Viaje Cigars, known for its innovative and limited-edition releases, is bringing something special to its fans with the latest addition to its Craft Series: Roots. This new cigar marks a significant reunion between Viaje’s founder, Andre Farkas, and Joya de Nicaragua, the oldest cigar factory in Nicaragua. After more than a decade apart, the two have come together once again to create a cigar that is deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.

The collaboration between Viaje and Joya de Nicaragua dates back to 2007 when the Nicaraguan factory produced the Viaje Oro, a cigar that helped establish Viaje’s reputation in the premium cigar industry. However, despite the success of the Oro, the two companies haven’t collaborated since then. The return to Joya de Nicaragua for the production of Roots was a deliberate choice by Farkas, driven by his long-standing admiration for the factory’s craftsmanship. In particular, Farkas has been a fan of the Antaño blend, a bold and powerful cigar that Joya de Nicaragua is famous for. “I had always loved the Antaño. That blend hits my profile dead centre. It only made sense to try to work with a factory that made a cigar that I loved,” Farkas explained.

Roots is crafted in a single Toro size, measuring 6 inches by 52 ring gauge, a format that is both popular and versatile among cigar enthusiasts. The cigar features an Ecuador Habano wrapper, which provides a rich and slightly spicy flavour. The binder is Nicaraguan, while the filler is a complex blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Brazil, and the United States. This combination of tobaccos is designed to deliver a balanced and nuanced smoking experience, with notes that reflect the diverse origins of its components. The cigars are foil-wrapped, adding an extra layer of protection and visual appeal, and are packaged in 10-count boxes. Each cigar is priced at $11, with a full box retailing for $110.

The Roots release is part of Viaje’s Craft Series, a line of cigars that Farkas launched in 2018. The Craft Series is known for its artisanal approach, with each release being carefully crafted to offer a unique smoking experience. Previous releases in the series, such as Bales on Bales and For the Love of the Leaf, have been well-received by the cigar community, and Roots is expected to continue this tradition of excellence.

For Viaje, the Craft Series represents a commitment to small-batch production and the art of cigar making. Each cigar in the series is a reflection of Farkas’s vision and passion for cigars, with an emphasis on quality over quantity. The reunion with Joya de Nicaragua for the Roots project highlights this dedication to working with the best in the industry to create cigars that stand out in a crowded market.

Roots will begin shipping to retailers on Monday, offering cigar aficionados the chance to experience this highly anticipated release. With its rich blend of tobaccos and the expertise of Joya de Nicaragua behind it, Roots is poised to be a standout in Viaje’s portfolio, as well as a fitting homage to the company’s history and the tradition of Nicaraguan cigar-making.