Our Process
At Bariay 1492, we don’t mass-produce cigars. We do things differently. We craft our cigars slowly, deliberately, and with reverence for the ancient roots of cigar making - thanks to decades of experience from our master blender César Ramirez and our trusted partners.
We have revived and perfected the methods of cigar making that Castro kept for himself. Now we're sharing it with you.
From Estelí to Ometepe A Complete Expression
We source our tobacco from our farming partners in the four major growing regions of Nicaragua: Estelí, Contega, Jalapa, and the volcanic island of Ometepe. Each region contributes something distinct, and we blend them with care to create a refined Bariay experience.
Every Leaf is
Hand-Selected
Few competitors still take the time to hand-select their tobacco — we do. Every leaf in a Bariay cigar is carefully chosen by our team. It’s more work, but it’s essential to the notes, burn, and balance that defines our cigars. We know that great cigars aren’t blended in bulk — they’re built leaf by leaf.
We Select
from the Top
We only use viso, ligero, and seco leaves — no volado. These upper-plant tobacco leaves are rich, oily, and packed with the complex notes that define a quality cigar. We select from the top – literally. Thanks to our trade-secret third fermentation process, we're able to reduce the strength (nicotine), oils, and ammonia in these bold upper leaves while preserving their richness. This allows us to blend viso and ligero in higher ratios without overwhelming the smoker — crafting cigars with medium strength, full complexity, and unmatched smoothness.
Reviving the Forgotten
Craft of Aging
In the age of mass production of cigars, we step back into the forgotten ways - to the ancient Cuban methods of aging and fermenting tobacco. We do not use current industrial standards of plastic to ferment the tobacco; we use only wood and our secret edge that brings back those long-forgotten ways — the original, time-honored method of aging and processing tobacco to draw out character that shortcuts simply can't.
Third Fermentation
Sets us Apart
Almost all cigar brands stop at two fermentations. We don’t. Our unique trade secret recipe and third fermentation is where the magic happens — unlocking hidden layers of notes, taming nicotine, and bringing depth without the spicy and bitter harshness. It’s a step almost no one takes because it takes time, space, and delicate care. The quality of our smooth, ammonia-free cigars prove it's worth the effort.
A New Way to Roll
Inspired by the Old
Bariay cigars are rolled using a hybrid method, developed by César and Wilfredo, that blends the best of both Cuban and Nicaraguan traditions. César calls it the "reverse" method — and it’s unlike anything else in the market. Where other cigars often start smooth and grow acidic and harsh by the halfway point, Bariay cigars do the opposite: they become smoother and more refined as you smoke them down. This rolling style produces a cigar that is firm and consistent, not spongy or loose, delivering an easy draw with excellent combustion. It's why our cigars are often smoked all the way to the nub — not because you're forcing it, but because you simply don’t want the experience to end.
We Refuse to
Cut Corners
Every decision we make — from how we age to what we refuse to use — is thoughtful. Others may choose speed or scale. At Bariay, we choose intention, quality, and a process that honors both the past and the cigar in your hand. We pride ourselves in crafting the best cigar experience and now, we share it with you.
We Control
Every Step
We carry out fermentations in-house, giving us full control from leaf to light. That means consistency, deeper character in each cigar, and zero compromise on quality. No chemicals. No additives, no shortcuts. When you pick up a Bariay, you know what you are going to get each and every time.
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