Fall 2020 PCA Magazine

28 PCA The Magazine | AUTUMN 2020 PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG a Aurora S.A., at age 117, is the oldest Dominican cigar manufacturer, the original Dominican cigar manufacturer—and in a cigar-dominated country like the Dominican Republic, that’s saying something. Founded in 1903 by Eduardo León Jimenes, who was then only 18 years old, La Aurora (whichmeans “rise like the dawn”) has always remained in family hands, run by successive generations. Beginning in 2009, the latest generation took the reins when current company president Guillermo León became full owner/operator. Across the span of those 117 years, the company grew froma three-roller operation to a corporate behemoth with interests in farms and beverage companies and even banking. But its focus today is primarily in tobacco. La Aurora’s Dominican cigar operation employs more than 1,100 workers and reportedly produces more than a billion cigars per year, with a presence in close to 80markets around the world. In 2010, the company launched its 107 series in celebration of its 107th anniversary—cigars featuring fuller flavor in response to consumer demand. Today, adding to the series, the emergence of 107 Nicaragua is again demonstrating La Aurora’s continued responsiveness to the ever-evolving palate of the buying public. The 107 Nicaragua is the first time that La Aurora has ever crafted a cigar made entirely of Nicaraguan leaf, which is a strong commitment for a company with roots so deeply thrust into Dominican soil. La Aurora master blenderManuel Inoa brings experience extending for more than 36 years in tobacco—more than a quarter century of that time in the direct employ of La Aurora—but he got the whole La Aurora team involved with development of the 107 Nicaragua, a collaboration that required about 18months to bring to fruition. “The company is always seeking to delight consumers. They knew that this was a portion of themarket that they needed to address in their own unique, very Dominican way,” La Aurora 107 Nicaragua The Blend L BY WI LL I AM C . NELSON —After 117 years in the cigar business, the oldest Dominican cigar maker is delivering its first all-Nicaraguan cigar.