Ernesto Padilla started his company in 2003. His father, Heberto was a renowned Cuban poet whose views put him on the wrong side of Castro’s government. While Ernesto and his mother were finally allowed to leave Cuba in 1979, his dad wasn’t allowed to follow until a year or so later. They settled in Miami. Ernesto spent some time in and out of the cigar business and soon after his father died in 2000 he began to put together what was to become a very exclusive boutique company. The short version is that he teamed up with three of the world’s Master Blenders; Jose Don Pepin Garcia, Gilberto Olivia and AJ Fernandez.  This collaboration began producing the amazing cigars we’re proud to offer.