Alec Bradley Tempus — Heritage & History

Alec Bradley was founded by Alan Rubin in 1996, initially as a cigar distributor before evolving into its own brand. The Tempus line, introduced in the late 2000s, was created in collaboration with the respected blender Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. Tempus is produced in Danlí, Honduras, primarily at the Raíces Cubanas factory (formerly the Toraño factory), a facility known for its adherence to traditional Cuban rolling techniques. The line quickly gained recognition for its bold complexity and earned a reputation as a benchmark for medium-full-bodied Honduran blends. While Rubin’s family background is not in tobacco, his passion and partnerships with skilled torcedores helped establish Alec Bradley as a significant player in the premium cigar market, with Tempus standing as a flagship expression of the brand’s commitment to quality and depth. (Note: The exact year of Tempus’s launch and specific blending team details beyond Perez-Carrillo are not publicly confirmed with certainty.)

Blending Philosophy

Alec Bradley Tempus is built on a philosophy of balance and power, blending aged Honduran fillers and binders with a diverse selection of wrappers—ranging from Habano and Corojo to Maduro and Connecticut Shade—all sourced from the Jamastran Valley, Trojes region, and other Honduran growing areas. The brand’s distinctiveness lies in its ability to deliver a consistent medium-full body across all vitolas while allowing wrapper variety to drive nuanced flavor shifts. Tempus is designed for the enthusiast seeking a structured, layered smoking experience without overwhelming strength. Each cigar is rolled with precision at Raíces Cubanas, emphasizing traditional Cuban craftsmanship applied to Honduran tobacco, resulting in a profile that is both approachable and complex.

Flavor Profile

Across the Tempus range, the signature flavor character is a robust, earthy core with notes of dark cocoa, espresso, and cedar, underpinned by a subtle black pepper spice. The wrapper significantly influences the profile: Habano wrappers add leather and toasted nuts, Maduro versions introduce dark fruit sweetness and molasses, while the Connecticut Shade offers a creamier, milder expression with hints of bread and mild citrus. The Trojes-grown wrappers contribute a distinct mineral and floral complexity. Retrohales often reveal layers of cinnamon and baking spices. The finish is long, with a lingering oak and pepper tingle. This blend family remains consistently medium-full in strength, with the Lancero and Corona showcasing the most focus, and the Gran Toro providing the broadest flavor canvas.

Best for Beginners

For someone new to premium cigars, the Tempus Natural Toro is an excellent choice. Its Connecticut Shade wrapper offers a smoother, creamier introduction to the Tempus blend, with gentle notes of bread, mild cedar, and a hint of white pepper. The Toro format (6 x 50) provides a forgiving draw and a slow, even burn, allowing the smoker to experience the brand’s complexity without the full power of the darker wrappers. At $10–$14, it’s a balanced, accessible entry point.

Alec Bradley Tempus Cigar Lineup

Explore 12 Alec Bradley Tempus cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Alec Bradley Tempus cigars made?

Alec Bradley Tempus cigars are handcrafted in Danlí, Honduras. They are produced primarily at the Raíces Cubanas factory (formerly the Toraño factory), a facility known for its traditional Cuban-style rolling techniques. Some production also occurred at the HATSA factory in Danlí.

What is Alec Bradley Tempus known for?

Alec Bradley Tempus is known for its consistently medium-full-bodied profile, complex flavor layering, and the use of diverse Honduran wrapper leaves—including Habano, Maduro, Corojo, and Connecticut Shade—all sourced from specific regions like the Jamastran Valley and Trojes. It is celebrated as a bold yet balanced cigar that showcases premium Honduran tobacco.

Are Alec Bradley Tempus cigars strong?

Tempus cigars are consistently rated as medium-full in strength. They offer a noticeable nicotine presence and robust flavor, but are not typically overpowering. The strength is balanced by the cigar’s complexity, making them suitable for experienced smokers and adventurous intermediates.

What is the best Alec Bradley Tempus cigar for beginners?

The Tempus Natural Toro is the most beginner-friendly option. Its Connecticut Shade wrapper provides a milder, creamier smoke with less pepper and spice than the Habano or Maduro versions. The Toro size also offers a forgiving draw and a slower burn, ideal for building smoking technique.

How much do Alec Bradley Tempus cigars cost?

Prices for Alec Bradley Tempus cigars vary by vitola. Petit Corona and Corona sizes range from $8–$13. Robusto and Maduro Robusto sizes are typically $10–$14. Larger formats like Toro, Churchill, Gran Toro, and Lancero range from $14–$18 per cigar. Belicoso and Torpedo shapes fall in the $12–$16 range.

What wrapper does Alec Bradley Tempus use?

Alec Bradley Tempus uses a wide variety of Honduran wrappers. The most common include Honduran Habano (including Trojes-grown), Honduran Corojo, Honduran Criollo 98, Honduran Maduro (HLVA), and Honduran Connecticut Shade-grown (Sun Grown variant). All wrappers are sourced from the Jamastran Valley and Trojes regions of Honduras.

Are Alec Bradley Tempus cigars Cuban?

No, Alec Bradley Tempus cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Honduras using entirely Honduran tobacco—including wrappers from the Jamastran Valley and Trojes regions. The brand is American-owned and has no affiliation with Cuban tobacco or Cuban government entities.

Where can I buy Alec Bradley Tempus cigars?

Alec Bradley Tempus cigars are widely available at premium cigar retailers, both online and in brick-and-mortar shops. Authorized online retailers include major cigar e-commerce sites. They can also be found in many tobacconists and cigar lounges across the United States and internationally. Always purchase from a reputable vendor to ensure authenticity and proper storage.