Sandro
In this question-answer session with Sandro, the founder of Caminovación, he shares insights into the inspiration and philosophy behind his exclusive cigar brand. Founded in 2018 by a group of Swiss cigar enthusiasts, Caminovación was created to offer unique, high-quality pure handmade cigars crafted in partnership with a trusted family-owned factory in the Dominican Republic. Sandro discusses the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each cigar, from selecting premium tobacco leaves to the skilled, hand-rolled production. Each cigar blend is designed for a distinct experience, with flavours ranging from the earthy, spiced Caminovación Colino to the mild, leather-toned Caminovación Conexión. The brand’s elegant packaging reflects its commitment to quality, with boxes doubling as humidors.
Sandro also highlights Caminovación’s exclusive distribution philosophy, available only through selected channels to maintain rarity and customer connection. Looking forward, he teases upcoming releases and limited editions, ensuring cigar aficionados will have more to discover in Caminovación’s evolving collection.
The Inspiration behind Caminovación
We started the interview by asking, “Caminovación cigars have become synonymous with exclusivity and premium craftsmanship. What was the inspiration behind starting this brand?”
Sandro replied, “The idea for Caminovación began in 2018 when a group of passionate cigar enthusiasts from our Swiss cigar club wanted to create something unique, something that reflected our love for exclusive cigars and premium quality. After a long evaluation period, we partnered then with a trusted family-owned cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, known for its uncompromising standards. Our goal was simple — to craft great cigars that would provide an unparalleled smoking experience. The results were so well received by the club members that we decided to expand the offerings to the public.”
The Art of Crafting Caminovación Cigars
The Worlds Times: Caminovación cigars are handmade in the Dominican Republic. Could you tell us more about the craftsmanship that goes into creating each cigar?
Sandro replied, “Every cigar we produce is a result of meticulous craftsmanship. Our cigars are handmade art by master artisans in the Dominican Republic who have years of experience. The attention to detail, from selecting the finest tobacco leaves to the careful rolling process, ensures that each cigar is perfect. We also take pride in using high-quality wrappers, which contribute to the exceptional flavour profile of each blend. Our cigars are not mass-produced; they are made in small batches to guarantee the highest pure artisanal quality. Each cigar speaks of dedication and a legacy of skill.”
A Journey of Flavour
The Worlds Times: Caminovación cigars are known for their rich and complex flavours. Could you walk us through the taste experience of some of your most popular cigars, such as the Caminovación Colino and Caminovación Conexión?
Sandro replied, “With pleasure! The Caminovación Colino (Short Robusto 50×4) is a medium-strength cigar featuring a Habano 2000 wrapper. It opens with earthy and oaky notes, complemented by a subtle sweetness and light spice. As you progress, the spice becomes more pronounced, but it never overpowers the harmony of flavours.
The Caminovación Conexión (Toro 50×6), on the other hand, offers a milder experience. Wrapped in Connecticut Ecuador, it starts with a light spice, and as you reach the middle, you’ll notice earthy and leathery tones. By the final third, all the flavours—spice, earthiness, and leather—blend together for a smooth yet rich finish. Each cigar’s complexity reveals itself in layers, making for a truly nuanced experience.”
The Art of Presentation
The Worlds Times: Many cigar enthusiasts admire the elegant design of your packaging, especially the 20-cigar boxes with a built-in humidifier holder. What inspired this design?
Sandro replied, “We wanted our packaging to reflect the simple artisanal but also luxury and thoughtfulness of our cigars. The black cigar boxes are designed not only for aesthetic appeal but also for functionality. The inclusion of a humidifier holder allows the box to double as a humidor, keeping the cigars fresh for an extended period. It’s perfect for cigar lovers who appreciate convenience without compromising quality. We believe the presentation is an important part of the overall experience, and our packaging ensures that the premium quality of our cigars is maintained even after purchase.”
The Philosophy of Exclusivity
The Worlds Times: Caminovación cigars are not available in traditional stores. Could you explain the philosophy behind this exclusivity?
Sandro replied, “Exclusivity is key. From the start, we wanted to keep Caminovación cigars exclusive. They aren’t something you can find on every corner. Our philosophy is rooted in creating a special experience for those who appreciate premium, hand-crafted cigars. By offering them only through selected channels and directly via our website, we maintain that sense of rarity and exclusivity. It also allows us to build a closer relationship with our customers, providing them with a unique shopping experience and ensuring they receive the best service.”
Crafting the Perfect Blend
The Worlds Times: The Caminovación collection features a range of cigars, from mild to medium strength. How do you decide on the blend of tobaccos for each cigar?
Sandro replied, “Each blend is crafted to deliver a specific experience. We consider the wrapper, filler, and binder carefully to create a truly balanced smoke that aligns with the cigar’s intended strength and flavour profile. For instance, the Caminovación Gran (Gran Toro 56×6) has a bolder, spicier character, so we use a Havana 2000 wrapper paired with a mix of Dominican Ligero and Nicaraguan Ligero, along with Cuban Seco. The result is a powerful, earthy cigar with a full flavour. Each blend undergoes multiple tests before being finalized, ensuring that every cigar provides a unique, harmonious smoking experience.”
Caminovación First-Timers
The Worlds Times: Your cigars have a strong following among both experienced cigar smokers and newcomers. What would you recommend for someone trying Caminovación cigars for the first time?
Sandro replied, “For those new to Caminovación, I’d recommend starting with the Caminovación Conexión (Toro 50×6). It’s a mild to medium cigar, offering a smooth balance of spice, earthiness, and leather, making it approachable yet complex enough for seasoned smokers to enjoy. For a shorter smoke, the Caminovación Colino (Short Robusto 50×4) is a great option, delivering rich flavours in a compact format. Both are perfect introductions to the world of Caminovación. If you are a more experienced smoker, you may directly try our signature masterpiece, the Caminovación Presidente (Salomone 50/60×7 1/4), for a more intricate experience.”
New Releases on the Horizon
The Worlds Times: What’s next for Caminovación? Can we expect any new releases or special editions in the future?
Sandro replied, “We’re always working on something new. In 2024, we did launch two exciting additions: the Caminovación Colino and the Caminovación Diplomatico. The Diplomatico features a Cameroon Ecuador wrapper and a double ligero blend, offering a rich, medium-strength smoke with earthy, creamy, and peppery notes. We’re also expanding our range to include more limited-edition releases, next by the beginning of 2025, so stay tuned for more announcements!”
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
The Worlds Times: Finally, what does Caminovación mean to you personally, and what do you hope it represents to your customers?
Sandro replied, “Caminovación is a labour of love and passion, from heart. To me, it represents craftsmanship, rustic exclusivity, and the art of enjoying the finer things in life. For our customers, I hope it represents the pinnacle of quality and a unique, memorable smoking experience that they can’t find anywhere else. Whether they’re enjoying a Caminovación cigar on a special occasion or after a long day, I want them to feel that they’re part of something truly exclusive.”
Final Thoughts
Lastly we asked, “Is there anything else you’d like to add for those discovering Caminovación for the first time?”
“I’d say don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions or feedback. We take pride in creating cigars that offer a perfect balance of tradition and innovation, and we’re always looking to connect with those who share our passion for premium cigars. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s a Caminovación cigar that’s perfect for you.” Sandro concluded
Visit Caminovación to learn more about it.
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