Raymond Pages Cigars & The Rise Of Tabacalera Pages

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.