Abraham (Abe) Flores, a U.S. American with family roots in the Dominican Republic, grew up around the tobacco business. But at first, he wanted nothing more to do with it—the hard work on his grandparents' farm in Bonao had been enough for him as a child.
Flores y Rodriguez: Boutique Brand Shaped by Abe Flores
The farm in the heart of the Dominican Republic raised livestock and cultivated both tobacco and coffee. Abe started helping out there at just seven years old. His grandfather even tried to get him into cigar smoking early on—which only led to a serious case of stomach upset. Maybe that’s why Abe initially launched a career as a programmer in the U.S. Tobacco reentered his life in 2002 when he was hired to build the website for the online retailer Tinder Box—and ended up developing his first cigar line as well.
From IT to Master Blender
His first project, Pinar del Rio, was a collaboration with the Rodriguez brothers Juan, Ysidoro, and Luis. The brand launched in 2008 but didn’t gain lasting traction. The real breakthrough came with PDR 1878: over a million cigars sold made Abe Flores a sought-after master blender. He eventually took over the company completely and continued on his own path.
PDR Cigars are known not only for their tobacco quality but also for their rolling technique. Abe uses the traditional entubado method from the 17th century. Unlike the faster accordion or book styles, this technique ensures a perfect draw and even burn. In addition to his own series, he also manufactures cigars for brands like Gurkha and Dictador.
High-Quality Boutique Cigars from Tamboril
The Flores y Rodriguez series stands as a prime example of top-tier craftsmanship in boutique cigar making. Every single cigar is handmade in Tamboril. From tobacco sourcing and fermentation to precise filler blending—every detail is just right.
For the German market, there are two lines: one with a lighter, brown wrapper and the darker Maduro series. Particularly flavorful is the Maduro Cabinet Seleccion, where dark, oily wrappers meet filler and binder from Cuban seed grown in the Dominican Republic. The cigars deliver a complex flavor profile with a spicy-sweet finish.
Claro and Maduro: Two Styles – One Commitment to Quality
Claro Cabinet Seleccion cigars are made from 100% Dominican long-filler tobacco. You can choose between a Colorado Claro or a Maduro wrapper. Abe draws inspiration from Cuban classics when it comes to formats too. For example, the line includes the “Magicos” format—but not a typical Panatela, as found with Mustique, Quisqueya, or Belmore.
In terms of flavor, Abe Flores’ lines clearly stand apart from brands like Leon Jimenes, Leonel, or the Vegafina Dominican.
A true highlight is the Connecticut Valley Reserve—a blend featuring a sun-ripened Broadleaf wrapper and seven years of fermentation. Beneath it are two binders: Ecuadorian Corojo and Nicaraguan Habano. The medium-bodied blend delivers spicy and woody notes with a pleasant sweetness.
Limited Edition in Ceramic Jar
The Connecticut Valley Reserve Broadleaf Azul comes as a limited edition in stylish ceramic jars—just 950 units per format. A true collector’s item for cigar lovers!
