We’re thrilled to share a very special conversation with you: an interview with Justo and Vivian Eiroa of Aladino, brought to you by Polski Aficionado.
Picture this: a rooftop terrace overlooking the skyline of Krakow. The bar is alive – bartenders weaving between guests, mixing cocktails that are as good to look at as they are to sip. Soft music floats in the air. There are flowers, lights, and glass everywhere, catching the glow of the evening sun.
To your left, someone hands you a cigar with a smile, cracking a joke that gets a few chuckles from the group. On your right, another laugh. Then it hits you – on your left is Justo, son of the legendary Julio Eiroa. On your right, Vivian, his daughter. A full three generations of cigar tradition embodied in this one moment. Very real. The cigar you’re about to light? It came from their very own factory. These are the people behind the brand you’ve seen online, the cigars you’ve smoked, and now – they’re sitting across from you, laughing and talking like old friends. I never imagined this happening. But it did.
This interview took place during an exclusive event hosted by Premium Cigars, the official Aladino distributor in Poland. We gathered at the elegant Royal Cigar Lounge at Panorama Forum in Krakow, a place we’ve been lucky to visit before.
For me, it was more than a conversation. It was an experience. To light up a cigar crafted by the very people you’re speaking with – that’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
I hope it was a memorable first visit to Poland for Justo and Vivian. And I truly hope it’s not their last.
Let’s dive into the conversation.
Interview with Justo and Vivian Eiroa of Aladino
Mateusz Krzywiecki: It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’m here today with Vivian and Justo Eiroa – representing the third generation of the Eiroa family behind Aladino, one of the most exciting cigar brands to recently enter the Polish market. Today, we’ll talk about the history of the brand, its philosophy, and what makes Aladino stand out.
Mateusz: Is this your first time visiting Poland?
Justo Eiroa: Yes, and we’re really happy to be here. There’s a great cigar culture emerging here. People have been incredibly kind, and the country is just beautiful.
Vivian Eiroa: It’s my first time too. I’m so grateful to be working with the Premium Cigars team. The reception for our brand has been fantastic. We’ve seen so much enthusiasm – it’s exciting to think about the future.
Mateusz: What are your impressions of Poland so far?
Justo: The people are warm and welcoming. The overall atmosphere is incredibly friendly. We feel truly at home.
Vivian: The energy of the consumers here and the dedication of the local team have genuinely surprised us – in the best way.
Mateusz: For those discovering the brand – what exactly is Aladino, and what sets it apart?
Vivian: The name Aladino is a nod to the genie in the lamp – something magical. My grandfather created the brand to bring back the spirit of Cuba’s golden age of cigars, from 1947 to 1961. Back then, cigars were rich in flavor and known worldwide. He always said a great cigar needs taste and aroma – strength alone doesn’t make it great. We’re a fully family-run, vertically integrated company: from seed to box. Everything is grown in Honduras – except our San Andrés Maduro wrapper.
Mateusz: So is there a kind of magic in Aladino cigars?
Justo: It’s the love for tobacco. This brand was born from passion and dedication. Without that, it wouldn’t exist. And I think you can taste that in every cigar.
Mateusz: How would you describe the signature flavor profile of Aladino?
Justo: We always aim for flavor and aroma, not overpowering strength. You can smoke one, two—even three Aladinos in a day and still enjoy it. And if you want more intensity, we have fuller-bodied lines—but always with that same balanced character.
Vivian: Whether you’re into mild or medium cigars, we have blends that are flavorful without being harsh. And for those who like a bit more power, our ligero-forward lines bring that, too. We really try to offer something for everyone.
Mateusz: When you develop new blends, do you follow your own palate or the market trends?
Justo: It’s about balance. For example, I was never a fan of big ring gauges – but the U.S. market demands them. So, we adapt.
Vivian: Take Fuma Noche – it’s a stronger line but still fits our flavor philosophy. It even caught the attention of Cigar Aficionado. Bold, yet sweet and complex.
Mateusz: What drew you to the Polish market?
Vivian: I didn’t know much about it at first. But when we saw genuine interest and found the right partners, the decision was easy. I’m really thankful for that.
Justo: Poland has a lot of potential. It’s a growing market with a young, curious generation. I see it as a future hub for Europe.
Mateusz: Are Polish cigar lovers different from those in the U.S. or other countries?
Justo: Many of our customers here are between 25 and 40. They’re not just buying cigars – they’re after the full experience. That mindset is something we’re seeing in other countries too.
Vivian: What stands out in Poland is how much people appreciate the story behind the brand. Elsewhere, marketing often takes the lead. But here? Authenticity really matters.
Mateusz: Which Aladino cigar would you recommend to someone just starting their cigar journey?
Justo: Definitely the Aladino Clásico—it’s smooth, creamy, and approachable. Cameroon and Corojo are also great, depending on your taste and the time of day.
Vivian: I agree. Clásico is a perfect entry point. But if you’re ready for more strength, we’ve got options for that too.
Mateusz: Do you remember your first cigar?
Justo: It was a sweet little purito in a tin. I was still in high school. At home, there was always something to try – though I didn’t smoke a full cigar back then.
Vivian: During the pandemic, my dad gave me a Cameroon. When I smoked it, I finally understood what our work really meant. It was a magical moment.
Mateusz: And finally – how would you describe Aladino in just one sentence?
Vivian: It’s an authentic and noble brand, carrying my grandfather’s spirit. Very traditional, but growing with the family.
Justo: It’s tradition. A family of growers doing everything with passion. Aladino brings people, cultures, and friends together. When you smoke an Aladino, you’re smoking history.
Mateusz: Thank you both for your time and your passion. I’m sure Polish aficionados will love discovering Aladino.
Vivian & Justo: Thank you. And please – come visit us in Honduras. It’s a truly family-driven adventure, a little piece of peace for the soul. A tobacco leaf brings people together all over the world.
A Few Words to Close
What more can I say? That last sentence said it all – and we couldn’t agree more. We often say it ourselves: cigars bring people together. A belief we share with the Eiroa family.
I loved when Justo, just before the interview, waved off my offer to give him the better seat, joking: „We’re not that different. I was just born in a tobacco-growing family on the other side of the world. That’s all.” Then he added with a smile: „And I’m not a star. Stars are old. I’m not that old – yet.”
I’m deeply impressed by both Justo and Vivian. Since meeting them, I look at the Aladino brand with a certain sentiment – one that might very well color my reviews. And if it does? So be it. Because cigars are about people. And I truly liked these people.
This interview was made possible thanks to the kind invitation from Premium Cigars.
If you enjoyed reading this, let me know! Drop a comment or share the post – every bit of support helps others discover my cigar reviews and smoking tips. If you prefer to listen, I co-host a podcast with Piotr Siwiński called „Spotkanie z Dymem” („A Meeting with Smoke”) – currently in Polish, though who knows what the future holds? You can also find me on Instagram, where I share a slice of my cigar life – and a bit more. I always welcome a good conversation. That’s how great connections start – and they often go far beyond just cigars.
Stay smoky!
Mateusz Krzywiecki, @mateusz.krzywiecki, Polski Aficionado, @polskiaficionado
