February 13, 2014 (Miami, Fla.) — Following a seven month hiatus from the industry, Robert Caldwell has announced his return. He has spent the last several months flying far below the radar, visiting numerous farms and factories trying to find the right tobaccos and partners to work with this time around. Alas, he is ready to reemerge.

Caldwell’s first venture will include three new lines made in the Dominican Republic, which will be sold under the name The Caldwell Collection. “The Dominican Republic is one of those treasures that hides in plain sight. There is so much fantastic tobacco, so unique and with such distinct flavors. Unfortunately, many don’t make it to market. It is impossible. Big brands are limited to the variety of tobaccos they can use due to the quantity of cigars that they have to make. A few bales of tobacco to the big boys is nothing. The purpose of Caldwell Cigars is to go wherever we must to find the most exotic flavors we can,” he says. The Caldwell Collection is made up of a number of very unique brands that utilize these premium rare tobaccos.

The line is being manufactured in the Dominican Republic with Henderson and William Ventura, a father and son team with over 40 years experience under their belts. “There were several factories in the running, but I have been wanting to work with the Venturas for years. They obsess over tobacco. They are open-minded and really are a craft factory. They both get this twinkle in their eye when they talk about making cigars. It is almost weird”, Caldwell says. The leaf is being sourced from several places, but the most notable come from Leo Reyes. “Leo is one of those Domincan Gems. His knowledge, passion and love of the leaf really floors you”.