Then again, maybe people don’t know how to find the smaller “boutique” brands out there in a sea of big names and hot, smoky promises. Allow me to introduce you to the previously mentioned Aria Exclusives. A Dominican-born cigar maker with handcrafted varieties from “la ciudad corazon.” The heart of the local trade.

This is one of those brands I simply cannot understand why it doesn’t have more fans, and more buzz. Okay, that’s a lie. Aria Exclusives can be tough to get your hands on depending on where you are. But still, they’re incredible cigars.

If you haven’t already, pour yourself a cool glass, light up a delicious stogie and let’s get this smokeshow on the road.

What can you tell us about Aria Exclusives?

Source: Aria Exclusives

A lot of cigar makers sprout like a bud from humble beginnings. But it’s difficult to see the big, successful companies of today as smaller, more craft-like operations. AJ Fernandez or E.P. Carrillo (Casa Carillo) for example, have really made a name for themselves, growing their operations to levels beyond what one might consider modest. That’s not the case with Aria Exclusives. It has humble beginnings, and while the brand has definitely made a name for itself among the community, it’s still very much in its inception stages.

Co-owners, Yoey and Gerard started the brand with the help of some friends after truly delving into the foundational elements of the trade. The journey actually began “with a project focused on creating hookah tobacco,” which is certainly intriguing. But the team says after “spending considerable time with cigar factories,” they changed gears and “discovered a passion for the cigar industry and the intricate art of cigar making.”

“Without hesitation, we embraced this newfound love and dedicated ourselves to our craft.”

I don’t know how you feel, dear reader, but I love the backstory. I too, fell in love with the craft and have found a new outlook after visiting cigar factories and seeing all the work that people put in behind the scenes. It’s a miracle these cigars make it to store shelves and into our hands.

Before writing, I caught up with the Aria team and asked some brief introductory questions. They responded in kind. That’s where all these quotes are coming from.

“At Aria Exclusives, we are a boutique cigar brand dedicated to crafting exceptional premium cigars at accessible prices. Our cigars are meticulously produced in our factory located in Tamboril, Santiago, Dominican Republic, using only the finest quality tobacco selected specifically for our unique blends.”

The finest quality ingredients, indeed. I know a lot of cigars are relaxing and offer what one might consider thought-provoking experiences, but Aria Exclusive cigars are standouts. I haven’t had every single blend, mind you, but the ones I have had are phenomenal.

They’re flavor bombs and if you take even just a precursory peek on social media, you’ll find many that agree.

What about the Aria Exclusive labels?

Source: Aria Exclusives

Many Aria Exclusive labels derive their names from their wrapper and tobacco blends. Like the Connecticut, Habano, or San Andres. Of course, they have more unique offerings, too, such as the Eternal Knot Rose — a balanced blend of Dominican, Pennsylvanian, Columbian and Ecuadorian tobaccos. The Rose will gingerly load your senses with flavors like earthy, cocoa, wood, citrus, and sweetness with a subtle spice undertone. The Eternal Knot Gold, on the other hand, will deliver leather, spices, earth, nuttiness, and a silky smoothness that pads the tongue like a soft pillow.

My favorites — out of what I’ve had — are the Aria Exclusives Corojo and the Habano.

“As a young company, we are backed by extensive experience and guided by a master blender who has collaborated with some of the most renowned cigar brands in the Dominican Republic. At Aria Exclusives, we consider ourselves a family, extending that same warmth and care to our customers.”

Master Blenders, as you hopefully know by now, help create the unique blends that make up the diverse, complex world of modern tobaccos and cigars. Almost every brand has one behind the scenes, and it’s exciting to see that Aria Exclusives has a renowned artist steering the sensory ship, mystery or not.

As for what’s in store, Aria is expanding with new lines, which will be available in due time:

“Currently, we offer our foundational line of cigars alongside a selection of limited releases, with plans underway for the second edition of our basic line, which will be launched once it’s ready.”

Where can you get Aria Exclusives cigars?

Boutique brands or small brands can be tough to get your hands on, especially outside local shops and areas. Luckily, Aria Exclusives has some options available. You can shop directly through the brand’s storefront — they offer merchandise, too.

There’s a Cigar Smoker Club page, as well. But they don’t have all the current blends available, so keep that in mind. I’ve never used them personally. The Aria Exclusives cigars I was able to try, I was sent by a friend.

I will say, if you have the opportunity to try some, take it. You will not be disappointed.

The post Friday Brand Feature: Aria Exclusives appeared first on The BS Lounge.