A Passionate Journey in Cigar Rolling
Luisa Cruz Medina has been dedicating her life to meticulously crafting Cuban cigars, known as habanos, since 1984. As an ambassador for Cuban tobacco in 17 countries, she embodies the tradition, pride, and elegance of a time-honored craft that transcends generations.
A Family Legacy and a Respected Craft
In Cuba, cigar rollers are regarded as high-ranking artisans. Each habano is a unique piece, hand-molded in the galeras—rooms where the scent of wet tobacco leaf and molasses lingers amidst reading newspapers or novels, upholding a centuries-old ancestral tradition maintained by “tabaquería readers.”
Luisa belongs to the most select group: ninth-category rollers, the highest rank within the Cuban classification system. To reach this level, one must combine technique, precision, and passion.
“One starts with basic vitolas and gradually advances,” Luisa explains. “When you demonstrate quality, you move to higher categories until the final exam—both theoretical and practical—to join the global roller registry.”
This exam transformed her life, leading her to visit 17 European countries and become an ambassador for Cuban tobacco. “Spain is the country that most acknowledges our work; it’s like my second home,” she says gratefully, also recalling her fond memories of Andorra and Cyprus, where she felt warmly welcomed.
The Storytelling Hands
Cigar rolling is a meticulous process: selecting, hydrating, and skillfully shaping leaves to ensure each cigar has consistent texture and draw. For Luisa, though, every habano is more than a product; it’s a story between her hands.
Currently, she crafts the Montecristo No. 4 ligada, one of the world’s most classic vitolas. “It’s the foundation for all others,” she says, producing between 150 and 200 pieces daily depending on the caliber.
Though many associate this craft with men, Luisa clarifies: “Women predominate. We’re more detail-oriented and consistent. There are men too, but most rollers are women.”
Traveling, Smoking, and Pride
Being part of the roller registry means not only mastering technique but also representing a culture. These maestros travel abroad for three months annually to demonstrate their skills at cigar festivals, tastings, or presentations, rarely repeating destinations.
“We are ambassadors of the habano and Cuba,” Luisa smiles. “The habano is not smoked like a cigarette; it’s pleasure, taste, and adoration. It has nothing to do with addiction but enjoying the moment.”
Her recommendations are clear: a Cohíba or Partagás with strong rum; a Montecristo with red wine. “It depends on the brand and tobacco strength,” she explains, her authority stemming from years of experience.
More than 40 years have passed since Luisa began rolling her first habano. With the serenity of someone who’s traveled the world, she continues to speak about tobacco as if it were a cherished loved one.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is a torcedora? A torcedora, or master cigar roller, meticulously crafts premium Cuban cigars known as habanos.
- What makes Luisa Cruz Medina noteworthy? Luisa is a ninth-category roller, the highest rank in Cuba’s classification system. She has represented Cuban tobacco in 17 countries, embodying tradition, pride, and elegance.
- What does Luisa say about the habano? She describes it as pleasure, taste, and adoration rather than addiction. Each habano carries a piece of the roller’s heart.
