Cigar World's WCW: Giselle Herrera from El Titan de Bronze

El Titan de Bronze has been getting some headlines lately with their decision to have General Cigar distribute their Redemption cigar. We all know Sandy Cobas, the owner of the Miami-based cigar factory which produces some of the highest-rated cigars in the industry, but we wanted to spend some time getting to know one of the other trailblazers behind this factory, Giselle Herrera. Giselle is Sandy’s daughter, wife to Drew Estate’s Master Blender Willy Herrera, and all-around badass businesswoman.

Jean: Hello! Great to chat with you again. Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us today. I know you recently went on a well-needed vacation. How have you been?

Giselle: I’ve been doing well, all things considered. I recently lost my grandmother, so it’s been a time of reflection, but I’m doing okay.

Jean: We also wanted to send our condolences regarding your grandmother. I know she was a huge presence in your life and in the shop. 

Giselle: Thank you, Jean. She truly was, and still is. I still feel her presence around us, watching over with pride. Her spirit continues to guide us every day.

Jean: How has everything been going with the Redemption? Last time I saw you, the factory was buzzing with everyone working overtime to get the products ready and you guys were busting at the seams!

Giselle: It’s been going really well! We’ve received a lot of positive feedback, and we’re thrilled to see Redemption making its way into the market. The factory is still buzzing—we’re practically bursting at the seams—but it’s all worth it.

Jean: So, I really wanted to get into further detail on you. Can you share with us how you got started in the cigar industry?

Giselle: The reason I got started in the cigar industry was because my mom, Sandy, needed help. I was 21 at the time, finishing my degree in special education, when she decided she wanted to sell cigars at her liquor store. But it was during the cigar boom, and no one had the supply to sell her. So, in typical Sandy fashion, she decided to start making her own cigars. From there, she began creating holiday gift baskets that paired cigars with liquor, and I would help her assemble those baskets. That’s when I really became more involved. Her determination and passion were impossible to ignore, and I wanted to support her however I could. Soon enough, I found myself working in the warehouse and handling more of the cigar side of the business. It was incredible to watch her vision grow into what eventually became El Titan de Bronze. Her energy was contagious, and being part of that journey was both inspiring and unforgettable.

Jean: I know you wear many hats at El Titan, but what is your role within the company?

Giselle: I’m deeply involved in the blending process, as well as sourcing materials and managing the day-to-day operations. There’s never a dull moment!

Jean: Navigating the waters of working with co-workers can be difficult, how is it working with your family every single day? And is there any conflicts with your hubby working for Drew Estate?

Giselle: I feel incredibly fortunate to work with my mom. But like any family business, it comes with its challenges. We both have strong opinions and different ways of working, so we sometimes agree to disagree (lol). We argue every five minutes, but at the end of the day, we’re focused on producing the highest quality cigars. As for Drew Estate, there’s no conflict at all—Drew Estate is like an extended family to us. They’ve always been supportive, and it works really well.

Jean: El Titan is known for their eye for detail in everything from the blends to the packaging. I know you play a big part in that. What is your favorite part of the process when you are working on producing a new cigar. 

Giselle: My absolute favorite part is seeing the blending process come to life. There’s something magical about watching it all come together, from the selection of the tobaccos to the final product.

Jean: What are some of your favorite projects/cigars that you have worked on with El Titan?

Giselle: One project that really stands out is the La Palina Goldie. It was such a special experience, especially having Maria Sierra share her incredible craftsmanship with our team. Maria wasn't just a master roller—she was a true pioneer for women in the cigar industry. She was part of the very first group of female rollers in Cuba, breaking down barriers in an industry that was completely male-dominated. Working with her was truly unforgettable. Though Maria sadly passed away a few years ago from Parkinson's disease, her legacy lives on in every cigar we produce. 

That said, every project has been special in its own way, each bringing its own set of challenges.

Jean: I know that you love to smoke cigars, so what would you say is your favorite cigar to smoke right now?

Giselle: Right now, I’m really enjoying the new El Titan de Bronze Redemption blend. It’s been a favorite recently.

Jean: When do you prefer to smoke a cigar, and do you have a favorite drink you pair with your cigar?

Giselle: I prefer to unwind with a cigar after dinner in our home cigar lounge. As for pairing, it depends on the day—sometimes it’s a nice bourbon, other times a glass of cabernet.

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Jean: Being a female in the industry, do you feel there are areas that need to be improved or added to cater more to a female audience?

Giselle: We've seen that the gap between male and female cigar smokers has definitely been narrowing, which is great to see. My mother has really paved the way for women in the industry, showing that we belong here just as much as anyone. That said, I’d love to see more women leading innovation in the industry. We’re still not taken as seriously as we should be, but progress is being made.

Jean: Well, Giselle, as always it is a pleasure to speak with you. I appreciate your time.

Giselle: Thank you, Jean! Until next time.