The Life of a Master Blender and Tabacalera Owner

Today, we will explore the Master Blender’s life. But before that, make sure to visit our guide about the visit of the Tabacaleras & the Dominican Republic.

A Master Blender’s schedule from his point of view

Between 6 and 7 a.m., I rise to the melodious songs of the birds, embraced by the gentle freshness of the morning. After a refreshing shower and a delightful breakfast, I head towards the factory where the rollers and employees have begun their work at 7 a.m. Shortly after my arrival, I enjoy a cup of coffee with the supervisors, who arrived a bit earlier to ensure the smooth operation of our activities. As we discuss the farms, the new production, and sometimes challenges, I savor my coffee to reset my palate. Soon after, I light up the first cigar of the day, offered by the manager of the Galera, the room where the rollers work their magic.

Throughout the morning, I have a series of meetings with partners who help develop our factory. For instance, I often welcome distributors, store owners, and visitors with a fine cigar freshly taken from our aging room. Then, at noon, depending on my schedule, I have lunch with clients or employees. In the afternoon, I welcome old friends or other partners who are interested in our activities. At the end of the day, I take a few cigars and return home for an evening of work or to enjoy the company of my friends.

View with tropical and Caribbean trees in front — View of Santiago

The Master Blender: truths

On Instagram and the internet, I’ve encountered both truths and misconceptions about the master blender. Drawing from my experience in a Tabacalera and visits to various tobacco factories, here is what I’ve discovered.

“The Master Blender only relies on his palate”

It is false. From what I have observed, a master blender also relies heavily on their tobacco expertise and the effects of mixing different tobaccos. For example, with the famous Cameroon wrapper, you don’t mix strong ligero, as it would overpower the luxurious wrapper’s aromas. After creating the blend, they will test it to ensure it makes sense and will appeal to aficionados around the world.

So the Master Blender relies on his palate, his expertise & the tastes of the cigar aficionados.

“Everyone can become a Master Blender”

I believe this statement is both true and false. A master Blender possesses extensive experience in the tobacco and cigar fields. This expertise allows them to masterfully blend tobacco to create a balanced cigar that aficionados can enjoy. Which tobaccos pair well with Habano/Corojo or Connecticut wrappers? The answers to these questions come with time and direct access to a variety of tobaccos and the intricacies of cigar production.

In 2021, I delved into the world of tobacco by crafting a cigar for myself using exceptional Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos from Tabacalera Palma and AJ Fernandez. Am I a Master Blender? Of course not! Why not? Because I relied on José Manuel’s expertise to achieve a balanced blend. I lacked the deep knowledge of all the tobacco aromas and their burning characteristics. José Manuel Blanco, however, excels in blending because he can determine exactly what needs to be added or removed just by smoking my blends. You should try his latest creation: the La Galera 85th Anniversary Connecticut Broadleaf Edition.

Jochy Blanco at Tabacalera Palma with cigar pictures in the background — Jochy Blanco from Tabacalera Palma

“Master Blending is about love”

True! When asked about their favorite part of the job, a Master Blender often gives a simple yet profound answer. They take immense pleasure in smoking and tasting various cigars, ensuring the quality remains exceptional. For them, it’s deeply satisfying to enjoy the results of their work and to guarantee that each cigar meets the highest standards.

One might expect a master blender to have a favorite blend, but their response usually reflects a deep appreciation for the craft. A master blender loves all their blends, recognizing that each one tells a different story and offers a distinct smoking experience.

The art of blending different tobacco leaves to create a unique cigar profile is a complex and meticulous process. Master blenders describe it as a creative endeavor that involves harmonizing various leaves into a balanced blend. When creating a new blend, they consider the preferences and tastes of the consumers, ensuring the final product is both satisfying and innovative. That’s the definition of love!

The Diaz Family. Master Blenders of love

Learn more about the cigar Master Blenders?

Find below articles that interviewed several Master Blenders.

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