FONSECA

Fonseca :: A Brief History

                Despite being among the older cigar brands, Fonseca remains an elusive and criminally underrated cigar to this day. Cuban national and founder Francisco Fonseca, was known as a tobacco expert and deeply respectable businessman, establishing a modest cigar manufacturing operation as early as 1892 in Havana. However Fonseca’s ambitions went well beyond the small island nation. 13 short years later expanding his cigar manufacturing operations to New York State, under the name F.E Fonseca & co.
                Just until his death in 1930, Francisco would divide his time overseeing his two factories, his life a rare example of his dual fealty to both Cuba and the U.S (His stationery prominently featured both the statue of liberty and Havana’s El Morro fortress).
                The sensibility of this internationally well-regarded man known for his sartorial elegance is shown in the presentation of each Fonseca cigar. Fonsecas are the only Habanos to be wrapped in fine white paper, a feature that supposedly “shields from atmospheric changes” just as it appeals to the eye. The Fonseca boasts being the first brand to implement the use of metal (tin) tubes for safeguarding back in the early 20^th century, well before the introduction of the aluminium tubes cigar enthusiasts are so accustomed to.
                Fonseca’s are defined by their mild, subtle, and nuanced flavour. A cigar that rarely garners the attention it deserves, the tasting of a Fonseca requires concentration to unearth the herbaceous, sweet mineral and salty notes that compliment its smooth tobacco blend.
                It is perhaps no surprise that this cigar is particularly popular in the wildly gastronomic country of Spain, where Fonsecas are often the follow up to a light meal. This is a tradition that harkens back to the years right until the Cuban revolution, where cigar production for catering operations was a large part of Francisco’s business model. This fact perhaps best defines Fonseca, a product so distinct, it’s not threatened by the vanity cigar bands at catering events and clubs that would obscure its logo.

1892

Francisco Fonseca establishes F.E Fonseca Fabrica de Tabacos y Cigarros in Havana

1911

New Factory is Established at 102 Galliano Street, following success of his registered brand

1930

Death of Francisco Fonseca, his widow Donas Teresa Boetticher continues his legacy. The Fonseca brand is acquired by a firm led by Castaneda and Montero

1961

Production remains unchanged following Cuban Revolution

1995

Fonseca Invictos are launched and added to regular repertoire known as the strangest cigar shape of all post-revolution cigars, featuring a pointed foot and blunt head