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Manuel Dominguez – The Founder’s Story
The founder of Caonabo Cigars, Manuel Dominguez, was a man cut from the same cloth as the great Taino chief. A revolutionary and freedom fighter, Dominguez fought alongside Fidel Castro during the Cuban Revolution of the 1950s. After witnessing Castro’s betrayal of democratic ideals and alignment with Soviet interests, Dominguez made a daring attempt to flee Cuba, piloting one of Castro’s personal helicopters.
A fierce gunfight ensued, and Dominguez was captured, wounded, and sentenced to death. During an appeal, his sentence was commuted to 30 years in prison, of which he served 11 under grueling conditions. A hunger strike brought him to the brink of death but also led to his release.
In the early 80’s he was granted political asylum negotiated by President Ronald Reagan. After arriving in the United States as a political refugee, Dominguez channeled his unyielding spirit into a new passion: the art of cigar making.
From Rebel to Craftsman
Drawing on knowledge passed down by his father, a Spanish army veteran and expert cigar craftsman, Dominguez began blending and rolling premium cigars in the Dominican Republic using his father’s family blend. His creations, introduced to the U.S. in the early 1990s, quickly garnered praise from cigar enthusiasts and critics alike. Each cigar was a testament to his dedication to quality and tradition.
A Treasure Revived by the Next Generation
After Dominguez’s passing, his son—a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and public servant with nearly three decades in professional firefighting—took up the mantle to preserve and relaunch the family’s cigar legacy.
With unwavering respect for his father’s vision and an appreciation for the artistry of fine cigars, he reintroduced the Caonabo Cigar Vintage Collection to bring this extraordinary treasure aged for 30 years in its original solid cedar boxes back to life.
The Heritage of Caonabo Cigars
“In 1493, Chief Caonabo led a bold resistance against Columbus. His courage and defiance are the inspiration behind our cigars.”
Chief Caonabo, ruler of the Maguana and protector of his people, emerged as a formidable force of defiance when Columbus established his foothold on Hispaniola. In 1493, he demonstrated his resolve by destroying the Nativity Fort, built by Columbus using the remains of the Santa Maria.
Columbus himself, in a letter to Queen Isabella, described Caonabo as “the most important chief on the island, the most courageous and ingenious—bold and daring in war.”Engineering Manager
Today, we honor Chief Caonabo’s indomitable spirit as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and leadership. It is this spirit that inspired the creation of the Caonabo Cigar line.Project Manager
“Why Choose Caonabo?”
30 Years of Aging
Time perfects what passion creates. Over three decades of aging deliver complex notes of cedar, leather, and cocoa in every draw a flavor profile only patience can achieve.
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Handcrafted Excellence
Hand-rolled by Dominican master artisans using traditional techniques and the finest selected tobaccos. Every cigar is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and care.
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Historical Legacy
Inspired by Chief Caonabo’s defiance and crafted by revolutionary Manuel Dominguez. Each cigar honors a legacy of courage, resilience, and uncompromising quality.
Discover the Legacy
Experience cigars aged for 30 years—a tribute to courage, craftsmanship, and tradition.