After over 30 years, Jose Seijas, one of the cigar notable cigar makers in the industry is retiring. During his career Seijas blended cigars for the most sought after brands including Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta and H. Upmann. Known for his quality cigars with impeccable construction, he started at the acclaimed Tabacalera de Garcia factory in La Romana in 1974 and over the years worked closely with a team of expert cigar makers and master blenders to build the Tabacalera de Garcia into the largest cigar factory in the world.

When I was lucky enough to spend some time Jose Seijas a few years back during a couple of cigar events in New York City, I couldn’t believe how much of a gentleman and how humble this legend of the cigar industry was. A quiet man, Seijas didn’t need the spotlight but he was always happy to take time to with those new to cigars and aficionados to talk about the industry and the inspiration for his blends.

Here at The Cigar Life, we wish Seijas and his family all the best. He had told me that next time I made it to the Dominican Republic, to look him to share a cigar. I hope that offer still stands, because sharing a cigar with an industry legend like Seijas is an opportunity not to be missed.

Javier Elmudesi, a 15-year veteran of Tabacalera de Garcia, will become the new Factory Manager and continue to work alongside the talented team of master blenders and cigar makers to keep making the excellent premium cigars with the high-quality standards and innovation the Tabacalera de Garcia has become known for.