Santa Clara Takes Over Juan Lopez Brand and Launches New Line

Santa Clara, Inc., the wholesale arm of JR Cigar, is taking full control of the American Juan Lopez brand. The move signals a fresh chapter for the historic label, with a brand-new line debuting tomorrow at JR Cigar.

A Heritage Brand Gets New Hands

Santa Clara’s acquisition of the Juan Lopez brand marks an important shift within the Tabacalera USA family. Previously managed by Altadis U.S.A., Juan Lopez has long been part of the same corporate umbrella. Now, Santa Clara will lead its development, distribution, and positioning in the American market.

This transfer aims to revitalise the brand and bring it closer to cigar enthusiasts who value both tradition and innovation. By keeping the project in-house within Tabacalera USA, Santa Clara ensures a seamless transition and a renewed focus on quality craftsmanship.

Crafted at Tabacalera La Isla

For this new chapter, Santa Clara turned to Tabacalera La Isla, a respected boutique factory in the Dominican Republic. Known for producing small-batch cigars with precision, La Isla brings artisanal attention to every detail of the blend.

The cigar’s construction features an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, chosen for its balance of spice and smoothness. Beneath it lies a Habano binder and three Dominican filler tobaccos, creating a refined yet robust profile. This blend aims to appeal to traditional Cuban cigar fans while also satisfying modern palates.

Nick Libretti, Senior Brand Manager for JR Cigar, explained the intent behind the project:
“When creating a new version of a cherished heritage cigar, it’s important to retain what made it beloved in the first place. Our goal was to craft something recognisable to Cuban cigar smokers, yet contemporary enough for today’s market.”

Three Vitolas to Launch

The new Juan Lopez line will debut in three distinct sizes, each reflecting the brand’s heritage while offering variety for different preferences:

• Juan Lopez Campanas (5 x 52) – $12.50 per cigar, Box of 21 ($304.50)
• Juan Lopez Maximos (6 x 48) – $12.25 per cigar, Box of 21 ($299.25)
• Juan Lopez Selección Especial (6 ¾ x 52) – $12.75 per cigar, Box of 21 ($309.75)

These vitolas aim to highlight the blend’s complexity while ensuring balance and consistency across formats. The presentation continues the brand’s elegant styling, appealing to both collectors and casual smokers alike.

Wider Distribution Through Retailers

While the cigars will launch exclusively at JR Cigar tomorrow, Santa Clara’s wholesale operations mean they’ll soon appear on shelves at select brick-and-mortar retailers across the country. This strategy ensures accessibility for smokers who prefer to support their local shops.

By distributing through Santa Clara’s established network, the Juan Lopez brand is set to reach a broader audience and strengthen its presence in the U.S. premium cigar market.

A Tale of Two Juan Lopez Brands

It’s worth noting that there are two distinct Juan López brands. The Cuban version, produced by Habanos S.A., remains available internationally but not in the United States due to trade restrictions. The American Juan Lopez, now under Santa Clara’s management, is a completely separate production that pays homage to its Cuban namesake while forging its own identity.

Continuing a Legacy of Excellence

With its new blend, modern craftsmanship, and expanded distribution, Santa Clara’s stewardship of Juan Lopez represents both respect for heritage and ambition for the future. Tomorrow’s launch marks the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new era for one of the cigar world’s classic names.