Te Amo The Original

San Andres

Going as far back as 1888, a family whose father and son duo’s legacy in the cultivation of tobacco include running Mexico’s largest cigar and tobacco operations graced the cigar industry with the Te Amo brand in 1966. The Patriarch of the Turrent family, Alberto Turrent, came from a humble beginning in the family business, getting his start driving tobacco trucks. From there, in 1998 at the age of 25, Alberto started officially in the family’s cigar business which also happens to be around the time when the US market was saturated with more than 26 million Mexican-made cigars. Present day, according to the Cigar Association of American numbers, premium cigars produced in Mexico accounted for less than one percent in the market, a drastic change in just over two decades speaking volumes. Once popular and prominent on American shelves, the Te Amo brand, then known more specifically as “Te-Amo” hold on the market was slipping. What was once a community where Mexican tobacco was coveted and celebrated, now seemed to have lost their luster and appeal. Considerably disheartening, as this was more than likely the first authentic Mexican cigar enthusiast experienced and was so well-received that the name “Toro”, which came from the imagery of a bull on its original packaging, is still being used to this day. No to mention the rippling effect it caused in the industry for the “working man” cigar leading to a high demand for Mexican blends that were high in caliber and low in cost appealing to the masses. After their initial re-entry into the market with Te-Amo Revolution didn’t quite pan out as intended, despite a 92 score and top 25 ranking on Cigar Afficianados Top 25 List, the brand decided to take their time to fix their crown working overtime since the pandemic. The result: Te Amo The Original San Andres Valley Cigar. For those who are unfamiliar, Te Amo means “I love you” in Spanish. And now for the “Original San Andres Valley” portion. Considered one the first of its name- an all-Mexican blend, hence original and the San Andres Valley is highly regarded as ideal for growing tobacco due to its prime location to volcanoes, surely enriching the fertile soil, crisp fresh air and cool clear waters, we would say the naming convention is crowning. A far cry from its original packaging of a Matador and bull, the new Te Amo’s packaging is focused on its name, essentially its origin, growing regions and every other facet of the cigar. An all-white canvas allows for artistic variations of green that are valleys play background to the logo and tagline highlighted in gold to be the focal point. Simplistic and sharp in visuals but eye-catching, the box reveals a neat row of cigars boasting opulent gold bands matching its housing. Masterfully crafted by the renowned family, the comeback is prizewinning. A Mexican puro all grown in lush soil of the San Andres Valley; the blend is distinguished by its brawny Habano seed wrapper cloaking a Negro San Andres binder (expertly aged for 5 years) atop a Habano San Andres filler. Journey through the compelling flavors of authentic Mexican tobacco once lit. Experience affluent spicy and savory tones of earth, leather and wood topped off with a natural sweetness. While it’s a full-bodied Mexican, the smoke falls into a medium-full range in strength appealing to just about any enthusiast on the spectrum. The line-up offers a 6 x 60 Magnum, 5 x 54 Robusto and 6 x 52 Toro all available in boxes of 20 here at Santa Clara, your trusted cigar wholesaler. If you are looking to showcase your cigar expertise and bring crowds of customers to your door, line your shelves with a traditional and truly authentic Mexican cigar from fan-favorite and famed Te Amo brand today. Shop now!