Asylum
Asylum Cigars was founded in 2012 by Tom Lazuka and Christian Eiroa. Based in Honduras, the brand was established with the goal of creating bold, unique cigars that offer an adventurous experience. One of their significant milestones was the introduction of large-ring gauge cigars, which became a defining characteristic of the brand. Since its inception, Asylum Cigars has gained a loyal following for their premium cigars that break the mold of traditional cigar sizes.
Leadership and Philosophy, The core philosophy of Asylum Cigars revolves around innovation and boldness. Lazuka and Eiroa aim to offer cigar smokers something different, with a focus on quality, flavor, and size. Their leadership drives the company’s commitment to producing premium tobacco cigars that challenge the norms of the industry while maintaining high standards of craftsmanship. Asylum’s philosophy is about pushing boundaries without sacrificing the quality of their handmade cigars.
Production and Craftsmanship
Tobacco Sourcing: Asylum Cigars sources its premium tobacco primarily from Honduras and Nicaragua, regions known for producing some of the finest tobaccos in the world. These regions' rich, volcanic soils help produce the full-bodied, flavorful tobaccos that are key to Asylum’s signature blends. Their dedication to using premium tobacco ensures that each cigar delivers a top-notch experience.
Production Process: Each Asylum cigar is hand-rolled by skilled artisans, ensuring that every cigar is meticulously crafted from start to finish. The production process is overseen with great care, from the cultivation of tobacco to the hand-rolling techniques that give Asylum Cigars their unique character. This commitment to producing hand-rolled cigars is central to the brand’s identity, guaranteeing quality in every premium cigar.
Product Line and Key Cigars
Signature Blends: Asylum Cigars offers several popular blends, including the Asylum 13 and Asylum Straight Jacket. The Asylum 13 is known for its rich, full-bodied profile with notes of earth, spice, and cocoa, while the Straight Jacket offers a bolder experience with complex flavors of pepper, leather, and coffee. These blends stand out for their bold flavors and distinctive large-ring gauges, making them a favorite among adventurous cigar smokers.
Variety of Offerings: Asylum Cigars caters to both novice and experienced smokers. Their Asylum 13 Connecticut offers a milder experience, perfect for newcomers, while the Asylum 13 and Straight Jacket provide more robust options for seasoned aficionados. The wide range of cigars available makes it easy to find Asylum Cigars online or in stores, appealing to a diverse audience.
Industry Recognition and Awards
Recognition and Awards: Asylum Cigars has received several accolades since its founding, with many of their blends earning 90+ ratings from cigar publications. The Asylum 13 in particular has gained industry recognition for its innovative size and bold flavor. The brand’s commitment to quality has also earned them a strong reputation among both casual smokers and cigar experts alike.
Customer Loyalty and Reputation: Asylum Cigars has built a solid reputation for producing premium tobacco cigars that are both innovative and high-quality. Loyal customers and cigar enthusiasts often praise the brand for offering something unique in the cigar world. The large-ring gauge cigars, in particular, have become a signature of Asylum, attracting smokers looking for a bold and memorable experience.
Market and Distribution
Distribution Channels: Asylum Cigars are widely available both in brick-and-mortar cigar shops and through various cigars online retailers. Customers can easily find Asylum Cigars online, ensuring that their unique blends are accessible to smokers across the globe.
Global Reach and Popularity: Asylum Cigars has a strong presence in international markets, with their cigars available worldwide. Their bold approach to cigar-making and the popularity of their large-ring gauge cigars have helped them stand out in a competitive market, giving them a strong global following.
Craftsmanship and Artisanal Approach
Artisan Work: The craftsmanship of Asylum Cigars is evident in their hand-rolled construction. Each cigar is carefully crafted by experienced artisans who use traditional techniques to ensure consistency and quality. This dedication to craftsmanship sets Asylum Cigars apart, making their handmade cigars highly sought after by cigar lovers.
Commitment to Tradition: While Asylum Cigars is known for innovation, they also maintain a deep respect for cigar-making traditions. Their hand-rolling techniques are passed down through generations, and their commitment to using premium tobacco ensures that they honor the art of cigar-making, even as they push boundaries with size and flavor.
FAQs and Common Questions
Common Questions: Asylum Cigars are best suited for smokers who enjoy bold, full-bodied flavors and unique smoking experiences. Their large-ring gauge cigars, such as the Asylum 13, are a standout feature, offering a long, satisfying smoke. What makes Asylum Cigars unique is their innovative approach while maintaining high quality and craftsmanship.
Cigar Experience: Smokers can expect a rich, smooth draw, even burn, and robust flavors when smoking an Asylum cigar. Whether opting for a milder blend like the Asylum 13 Connecticut or a bolder option like the Straight Jacket, each cigar offers a premium experience that is sure to satisfy.
Company Size and Production Scale
Factory and Production Scale: Asylum Cigars operates out of factories in Honduras, producing thousands of handmade cigars annually. Despite their relatively large production scale, the company remains dedicated to the art of hand-rolling cigars, ensuring that every Asylum cigar meets the brand’s high standards for quality and craftsmanship.
Sustainability or Ethical Practices: Asylum Cigars emphasizes sustainability in its operations, particularly in its tobacco-growing practices. They work closely with local farmers to ensure that their premium tobacco cigars are produced using environmentally responsible methods, helping to protect both the land and the communities that rely on it.