For many smokers in the U.S., El Septimo cigars are something new. Around the world, they’ve already established a healthy following, after many years of quality cigar making. Founded in France in 2005, El Septimo (“The Seventh”) built its reputation for fine cigars using tobacco grown in a nation that is often overlooked in our industry: Costa Rica. There, at the Pura Aroma Cigars factory (and later their own), they made blends for the European and Middle Eastern markets.
The company moved in a new direction after its acquisition by billionaire private equity investor Zaya Younan in 2019, pivoting to finally break into the U.S. market. As they reviewed their portfolio and prepared to introduce themselves to a new market, the company recommitted to the approach that had already brought them far along the road to success. This meant a continued obsession with potent flavor, exacting standards, and vigilant quality control. But it had to go all the way to the beginning – to the seeds and soil that start every cigar’s journey into our hands. They found what they were looking for in the lush mountains of San Jose, Costa Rica.
They bill themselves quite highly, claiming the title as the “world’s best ultra-premium cigars.” While that boast is hotly disputed, we will say that we respect anyone who shoots for the very top. As the old saying goes, if you aim for the stars, even if you fail, you’ll still wind up in the heavens.
El Septimo cigars are made using the traditional entubar method, where each filler leaf is rolled individually, creating a collection of squashed straws that make up the core of the cigar. The team also pays special attention to how wrapper leaf is grown at high altitudes, leading to tobacco that has a silky texture, a rich and deep color, and a flavor that is truly satisfying.
These cigars have a big reputation to live up to, but we eagerly anticipate the best efforts of a company that has succeeded for many years already.
Welcome to the party, El Septimo! We’re sure that many American smokers will welcome you with open humidors.
