By David Savona – Originally posted on Cigar Aficionado.
Artesano del Tobacco, the small cigar company created by brothers who were formerly New York City cigar retailers, has moved its distribution in house. The company’s cigars, namely the Viva La Vida brand, used to be distributed by A.J. Fernandez. Fernandez will continue to make the cigars for Artesano.
“We are grateful for an amazing job AJ Fernandez organization did for our cigar brand Viva La Vida, “said Billy and Gus Fakih of Artesano del Tobacco. “Our relationship with Abdel is built on friendship, brotherhood, and most importantly selfness.”
A number of the Viva La Vida cigars have performed well in Cigar Aficionado blind taste tests, particularly the Jester size. The plump robusto (five inches long by 56 ring) scored 94 points and was named the No. 16 Cigar of 2020.
The company’s newest cigar line, El Pulpo, is also made by Fernandez. Originally slated to be on the market by now, its release has been pushed back to March.
