Esteban Carreras – Cigars
Esteban Carreras stands for bold boutique longfillers from Nicaragua – hand-rolled with passion and a talent for exceptional blends. Each cigar offers an intense smoking experience that excites aficionados around the world. The combination of traditional craftsmanship and creative tobacco blends makes Esteban Carreras a brand with a distinctive identity.
Esteban Carreras Cigars – From Cuba to Estelí
The roots of Esteban Carreras go back to the 1980s, when the cigar maker of the same name learned his craft in Cuba. After years of honing his skills, he set out to establish his own brand. In 1996, Esteban Carreras was born, initially based in the Dominican Republic. Later, he moved production to Estelí, Nicaragua, where he founded Tabacalera Carreras S.A.. Today, this is where cigars are crafted that unite the best of Cuban tradition and Nicaraguan terroir.
Craig Cunningham – The Man Behind the Brand
Today, Esteban Carreras looks back on more than two decades of success in the U.S. cigar market. Much of that triumph is due to Craig Cunningham, the brand’s current owner. Under his leadership, production was moved to Estelí, Nicaragua, where Esteban Carreras established its own factory – Tabacalera Carreras S.A.. Full control over cultivation, production, and distribution ensures consistently high quality and gives the brand its own distinctive profile.
Esteban Carreras – Now Available in Europe
In 2024, Esteban Carreras made the leap to Europe: the brand was officially introduced at the InterTabac trade show in Dortmund. With German importer Kopp Cigars, the cigars are now available in this region as well. What started as an insider tip is becoming a globally sought-after brand – cigar lovers around the world are discovering the blends from Estelí.
Tabacalera Carreras – Quality by Hand
The philosophy of “quality over quantity” defines every Esteban Carreras cigar. Each cigar is handcrafted in the company’s own factory in Estelí – using long-aged tobacco and great attention to detail. New lines are only released when fully matured. Often, blends are aged for years until they meet the brand’s standards – an approach that prioritizes quality and consistency over fleeting trends.
The Esteban Carreras Range
The Esteban Carreras range is characterized by medium to full-bodied blends made with Nicaraguan tobaccos – spicy, earthy, peppery, yet always well-balanced. A wide variety of wrappers and formats – from Lancero to Gordo – offers plenty of choice. All share a distinctive smoking profile that appeals to the senses.
Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat
The Esteban Carreras Chupa Cabra Hellcat is one of the brand’s flagships and enjoys near cult status among connoisseurs. The name – inspired by a Latin American mythical creature – hints at something mysterious and powerful. And indeed, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat offers an intense, complex smoking experience. These are spicy Nicaraguan puros wrapped in an oily oscuro wrapper.
From the first draw, notes of earth, coffee, spices, and chocolate unfold, accompanied by a bold pepperiness. Despite its full strength, the Chupa Cabra Hellcat is surprisingly creamy – the wild predator shows its gentle side. Construction is flawless: a skillfully twisted pigtail cap and a closed foot testify to true craftsmanship. This blend of strength and finesse appeals to both seasoned aficionados and adventurous smokers.
Esteban Carreras Mr. Brownstone
The Mr. Brownstone features a dark Connecticut Broadleaf maduro wrapper and flavors of chocolate, espresso, leather, and black pepper. Despite its bold spice, this line maintains a refined balance. It was the brand’s first series using Connecticut Broadleaf and combines traditional maduro strength with a modern twist.
Esteban Carreras Cashmere
The Cashmere represents a milder yet aromatically rich interpretation. An Ecuador Connecticut wrapper meets medium to full-bodied tobaccos. Flavors of wood, coffee, nuts, and white chocolate define this line. In 2020, the Cashmere Toro was ranked among the Top 10 Cigars of the Year by Cigar Dojo magazine – a testament to its place in the milder segment. Pick one up and try it for yourself – ¡Buen provecho!
