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My Father Cigars are among the most celebrated premium cigars in the world, revered for their bold Nicaraguan blends, generational craftsmanship, and a legacy rooted in Cuban tradition. Its Flor de las Antillas was crowned “No.1 Cigar of the Year” in 2012. 

 

But what truly sets My Father apart isn’t just its awards; it’s the story of a family’s passion, perfected for decades. 

 

Whether you’re a curious newcomer or a seasoned aficionado, this guide will unpack everything you need to know: what makes these cigars exceptional, how to spot fakes, and which blends justify their premium price tags.

 

 

 

What Are My Father Cigars?

My Father Cigars is a premium cigar brand founded and operated by the Garcia family, led by José “Don Pepin” Garcia, a renowned third-generation master blender and roller originally from Cuba.

 

 The brand was officially launched in 2008 after Pepin’s son, Jaime Garcia, secretly developed a special cigar blend to honour his father, which led to the creation of the My Father line and the renaming of their company to My Father Cigars.

 

My Father Cigars are known for their robust flavour profiles, typically medium to full-bodied, crafted with premium Nicaraguan fillers and binders, and often wrapped in high-quality Ecuadorian or Nicaraguan leaves. 

 

The Garcia family remains deeply involved in every aspect of the business, from blending and rolling to sales and quality control, maintaining a strong family tradition and commitment to craftsmanship and excellence. 

 

Are My Father’s Cigars Good or Bad?

The answer depends on your preferences, but here’s the consensus: My Father Cigars are excellent for those who appreciate bold, nuanced smokes. Let’s dissect why:

 

The Case for “Good”

• Unmatched Complexity: Blends like La Opulencia layer notes of black pepper, cedar, and dark chocolate, thanks to Nicaragua’s mineral-rich soil.

 

• Consistent Quality: Each cigar is rolled by artisans trained under Pepín himself, ensuring flawless construction.

 

• Critical Acclaim: My Father holds a record nine spots in Cigar Aficionado’s “Top 10” lists since 2010, with The Judge scoring 94 in 2020.

 

Potential Drawbacks

• Strength Over Subtlety: New smokers might find lines like La Gran Oferta overwhelming.

 

• Price Point: At $10–$30 per stick, they’re pricier than mass-market brands like Romeo and Juliet.

 

Scientific Angle

Research from the Nicaraguan Tobacco Institute indicates that Nicaraguan ligero leaves contain higher nicotine levels, contributing to their reputation for being full-bodied.

 

My Father Cigars is a top-tier choice for experienced smokers, but may be challenging for beginners. Start with milder options, such as Flor de las Antillas.

 

Are My Father Cigars Premium?

My Father Cigars are undeniably premium, and here’s why they command respect:

 

• Generational Mastery: The Garcías are cigar royalty. Pepín’s son, Jaime García, now leads production, ensuring techniques honed in Cuba endure.

 

• Small-Batch Exclusivity: Limited releases, such as the Le Bijou 1922 Limited Edition, utilise tobaccos aged for 5 years or more. Only 5,000 boxes are made annually.

 

• Ageing Rigour: Wrappers age in Spanish cedar rooms for 2–3 years, a practice rare outside of Cuba, to enhance flavour stability.

 

• Awards & Recognition: My Father has earned over 97 ratings, more than any non-Cuban brand this decade.

 

Unlike mass-produced brands, My Father focuses on quality over quantity. A single roller produces just 100 cigars daily versus 300+ at larger factories.

 

How to Recognize the Authenticity of My Father Cigars in Premium Cigars?

To recognise the authenticity of My Father cigars in the premium cigar market, consider the following key factors:

 

1. Handmade Construction

My Father cigars are hand-rolled by expert torcedores at the family’s factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Authentic cigars will have a consistent, expertly crafted construction with no soft spots or uneven rolling, reflecting skilled handwork rather than machine production.

