Cigar Makers

Master Blenders: George Rico – President, Gran Habano Cigars

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Cigar Advisor Master Blenders: George A. Rico – President, Gran Habano Cigars

By Gary Korb

Learning the tobacco trade from his father, George has developed a unique talent for blending tobaccos from several different countries to attain a flavor that distinguishes Gran Habano from other boutiques. Listen and learn his approach to blending new cigars, and how the FDA has affected his company; and for Gran Habano fans, one very rare and exciting surprise that you’ll be interested to hear about.

======================

George A. Rico is the fourth generation from a tobacco family that dates back to 1920 Cuba, when his grandfather began growing dark tobacco. George’s father, Guillermo, who recalls following his father through the fields as a child, while his mother rolled cigars in their home, took over the business in 1946.

In 1998 the Rico’s opened their Gran Habano cigar factory in Danlí, Honduras, and their core lines, the Gran Habano #1 Connecticut, #3 Habano, and #5 Corojo have become staples of the industry for tens of thousands of ardent cigar smokers.

Expanding on that success, in January, 2012 the Rico’s opened their G.R. Tabacaleras cigar factory and lounge on the famed “Calle Ocho” in Miami’s “Little Havana” district. Until recently, when the factory moved to a new location, the factory/store served as both a workplace for creating George’s S.T.K. Miami cigars and a haven for cigar smokers who wanted to shake-off the remains of the day with a good smoke, a cafecito, and maybe a game or two of dominoes.

gran habano cigars george rico podcast
Gary Korb smoking a Gran Habano #5 Corojo Maduro Toro during the podcast.

Beyond the success of their Gran Habano numbers 1, 3, and 5 selections, with the release of their Gran Reserva, Opium, and G.A.R. selections, to name a few, the Rico’s have firmly established itself as one of the world’s most ambitious and innovative cigar companies.

“Honesty and passion is what compels us to make great cigars married with a sense of originality which has been the signature of our company,” says George.

buy Gran Habano La Conquista cigars Box
The big secret, revealed: The new Gran Habano La Conquista cigar boxes feature an old Cuban painting of Columbus arriving in the New World that George had been holding on to just for the occasion.
buy Gran Habano La Conquista cigars open
Gran Habano La Conquista cigars. Bold, dark, and complex.

For more information, visit Gran Habano cigars online, and enjoy the podcast.

Subscribe
Notify of
1 Comment
Oldest
Newest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sean D Ferris
7 years ago

why are you charging so much more used to be $ 53 for 20 churchilll now 102

Gary Korb

Gary Korb

Executive Editor

Gary Korb has been writing and editing content for CigarAdvisor.com since its debut in 2008. An avid cigar smoker for over 30 years, he has worked on the marketing side of the premium cigar business as a Sr. Copywriter, blogger, and Executive Editor of Cigar Advisor. A graduate of the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, prior to his career in the cigar business, Gary worked in the music and video industry as a marketer and a publicist.

Show all Gary Korb's Articles
cigar advisor my weekend cigar review perdomo 30th anniversary connecticut - cover

My Weekend Cigar Review: Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut

Reading Time: 4 minutes It “may have a golf cigar career ahead of it,” says Gary about the Perdomo 30th Anniversary Connecticut Churchill. Words like “creamy,” “oaky”, and “medium-bodied” also come up. But to get all the highlights and more, watch this review.

Read More
cigar advisor my weekend cigar review new cuba superior connecticut - vcover

My Weekend Cigar Review: New Cuba Superior Connecticut

Reading Time: 3 minutes The New Cuba Superior Connecticut cigar selection boasts a long-filler blend aimed at newer cigar smokers and others seeking an Aganorsa cigar that’s “approachable in flavor, and affordable in price.” Does Gary’s review of the Toro agree? Watch now.

Read More
cigar advisor top new cigars september 18 2023 - cover

Top New Cigars (September 18, 2023)

Reading Time: 3 minutes Want a fresh cigar that impresses? Look no further! This week on Top New Cigars, we’re reviewing the latest from Espinosa, Warped, and Black Label Trading Company. From Cuban tradition to 10-year anniversaries, it’s all covered inside!

Read More
nowsmoking H Upmann 1844 Anejo cigar review Cigar Advisor Cover

#nowsmoking: H. Upmann 1844 Anejo Robusto

Reading Time: 5 minutes “Añejo” means aged, and this H. Upmann’s tobaccos have plenty of it. See what goes into this five-nation blend, and what you’ll get out of it, in this #nowsmoking review…

Read More