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40 tobaccoasia Issue 3, 2026 May / June Beyond Aganorsa and Dominium The two featured brands are of course not the only Nicaraguan boutique manufacturers. Rather, they are members of a noble club with the mission of bringing the Central American country's artisanal cigar traditions to the world. Tobacco Asia has picked another four outstanding companies whose marvelous products deserve being discovered. Oliva: a family legacy since 1886 Oliva traces its roots to Melanio Oliva, who be- gan growing tobacco in Cuba in 1886. Today, Oliva manufactures out of Nicaragua, producing acclaimed lines such as Serie V Melanio, Serie O, and Connecticut Reserve, blending Nicaraguan fillers with wrappers from Ecuador and beyond. Their cigars balance tradition with innovation, offering smooth, flavorful experiences. Oliva's longevity and consistency make them a benchmark of Nicaraguan quality, appeal- ing to smokers seeking heritage and reliability. Be- yond their flagship blends, Oliva has also invested in sustainability and innovation, ensuring that their tobaccos remain vibrant for future generations. Their reputation for consistency and craftsman- ship has earned the company numerous awards, and their cigars are widely regarded as some of the finest examples of Nicaraguan artistry. For Asia and the Middle East, Oliva represents a bridge be- tween tradition and modernity, offering cigars that combine history with contemporary appeal. More info at: olivacigar.com Black Works Studio: artisanal innovation Part of Oveja Negra Brands, Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) embodies small-batch artistry. Each line is produced in limited vitolas and 100-box batches, pushing boundaries for the next genera- tion of smokers. Their factory in Estelí empha- sizes creativity and experimentation, resulting in bold, distinctive blends. BLK WKS appeals to aficionados who value exclusivity and innovation, offering cigars that are as much artistic statements as smoking experiences. The brand's philosophy is rooted in chal- lenging conventions, producing cigars that are edgy, modern, and unapologetically unique. With product lines such as Killer Bee and NBK, BLK WKS has carved out a reputation for daring blends that resonate with adventurous smokers. In Asia and the Middle East, where younger aficio- nados are increasingly seeking individuality, BLK WKS offers a refreshing alternative to traditional brands, positioning itself as a pioneer for the next generation of cigar enthusiasts. More info at: ovejanegracigars.com Hong Kong, circumnavigating the challenges of China's tobacco monopoly. "We are planning to launch in the first half of this year both in Dubai and Hong Kong," noted Gancedo. This expansion reflects their ambition to bring boutique Nicara- guan cigars to new audiences. Beyond Dominium: Apogeo Recognizing demand for affordable quality, Do- minium also produces Apogeo, an entry-level brand offering excellent value. In regions where Cuban cigars are unaffordable, Apogeo provides an ac- cessible alternative without compromising quality. This dual approach—luxury rarity with Lancero Imperial® and affordability with Apogeo—po- sitions Dominium as a versatile player in global markets. The rising popularity of Nicaraguan boutique brands During his interview with Tobacco Asia, Gancedo underscored Nicaragua's dominance in the premi- um cigar segment. "Nicaragua is today the leading powerhouse of the premium cigar industry, pro- ducing more than 60% of the world's premium handmade cigars," he claimed. Mainstream brands aside, Nicaraguan boutique brands also thrive in this climate by offering authenticity and exclusiv- ity, qualities increasingly sought in Asia and the Middle East. Dominium exemplifies this trend, combining artistry, rarity, and passion. The com- pany's cigars are not only smoked but celebrated, each lancero being a beacon of craftsmanship and dedication. For those who seek rarity and refine- ment, Dominium cigars represent both a state- ment and an experience, destined to captivate new audiences across continents. More info at: dominiumcigars.com Visibly proud: Iván Gancedo with his "children." Credit: Thomas Schmid Dominium's masterpiece: the Lancero Imperial ® Credit: Dominium