Following nearly six decades of a remarkable journey in the United States, Joya de Nicaragua will take an important step forward:
Starting January 1 , 2026, the company will manage the distribution of its products in the U.S. directly through a newly established entity. This change will offer a more intimate and direct connection with cigar lovers who know and value what the brand stands for. It marks the beginning of a new era — built on over 17 years of collaboration with Drew Estate, a trusted partner and dear friend throughout much of our journey.
Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, Chairman of Joya de Nicaragua states:
“This transition is not the end of a relationship; it is the natural evolution of one. We are standing on the shoulders of a friendship that has helped shape who we are today. This evolution is not about a change in philosophy—it’s about taking ownership of the path ahead. It reflects the brand’s belief that excellence is not a destination, but a journey—one shared with those who appreciate authenticity, seek meaningful experiences, and value the finer things in life without the need for extravagance. I thank Jonathan, Glenn and the whole DE team for being part of our story”.
Since 2008, Drew Estate has served as a loyal and passionate distributor of Joya de Nicaragua. Joya de Nicaragua expresses its profound gratitude to the entire Drew Estate family for their dedication to the brand’s legacy and to every member of the team who has represented it with pride.
Jonathan Drew Sann, founder and president of Drew Estate notes:
“Joya de Nicaragua has played a meaningful role in my life since 1998, far earlier than the beginning of our distribution arrangement 17 years ago. When the entire Drew Estate factory was a mere, homegrown group of just six of us in Estelí Central, we looked up to Joya de Nicaragua as a bright light of conviction, principle, and individuality. Most notably, their dedication to honoring their staff, Nicaraguan brothers and sisters who so loyally stand behind the brand and stand side-by-side with our dear friend, Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca. It was as easy to fall in love with the Joya family as it was to fall in love with Nicaragua itself: complex, beautiful, mysterious, serious – Joya is Nicaragua and Nicaragua is Joya. The admiration that each of us at Drew Estate feel for the Martínez and our Joya family is extraordinary and will never change.”
As Joya de Nicaragua prepares to take the lead in its U.S. distribution, the company will share additional details with retailers, partners, and cigar lovers in the months ahead. In the meantime, trade partners can continue acquiring Joya de Nicaragua’s products as usual through their trusted Drew Estate representatives.