Fabrica Oveja Negra
Fabrica Oveja Negra
Esteli, Nicaragua
WHERE ART AND TOBACCO COLLIDE
As the name suggests, Oveja Negra (Black Sheep), does things differently.
Focused on producing small batch premium cigars with attention to detail. Producers of award wining blends for clients big and small. Oveja Negra offers its clients a factory where small batch production is the norm, and quality is the priority. James and Angela Brown live full-time in Nicaragua managing operations. "Starting our own factory in 2015 was a natural progression for us. We needed the freedom to be as creative as possible and to have ownership of every process that goes into making our cigars, ensuring 100% quality from seed to ash." - James & Angela Brown
FACTORY TOURS
BLK SHP - Nicaragua
Tuesday - Saturday (Esteli)
Limited Dates from January - April
We will visit tobacco plantations, drying rooms and Esteli sites. You will get hands-on experience blending cigars with James Brown at our factory: Oveja Negra.
Create your own custom blend selecting from the finest tobacco.
Space is limited to 12 people so don't miss this chance.
DAY ONE
ARRIVE IN NICARAGUA
Arrive in Managua where the bus will be waiting to greet you with cigars and a drink for the short drive (35min) to Granada. Granada is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its colonial history and makes for a great start to the trip. If you have extra time we suggest arriving a day ahead to allow for time to see all the sites on your own. You will be taken to your hotel in the heart of the historic district where you will meet your hosts James & Angela Brown, of Oveja Negra (Black Label Trading Co.). You will have a little time to settle into the hotel before dinner.
DAY Two
BE A CIGAR BLENDER FOR A DAY
Enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan breakfast at your hotel then the bus will pick you up and take you to the factory 2.5 hours drive up into the mountains passing volcanoes on your way. Arrive at Oveja Negra to tour the facilities and witness the artistic craft we use to make BLTC and BLK WKS unique. We will have a buffet lunch at the factory then you will be presented with various tobaccos for tasting. You will get to try the filler tobaccos that we use in our blends while James discusses the flavor profile of each one. At the end you will decide your blend and hope for the best!
You will head to your hotel around 4:30 and meet back up in the evening to walk to a nearby restaurant specializing in local steak and chicken. The meal will be paired with a cigar for enjoying together. You will be staying at a local hotel in the center of town where you can easily venture out and get to know the Nicaraguan culture.
Afterwards venture out to one of the many coffee bars or relax in the hotel garden or on the rooftop terrace.
DAY THREE
CONTINUE YOUR TOBACCO JOURNEY
Enjoy another local breakfast before returning to the factory for coffee & cigars. You will also get to try the blend you prepared and discuss the potential wrapper options with the help of Master Blender, James Brown. Afterwards you can finalize your custom blend.
You will be given the option to make purchases from the factory from the provided list as well as purchase additional cigars of your personal blend. For lunch we will drive up into the nearby Pine Forest to visit a local brewery. You will have the option to take the brewery tour and explore the systems adapted by the owner who spent several years in Europe being an apprentice.
DAY Four
VISIT TOBACCO FARMS WHERE IT ALL BEGINS
After breakfast we will travel to the outskirts of Esteli to visit a historical tobacco farm. We will visit tobacco fields, drying rooms and learn all about the process of drying/aging tobacco. Bring your walking shoes and sunscreen. Once we’ve taken it all in we will head to lunch.
After lunch return to the factory to practice bunching a cigar with the help of one of our boncheros. You will also get the chance to try putting the wrapper on after watching a detailed demonstration by one of our very talented Roleras. Return to the hotel to take a little break. Make sure to check out the nearby artisan shop across the street.
In the evening we will have dinner and you will get to smoke your final cigar to see if all the tobacco education paid off.
Day FIVE
GO HOME AND ENJOY YOUR BLENDS
Have breakfast at your hotel and pick up any last minute items before making the return trip to the airport for your afternoon flight.
PRICE:
Contact for pricing. 40% non-refundable payment to reserve spot.
INCLUDED:
Local Transportation, hotels and lunches, and a 10-pack of your own custom blended premium cigars.
NOT-INCLUDED:
International flights, alcohol beverages, departure tax, and souvenirs.
AIRPORT:
Managua International Airport (MGA), climate is tropical. Please check for current airlines. If adding an additional beach itinerary, consider arriving to Liberia Airport in Costa Rica.
HOTEL:
Hotel Los Arcos (located in the city center)
MEALS:
We have chosen some of our favorite restaurants for you to enjoy.
FAQ provided upon booking.
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Please use the contact form below to inquire about our Factory Tours and available dates.
