In Santiago, Dominican Republic, in 1876, a man named Simeon Mencia founded La Matilde. At that time, the factory was more than just a local landmark; it was the pride of early Dominican cigar craftsmanship, with the aroma of tobacco leaves wafting through every street in Santiago. However, following the founder's passing in the 1910s, the brand seemed to dissipate like cigar smoke, falling into a slumber for nearly a century and becoming a fading memory among the older generation of aficionados.
Time flowed to 2011 when the legendary cigar giant José Seijas announced his retirement from the world's largest cigar factory. Having personally created countless classic brands, everyone assumed he would settle into a quiet retirement; however, his pure passion for tobacco leaves had never been extinguished. He decided to embark on a "passion project" with his son, Enrique Seijas. They scoured historical records and ultimately decided to awaken this ancient soul that had been slumbering for a century—Matilde.
In 2014, the father and son officially revived the brand and meaningfully named their debut creation "Renacer" (Spanish for "Rebirth"). Upon its release, the cigar stunned the industry, not only earning high ratings from professional magazines but also declaring that Matilde was no longer just a name in history books, but a symbol of boutique craftsmanship pursuing ultimate balance and complexity. Subsequently, they launched the Oscura, featuring deep chocolate notes; the Serena, as smooth as morning cream; and the Quadrata, a box-pressed cigar with a solid profile and excellent construction.
However, the story reached its most heartbreaking chapter at the end of 2024. The legendary master José Seijas, who dedicated his entire life to cigars, passed away peacefully in November at the age of 74. For the cigar world, it marked the end of an era; but for his son, Enrique, it was the beginning of a legacy. To honor his father, Enrique launched a tribute masterpiece in 2025 titled "Para José Seijas" (For José Seijas).
This commemorative cigar specifically features the Peruvian tobacco leaves that José cherished most during his lifetime; every puff of rising smoke feels like a profound confession to his father's craftsmanship and spirit. Even more movingly, a portion of the proceeds from this cigar is donated to the Parkinson's Foundation, transforming personal remembrance into a greater love for society. Today, Matilde Cigars is no longer just a business; it carries a family’s promise, a century-old rebirth, and an eternal tribute to that legendary old man.
Under Enrique’s leadership, Matilde is now actively collaborating with boutique distributors worldwide and continues to experiment with rare tobacco leaf combinations through the "Limited Exposure" series. This is not merely to keep the brand fresh, but to prove to the world that even after losing a legendary master, the passion for exceptional craftsmanship still flows through the veins of the Seijas family. Matilde has evolved from a forgotten historical term into a living brand symbolizing rebirth, courage, and eternal love.
