Dapper Cigars: The Passion of an Aficionado
Many boutique brands are born from the enthusiasm of their founders—Dapper is no exception. Behind this brand is American Ian Reith. Originally, the Californian worked in the IT department of his home state's health authority.
But his true passion was cigars. In 2013, he had his first own cigar rolled in Estelí—initially just for personal enjoyment, with no commercial intentions.
From Hobby to Success Story
His debut creation, the now sold-out Cubo Claro, impressed not only himself but also his circle of friends. The brand name allegedly originated from a neighbor who praised the cigar with the words: “That’s a dapper cigar!”—meaning stylish or elegant.
As demand grew, Ian sought support. A key role was played by Alex Cesa, an industry expert with experience at Drew Estate. He took charge of distribution and was instrumental in the brand's growth. Dapper became a respected name for premium cigars—even beyond the U.S. Since 2019, the company Bugge from the Black Forest has been bringing the brand to Germany.
Dapper Cigars: The Collections
The La Madrina, which translates to “The Godmother,” was released in the U.S. in 2017. Its highlight: an Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper from Oliva.
Another highlight is the Siempre Sun Grown. The name “Siempre”—Spanish for “always”—represents the continuous commitment to the highest quality. The El Borracho series combines exquisite tobaccos from Nicaragua with a San Andrés wrapper from Mexico.