José M. Seijas, a cigar industry veteran and founder of Matilde Cigars, passed away at 74. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Seijas’ life was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation that transformed the art of cigar-making. Seijas is known for his role at Tabacalera de García, the Dominican Republic’s largest cigar factory, where he spent over 30 years developing well-known blends and elevating the company’s production from machine-made cigars to premium, hand-rolled masterpieces. Matilde Cigars announced his passing on social media on November 6, 2024.
José Seijas, Matilde Founder, Passes Away at 75
Seijas began his career in 1974 when he joined the Consolidated Cigar Corporation to establish an industrial engineering department. His early work involved tobacco sorting, selection, and processing, which gave him a profound understanding of the craft. Four years later, he took a pivotal role at La Compañía Insular Tabacalera in the Canary Islands, immersing himself in every stage of the cigar-making process. This experience would prepare him to return to the Dominican Republic, where he took the reins at Tabacalera de García in La Romana.
As Master Blender and vice president of operations, Seijas was instrumental in shaping Tabacalera de García’s reputation as a premium cigar producer. He crafted blends that would become iconic under world-renowned brands, such as Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, VegaFina, H.Upmann, and Don Diego. In 2000, his skills and dedication were honored with a rare accolade: the José Seijas Signature Series, a blend representing his personal touch. In a company as vast as Altadis, it was a significant tribute to Seijas’ mastery and influence in the industry.
In 2011, Seijas retired, closing a chapter on decades of dedication to Tabacalera de García. However, his love for cigars could not keep him away for long. In 2013, he founded Matilde Cigars, a family-run venture where he would mentor his son, Enrique, passing down his passion and expertise to a new generation. Matilde Cigars reflected Seijas’ lifelong commitment to quality, a brand steeped in tradition yet driven by innovation.
José Seijas was more than a master blender; he was a visionary who blended tobacco with the same finesse he used to connect with people. His dedication to the craft, the people he worked with, and his family will remain an enduring part of his legacy. Seijas leaves behind a family, a company, and an industry forever changed by his life’s work.
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