 

2. Long Filler Tobacco

True My Father cigars utilise long-filler tobacco. It fills whole leaves that ensure a slow, even burn and rich flavor. Counterfeits often use chopped filler, which burns unevenly and quickly.

 

3. Wrapper Quality

The wrapper leaf on authentic My Father cigars is silky, clean, and consistent in colour, often with a slight oily sheen. For example, the Ecuadorian hybrid wrappers or sun-grown Criollo 98 wrappers used in blends like El Centurion are smooth and flawless, without blemishes or discolouration.

 

4. Aroma and Flavor Profile

Before lighting, authentic My Father cigars emit a rich, enticing aroma with notes typical of their blends. The cold draw should be smooth with hints of these flavours.

 

5. Cigar Bands

My Father uses distinctive, well-designed cigar bands as part of their branding and anti-counterfeit strategy. Authentic bands feature detailed embossing, vibrant colours, and sometimes holographic foils or microprinting. The band should be firmly applied but cleanly, with no signs of tampering or poor printing quality.

 

6. Consistency and Burn Quality

Authentic My Father cigars burn evenly, leaving a firm, mostly grey ash. The draw is smooth and consistent throughout the smoke, reflecting the quality of the tobacco and the expertise of the construction.

 

7. Purchase from Reputable Sources

Buying from trusted retailers or official distributors reduces the risk of counterfeit cigars. Authentic My Father cigars come from the Garcia family’s factory in Nicaragua and are well-documented in premium cigar shops.

 

By carefully examining features such as hand-rolled construction, long filler tobacco, smooth and consistent wrappers, authentic cigar bands, rich aroma, and consistent burn quality, you can identify genuine My Father premium cigars and avoid counterfeits.

 

 

What are the most expensive of my father cigars?

The most expensive cigars from the My Father brand are primarily from the “My Father Garcia y Garcia” line :

 

My Father Garcia y Garcia: This line is considered the most expensive produced by My Father. These cigars are medium to full-bodied with excellent flavour and construction. They are named after the father-and-son duo who blended them, and retail around $35 per cigar individually, making them the priciest in the My Father portfolio.

 

My Father Le Bijou 1922: Highly rated and often recognized as a top cigar, with box prices reaching around $270 and single cigars around $12-$13.

 

Other notable higher-priced My Father cigar include My Father the Judge Toro Fino, around $217 to $267 per box, with individual cigars costing about $10-$13. It is highly rated and considered a premium product.

 

My Father La Opulencia: This line has various vitolas with box prices ranging from approximately $142 to $240, reflecting its premium status.My Father No. 2 Belicoso: Box prices are around $253, and singles are about $11.And My Father Cedro Deluxe: Boxes priced around $170-$230, depending on the specific vitola.

 

In summary, the My Father Garcia & Garcia line is currently the most expensive and exclusive My Father cigar, followed by premium lines like Le Bijou 1922 and the numbered No. series cigars, which command high prices, especially in boxed quantities.

 

Conclusion

My Father Cigars are more than smokes; they’re a testament to a family’s lifelong dedication to their craft. Whether you’re drawn to their bold Nicaraguan blends or their storied heritage, here’s how to maximise your experience:

 

• Start Mild: Try the Flor de las Antillas before exploring stronger lines, such as The Judge.

 

• Store Smart: Keep cigars at 65–70% humidity in a cedar-lined humidor to preserve oils.

 

• Pair Wisely: Complement spicy profiles with aged rum or dark chocolate.

 

Purchase samplers, such as the My Father Sampler Pack, to explore multiple blends without incurring a greater economic burden.

 

FAQ

Who manufactures My Father Cigars?

The García family, led by Jaime García, crafts them in Estelí, Nicaragua.

 

 What’s the rarest My Father Cigar?

The Le Bijou 1922 Limited Edition, with only 1,000 boxes produced annually.

 

Are My Father Cigars stronger than Arturo Fuente?

 Generally, yes. My Father leans bold and spicy, while Fuente favours smoother, milder profiles.