The story of De Gracia & Estevez Cigars begins not with a business plan, but with a memory… A dining room in the Dominican Republic, the scent of fresh tobacco, and the quiet ritual of a man ending his day with a hand-rolled cigar and a glass of rum. That man was Miguel Angel Casado, a farmer whose commitment to connection would inspire a new generation.
Years later, his grandson, Miguel De Gracia, inherited a parcel of that same farmland, and with it came a spark. What started as a tribute to his happy childhood quickly became a full-fledged pursuit fueled by family. Short but efficient trips to the Dominican Republic have followed, where Miguel and his brother-in-law and cigar aficionado, Hector Estevez, proudly established their production in Tamboril alongside their wives, CFO Gissel and CLO Emma.
After two years of working with their master blender and countless rounds of testing, they launched four signature cigar blends at Flat Creek Estate over Thanksgiving weekend 2024.
“Our process begins with a deep respect for the heritage of tobacco cultivation and the artistry behind cigar-making,” says Miguel. “Every step, from manually rolling and binding the cigars to meticulously curing and aging them, is handled by artisans in our team who blend traditional techniques with modern precision. This careful, hands-on process guarantees that each cigar we produce is a work of art.”
DGE Cigars are now featured in local businesses that share their passion for craftsmanship. At Adele’s Restaurant & Lounge, patrons enjoy curated cigar and wine pairings on the upscale but relaxed patio. And at Iron Wolf Ranch & Distillery, DGE Cigars co-created a bourbon-infused blend called “Luna,” using the distillery’s spirit.
“Cigar lovers typically love whiskey, and vice versa, so we have forged a promotional partnership, as well as are sharing a permanent space at Iron Wolf where they have constructed an outdoor cigar lounge and store,” says Iron Wolf CEO Jordan Watters. “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this enhanced experience to our Iron Wolf Pack and venue!”
Since launching, DGE Cigars has grown rapidly, balancing scale with quality. For Miguel, watching the company evolve is like watching a child grow up, and he credits Gissel with keeping them honest and grounded every day.
“We celebrate every milestone like it’s the best thing that could happen to anyone alive,” says Miguel. “Also, what’s very important to us, and especially a mission my wife feels is a calling from God, is helping the community of Tamboril, where they are real artists who live their lives to make the amazing cigar brands we enjoy around the world.”
Giving back is part of their DNA, from supporting team members’ families in anything from providing school supplies to gifting toys for the holidays.
The journey continues—and for the De Gracias and Estevezes, that means embracing each blessing.
“We have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, not only in our partners, but in the clients who come to buy our cigars, sharing their experiences while enjoying them. It’s just like when I was a young child sitting in the living room with my family, or at celebratory moments like weddings, birthdays, the birth of a child, winning a piece of business… and most importantly, getting close to them and meeting them as humans,” says Miguel. “That’s what smoking cigars should be all about.”
Shop at dgecigars.com, and see De Gracia & Estevez Cigars at Iron Wolf at 101 Co Rd 409, Spicewood, Adele’s at 112 US-281, Marble Falls, and Flat Creek at 24912 Travis Peak Trail, Marble Falls.