The Real Smoke Podcast with Charles and Mick latest episode!
This week’s episode of The Real Smoke Podcast featured Allen Sanabria from Family by Loyalty Cigars. He opened up about his tough upbringing—moving from shelter to shelter with his mother and facing constant hardships. Determined to change their situation, he got a job as soon as he could to help pay the bills. That early struggle built his resilience and drive, shaping the mindset that now fuels his success.
When asked about the inspiration behind his brand’s name, Allen’s answer was deeply personal. For him, family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the bonds formed through loyalty, support, and having each other’s backs when it matters most. As he brainstormed a logo, the wolf stood out—or, as he puts it, “the wolf found him.” Wolves embody loyalty, teamwork, and survival—values that perfectly represent his brand’s philosophy.
Allen also teased an exciting new cigar line, but you’ll have to listen to the episode to hear the full story. One thing’s for sure: he doesn’t just slap a name on a cigar. Every release carries deep meaning and intention.
His cigars are crafted in the same factory where Jonas Santana of Blackbird Cigars produces his blends. He collaborates with master blender Papo to create something distinct—ensuring his cigars are anything but ordinary. He focuses on complexity, dynamic transitions, and maximum enjoyment in every smoke. Allen made it clear that while they share a factory, Family by Loyalty cigars stand apart from Blackbird’s.
In fact, when working on his first blend, Papo initially struggled to nail the exact profile Allen envisioned. But instead of settling for “good enough,” Papo put in extra hours, refining the blend with the precision of a master chef perfecting a signature dish.
The cigar smoked on this episode? One of the highest-rated cigars ever featured on The Real Smoke Podcast! Don’t sleep on this brand—light one up and see for yourself if it lives up to the hype.
Take a listen to the episode and drop a comment with your thoughts. Let’s keep the conversation going.
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana
