Viva La Vida Cigars

Artesano del Tabaco is the brainchild of Billy and Gus Fakih, two of the three brothers who previously owned and operated the two Cigar Inn stores located on Manhattan’s east side. It is noteworthy that Bass Fakih is not involved in this venture. The inception of this brand has been a labor of love for the brothers over the past three years, initiated shortly after they sold their retail stores to Britain’s Imperial Tobacco PLC in June 2015 for undisclosed terms. Following this acquisition, the stores were rebranded as Casa de Montecristo, marking a new chapter in their business journey while they sought to explore new avenues within the cigar industry.

Viva la Vida offers an array of sizes, all cigars are relatively thick, with the Diadema Fina being the slenderest at a 52 ring gauge and measuring 6 1/2 inches in length. The Gran Toro stands out with its Robusto dimensions of 6 inches long and a 60 ring gauge, while the other three sizes maintain a consistent 54 ring gauge: Robusto (5 by 54), Toro (6 by 54), and Jester (5 by 56). Additionally, there is a Club500 variant that measures 6 by 60 and features a box-pressed design. This variety not only showcases the versatility of the brand but also caters to different smoking preferences, ensuring that every aficionado can find a suitable option.

The composition of Viva la Vida cigars is entirely Nicaraguan, utilizing a diverse selection of Nicaraguan leaves. Among these is a wrapper cultivated by A.J. Fernandez himself, who is not only a renowned cigarmaker but also a dedicated tobacco farmer. This personal involvement in tobacco cultivation reflects Fernandez’s commitment to quality and authenticity, setting Viva la Vida apart from many other brands that may rely on external sources for their tobacco needs.

Billy Fakih shared insights into his journey in the cigar retail trade spanning over 23 years, from 1992 to 2015. He recounted how he and his brother Gus developed a close relationship with A.J. Fernandez during their time running their stores, particularly through their appreciation for Fernandez’s San Lotano brand. “Me and Gus fell in love with San Lotano; it was our everyday cigar,” Billy remarked. Although Fernandez’s name is prominently featured on the elegant black box of Viva la Vida, it does not appear on the band itself, highlighting a unique branding choice that emphasizes quality over celebrity.

The cigars are enveloped in a luxurious Habano Oscuro 2000 wrapper, complemented by a Corojo 99 binder and Criollo 98 filler tobaccos—all sourced from AJ’s farms in Nicaragua. This combination creates a rich tapestry of flavors that cigar enthusiasts have come to expect from premium offerings. Billy Fakih elaborated on his longstanding friendship with A.J., which blossomed during Fernandez’s visits to their New York Cigar Inn back in 2010. He expressed that their relationship was built on trust and mutual respect: “What attracted us to Abdel was not only the great cigars he blends and creates but also how loyal, humble, and disciplined he is; these qualities reflect in his cigars.”

Gus Fakih echoed his brother’s sentiments by emphasizing the special bond they have developed with AJ on both personal and professional levels. He expressed pride in calling AJ not just a business partner but also a true brother—a testament to the camaraderie that exists within this industry. “I’m so proud and excited to call AJ a real brother,” he stated, highlighting AJ’s down-to-earth nature and big heart as qualities that make him an invaluable addition to their family.

The motivation radiating from AJ is palpable among all artisans who refine their craft under his hands-on guidance throughout Nicaragua. These attributes are deeply intertwined with AJ’s humble beginnings in San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba—where his family’s rich heritage began—creating a narrative that resonates throughout every puff of Viva la Vida cigars.