There’s a new “hardest working man in the cigar business,” and his name is Terence Reilly. While he first made a name for himself with Quesada Cigars, it wasn’t until his move to Aganorsa Leaf (then Casa Fernandez) that his influence became unmistakably apparent. With Reilly already carrying somewhat of a cult following, cigar enthusiasts could now witness his impact on a brand in real time. This began with the rebranding of Casa Fernandez to the now-beloved Aganorsa Leaf, refocusing the brand’s identity on the company’s famed AGANORSA agricultural operation and taking the motto, “Our Leaf Is Our Strength.” But changes weren’t ushered in all at once, providing a long runway for fans of the original brand to embrace the contemporary feel. One by one, year by year, logos have been updated and brands have been refreshed, allowing new entrants to fit seamlessly in the shelf beside their more experienced siblings.
In 2020 and 2021, Terence stood out as one not willing to sit on the sidelines while the world was at a standstill. He continued with cigar events—be it virtual or in person. He continued visiting the Aganorsa Leaf factory in Estelí, updating cigar enthusiasts through every outlet available (seriously; LinkedIn, TikTok, maybe even Myspace… no network can escape Terence’s ability to connect). In 2021, he helped usher in a new core brand (Rare Leaf Reserve), updated the Aganorsa font (even the little tweaks matter), rebranded the fan-favorite Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario, refocused on existing lines with new size additions, teased what’s to come in 2022 with the Cerberus cigar, collaborated on countless limited-edition shop exclusives, and hit the 40-year milestone, shamelessly releasing the TR40 cigar in his honor… Yes, the man is only 40 years old; there’s still plenty of work to be done.
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