Aliados Cigars: A Masterpiece by Rolando Reyes
Imagine each cigar as a small work of art – this was the vision of Rolando Reyes, the founder of the Aliados brand. For him, a cigar had to be not only aesthetically perfect but also distinguished by its exceptional flavor and flawless burn quality.
To achieve this high standard, the master often rolled cigars himself, a rarity in the cigar world. Born in 1924, Rolando learned his craft in Cuba and worked for renowned names such as Partagas, Romeo y Julieta, and H. Upmann. After the Cuban Revolution, he moved to the USA, where he founded his own label: Cuba Aliados, named after a Cuban bus line. Since the name "Cuba" is protected in Europe, the brand is simply known here as Aliados – but the enjoyment remains unchanged.
The History of Aliados
Rolando Reyes was not only known for his precise craftsmanship but also for his unconventional lifestyle. He often started his work in the afternoon to be undisturbed and creative during the quiet evening hours. His nights were spent with friends, mostly fellow Cuban exiles, enjoying wine and animated discussions about the art of cigar rolling. These passionate conversations and exchanges among experts shaped Aliados cigars into true masterpieces.
Rolando’s knowledge was impressive, but he was more of a “doer” than a teacher. His students had to carefully observe to learn from him. In 2010, Rolando retired from the company and passed away two years later in Honduras. Without him, the brand faced challenging times – until its rebirth.
The Revival of Aliados
In 2021, Oliva Cigars decided to revive the Aliados brand. This decision brought Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, one of the most renowned cigar makers and a former student of Rolando, on board. Ernesto made it his mission to recreate the original flavor of Aliados with great attention to detail. After over 100 attempts, he discovered the perfect blend – a true passion project and a tribute to his mentor.
Discover the Aliados Portfolio
Today, there are two impressive series: the Aliados Original Blend and the Cabinet Edition. The Original Blend, a Honduran puro, is crafted in the Tabacalera of Julio Eiroa, a close neighbor and friend of Rolando. The limited Cabinet Edition, on the other hand, is produced in Ernesto’s own Tabacalera in the Dominican Republic. It is a personal and exclusive homage to the man who defined the art of cigar making.
Immerse yourself in the world of Aliados and enjoy cigars that uniquely combine tradition and modernity.
