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Our History
A Tale of Resistance and Craftsmanship
Five centuries, two leaders, one indomitable spirit
Chief Caonabo – The Taino Warrior
In 1492, history witnessed a monumental event: the meeting of two worlds and two cultures. Christopher Columbus’ arrival on the shores of Hispaniola marked the beginning of an extraordinary era of exploration and discovery. Yet, it also sparked a powerful story of resistance and resilience—one led by a fearless Taino chief named Caonabo.
As the Great Admiral established his foothold on the island, Chief Caonabo, ruler of the Maguana and protector of his people, emerged as a formidable force of defiance. In 1493, he demonstrated his resolve by destroying the Nativity Fort, built by Columbus using the remains of the Santa Maria. A year later, Columbus returned and constructed Fort Saint Thomas in the Cibao region, only to face another bold attack from Caonabo and his warriors in 1495.
In a letter to Queen Isabella, Columbus described Caonabo as “the most important chief on the island, the most courageous and ingenious—bold and daring in war.” His strength and determination were undeniable.
A Legacy That Lives On
Tragically, Caonabo was captured through deception, chained, and sent to Spain as a prisoner. He died during the voyage, never reaching the land of his captors. 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.
“From the Cibao region to the world, Caonabo’s legacy lives on through these finely crafted cigars.”
Tobacco and History in the Cibao Region
The Cibao region of the Dominican Republic stands as the cradle of the world’s finest tobacco. This fertile valley, blessed with perfect climate conditions and mineral-rich soils, has produced some of the most sought-after tobacco leaves coveted by aficionados worldwide.
The Heartland of Premium Tobacco
For centuries, the Cibao has been synonymous with tobacco excellence. From the time of the Taino people—who first cultivated and used tobacco ceremonially—to today’s premium cigar industry, this legendary region has maintained its reputation as the producer of the world’s most exceptional tobacco.
It is in this very region, the land defended by Chief Caonabo over 500 years ago, where Manuel Dominguez chose to craft his cigars, honoring both the land’s heritage and his father’s traditions.
The unique microclimate of the Cibao Valley—with its balance of sun, rainfall, and humidity—combined with generations of accumulated knowledge, creates the perfect environment for growing tobacco that develops the complex flavors and aromas that define premium cigars.
Every Caonabo cigar carries within it the essence of this legendary region, crafted from Cuban-seed tobacco grown in these sacred soils and aged for 30 years to achieve unparalleled perfection.
Manuel Dominguez – A Revolutionary’s Journey
“A man cut from the same cloth as the great Taino chief”
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.
Master Craftsman: A New Chapter
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.
The Legacy Continues
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.
A Tribute to Greatness
The Caonabo Cigar line embodies the legacy of two exceptional men—Chief Caonabo, the fearless Taino leader who stood against oppression, and Manuel Dominguez, a revolutionary who fought for freedom and dedicated his life to perfecting the craft of cigar making.
These cigars are more than a product; they are a celebration of courage, resilience, and the timeless art of tobacco. Crafted with precision and aged to perfection, each Caonabo Cigar offers a smoking experience like no other.
From the rich aroma to the smooth draw, these cigars are a tribute to the enduring spirit of leaders who dared to dream, fight, and create. Whether you’re an aficionado or new to cigars, the Caonabo Vintage Cigar line invites you to light up and savor a piece of history—an experience inspired by the boldness of Chief Caonabo and the passion of Manuel Dominguez.
“Discover the Caonabo Cigar collection today and carry forward a legacy of Greatness.”
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Experience 30 years of aging and five centuries of legacy in every draw