Everything you need to know about Joya De Nicaragua

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Joya De Nicaragua: Everything You Need to Know About

As a cigar connoisseur, you must love Nicaraguan brands. There’s something about the rich flavors and impeccable craftsmanship that sets them apart. Amidst the plethora of Nicaraguan cigar brands, one name consistently rises to the top: Joya De Nicaragua. Since its debut, Joya De Nicaragua has held a special position in the hearts of aficionados worldwide. Back in the 1970s, when the cigar scene was flourishing with innovation & experimentation, Joya De Nicaragua emerged as a beacon of excellence.

“It wasn’t just another brand; it was a statement of quality, tradition, and passion.”

Many 70s Hollywood artists, connoisseurs, and cigar enthusiasts alike found solace in the complex flavors of Joya De Nicaragua cigars.

Fast-forward to today and it still stands as one of the leading Nicaraguan brands. Its influence and impact on the cigar industry remain unparalleled. Despite the passage of decades and the evolution of tastes, Joya de Nicaragua continues to captivate aficionados with its timeless appeal.

At The House of Cigars, we recognize the significance of this iconic brand. That’s why we’ve compiled a detailed blog post to honor Joya De Nicaragua’s legacy. From its fascinating history to the top-rated cigars in the portfolio, this blog post aims to provide you with information and insights that you might not be aware of. So, without further ado, let’s start it.

55 Years Long Spanned History of Joya De Nicaragua

When, Where & How?

The brand was established in 1968 by Juan Francisco Bermejo and Simón Camacha. Initially, they started with a small factory in downtown Esteli. However, in the next few years, Joya De Nicaragua saw massive success in the UK and American subcontinent.

Reaching New Level of Success & Popularity

In the 1970s, Joya De Nicaragua reached a new level of fame. Before 1968, Cuban Cigars were the leading player in the industry. However, with the rising popularity of this brand, Nicaraguan cigars started giving tough competition to Cuban cigars.

Speaking of Joya De Nicaragua, let’s give you an idea about its popularity by recalling a famous historical incident.

In 1971, Richard Nixon (37th President of the US) invited Anastasio Somoza Debayle (then-dictator of Nicaragua) to the White House. During one official dinner, Debayle was surprised when the waiter offered him a box of Joya De Nicaragua. Witnessing the popularity of Nicaraguan cigars, Debayle step forward to do a partnership with the brand’s founders. Since Debayle was dictator, the brand’s founders couldn’t say ‘NO.’

Civil War: A Near End of the Brand!

In 1979, a civil war was fought in Nicaragua. On one side were Sandinista revolutionaries, while on the other side was Somoza Debayle. The Sandinista side was keen to destroy all of Debayle’s properties and assets, so they set Joya De Nicaragua’s company on fire.

During the same time, Somoza’s loyal military returned to the base and dropped several bombs on their own company, believing Sandinista revolutionaries were using the place as a military base.

In short, Somoza Debayle bombed his factory during a civil war. Fortunately, the damage to the company wasn’t major.

The Comeback of Joya De Nicaragua: Rebuild, Reconstruct & Rebirth

After the end of the civil war, Somoza’s military finally fell. However, their leader – Anastasio Somoza Debayle- escaped and flew down to the US.

With the end of Somoza’s rule, the people of Nicaragua hoped to see a bright future.

In 1980, workers started rebuilding the factory. For some years, the company faced competition from Somoza’s substandard Honduras cigar, which he was selling under the name Joya De Nicaragua in the US. But Somoza’s efforts were totally waste, as his new substandard cigar couldn’t replicate the magic that Joya De Nicaragua makers can do.

In 1990, the company was officially nationalized along with other businesses in Nicaragua.

A New Beginning for the Brand

In 1994, the company’s employees chose Martínez Cuenca to run the iconic cigar brand. Under Dr. Cuenca’s leadership, Joya De Nicaragua regained its position as one of the leading Nicaraguan brands. He also changed the company’s name from Nicaragua Cigar Company to Tabacos Puros De Nicaragua.

He also made several negotiations to repurchase the trademark ‘Joya De Nicaragua.’ Later, in 2005, he purchased the trademark from Altadis (to which Somozo sold) and finally changed the company’s name to ‘Joya De Nicaragua.’

2012- Present: A Rebrand Era for the Company

Witnessing the rise of the internet in the late 2000s and early 2010s, Dr. Cuenca and his son, Juan Martinez made several efforts to rebrand the company.

Their main aim was to target the new cigar connoisseurs. In an effort to do this, the brand debuted several cigars, which gained a wide level of success & critical acclaim. Also, in 2018, the company debuted the book ‘The Story of Joya De Nicaragua,’. Which honors the brand’s 50th anniversary.

Today, Joya De Nicaragua is one of the leading Nicaraguan brands worldwide. Its distributors are present in more than 60 countries.

Cigar Series from Joya De Nicaragua

1. Obras Maestras

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Obras Maestras cigars represent the pinnacle of Joya De Nicaragua’s artistry. They offer a sophisticated smoking experience with complex flavors and impeccable construction.