Reformed Cigars: Estelí Tobacco With a Mission

Not every cigar house has a century of history. Some are young and are born with a clear idea of why they exist. Reformed Cigars is one of them, and it is a brand we have smoked and reviewed several times at CigarSolace.

From a Bible study to a brand

The brand was founded by Al Gomez, a Nicaraguan who lived in the United States and came back wanting to help his country. According to the company, the project grew out of a Bible study that met in a home in Estelí around 2016.

Estelí is no ordinary place to start. It is the capital of the Nicaraguan cigar, home to some of the most important factories in the world. Every Reformed blend is rolled by hand there.

A mission beyond the smoke

Reformed says it exists to glorify God and to join ministry with the craft of the cigar. Its stated mission is to make high-quality cigars that support church planters, especially pastors who work a second trade to sustain their ministry.

The profits go back to the community. The company helped start a local church and funds an English program that prepares young people for better-paying jobs, and part of every box supports education for the children of tobacco field workers.

Names with history

The blends are named for reformers and preachers who shaped history, such as Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox and Charles H. Spurgeon. The C.H. Spurgeon line, in Connecticut and maduro wrappers, is probably the best known. There is also the ECO line.

Why it matters

Reformed is a reminder that behind every cigar there are people: rollers, field workers and their families. It is a small brand, but its quality holds up in the tasting and its purpose is clear. For us, that is part of the pleasure of a slow smoke too.

Reformed Cigars has not published an exact founding date. We use what the brand tells on its own site.