PCA: How did you end up in the premium cigar industry?
Enrique Seijas: I was essentially born into the industry. My father, José Seijas, started working in the cigar business in 1974, and his first job turned into his lifelong passion. Growing up, I spent a lot of time at the factory in La Romana. What truly attracted me to the industry was the opportunity to learn from my father and witness firsthand how he worked and treated people.
What is Matilde’s origin story, and what makes Matilde stand out in the industry?
Matilde’s story begins with my father’s retirement as VP of Operations and Master Blender for Tabacalera de Garcia at the end of 2011. Our family wanted to stay connected to the industry and decided to revive a brand with deep Dominican roots. Matilde was originally founded in 1876 but ceased around 1917. We brought it back with our first line, Renacer (which means “Rebirth”), in 2014. Our cigars are made in the Dominican Republic, using mostly Dominican tobacco, and reviving Matilde was our way of paying homage to our heritage.
What would you be doing if you weren’t in the cigar business?
If I weren’t in the cigar business, I’d probably be enjoying a cigar with a cup of coffee at our mountain cabin while working in another people-oriented industry—most likely real estate or banking.
What are two things that every person should do before they die?
In my experience, having a family is a primary driver in life. Additionally, being thankful and giving back at any level possible is essential.
What is new on Matilde’s horizon?
We have a lot of exciting projects coming up. We’re planning a small facelift for Matilde’s branding, new blends for our Limited Exposure Program, and a project dear to my heart: creating a cigar to pay homage to my father, José Seijas. This project embodies his three loves: family, tobacco, and helping others.
Bonus: If you could only watch three movies or shows for the rest of your life, what would they be?
I’m more of a sitcom guy. I’d say Seinfeld, The Office, and Shameless. They’re the perfect shows for unwinding after long days or weeks.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 4, 2024. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.