Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A. has announced it has developed a hybrid strain of tobacco known as Vanguard Aegis.

“We are also thrilled to announce Vanguard Aegis, an exceptional new tobacco with a story as rich and intricate as our own. This addition will further enhance our unique and stellar suite of tobaccos, providing a robust foundation for future endeavors,” commented Daniel Lance, president of Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A., in a press release.

Vanguard Aegis is a Corojo-dominant hybrid strain of cigar tobacco. It was developed through a detailed process of hybridization that spans across three different countries. The Corojo variety, known for its rich flavor and robust characteristics, serves as the primary genetic influence in this unique tobacco.

The hybridization process involved a cross between Corojo and Criollo. The Criollo ‘98 contributes flavor and strength. The Corojo contributes to the dominant size characteristics. This naturalization process allowed the tobacco to adapt and thrive under varying conditions across different environments. The cross-country cultivation has resulted in a unique and resilient strain that embodies the finest qualities of each region involved.

To ensure the consistency and quality of this hybrid, a specialized cross-breeding program is employed. Specifically, Nicaraguan Corojo is crossbred with a carefully selected pilot hybrid variety. Tabacalera Familia Disla says that this method allows the hybrid’s desirable traits to be reliably replicated. This ensures that each batch of tobacco retains its distinctive characteristics.

Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A. says the resulting Vangard Aegis tobacco is “intricate and complex in flavor when smoked on its own,” The 2024 growing season marked the first successful production of filler tobacco from this hybridization.

Lance has described the results as “phenomenal.” “We believe there is a high probability of developing this strain as a wrapper tobacco in the years to come,” said Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A.

Photo Credit: Tabacalera Familia Disla S.A.