RoMa Craft — Heritage & History

RoMa Craft Tobac was founded in 2005 by Skip Martin and Michael Rosales, but the brand's true identity emerged from a partnership with the Estelí-based TAVICUSA factory, where production began in earnest around 2011. The duo’s background—Martin as a former craft beer salesman and Rosales as a veteran of the industry—shaped a no-nonsense approach: they release blends when ready, not on a schedule. The Intemperance line, including the EC XVIII (named for the 18th Amendment), was among their early breakthroughs, pairing a bold Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro with Nicaraguan fillers to create a full-bodied smoke that defied the era's milder trends. Unlike many boutiques that chase limited editions, RoMa Craft built its reputation on core lines like the Intemperance and the CroMagnon, the latter a tribute to prehistoric man that showcases their affinity for strength and earthiness. Their refusal to compromise on tobacco quality—often sourcing aged Nicaraguan leaves—set them apart in a crowded market, and their cult following grew through word-of-mouth rather than advertising.

Blending Philosophy

RoMa Craft’s blending philosophy is rooted in a 'less is more' approach: they favor a smaller number of high-quality tobaccos, often aged longer than industry norms, and they avoid over-blending to let each leaf contribute distinctly. The Intemperance EC XVIII, for example, uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper that is thick and oily, paired with Nicaraguan binder and filler that are aged for several years—this results in a cigar that is powerful but not harsh, with a deliberate construction that ensures an even burn. Their CroMagnon line, meanwhile, employs a similar structure but with a different wrapper, showcasing how they manipulate leaf selection to create varied profiles. At TAVICUSA, they oversee every step, from rolling to boxing, and they are known for rejecting entire batches if the draw or burn isn't perfect—a practice that explains their limited production and consistent quality.

Flavor Profile

Across the RoMa Craft range, smokers can expect a core of dark, earthy notes: leather, dark cocoa, and a distinct white pepper that tingles on the retrohale. The Intemperance EC XVIII, in particular, delivers a robust profile of espresso, dried fruit (think raisin and fig), and a subtle sweetness from the Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, which also imparts a slight molasses character. As the cigar progresses, cedar and toasted nuts emerge, with a lingering finish of black pepper and earth. The strength is consistently full, but the flavors are well-balanced, never harsh. In the CroMagnon line, the profile shifts slightly toward more leather and a meaty umami note, while the Intemperance remains the benchmark for those seeking a bold yet refined experience. There is little variation in strength across their core lines—they are all full-bodied—but the flavor nuances differ enough to keep enthusiasts exploring.

Best for Beginners

For a newcomer to full-strength cigars, the Intemperance EC XVIII Robusto is the most accessible entry point. At around $12 per cigar, it offers a 5-inch by 50-ring gauge format that smokes for roughly 45 minutes to an hour. Expect a bold but not overwhelming profile of dark cocoa, leather, and a touch of white pepper, with a smooth finish that avoids bitterness. The Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper adds a natural sweetness that helps ease novices into the strength, making it a forgiving introduction to RoMa Craft's style.

RoMa Craft Cigar Lineup

Explore 1 RoMa Craft cigars in the AshMap encyclopedia:

  • Intemperance EC XVIII — Multiple vitolas available; core line includes Robusto, Toro, and Churchill formats, Full · $12–$16 per cigar

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are RoMa Craft cigars made?

RoMa Craft cigars are produced at the TAVICUSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This factory is known for its small-batch, hands-on production, and RoMa Craft maintains a close relationship with the team there, overseeing every step of the rolling and aging process.

What is RoMa Craft known for?

RoMa Craft is known for its bold, full-strength blends that prioritize aged Nicaraguan tobaccos and a no-compromise approach to construction. Signature lines like the Intemperance EC XVIII and CroMagnon have earned a cult following for their consistent quality and distinctive flavor profiles, often featuring Connecticut Broadleaf wrappers.

Are RoMa Craft cigars strong?

Yes, RoMa Craft cigars are consistently full-strength. The Intemperance EC XVIII, for example, is rated as full-bodied, delivering a robust nicotine kick that is balanced by rich flavors. If you are sensitive to strength, it's best to start with a smaller vitola or smoke after a meal.

What is the best RoMa Craft cigar for beginners?

The Intemperance EC XVIII Robusto is the best starting point for beginners. It offers a manageable size, a price point around $12, and a flavor profile that is bold but not punishing, with notes of dark cocoa and leather that are approachable for those new to full-strength cigars.

How much do RoMa Craft cigars cost?

RoMa Craft cigars are priced in the premium range, typically between $12 and $16 per cigar for the Intemperance EC XVIII line, depending on the vitola. This reflects the quality of the aged tobaccos and the small-batch production methods.

What wrapper does RoMa Craft use?

RoMa Craft uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper from the USA for the Intemperance EC XVIII line. This wrapper is known for its dark, oily appearance and contributes notes of sweetness, earth, and a slight molasses character to the blend.

Are RoMa Craft cigars Cuban?

No, RoMa Craft cigars are not Cuban. They are made in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the TAVICUSA factory, using Nicaraguan fillers and binders, along with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper from the USA. They are a prime example of the modern Nicaraguan boutique cigar movement.

Where can I buy RoMa Craft cigars?

RoMa Craft cigars are available at select brick-and-mortar retailers that specialize in premium cigars, as well as through online cigar merchants. Due to their limited production, it's best to check with authorized dealers or the brand's official website for availability and to ensure you're purchasing authentic products.