Carlito Fuente joins Light ‘em Up
Fuente is a name that is indissolubly associated with excellence and exclusivity in the world of cigars.
Carlito, the head of the family of Fuentes, is a pioneer in the industry and was honored with the lifetime achievement award by Cigarjournal for his impressive life’s work.
Carlos P. Fuente, Jr. is a 3rd generation cigar maker, and President of the Fuente companies. The company started in 1912, when Carlos’ grandfather began rolling cigars in the family’s kitchen and selling them at the back door. Today, 100 years later, the Fuente firms are a multinational group of companies that manufacture and distribute some 30 million cigars a year.
In this moving and emotional conversation, Carlito Fuente shares the deep legacy of the Fuente family, the philosophy behind every cigar, and the cultural soul embedded in his craft. From stories of resilience in the Dominican Republic to reflections on purpose, authenticity, and heritage, he reveals why Fuente cigars are more than just tobacco — they are a symbol of hope, love, and pride. This is a rare, intimate glimpse into one of the most revered figures in the cigar world — a man whose work connects generations and transcends business to become deeply personal and spiritual.
What drives the passion behind Fuente cigars?
The love of family and culture is the heartbeat of everything. Carlito speaks of growing up in a household where the dream was not just to make cigars but to continue a legacy. What began as a family struggle grew into a purpose-driven journey. It's not about numbers or competition — it’s about making something meaningful. Every cigar is a representation of the sacrifices made and the values upheld by his father and grandfather. That passion is in the soil, in the sweat, and in the spirit of every leaf.
How do adversity and legacy shape the brand?
Carlito recounts how disaster struck — fires, financial hardship, losing everything — yet the family always got back up. From these struggles came strength and pride. The rebirth of Fuente in the Dominican Republic was not just rebuilding a business; it was reclaiming their voice. That perseverance now fuels every decision and every cigar. He reflects on his father’s unwavering discipline and generosity, which instilled a deep sense of purpose. They were never victims. They were warriors, building something not just for themselves but for everyone who believed in them.
What does it mean to create something eternal?
Making a cigar is an art, but for Carlito it’s also spiritual. He doesn’t think in terms of market trends or what will sell next. He wants to create something eternal — something that people remember, something that touches lives. Each cigar is made with an intent to bring joy, to spark emotion, to connect people across time and space. When people say a cigar changed their day, brought them comfort, reminded them of someone — that is the real reward. For Carlito, cigars are memories wrapped in tobacco.
How does heritage influence the blending process?
It all starts with love and respect — for the tobacco, for the land, for the people who cultivate it. Carlito emphasizes that no cigar should ever be rushed. The blending process is meticulous, guided by intuition and emotion as much as by knowledge. He doesn’t believe in copying others or chasing trends. Each line is born from a story, a moment, a tribute. The God of Fire, the Forbidden X — they carry legacies in their name. Every cigar has a soul, and that soul must be honored.
What role does humility play in leadership?
Carlito speaks with deep reverence for those who came before him. His role, he says, is not to seek credit but to serve something greater. The Fuente family never aspired to be famous — they aspired to be worthy. Leadership, for Carlito, means listening, learning, and giving back. He shares stories of working with children in the Dominican Republic, supporting communities, and building a foundation that extends beyond cigars. The greatest gift, he believes, is to be remembered not for products, but for love and impact.
Why is the Fuente story so emotionally resonant?
This is more than a cigar story — it’s a human story. Carlito tears up recounting letters from fans who say a cigar helped them through the loss of a parent or a hard day in life. Those moments matter more than sales or accolades. Fuente cigars have become part of people’s lives because they are made with soul. That emotional connection — that authenticity — is why the Fuente name continues to inspire so deeply. The story lives on in every draw, in every shared moment.
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Welcoming Carlito to the Light ‘em Up Lounge as our dear special guest is a tremendous pleasure and honor. Talking with him about his family legacy, the language of tobacco, the art of creating some of the most outstanding cigars and that at the end, it's still all about family, passion, and being united.
Please be invited to sign up and get personal invitations to all live sessions, where you can enjoy the stories and ask your questions to some of the industry’s greatest.
Light em up, where the good life has a voice!
Reinhard
Sensory expert, cigar passionado, and host of the Light ‘em Up Lounge
