Where do premium cigar rollers come from—and how long does it take to master the craft?

The craftsmanship behind a premium cigar begins long before it reaches the humidor. In this Q&A, Rocky Patel explains where the rollers in his factories come from and why experience matters so deeply in cigar making. With factories in Honduras and Nicaragua, many artisans are drawn from small towns with generations of cigar-making tradition, where rolling cigars is both a skill and a legacy.

New rollers start at the back of the factory learning short fillers and bunching—an essential step in ensuring proper construction and draw. Over the course of five to seven years, they gradually advance, much like musicians earning their place in an orchestra. Applying the wrapper is a separate discipline entirely, requiring precision and feel developed only through time. This commitment to training and patience is what ensures every cigar reflects the consistency and quality Rocky Patel is known for.