The cigar business is full of opportunities for creating and selling unique products. Two popular options for starting a cigar brand are white label and private label cigars. These terms may sound similar, but they mean very different things. Knowing the difference will help you choose the right approach for your business. What Are White Label Cigars? White label cigars are pre-made products you can rebrand and sell as your own. The manufacturer controls the blend, quality, and design. Your job is to add your branding and market the cigars. Benefits of White Label Cigars Simple Setup: No need to develop your own blends or manage production. Quick to Market: Ready-made products mean faster sales. Lower Cost: Ideal for small budgets or startups. Drawbacks of White Label Cigars Limited Options: You can’t customize the blend or design. Shared Products: Other brands might sell the same cigars. Less Unique: Customers might notice the lack of originality. What Are Private Label Cigars? Private label cigars are made just for you. You work with the manufacturer to create a custom blend, choose tobaccos, and design your packaging. This gives you a product that’s exclusive to your brand. Benefits of Private Label Cigars Full Control: Customize every detail, from flavor to packaging. Exclusive Products: Your cigars stand out in the market. Premium Pricing: Unique products often allow for higher prices. Drawbacks of Private Label Cigars Takes Longer: Customizing your product takes more time. Higher Upfront Costs: You’ll need to invest more money. More Involvement: The process requires your active input. Key Differences Between White Label and Private Label Cigars Feature White Label Cigars Private Label Cigars Customization Minimal Extensive Exclusivity Shared products Unique products Development Time Fast Slower Cost Lower Higher Control Limited Complete Which Approach Is Right for Your Business? Your choice depends on your goals, budget, and market. Here are some tips: Go with White Label Cigars if: You need a quick and simple way to start selling. You’re working with a small budget. Customization isn’t a priority. Choose Private Label Cigars if: You want a unique product that’s entirely yours. You’re ready to invest time and money. Your goal is to build a high-end brand. How Bespoke Cigar Co. Can Help We offer both white label and private label cigar services to fit your needs: For White Label Clients: Get access to premium cigars that are ready for your branding. For Private Label Clients: Work with our experts in Estelí, Nicaragua, to create a custom product that matches your vision. White label and private label cigars are both great options for building a cigar brand. The key is choosing the one that matches your goals. At Bespoke Cigar Co., we’re here to help you succeed, whether you need ready-made cigars or a custom creation. Contact us today to get started.

In recent years, the world of premium cigars has seen a surge in popularity for brands coming out of Nicaragua, with one name emerging as a notable figure—Raymond Pages. As the founder of Tabacalera Pages, a cigar factory located in the heart of Estelí, Nicaragua, Raymond has quickly built a reputation for producing high-quality hand-rolled cigars at very accessible prices. With a deep-rooted passion for cigar craftsmanship, Raymond Pages’ cigars are becoming a staple among those seeking premium smoking experiences without breaking the bank. Despite his growing influence, many cigar smokers are still learning about the man behind the brand and the factory helping bring Nicaraguan flavors to more smokers’ palates. In this article, I’ll delve into the story of Raymond Pages, the rise of Tabacalera Pages, and what sets his cigars apart in the increasingly competitive world of handmade cigars. Who Is Raymond Pages? As of this writing, there isn’t a vast amount of information readily available online about Raymond Pages. If you Google the name or his Tabacalera, you’ll come across the factory’s own website. You’ll also see many CigarPage links selling his cigars. Finally, you’ll encounter a slightly dated article profiling Pages, but this was of his time as Head of Operations at A.J. Fernandez’s factory. Originally from Pinar del Río, Cuba, Raymond Pages comes from a family steeped in the tradition of tobacco cultivation. His grandfather, Pilar Pages, was deeply involved in the production of high-quality tobacco in San Luis, Cuba, an area famous