Asylum — Heritage & History

Asylum Cigars began not in a boardroom but in the back of a pickup truck, when Christian Eiroa, heir to the famed Eiroa tobacco dynasty, and Tom Lazuka, a veteran industry disruptor, decided to build a brand that thumbed its nose at convention. Launched in 2012, the line was born in Danlí, Honduras, at the Eiroa family’s factory—a facility that had previously produced some of the most coveted cigars of the pre-embargo era. Their first release, the Asylum 13, was a 6 x 60 behemoth priced under $5, a deliberate provocation against the premium cigar establishment. The blend, an Ecuadorian Habano-wrapped Nicaraguan and Honduran core, became an instant cult hit, proving that size and affordability didn't have to mean sacrificing depth. The brand’s subsequent expansion, including the Asylum 13 Ogre and the more refined Asylum 13 Medulla Oblongata, showcased a willingness to experiment with extreme vitolas and unconventional marketing, all while staying rooted in the Eiroa family’s century-old Honduran growing and fermentation techniques.

Blending Philosophy

Asylum’s blending approach is defined by a 'no rules' ethos that prioritizes intensity and balance over tradition. Christian Eiroa, who grew up in the tobacco fields of Danlí, employs a technique of using whole-leaf, long-filler tobaccos that are aged in burlap bales—a method that allows for slower, more even fermentation. The brand’s core Asylum 13 line uses a heavy-handed dose of Nicaraguan ligero, offset by a sweet, oily Ecuadorian Habano wrapper that tempers the blend’s raw power. In contrast, the Asylum 13 Medulla Oblongata, a limited release, showcases a more refined approach, using a double-fermented Honduran binder that adds a layer of dark cocoa and dried fruit complexity. Construction is deliberately firm, with a triple-cap that ensures a straight burn even on the brand’s signature 6 x 60 and larger formats. This is a factory that knows how to make big cigars smoke small—tight draws, even embers, and a finish that lingers without harshness.

Flavor Profile

Across the Asylum range, smokers can expect a consistent core of earthy, dark flavors punctuated by a sharp white pepper note on the retrohale. The Asylum 13 Toro opens with cedar and leather, quickly giving way to a dense core of dark cocoa and espresso, with a subtle sweetness of dried fruit that emerges in the final third. The Medulla Oblongata, while sharing the same wrapper, leans more toward a bittersweet chocolate profile, with notes of roasted nuts and a hint of black cherry. Strength varies from medium-full in the standard 13 line to full in the Ogre, which amps up the ligero content, delivering a more aggressive blast of black pepper and charred oak. Across the board, the Ecuadorian Habano wrapper imparts a distinct spiciness that never overwhelms the underlying Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers, creating a profile that is bold, direct, and unapologetically savory.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer, the Asylum 13 Toro is the ideal entry point. At $10–$14, it offers a medium-full strength that is assertive but not punishing, especially when paired with a sugary drink. Expect a smooth opening of cedar and leather, with the white pepper building gradually rather than hitting all at once. The 6 x 52 Toro format burns cool and even, providing a 60–75 minute smoke that introduces the brand’s signature depth without overwhelming a palate still learning to pick out individual notes.

Asylum Cigar Lineup

Explore 1 Asylum cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • 13 Zero — Toro, Medium-Full · $10–$14 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are Asylum cigars made?

Asylum cigars are produced at the Eiroa family’s factory in Danlí, Honduras—the same facility that Christian Eiroa’s father, Julio Eiroa, used to grow and roll tobacco for decades. The factory is known for its meticulous fermentation processes and is one of the few in Honduras that controls the entire process from seed to shelf.

What is Asylum known for?

Asylum is known for disrupting the premium cigar market with oversized, affordable blends like the original Asylum 13, a 6 x 60 that launched at under $5. They’re also recognized for their extreme vitolas, such as the 80-ring-gauge Ogre, and for being one of the few brands to successfully merge Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos in a way that highlights both regions’ strengths.

Are Asylum cigars strong?

Most Asylum cigars fall in the medium-full to full range. The standard Asylum 13 Toro is medium-full, offering a noticeable nicotine kick that builds slowly. The Ogre and Medulla Oblongata push into full strength, so if you’re sensitive to nicotine, start with the 13 line and smoke after a meal.

What is the best Asylum cigar for beginners?

The Asylum 13 Toro is the best starting point. Its medium-full strength is manageable for most new smokers, and the flavor profile—cedar, leather, and a touch of cocoa—is approachable without being one-dimensional. The price is also forgiving, so you won’t feel guilty if you don’t finish it.

How much do Asylum cigars cost?

The Asylum 13 Toro typically retails between $10 and $14 per cigar. Some of the larger or limited-edition vitolas, like the Ogre, can run slightly higher, but the brand has always positioned itself as a value-oriented player in the premium market.

What wrapper does Asylum use?

Asylum primarily uses Ecuadorian Habano wrapper leaf, which is grown in Ecuador but from Cuban-seed tobacco. This wrapper is known for its oily sheen and spicy character, and it’s a key component in the Asylum 13 line, providing a bold, peppery kick that complements the Honduran and Nicaraguan fillers.

Are Asylum cigars Cuban?

No, Asylum cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Danlí, Honduras, using a blend of Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. While the Eiroa family has deep roots in Cuban tobacco history—Christian’s grandfather grew tobacco in Cuba before the revolution—the cigars themselves are entirely Honduran-produced.

Where can I buy Asylum cigars?

Asylum cigars are widely available at brick-and-mortar tobacconists across the United States, particularly those that stock boutique brands. You can also purchase them from online retailers like Cigars International, Famous Smoke Shop, and Atlantic Cigar. Given their price point, they’re a common fixture in samplers, so keep an eye out for deals.