Altar Q by
Oscar Valladares

Steeped in rich ancient traditions and embodying the cultural heritage of Mayan Empire, is the Altar Q by Oscar Valladares. Subsequently following about three decades of experience in the cigar industry, nine of which were with Rocky Patel, Valladares ventured out as his own boutique cigar manufacturer in 2011. Partnering with the equally experienced Bayron Duarte, the Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. factory located in Danli, Honduras started operations in 2012. It is well known that Oscar Valladares and his team of experts have a deep-rooted passion for their Honduran ancestry. Over the years the esteemed brand has released a number of cigars honoring their heritage. Following suit of the Oscar Valladares Ciseron Edition and the 2012 by Oscar cigar that was dedicated to the end of the Mayan calendar, more recently, and perhaps the best iteration is Altar Q. The theme for this blend is an homage to the 776 A.D. stone and sacred alter depicting the legendary lineage of Mayan leaders used by the Maya people for their rituals. Discovered by pioneer and archaeologist Alfred Maudslay in 1886 at the Mesoamerican archaeological site in Copan (present-day Honduras), the story is quite fascinating and its where the tobacco roots hail from. Drawing on the mystique of the monument, Altar Q cigar sets out about 180 miles northwest from the company’s base in Danli and into the ancient territory of the Mayans, Copan. Literally sourcing the tobacco from the site of this momentous discovery, the blend is remarkable and all-around impressive delivering and deep and complex flavor profile. An all-Honduran blend for the binder and filler, with great care and expertise, the core is sheathed with the highest quality Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. A medium bodied smoke, the notes are enticing as they saturate the palate in flavors of citrus, cedar, coffee, spice and nuts which can be attributed to the use of mid and upper primings of the tobacco plant. In terms of format, Altar Q is only available in a single size, a 6 x 52 Toro. Housed in quantities of 16 in an ornate box modeled after the artifact in which it honors, the packaging is striking in visuals a worthy showpiece in your store or customer’s home. Presented equally on theme, each one of the cigars represents one of the 16 Copan rulers as they feature individually the likeness on the bands with the altar’s imagery. It’s hard for one to pinpoint the most exceptional thing about Oscar Valladares Altar Q cigars as the combination of the monumental homage (pun intended), intricate blend and dedication to staying on brand along with craftmanship are off the meter. The cigars are well deserving of the 88-point rating awarded by Halfwheel, and a spot in your customers’ humidor by way of patronage at your stellar store. Shop Santa Clara today for this premium cigar and unique offering for the best cigar wholesale prices in the business.