Carlos Abreu was born 38 years ago in Santo Domingo Este. He remembers practicing baseball in his childhood with dreams of becoming a professional player. However, accepting that as a long shot, he dedicated himself to studying accounting. Today, with 17 years in the field, he finds himself at a point in life where his biggest bet on the future is 100% focused on MDO Cigars, the brand he started five years ago in the premium tobacco industry.
His appreciation for fine cigars began over six years ago, and it became a daily pleasure during the pandemic lockdown. Confined to his home, the idea of creating his own brand was born.
In late 2018 or early 2019, his first visit to a cigar factory completely captivated him. For Carlos, the aromas and even the taste of coffee during the experience were unparalleled. This cemented his desire to be a part of the industry in any way he could.
Along with a partner who is no longer with the brand, his initial idea was to open a cigar lounge. The project was finalized on paper but was put on hold due to the pandemic. The brand was supposed to come later, but amidst the uncertainty of the lockdown, they decided to launch their cigar first and wait.
Due to issues with consistency, a highly valued quality in the market, the partners decided to move on from their initial factory. They chose Cornelio Cigar Factory as the best option to produce cigars that would meet all their expectations.
The brand’s beginnings trace back to 2020, when they introduced themselves with a Toro featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and a Robusto with a San Andrés wrapper. The brand was initially named Don Díaz Montes de Oca, a combination of both partners’ last names.
After his partner’s departure, Carlos Abreu registered the project simply as MDO (Montes de Oca), with five different vitolas: Toro, Prensado, Petit Corona, Robusto, and Prensado Robusto Figurado.
The Toro (6 x 52) and the Robusto (5 x 52) share a blend featuring a Dominican Habano wrapper, an HVA binder, and Criollo, San Vicente, and Flor de los Reyes fillers. The Petit Corona (4.5 x 42) is made with a Broadleaf wrapper, an HVA binder, and Perique and Carbonel fillers. The Prensado Toro (6 x 54) uses a Broadleaf wrapper, an HVA binder, and Broadleaf, Corojo, and Criollo fillers. Lastly, the Prensado Robusto Figurado (5 x 54) is crafted with a Habano wrapper, an HVA binder, and Broadleaf, Corojo, and Criollo fillers.
Carlos is well aware that the market in the Dominican Republic is highly competitive, with a limited number of cigar lounges and shops, making it difficult to get a foothold. However, he firmly believes that if the product is high quality, long-term success is possible. “Some brands monopolize the market, but there is still room for everyone. Quality cigars get known through word-of-mouth.”
To that end, MDO Cigars is also working on expanding internationally. They currently have open offers to get their cigars into lounges and shops in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Pennsylvania.
These achievements are a result of collaborative efforts, such as organizing the SDE Cigar Fest, an event that provides a key opportunity for exposure. “It’s an important media bridge, a source of advertising that reaches far,” he states.
