About Us
We are thrilled to announce a pivotal transformation in our factory's journey. "Tabacalera La Alianza," a name deeply rooted in tradition, quality, and passion, is stepping into a new chapter.
As we look towards the future, we are embracing a name that encapsulates our heritage, our vision, and our commitment to excellence: Casa Carrillo.
Introducing
Casa Carrillo
A Testament to Legacy and Craftsmanship
The word "Casa," translating to "home" in English, is not just a name; it's a sentiment. Our factory has been the birthplace of some of the world's most esteemed cigar brands, including the globally acclaimed E.P. Carrillo signature line of cigars. This "home" is not only where these iconic brands were conceived but also where they were nurtured in a warm, homey environment that is integral to our identity.
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The name "Carrillo" carries with it a rich tapestry of history, legacy, and over 100 years of unparalleled experience in cigar craftsmanship. It's a name that speaks of dedication, passion, and the art of creating masterpieces.
Founder & Master Blender
Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo
The factory is owned and operated by Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo, a veteran of the industry who has dedicated over 50 years to the craft of cigar-making.
Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, is a renowned figure in the cigar industry. He took over his father's business, El Credito Cigar Co., and created the acclaimed La Gloria Cubana brand. His innovations, such as the introduction of a 60-ring-gauge cigar, have set trends in the industry.
After selling El Credito to Swedish Match, Ernesto founded EPC Cigar Co. with his children, continuing to produce highly rated cigars. His legacy includes multiple top rankings by Cigar Aficionado, cementing his status as a cigar industry icon.
General Manager
Jorge Luis Fernández Maique
Previously co-president at Habanos SA, is the general manager at Casa Carrillo, formerly known as Tabacalera La Alianza, in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
He brings over two decades of experience from the Cuban cigar industry, including significant roles at Habanos SA and his involvement in developing the Cohiba Behike range.
After a six-year hiatus, Maique's return to the tobacco industry at Casa Carrillo signifies a notable engagement in this field, with potential for future influential roles, possibly extending to the United States.
Co-Founder
Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo III
As a co-founder of E.P. Carrillo Cigars and Casa Carrillo, his journey in the cigar industry is shaped by his extensive experience in business strategy and operational excellence, honed at McKinsey & Co. and KKR Capstone. In his role at Casa Carrillo, he is deeply involved in the factory's operations and the strategic expansion of their global sales.
His focus lies in ensuring that each cigar produced is a testament to the commitment to quality, while also adapting to the evolving tastes of a diverse clientele. His vision is to uphold the legacy of Casa Carrillo as a symbol of premium craftsmanship and to drive forward-thinking strategies that will cement its position as a leading name in the global cigar market. It is his ongoing mission to foster growth, innovation, and excellence at Casa Carrillo.
Co-Founder
Lissette Pérez-Carrillo
Lissette Perez-Carrillo is Co-Founder in E.P. Carrillo Cigar Company and our factory CASA CARRILLO (previously Tabacalera La Alianza).
Following in her father's footsteps, Lissette began working in the family cigar business at age nine, and her immersion in the world of cigars since such a young age has contributed significantly to both the creative and operational direction of the family business. Over the years, her degree from Columbia University Law School and New York legal experience have played a crucial role in the company’s navigation of the ever-changing regulatory landscape. Her involvement in E.P. Carrillo has been pivotal in maintaining the brand's reputation for quality and tradition.
Lissette has played a critical role in guiding the creative & strategic direction of the company. Her commitment to the family legacy and her business acumen have made her a respected figure in the industry.
Our Journey So Far
We're About Quality And Trust
Fermentation
Not every manufacturer has its own farm or factory. Some farmers sell crops to cigar makers and some crops have fermentation involved. We buy our tobacco from suppliers and restart the fermentation process again at our factory to take out humidity, control temperature and darken the color. Leaves are tied into bundles of 10 to 15 leaves during the fermentation process. It can take 6 months to 5 years to achieve desired outcomes. The purpose of fermentation is to develop the aroma and flavor of the leaves. Once this process is over, the leaves are sorted by hand again.
Sorting
The sorting process is the classification of tobacco between the wrappers and the binders specifically by color and sizes. Next, the leaves enter the stripping area where the long vein (or stem) that runs down the middle of the leaf is removed. This can be done by hand or machine. Next, the leaves are stacked into books so they can be stored for final production.
Rolling
Our rollers work in pairs. First, they choose the number of filler leaves needed for a particular cigar blend. Filler leaves come in different sizes, shapes, colors, and even can be from different countries. From here, they are bunched together by hand so the roller can feel the balance and weight of the leaves. You don’t want to put anything in the filler that affects the draw. Once this is done, the roller wraps the binder leaf around the filler in a cylindrical motion by hand. The binder is the finishing touch in a cigar’s recipe. The wrapper is then used to keep the cigar uniform. Wrapping the cigar is probably the hardest part, requiring firm yet delicate patience so it does not break. Strong eyesight is needed to ensure the wrapping is done to visual perfection. A chaveta is then used to cut the cigar. The ends of the cigar are cut so a cap can be added. This is the circular piece of tobacco that prepares the cigar for being packed. Some of the finest cigars have a triple-cap, swallowing the whole wrapper leaf and appearing like three seams.
Aging Room
At this point, the cigar goes into a special room to age. The Aging Room lets the cigar rest and allows oils to marinate and takes out the humidity from the cigars in a controlled process. It is important to remember that the cigars themselves do not age but the tobacco inside is what ages. It usually takes a minimum of 45 days or more for this process to proceed.
Packaging
From the aging room, the cigar enters quality control. Cigars are examined by color, for construction consistency and presentation before moving on. If it passes, a band is applied by hand, and it is moved into a box. We utilize some form of inner packaging for extra safety. These are now ready for consumers to smoke.
NEWS
Casa Carrillo In The Press
