The story behind a cigar brand, told by someone who actually built one

Most people who love cigars have, at one point or another, daydreamed about putting their own name on a band. Far fewer have any idea what that actually takes. In the debut episode of the Cigar Builders Podcast, Peter sits down with Alvaro "Babyface" Ponevaca, founder of Ash & Vine Cigars, for a long, honest conversation about exactly that — the vision, the blends, the factory work, and the unglamorous reality of carving out a lane in the premium cigar space.

It's the kind of episode we wanted to make from day one: not a product pitch, but a real builder telling the truth about how a brand gets made.

From cigar lover to cigar founder

Alvaro's path into the industry didn't start in a boardroom. Like a lot of people in this business, it started as a genuine passion for the leaf — the ritual, the community, the craft. In the episode he walks through how that passion turned into a decision to actually build something, and the early mindset shifts that come with going from enthusiast to founder.

That transition is where most aspiring brand owners get stuck. Loving cigars and running a cigar company are two very different things, and Alvaro is candid about what it took to take Ash & Vine seriously as a business rather than a hobby.

Building Ash & Vine from the ground up

The heart of the conversation is the build itself. Alvaro breaks down how he developed his blends, what it was like working directly with a factory, and how he refined the product until it was something he was proud to put his name on. He's open about the learning curve — the prototypes, the feedback loops, and the decisions that shape a cigar long before it ever reaches a customer's humidor.

For anyone who has wondered what "blend development" really means in practice, this is a rare behind-the-curtain look from someone living it. It maps closely to the process we run every day at Farm House Blends: start with a vision, work with master blenders to construct the cigar from filler, binder, and wrapper, prototype, evaluate, refine, and lock a recipe for production consistency.

The lessons most new brands learn too late

Some of the most valuable moments in the episode are the lessons — the things Alvaro wishes he'd known earlier as an independent brand owner. He talks honestly about the challenges of standing out in a crowded premium market, the patience the process demands, and the advice he'd give to anyone thinking about starting their own line.

If you're an aspiring cigar entrepreneur, this is the part to rewind. It's free mentorship from someone who's a step or two ahead of where you are now.

Why we're making this podcast

The Cigar Builders Podcast exists because the path from idea to retail-ready cigar is mostly invisible. People see the finished band on the shelf, not the years of relationships, blending, and trial-and-error behind it. By putting real builders like Alvaro on the mic, we want to make that path a little more visible — and a little less intimidating — for the next wave of brand owners.

At Farm House Blends, that mission isn't abstract. Our team in Nicaragua works with entrepreneurs, retailers, lounges, and businesses around the world to develop premium private label cigars and custom blends from the ground up. The stories on this podcast are the stories of our clients, our partners, and our community.

Watch the full episode

Pour something, set aside an hour, and watch the full conversation on YouTube. Whether you're a lifelong enthusiast or seriously planning your own brand, Episode #1 is a genuine blueprint for what it takes to build in this industry.

And if Alvaro's story lights a fire — if you've ever pictured your own brand on the band — that's exactly what we do. Explore Farm House Blends and start the conversation about building your own cigar line.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Alvaro Ponevaca?

Alvaro "Babyface" Ponevaca is the founder of Ash & Vine Cigars and the guest on Episode #1 of the Cigar Builders Podcast, where he shares the story of building his brand from the ground up.

What is the Cigar Builders Podcast?

It's a series from Farm House Blends featuring real conversations with cigar brand founders and industry builders — covering how brands get started, how blends are developed, and what it takes to launch in the premium cigar space.

How do I start my own cigar brand?

It starts with a vision and the right manufacturing partner. Farm House Blends guides clients through the full process — blend development, prototyping, packaging, production, and fulfillment. Visit farmhousecigars.com to book a consultation.

Where can I buy Farm House Blends cigars?

You can explore blends and order directly at farmhousecigars.com.

Ready to build your own brand? Start with Farm House Blends →