Vintage Cuban Tobacco Reborn: Justo & Vivi Eiroa Interview
Cuban seed tobacco is at the heart of Aladino’s identity. In our latest interview, filmed at the Ignite Show in Whittlebury Park, Justo and Vivi Eiroa discuss how their family has preserved vintage Cuban genetics and traditional cigar-making techniques through generations.
Aladino heritage runs deep. The Eiroa family’s roots in tobacco stretch back decades, and the brand itself is built on more than just style or market trends. From seed to ash, everything about Aladino is a reflection of the past, specifically the Cuban past. The seeds they grow today in Honduras were originally brought from Cuba in 1961, before crossbreeding and agricultural reform altered the island’s output. What Aladino offers is a rare continuity: authentic Cuban seed tobacco grown with care using old-world methods that have largely disappeared from the modern industry.
Aladino 85 Aniversario Reserva takes that legacy a step further. Created to honour Julio R. Eiroa, Justo’s father, the cigar has been in development for years using tobaccos aged for six to seven years. But it is more than age that defines this release. It is the purity of the seed and the story it tells. The 85 Aniversario Reserva uses the original Cuban seed, known for its balance and natural sweetness. According to Justo, it is smoother than traditional Corojo and delivers an experience close to what Cuban cigars tasted like before the revolution.
European expansion has come naturally to Aladino, in part because their blends align closely with what many European smokers have always preferred. Medium-bodied cigars with layered flavor and aroma, not just strength. As Vivi points out in the interview, cigars like the Aladino Classic and Queen Connecticut are approachable without sacrificing complexity, making them ideal for both newer smokers and seasoned aficionados.
Family tradition remains the foundation. The pilón fermentation process, the rolling methods, and even the philosophy behind each blend are direct continuations of what Justo’s grandfather learned from Cuban engineers during the early days of the Eiroa family’s move to Honduras. In a market full of modern innovation and trend chasing, Aladino’s commitment to vintage Cuban authenticity stands out not as a gimmick but as a living tradition.
Watch the full interview with Justo and Vivi Eiroa now on our YouTube channel and discover why this really is real Cuban seed tobacco.