for its rich tobacco-growing heritage. At the young age of 17, Raymond moved to Estelí, Nicaragua, to further immerse himself in the cigar industry. His journey began at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, where he started from the bottom and worked his way up. Raymond credits his brother-in-law, Abdel “AJ” Fernandez, and the master cigar-makers at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez for providing invaluable experience and guidance as he honed his craft. Through tireless dedication and an unwavering passion for tobacco, Raymond rose through the ranks to become a key figure in operations at AJ Fernandez’s factory. Armed with this wealth of experience, Raymond took the next step in his journey and founded Tabacalera Pages in February 2020. Located in the heart of downtown Estelí, the factory produces premium cigars that are a reflection of Raymond’s Cuban heritage and the rich tobacco-growing tradition of Nicaragua. The vision for Tabacalera Pages emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on creating complex, handcrafted cigars that deliver a truly unique smoking experience. Thanks to this commitment to excellence, Raymond Page’s cigars are steadily gaining recognition among aficionados who value both craftsmanship and affordable luxury. What Cigars Does Tabacalera Pages Manufacture? Below is a list of the cigars produced by Tabacalera Pages as of October 2024. Given how dynamic the brand is, it’s likely that this list will evolve over time. Nevertheless, showcasing the current lineup helps to illustrate the breadth of Raymond Pages’ range of cigars.   Pirate’s Gold   Connecticut Ecuador wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 7 vitolas Hoofty   Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 6 vitolas Untitled Berserker   Habano Oscuro wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 5 vitolas Florida Man   Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 6 vitolas Buena Vista Tobacco Factory   Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 6 vitolas Record Bond   Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan & Pennsylvanian filler 7 vitolas Megilla   Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 8 vitolas Last Of My Kind   Ecuadorian Sungrown wrapper, Nicaraguan filler 5 vitolas Penn Standard (also Penn Standard Gold)   Pennsylvania Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan & Honduran filler 7 vitolas BDL   Mexican San Andrés Maduro wrapper, Nicaraguan wrapper 3 vitolas The above cigars represent Tabacalera Pages’ publicly advertised lines. However, it’s important to note that the factory likely produces private-label cigars for other brands, which may not be publicly disclosed—a common practice in the cigar industry. Where To Buy Raymond Pages’ Cigars If you’re looking to get your hands on cigars made by Tabacalera Pages, your best (and only) bet is CigarPage.com. It seems the site has an exclusive deal with Raymond Pages’ Nicaraguan factory, making them the sole retailer offering his cigars. While the idea of exclusivity might initially seem limiting, CigarPage hasn’t taken advantage of the situation. In fact, they keep Raymond Pages’ cigars at very reasonable prices, making them accessible for everyday smokers. You won’t be breaking the bank here—these cigars are budget-friendly without sacrificing quality. Plus, CigarPage offers mixed bundles, giving you the chance to try a variety of cigars without committing to full boxes. Should You Give Them A Try? As with any cigar, whether or not you should try them depends on your taste. The good news is that Raymond Pages’ cigars are priced in a way that makes them an easy gamble. If you’re a fan of Nicaraguan cigars, chances are you’ll enjoy these since most feature Nicaraguan filler. Don’t expect any wild surprises in flavor profiles—these cigars are made to be approachable and enjoyable without the complexities you might find in higher-priced cigars. But that’s not a bad thing. You might even discover a new go-to smoke that fits comfortably into your budget. If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, just know that reaching for a Tabacalera Pages cigar means you’re getting solid craftsmanship without paying premium prices. These cigars may not be the most intricate or rarest smokes out there, but they offer a consistently enjoyable experience for less than $5 a stick—perfect for everyday smoking without compromise.

