers via a website. And a small amount of wholesale through some loyal shops that kept asking for Ortega Cigars during the last three years. These shops want to support Eddie, and in return, he will supply them on a wholesale level.

New factory

In an email, Ortega says that everything is ready to go once the first shipment comes in. That shipment will come in March, after a short delay because of the covid-19 pandemic. The cigars come from a small factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. A factory named Tacasa. It is not a well-known factory but the owner is like family to Ortega. And that gives Ortega the freedom to do almost as he pleases.

In the last few months, Ortega has been traveling back and forth to perfect blends and make sure that the quality control is up to par. Ortega says that he has lots of great new stuff coming out this year, including a few beautiful lanceros that caught our eye.