In the world of premium cigars, few brands have a story as compelling as JM Tobacco. Celebrating nearly 30 years in the tobacco industry, JM Tobacco’s journey is a testament to passion, innovation, and the timeless bond of family. Read on as we explore the remarkable history behind this iconic brand and discover how its legacy continues to shape the premium dominican cigar market.
JM Tobacco’s Origins: A Birthday Gift That Sparked a Legacy
The story of JM Tobacco began in late November 1994 during a birthday celebration in Malibu. At that party, Anto Mahroukian, presented his dad with a gift that would change everything..two Davidoff cigars. This simple gesture, intended to offer something different from his father's usual cigarettes, ignited a passion for premium cigars that would soon evolve into a thriving business.
A Father-Son Legacy Forged by Quality
Anto’s father, John Mahroukian, was so captivated by the exceptional quality of those cigars that he asked for more. However, the steep price of premium cigars opened his eyes to the need for quality at a reasonable cost. With roots in Lebanon, service in the U.S. Army, and entrepreneurial experience in Michigan and the Dominican Republic doing Jewelry for esteemed folks like members of NWA, John combined his diverse background with a vision for better dominican cigars. This laid the groundwork for the birth of JM Tobacco—a brand that would eventually become synonymous with excellence in the cigar industry.
Breaking Into the Cigar Market with the Española Line
In 1995, amid a significant tobacco shortage that challenged the cigar industry, John seized an opportunity. He placed an order for 10,000 Dominican-made cigars, marking the first bold step toward establishing JM Tobacco. With a unique blend (Española) wrapped in a Connecticut shade wrapper, the brand made its debut at the RTDA (now PCA) trade show in Cincinnati in 1996. The overwhelming response was clear: the first 10,000 cigars sold almost immediately, setting the stage for a new era in premium cigar offerings.
How JM’s Dominican Became the Benchmark for Affordable Premium Cigars
By 1999, JM Tobacco pivoted with the launch of JM’s Dominican—a value-priced cigar line that didn’t compromise on quality. This strategic move was a game-changer. Investing the same level of care and expertise as their premium blends, JM’s Dominican quickly dominated the market, resonating with both new cigar enthusiasts and seasoned aficionados. For nearly 16 years, from 2000 to 2016, JM’s Dominican became a cornerstone in the brand’s portfolio, proving that exceptional quality can be accessible.
The Relaunch of Espanola
As the 20th anniversary of JM Tobacco approached, the brand recognized a gap in the market for the premium touch that originally set them apart. In response, they relaunched the Española line—a nod to their beginnings and a promise of premium excellence. With continued successes in Connecticut and Maduro blends, JM Tobacco has begun delivering special editions like the "Year of the Dragon" that captivate cigar lovers worldwide which has now become a permanent offering in their portfolio under the Espanola Corojo name.
30 Years and Beyond
As JM Tobacco approaches its 30th anniversary in 2026, the brand stands as a beacon of resilience and innovation in the cigar industry. Anto, now 47, has led this incredible journey, witnessing his personal evolution from a casual smoker to a connoisseur who appreciates the bold, complex flavors of premium cigars. The JM Tobacco story is more than just a business tale—it’s a celebration of family, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
For cigar enthusiasts seeking both value and a premium experience, JM Tobacco continues to cater to a diverse range of tastes. Their legacy, rooted in a single birthday gift in Malibu, has grown into a thriving enterprise that embodies the spirit of true cigar craftsmanship.
If you're a member of UHC you have tasted all these blends through our packs and can find your favorite in our Cigar Library. If you're looking to try the entire Española line we have an Española Taster Pack available.