The Pre-Production Of Cigar Tobacco Cigar tobacco is grown in various regions around the world, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors. Cuba is renowned for its rich and flavorful tobacco, with the Vuelta Abajo region producing some of the finest leaves in the world. The Dominican Republic is known for its smooth and mild tobacco, while Nicaraguan cigars are celebrated for their bold and robust flavors. Honduras also produces high-quality tobacco, known for its earthy and spicy notes. Each region’s tobacco is influenced by factors such as climate, soil, and traditional growing methods, resulting in distinct flavor profiles that are sought after by cigar enthusiasts worldwide. However, as much as the soil and climate have an effect on the unique flavor characteristics of tobacco, so does the pre-production process. Overview Of Cigar Tobacco Pre-Production Process Broadly speaking, pre-production within the lifecycle of cigar production refers to everything that occurs before cigar tobacco is ready to be rolled into stogies. As alluded to above, this process involves several key steps that both ensure quality and have a direct effect on the flavor of the final product.  During pre-production, tobacco plants are first grown and harvested. Next, the harvested leaves of tobacco are cured in what are called curing barns. After the cigar tobacco is cured, it is then fermented to develop its flavor and aroma. Finally, the leaves are de-veined and sorted by color, quality, and size, at which point they move on to be rolled into cigars. Note that the pre-production for cigar tobacco differs from that of tobacco used for other products such as cigarettes or pipe tobacco. In this article, I’ll only cover what tobacco pre-production looks like within the context of premium cigars. Next, I’ll dive a bit deeper into each of these steps. The Cultivation Process The cultivation of cigar tobacco is a labor-intensive process that involves several steps. It begins with planting the seeds in specially-prepared seedbeds, where they are nurtured until they are ready to be transplanted to the fields. Once in the fields, the tobacco plants require careful attention, including regular watering, fertilization, and pest control. It can take as long as 3 months for tobacco plants to reach full maturity. As the plants mature, the lower leaves are harvested first, followed by the upper leaves, until the entire plant is harvested.  It is done in this manner because different leaves mature at different times and have different qualities, so they are harvested separately to ensure the best flavor and quality in the final product. As an example, the leaves towards the top of the plant (Ligero leaves) have more nicotine content as they have more exposure to the sun. These have to be used sparingly in a cigar so as to not produce too strong of a smoke. The Curing and Fermenting Of Cigar Tobacco Curing and fermenting cigar tobacco are crucial steps within the pre-production stage of cigar manufacturing. Curing involves drying the harvested tobacco leaves to remove moisture and develop their flavor; this occurs in what are called curing barns. These curing barns are typically large, well-ventilated structures where the tobacco leaves are hung to dry. During this time, the leaves slowly change color from green to yellow to brown as they dry out.  The curing process can take several weeks and requires monitoring of temperature and humidity. Once the leaves are cured, they are then fermented to further develop their flavor and aroma. Fermenting Once the curing stage is completed, the tobacco leaves move on to fermentation. Cigar tobacco fermentation involves stacking the leaves in piles, known as pilones, and carefully controlling the temperature and moisture levels to encourage microbial activity. The fermentation process can take several months and is essential for creating the complex flavors that are characteristic of premium cigars. For many cigar manufacturers, their specific fermentation process is what allows them to develop the unique flavors that their most popular lines posses. Accordingly, most manufacturers keep their fermentation process secret from outsiders. Sorting and Grading Once the tobacco leaves have been cured and fermented, they undergo a meticulous process of sorting and grading based on size, color, and texture. Generally, the best leaves are set aside to be used as wrapper for cigars, while others will be used for the binder and filler. This sorting and grading process is crucial for maintaining consistency and quality in the final product. By carefully inspecting and categorizing the tobacco leaves, skilled factory workers ensure that only the best leaves are used in the production of premium cigars.  This attention to detail is essential for creating a high-quality, and most importantly, consistent smoking experience for consumers. Without the meticulous sorting and grading process, the final product would lack the desired characteristics and quality that manufacturers and brands rely on to build a devoted following. Aging Of Cigar Tobacco Not all tobacco is ready for rolling immediately after fermentation. It’s common for cigar tobacco harvested in one season to be aged for at least a year before it is rolled into cigars. To age cigar tobacco, the leaves are typically packed into 100-pound bales (quintales) and stored under strict humidity and temperature control. This aging process allows the flavors and aromas of the tobacco to not only develop but also mellow, resulting in a smoother and more complex smoking experience. It’s important to distinguish this aging step from the aging that occurs after cigars are rolled. Pre-rolling aging enhances the tobacco’s intrinsic qualities, while post-rolling aging further develops the cigar’s overall complexity and flavor profile. Final Thoughts The journey from seed to cigar is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of premium cigar makers. Each step in the pre-production process—cultivation, curing, fermenting, sorting, grading, and aging—requires meticulous attention to detail and expertise. What truly sets premium cigars apart is the passion of those who craft them. Their commitment transforms raw tobacco into a product rich in flavor and aroma, reflecting the traditions of their regions. In a very genuine manner,