We caught up with Terence Reilly of Aganorsa Leaf and asked him a series of questions covering his cigar journey, Aganorsa’s signature tobacco, blending philosophy, big ring gauges, and what’s coming next.
What got you into smoking cigars?
My name is Terence Reilly, which is about as gringo a name as there is, but my grandmother was a Quesada and her family was involved in tobacco in Cuba since the 1800’s. When they left Cuba after generously donating all their property to the Cuban Government they relocated the business in Dominican Republic. When I was in my early 20s I spent a summer working in the factory and got to see the process of making cigars. On Sundays we would all meet at my uncle’s house for lunch and everyone was enjoying a cigar so I started smoking Fonseca Vintage Petit Belicosos on Sundays. That was the beginning of my journey in cigars. Over 20 years ago now. Time flies!
Aganorsa Leaf's slogan is "our leaf is our strength." What sets Aganorsa's tobacco apart from everyone else's?
Aganorsa’s Signature Flavor comes from three factors: the seeds we grow, the land on which we grow, and the processes we use from the farm to the factory to cultivate optimal flavor and aroma. In regard to seeds, we are the only major growers of the Cuban seed varietal Corojo 99. We love the flavor it produces even though it doesn’t yield as much tobacco as other varietals. Aganorsa Farms are on land that has been yielding great leaf for decades and isn’t like other areas of the country more recently developed for tobacco due to demand. In fact, one of our farms in Jalapa used to be owned by the former Dictator Somoza, and you know he was saving the best for himself. Most importantly, because we are vertically integrated and control the process from seed to ash, we are able to ensure we grow, cure, ferment, age, and roll cigars according to the methods our Cuban agronomists have been using for over half a century to ensure each stage is executed correctly and according to our standards. The result is a unique flavor unlike any other.
For someone who has never smoked an Aganorsa Leaf cigar before, what is your recommendation for the one they should smoke first?
That would really depend on who the person is and what they have smoked and enjoyed in the past but you can never go wrong with our Aganorsa Aniversario Corojo—a medium blend made from 100% Aganorsa Tobacco that is balanced, complex, and fulfilling.
Many people may have seen or heard of the 10x100. What is the story behind it?
Our Lunatic Line specializes in big ring gauge cigars and we just keep pushing the limits of what is possible. Believe it or not, people love them and we sell out every time we get a batch in the warehouse. It’s a tough cigar to make because of the size. It’s not for everyone but we sure do have incredible demand for them.
Speaking of big ring gauges, what is your take on the idea that "big ring gauge cigars aren't as strong or as flavorful as their smaller ring gauge counterparts?"
This common, albeit false, perception is due to the fact when big ring cigars first developed popularity many manufacturers thought of them as a gimmick and just packed them with more tobacco, usually light seco, without concern for flavor. If you blend a cigar to size, even a 60+ size, a large ring can be just as or more complex and flavorful than a smaller ring. In the lunatic line, for example, flavorwise the 4.75 x 70 El Chiquito Habano is the best tasting. I’m not a big fan of large rings due to how they feel but I can appreciate the flavors on them and in several lines of our I find the larger rings to be the best expression of the blend.
You're a man of culture and are known for your modern style, always being seen wearing khakis and a polo. Why is that the perfect outfit combination?
I find a man in a fine pair of khakis and a polo shirt is hard for women to resist and offers a sartorial standard most men hope to attain.
Anything you can share about upcoming Aganorsa releases for the year?
For PCA think International. You’ll be supremely surprised.
Lastly, what is your favorite cigar (Aganorsa or other) of all time?
My two favorite cigars are the Aniversario 109 maduro we produced in Miami in 2020 (only 500 boxes made) and the original release of the Casa Magna Domus Magnus made at Plasencia for Quesada Cigars. For cigars you can actually find, Rare Leaf Maduro is my favorite.
