Enrique Sánchez I: 20 questions with the founder of Global Premium Cigars

Enrique Sánchez I is the founder and owner of 1502 Cigars, a premium cigar brand from Nicaragua. His connection to his country and passion for cigars are deeply rooted in the brand's philosophy and identity, and the name "1502" refers to the year in which Christopher Columbus discovered Nicaragua, symbolizing Enrique's proud connection to his homeland. Enrique managed to achieve global popularity through his brand, and his cigars are appreciated for their high quality and unique blends.

Sánchez is also known for his collaborations with famous tobacconists such as Néstor Plasencia and AJ Fernandez, which has allowed him to create cigars with a special character, including lines such as 1502 Emerald, Ruby, Black Gold and XO.

Although 1502 Cigars are proudly Nicaraguan in origin, Global Premium Cigars is looking to expand its products into international markets and establish itself as a leading player in the premium cigar segment. The company's focus is on maintaining high production quality, while responsibly expanding to new market regions, so that the brand becomes synonymous with the ultimate cigar enjoyment experience.

This interview reveals a deep passion and dedication to the cigar industry, as well as a love for Nicaragua. Through the answers to the questions, Enrique shares his personal story, the philosophy of the brand and the challenges he has faced along the way. This exclusive interview provides a unique insight into the world of cigars through the perspective of one of the most important people in the industry. We asked him 20 questions, here are the answers we got.

What inspired you to name your brand "1502" and how does this historical reference influence your brand identity?

E: Brand 1502 is my personal story and identity. The year 1502 marks the rediscovery of Nicaragua by Christopher Columbus. Our slogan "Orgullosamente Nicaragüense" (Proudly Nicaraguan) expresses this connection. Not only are our cigars made in Estelí, Nicaragua, but I, as the owner, blender and founder, am a true Nicaraguan.

Can you share an interesting anecdote from your initial conversations with Néstor Plasencia that shaped your approach to cigar making?

E: Of course! Don Nestor Plasencia introduced me to this wonderful industry. I remember when he told me: "Enrique, many people are proud of our Nicaraguan cigars, but none of them are true Nicaraguans. If you can combine your passion for the country and cigars, no one will stop you." That moment gave me immense motivation.

What makes the 1502 Emerald, Ruby and Black Gold lines special in terms of taste and smoking experience?

E: Each of these lines has a unique character. 1502 Emerald contains a long-lasting cigar filler from San Andrés, Mexico. The 1502 Ruby has a wrapper from Ecuador from the Oliva family, while the 1502 Black Gold has a natural Maduro wrapper also from San Andrés. Emerald is perfect for breakfast, Ruby for lunch, and Black Gold for dinner.

How did the concept of using old tobacco for the 1502 XO line come about, and what challenges did you face during development?

E: 1502 XO was my biggest challenge in this industry. When working with old tobacco, the biggest challenge is to find it because it is very rare. Then, you have to achieve magic with limited resources, and the hardest part is maintaining consistency over the years. Only rare families, like Plasencia, can achieve this.

How do you incorporate elements of Nicaraguan culture and heritage into the cigar making process?

E: As a Nicaraguan, it is natural for me to include our culture, people and gastronomy in the process of creating cigars. I am proud of my roots and love our history, and that is reflected in every cigar we produce.

Why is it important to you to emphasize that 1502 cigars are proudly Nicaraguan, and how do you reflect this in your branding and marketing?

E: It is my identity and life. Being "Proudly Nicaraguan" means understanding and appreciating our country and people. This is the basis of our passion, and thus the magic we create through our cigars.

How do you decide on the final blend for each cigar and what role does customer feedback and expert reviews play?

E: Customers play a key role. But ultimately, I blend cigars to my own taste. The process involves a lot of trial and error until I achieve perfection. Only then will the cigar go on the market.

What strategies have you applied to expand 1502 cigars to international markets and how has the response been in different regions?

E: We were blessed that people around the world accepted us openly. Our cigars are present on all continents except Australia and Antarctica, and our goal is always to grow responsibly, without compromising on quality.

How do you maintain consistency and quality control across different production runs as you expand globally?

E: We work with three families: Plasencia, AJ Fernandez and Barreda. They are the best in the business and know how to maintain consistency. It's teamwork.

Can you share a personal story about an important moment or turning point in your journey with the 1502 Cigars brand?

E: I have had many significant moments, but one that I would single out is the phrase I put on the 10th anniversary box of 1502: "I met the most wonderful people with a cigar in my hand."

How has your personal experience and passion for cigars influenced your approach to creating unique and high-quality blends?

E: I believe that personal experiences shape us as people. Passion and talent are key to creating something great. Everything I do, I do with passion, because that's the only way you can create something extraordinary.

What innovations or new lines can we expect from 1502 Cigars in the near future?

E: I'm always mixing and creating. It is part of me, my passion. You will have to wait for the new blends, but I guarantee you will love them.

How do you see the future of the cigar industry and what trends do you think will shape its development?

E: The cigar industry has evolved over hundreds of years and will continue to do so. The blends and brands we see today are different from the ones our grandfathers smoked. There is still much to discover and innovate.

How do you communicate with the cigar aficionado community and what initiatives do you have in place to build a loyal customer base?

E: The best way to connect is through cigars. They must tell a story and be attractive. In addition, we connect through events, social networks and magazines like DART.

What is a lesser-known fact about 1502 cigars or the manufacturing process that might fascinate cigar lovers?

E: I consider myself an artist and a perfectionist. If you try our premium cigars, you'll see what I mean - details are key.

How did meeting Néstor Plasencia affect your career and what key lessons did you learn from him?

E: Without Néstor Plasencia, I wouldn't be in the industry. I learned a lot from him, but the most important lesson is that we learn something new every day. People who claim to know everything, really know nothing.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to get into the cigar industry?

E: If you want to get into the cigar industry, you have to love it. This is not an industry where you are only looking for profit - you are looking for passion, love for smoking cigars, respect for people and work.

What is the most important value you convey through your brand and products?

E: I created my brand out of love for cigars and people. That's what drives me, and everything else comes naturally.

What is your favorite moment in the cigar making process and why?

E: I like the moment when the cigar is in the smoker's hand and when I see a smile on their face. That moment is priceless.

What is your goal or dream for the future of 1502 Cigars?

E: My goal is simple – to be at the top. I want 1502 Cigars to be recognized as a global brand that offers the ultimate cigar smoking experience.

We would like to thank Mr. Sánchez for this opportunity and close the article with his words: "Always remember to Relax & Enjoy."

Pictures: Enrique Sánchez I