Vandermarliere Family of Cigars (VCF) has brought back the Aliados brand as the latest addition to the Oliva family of cigars, following its acquisition of the brand name in the summer of 2021.

The reintroduction continues the legacy of Aliados, which was produced by the late Don Rolando Reyes in Havana from 1955 until his factory was confiscated by Castro’s government in the early 1960s.

The cigar marker, who was producing nearly six million hand-rolled Aliados cigars per year the time, set off in search of conditions similar to Cuba and settled in Honduras in 1990.

He went on to operate hand-rolling factories in Havana, the Dominican Republic, Miami and Honduras.

Rolando Reyes’ travels and the authentic taste and identity of the brand are now rekindled through two lines: a full-time offering made by tobacco grower Julio Eiroa and a limited edition release by master blender Ernesto Perez Carillo, bearing his initials.

The Julio Eiroa line, made in Honduras, uses the original blend Rolando Reyes perfected nearly 70 years ago.

The special release by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, made at his factory in the Dominican Republic, is limited to 15,000 boxes: 10,000 boxes for the US and 5,000 boxes for the international market.

The offering comes in a Sumatra wrapper from Ecuador that has been aged for nearly five years.

“As cigar aficionados, we are incredibly indebted to all Cubans who were so brave in leaving their home country to follow their dreams and passions in keeping the heritage of cigar-making a life, outside of Cuba,” said Fred Vandermarliere, the owner of the Vandermarliere Family of Cigars (VCF, also owners of Oliva Cigars).

“This project is to honour all of the sacrifices they’ve made. It also symbolises the united front and alliances we need to make as cigar companies to stand together in light of new regulations.

“To be able to bring this iconic brand back to life and include both Julio and Ernesto, especially with their strong ties to Rolando, is very special. We made sure to take every step possible to pay homage to its storied past.”

Each draw serves toasty undertones and refers to the red wine Rolando Reyes enjoyed with his friends during their legendary nights celebrating Cuban culture.

Each release features five vitolas: Robusto, Toro, Torpedo, Re-Gordo, Churchill.

The new Aliados Cigars will be presented during the Intertabac fair in Dortmund from 15-17 September 2022.