Joya de Nicaragua is the oldest premium cigar brand still produced in Nicaragua, with roots dating back to 1968 when it was founded as the country’s first national cigar manufacturer. The Joya de Nicaragua factory in Estelí has survived revolution, embargo, and changing markets to remain a vital part of the industry, producing both its own iconic lines (Antaño 1970, Clásico, Cinco Décadas, Joya Red, Joya Silver) and serving as a contract manufacturer for many other brands, including significant work for Dunbarton (Sobremesa) and others.
The factory’s longevity and the quality of its tobacco and rolling have made it a symbol of Nicaraguan resilience and craftsmanship. Over the decades Joya has evolved from a more traditional, sometimes milder profile to include the bold, full-bodied Antaño series that helped redefine expectations for Nicaraguan cigars in the U.S. market. Today it continues to bridge the old and new eras of Nicaraguan production.