La Galera

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José “Jochy” Blanco III is a fourth-generation tobacco grower and second-generation cigar maker, currently serving as CEO of Tabacalera Palma in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. His family’s tobacco legacy began with his great-grandfather, Manuel Blanco Lozada, who emigrated from Spain to the Dominican Republic in the mid-1800s. In 1925, Jochy’s father, José Blanco II, founded Tabacalera Palma, becoming one of the country’s first cigar manufacturers.

Jochy, passionate about tobacco from an early age, has spent decades perfecting the craft of growing and producing cigars. His factory, Tabacalera Palma, has earned global recognition for its high-quality cigars. Inspired by a painting of cigar rollers from nearly 80 years ago, Jochy created La Galera cigars, symbolizing the birthplace of his products and the culmination of his family's dedication to the craft.