Jorge Padron at the Light ‘em Up Lounge
Jorge Padrón, President of Padrón Cigars, shares insights into his upbringing in the tobacco world, the legacy of his father José Orlando Padrón, and the guiding philosophy that has kept the brand among the most respected in the cigar industry. From early factory memories to navigating political upheavals, hurricanes, and pandemics, Jorge emphasizes unwavering quality, deep respect for employees, and cautious, sustainable growth. He reflects on family succession, partnerships, international distribution challenges, and special projects like the collaboration with Arturo Fuente. For Padrón, the essence of success lies in balance, complexity, and preserving the integrity of the brand for generations to come.
What are your earliest memories of growing up around cigars?
I was born into the business. My earliest memories are of spending afternoons in the factory after school while my parents worked. We didn’t take many vacations—my father was always working. My sister and I grew up literally in the middle of the business, surrounded by tobacco smells, the sound of rolling tables, and the steady hum of production. Those years shaped my respect for the work and the responsibility that comes with it.
What values and lessons did you learn from your father?
My father taught me the value of loyalty, common sense, and respect for people. He never went to college, but he had more common sense than anyone I’ve ever met. He built strong relationships with both customers and employees, treating everyone with dignity. He showed me that in a labor-intensive business like ours, people are everything. If they feel respected and committed, they will protect the quality of the brand as if it were their own.
Did taking over the family business feel like a burden?
Not for me. By the time I officially took over, I had already spent years learning every part of the process and earning my father’s trust. The greatest gift he ever gave me was control of the company. This was his life’s work, and entrusting it to me was a sign of his complete confidence. I’ve never taken that responsibility lightly.
Did you ever consider a career outside the cigar industry?
When I graduated in 1991, the cigar industry was nothing like it is today. Friends asked if I was sure I wanted to do this. But I knew we had a great product—every knowledgeable Cuban smoker in Miami was smoking our cigars. My goal was to take what my father had built and grow it into something even greater.
Why is there such strong camaraderie in the cigar world?
I think it’s the nature of the product. We all put enormous pride into what we make. Even though we compete, there’s a mutual respect among manufacturers who are committed to quality. Friendships develop naturally. Personally, I don’t spend time tracking what others are doing—I focus on Padrón and making sure we deliver the best product possible.
How do you balance quality and growth?
For me, quality always comes first. If that means slower growth, so be it. Growing production isn’t as simple as “make more cigars.” It means more tobacco, more space, more skilled rollers, more management. We plan years ahead so we can expand without ever compromising quality.
How did you rebuild after the Nicaraguan embargo?
When the U.S. embargo hit in 1985, we had to shut down our Nicaraguan factory and move everything to Honduras. Production dropped from 6 million cigars a year to just 1 million. When the embargo lifted in 1990, we returned to Nicaragua and spent 15 years rebuilding the infrastructure, tobacco supply, and workforce to get back to pre-embargo levels.
What does Nicaraguan terroir mean to you?
My father said Nicaraguan tobacco was “the second coming of Cuba.” The soil here produces a flavor you can’t replicate anywhere else. That character has become part of our identity, and we’ve stayed true to it ever since.
How did COVID-19 affect operations?
We closed the factory for two weeks, then ran at half capacity in split shifts for about seven months. This let us keep our people safe while still producing cigars. It wasn’t easy, and output suffered, but we never compromised quality. By late 2020, we were able to return to full operations with safety measures in place.
Can you share more about the Fuente–Padrón collaboration?
The idea came from conversations with Carlito Fuente. We decided to make cigars honoring each other’s fathers—a project built on mutual respect. There’s no rush; the cigars will be released when they’re ready, and they’ll be worthy tributes to two men who shaped this industry.
How did the Damaso line come about?
I wanted to create an entry point into our portfolio for smokers who prefer a milder profile. Damaso is made with the same care as our other cigars but offers a different experience. It’s about introducing people to Padrón without asking them to start with a full-bodied cigar.
What is Padrón’s approach to aging cigars?
We age our tobacco before rolling. That means our cigars are ready to smoke as soon as they’re made. Some smokers like to age them further, and that’s fine—it’s a personal choice—but it’s not necessary to get the best from a Padrón.
Note: Our Light ‘em Up Humidor also features Padrón cigars (if we have them available) - check it out here.
Why is Padrón availability limited internationally?
The pandemic slowed production, and we had to prioritize existing U.S. orders. That meant less product for export, but I’m working now on allocating more to Europe so our international customers won’t have to wait as long.
What’s the story behind the Padrón Black?
I designed the black band back in the early ’90s, but we never used it. In 2015, we brought it back for my father’s 89th birthday. Today, it’s primarily used in special CRA fundraising packs. It’s a round, full-bodied cigar—a little different from our usual box-pressed style.
How do you view succession and the next generation?
I don’t feel the need to outdo my father. My job is to maintain the “Ferrari” he built and teach the next generation how to drive it. My children and nephews are learning the business from the ground up. I want them to understand that nothing is owed to them—they have to earn it.
What steps do you take against counterfeiting?
We use serial numbers, branded hinges, and other measures to protect the brand. I always tell people: buy from reputable retailers. If something looks suspicious, we investigate immediately.
Has the Padrón flavor profile changed over time?
We haven’t changed our blending or processes. Any differences people notice are due to natural aging. Our focus is on balance and complexity, not overpowering strength.
How do you approach change versus tradition?
We’re committed to our philosophy, just like iconic heritage brands. Social media is important for the company, but I personally stay focused on making cigars and maintaining quality.
What will you smoke on your birthday?
A Padrón—probably several—across our portfolio. I might even try to go through the entire lineup in one day.
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It was with great pleasure and honor that we welcomed Jorge Padron on the show as our special guest.
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The values discussed—balance, tradition, and intention—are reflected in the collection available at Light ’em Up Humidor. For those seeking more than just a smoke, this is where craftsmanship lives.
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Light em up,
Reinhard
Sensory expert, cigar passionado, and host of the Light ‘em Up Lounge
