Eladio Diaz, a veteran in the cigar industry, is widely recognized for his influential tenure as head of production and quality control at Davidoff of Geneva. Since striking out on his own in 2022, Diaz has continued to push boundaries with his craftsmanship and innovation. For over two decades, Diaz has celebrated his birthday with a private blend, available only to close friends and associates. But this year, to mark his 71st birthday, Diaz is offering the public a chance to experience his exclusive creationβcomplete with tobacco from a little-known region in the Dominican Republic.
The Anniversary Cigar: A Masterful Blend
Diazβs 71st Anniversary cigar is crafted at his own factory, Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera (TDC), located in the Dominican Republic. This special edition cigar features a complex blend of premium tobaccos that reflect both his expertise and commitment to quality.
The cigar is wrapped in Ecuadoran Corojo β99, known for its robust and spicy profile, while the Mexican San AndrΓ©s binder adds depth and a touch of earthiness. The filler blend, however, is where this cigar truly stands out. It combines:
- Dominican Corojo
- Dominican Habano β92
- Barrel-aged Havana Vuelta Arriba (HVA)
Adding to the intrigue is a tobacco leaf sourced from an underutilized region of the Dominican Republic, an area largely forgotten by modern cigar makers.
A Tobacco Region Youβve Probably Never Heard Of
While many premium cigars are made from tobacco grown in areas like Santiago and Mao in the Dominican Republic, Diaz has ventured to San Juan de la Maguana and Las Matas de FarfΓ‘n to bring something unique to his 71st-anniversary blend. These regions, located closer to the Haitian border and 450 meters above sea level, were once key tobacco-growing areas during the 1970s. Due to the high costs and a lack of government support, however, farmers in these regions had shifted to other crops.
That all changed in 2020 when government support returned to the region, reviving its tobacco production. Diaz believes that the higher altitude and soil composition in San Juan de la Maguana and Las Matas de FarfΓ‘n contribute to a more robust and creamier tobacco, adding a distinct flavor profile that is rarely found in todayβs cigars.
The Eladio Diaz 71 Aniversario Cigar: Limited and Exclusive
For those fortunate enough to get their hands on one, the Eladio Diaz 71 Aniversario cigar is available in a single size: Toro, measuring 6 inches in length with a 54-ring gauge. Only 2,000 boxes of this limited-edition release are being produced, each containing 10 cigars. The retail price is set at $250 per box (or $25 per cigar), making it an exclusive addition to any cigar aficionadoβs collection.
These rare cigars are distributed by Arango Cigar Co. and will begin shipping to retailers in the first week of October.
The Legacy of Eladio Diaz
Eladio Diazβs name is synonymous with excellence in the cigar world. His ability to blend tradition with innovation is evident in his latest creation. The 71st Anniversary cigar not only marks a personal milestone but also celebrates the unique character of a tobacco-growing region long forgotten by the industry. Through this release, Diaz invites cigar lovers to experience a blend that showcases his unparalleled craftsmanship and a passion for discovering new, yet historical, tobacco sources.
Whether youβre a seasoned cigar enthusiast or just beginning to explore the world of premium cigars, the Eladio Diaz 71 Aniversario cigar offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a truly exceptional smoke. With its rich, creamy flavors and complex blend of tobaccos, itβs a fitting tribute to one of the industryβs most respected figures. Be sure to get yours before this limited-edition run disappears.
