Rafael Nodal Manufacturer Spotlight

While he wasn't born in the US, Rafael Nodal is the epitome of the American dream. He came to this country looking for a better future, and through hard work and determination he has achieved legendary status in the cigar industry. He has crafted some of the highest-rated cigars in the country and is now one of the top blenders in the business. In order to appreciate where Rafael is now, you first have to understand where he came from.

Rafael Nodal was born in 1964 in Camaguey, Cuba. From an early age, he experienced the harsh treatment of the Cuban regime and his parents yearned for a better environment to raise their children. In 1980, Rafael and his family left Cuba in the infamous Mariel boatlift. After weeks in different transportation camps and 4 days in stormy seas, Rafael arrived in the US. After a week in Miami, the family headed up to New York City. A musician from a young age, Rafael continued his musical studies in high school and eventually headed back down to Miami to further his violin studies.

While working in finance, Rafael had the pleasure to enjoy lunch in Little Havana with a young Nick Perdomo. After enjoying one of his La Tradicion blends, Rafael became determined to be involved in the cigar industry. In 1998 he and his partner began a website selling cigars. They became the main distributor for a brand called Oliveros, and in 2002, they bought the company. After a few up and down years and experimenting with different blends, Rafael and his team began to work with legendary blender Jochy Blanco and his Tabacalera Palma factory in the Dominican Republic. Following their popular Swag line, they used one of the blends to craft the first Aging Room line.

The Aging Room M356 was a huge success and was named to Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 list the year it came out. Since then, Aging Room has become a staple of the cigar industry. Its powerful Dominican blends combined with its musical themes have created a unique and incredibly desirable line that all cigar smokers seem to enjoy. The followup blend, the F55 proved even more successful and it cemented Rafael Nodal and Boutique Blends as a force to be reckoned with.

Recently, Rafael Nodal has joined the ever expanding team at Altadis USA. Brought on originally as a consultant, Rafael was just named the Head of Product Capability for Altadis USA and the entire American division of Imperial Tobacco. For those of you who don't understand what that means, it means Rafael is now in charge of all premium cigar divisions for one of the world's largest producers of cigars. I can't think of anyone more qualified for this responsibility. Rafael is not only one of the smartest and most educated members of the cigar industry, he is also one of the kindest souls you would ever have the pleasure to meet. From his rough childhood to his immense success, Rafael Nodal remained determined, patient, and above all, humble.

Browse Aging Room Bin No. 1

Browse Aging Room Havao

Browse Aging Room M19

Browse Aging Room M20

Browse Aging Room M21

Browse Aging Room M356

Browse Aging Room Maduro

Browse Aging Room Quattro F55

Browse Aging Room Quattro F55 Maduro

Browse Aging Room Quattro F59

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