Alec Bradley – Cigars

Alec Bradley Cigars: From Dream to Global Brand

Alan Rubin didn’t just have a vague dream—he had a clear plan for realization when he decided to create his own cigar line, which later became Alec Bradley.

The circumstances, however, were not in his favor. The shrinking cigar manufacturing market of the 1990s made survival tough. Rubin fought tirelessly to keep Alec Bradley Cigar Company afloat. He refused to sell, stop production, or give up.

When Rubin released the unprofitable Alec Bradley “Bogey’s Stogies” line in the early 2000s, he suffered losses of over $60,000. The timing for his first cigar line couldn’t have been worse. The cigar boom was ending, and the market was saturated with more suppliers than buyers. It seemed hopeless for Alec Bradley.

The Path to Becoming a Cigar Legend

Searching for a way out of financial ruin, Rubin serendipitously met Ralph Montero in late 2000. Montero, a cigar expert and founder of Montero Cigars, brought expertise while Rubin had the capital. The partnership was a natural fit. Montero introduced valuable contacts, including Henke Kelner, a renowned tobacco grower in the Dominican Republic. Production resumed, and success followed quickly.

Alec Bradley: Tradition Meets Innovation

In 2007, the company launched the Alec Bradley Tempus line: the brand’s first complex, bold, and full-bodied cigar. The traditionally mild, creamy profile was replaced with a truly exciting flavor experience. The company received its first major accolade in 2011 when the Alec Bradley Prensado Churchill was named Cigar of the Year by Cigar Aficionado. This marked a breakthrough for Rubin, and the tough times of the 90s became a distant memory. Driven by passion and a clear vision, Rubin built Alec Bradley into a globally recognized brand.

Rubin’s guiding principle remains: “If you dedicate an hour to a cigar, it should be the best hour of your day.” Following this philosophy, he tirelessly promoted Alec Bradley, attending trade shows, networking, and securing a place for the brand on the global stage.

3 Million Cigars a Year

With 2–3 million cigars produced annually, Alec Bradley is one of the most successful mid-sized manufacturers. Cigar Aficionado has ranked the brand in its Top 25 three times. The company proves that long-established roots aren’t necessary for success—quality is the key, and Alec Bradley cigars consistently deliver it.

Rubin has built a young and dynamic team that quickly adapts to market trends. In recent years, the demand for larger ring gauges in the U.S. has grown. The Gordo format has surpassed Toro, and with the introduction of NUB cigars by Oliva, featuring a 460-ring gauge, the sky seems to be the limit.

Currently, the Texas Lancero boasts the longest smoking time in Alec Bradley’s portfolio.

Premium Cigars for Every Occasion: Alec Bradley Overview

The Prensado series, which won Cigar of the Year, remains a flagship line. Its successor, Prensado Lost Art, debuted in 2017. The aromatic American Sun Grown is a Nicaraguan puro, while its sister blend, the American Classic Blend, features a Honduran Connecticut Shade wrapper.

Other notable lines include the Coyol, named after a Central American tree, and The Family Blend The Lineage, dedicated to Rubin’s sons. The Post-Embargo line envisions a post-Cuban-embargo world, while the Magic Toast, inspired by a celebratory bottle of Scotch, has become a reason to toast itself.

The enduringly popular Black Market series continues to captivate, not least for its bold band design. It expanded with the Black Market Esteli, featuring a completely different blend.

For rare and limited editions, explore the Fine & Rare collection. Whether you choose Double Broadleaf, AB Connecticut, Gatekeeper, or Blind Faith, Alec Bradley guarantees exceptional quality. Other notable lines include MAXX, Kintsugi, Medalist, and Project 40 and its Maduro variant.

The Diversity of Alec Bradley

Alec Bradley’s extensive portfolio spans numerous lines, ensuring that each cigar receives meticulous attention. This breadth makes choosing a cigar challenging, but the Samplers are a great way to explore.

If you can’t get enough of Alec Bradley (which we completely understand), check out their elegant ashtrays, stylish lighters, and other merchandise items!