For Luis and Vivian Márquez, the heart and soul of Márquez Cigar stem from a clear vision: to foster family among smokers and support Puerto Rico’s premium cigar brands.
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Enrique Quijano
The fruit of relentless effort, their new Márquez Cigar Lounge debuted in a soft opening brimming with excitement –where elegance and glamour were surpassed only by the warmth of its people. The event featured Manuel Inoa, master blender of La Aurora, who led a tasting of the Dominican factory’s 120th Anniversary commemorative cigar.
With nearly 90 guests, including prominent female smokers and industry figures, one thing became clear: Márquez Cigar isn’t just a retail spot or another smoking venue in Puerto Rico. It’s a purpose-driven home for tobacco culture.
Vivian speaks proudly of the attendees and the atmosphere they created. She recalls the awe in their eyes, the murmurs of surprise and excitement upon realizing the project wasn’t just real –it exceeded expectations.
Luis, meanwhile, highlights the cigar community’s embrace and the support from other lounges and houses. For him, Casa Montecristo Puerto Rico’s partnership confirms what they’ve always believed: this is about unity.
Though the grand opening (tentatively set for early September) remains ahead, the soft launch proved more than a success –it revealed the spirit behind the lounge’s creation.
Every lamp, every corner bears the mark of those who built it: Luis, perched on a 20-foot ladder; Alexander, his son, working 12- to 14-hour days; Vivi, at 5 p.m. on event day, putting final touches as guests arrived. In short, this lounge wasn’t built with money alone –but with sweat, soul, and sleepless nights.
They’ve crafted a space where men and women can share knowledge about vitolas, techniques, history, and experiences. A sports lounge with soft instrumental, jazz, or bohemian tunes, where major games screen overhead –and no one feels out of place.
“This was needed in Puerto Rico,” they assert. Not just for the lounge’s comfort (a contrast to Old San Juan’s pricey parking and heel-unfriendly streets), but because the island lacked a home for all. “Here, alongside coffee, rum, and whisky, we serve white wine, champagne, and cava –little touches that invite you to stay.”
Crucially, Márquez Cigar welcomes other brands. Though they produce their own blends and operate independently, one goal is to elevate local brands. They already collaborate with three, including those by Puerto Ricans abroad –because growth should be collective. “We dream of the day Puerto Rican tobacco leaves wrap cigars worldwide.”
Vivi minces no words: they’re no trust-fund kids. With 35+ years in commerce, theirs is a self-made family legacy. Every step, event, and shared cigar paves that path.
Upcoming plans include: Weekly live music, educational events for men and women and rentable VIP spaces for private/corporate gatherings. Márquez Cigar aims to be more than a lounge—an ever-renewing experience.
Luis and Vivian know this is just the beginning. Next comes cultivation and education: teaching that lifting a band shouldn’t overshadow understanding what you smoke. Like life, tobacco is best enjoyed when shared –with respect, knowledge, and passion.
