The Arsenio is the best kind of specialty cigar; one that commemorates a true aficionado and takes all of us into the world of tobacco in an intimate and exclusive way. The Arsenio is named for the long-time Aganorsa employee Arsenio Ramos, who was long remembered for his ability to craft the signature flavor that Aganorsa Leaf is still known for today. This was Ramos’ favorite personal blend; a pet project that many of the world’s top tobacco experts have with very few ever seeing the light of day.
Thankfully, Aganorsa wanted to honor this legendary steward of the cigar industry by beautifully decorating these cigars with a color-popping blue band and his face etched in gold on the box. Only Ramos’ favorite seeds from select patches of the Aganorsa farmland were utilized for this cigar, which had incredibly high standards from growth all the way through to final inspection.
Presented here is a medium-full bodied cigar that offers the quintessential Cuban experience. Created from high quality Nicaraguan tobacco, this Puro consists of a corojo wrapper from Jalapa, a dual binder with criollo 98 and Esteli tobacco and fillers from Condega and Jalapa. Only a select few boxes were produced for this 2024 release, with a very limited 1,500 box run of the Corona size, which was long believed to be Ramos’ favorite. Caramel, cream, honey and that special Cuban tobacco heft greet the palate in full force.
The owner of Aganorsa, Eduardo Fernandez, said of the project in a press release: “Arsenio was a giant of the Cuban Tobacco Industry. He was a self-taught man of humble means, a true craftsman. He was a great human being who was instrumental in creating the singular flavor that distinguishes the richness of Aganorsa’s leaf, taking us back to the traditions of a true Habano of old. This blend was his favorite and a tribute to his lifetime of work.”