Alec Bradley Cigar Company announced that they have moved production of the Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper. The Gatekeeper was being produced at Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s (EPC) Tabacalera La Alianza in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The cigar will now be produced at Tobacos De Oriente in Danli, Honduras. The reason for the move is Alec Bradly, and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo both have cigars that are in high demand. The Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper took #2 awards in 2019 in this magazine https://www.cigarslover.com/en/awards-the-best-cigars-of-2019/2-dominicana-rep-alec-bradley-gatekeeper-corona/. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has also received high awards in other publications. The move is also due to the overall Covid-19 pandemic cigar boom. People are stuck at home and finding more time to enjoy more cigars. Alec Bradley says that the blend and integrity of the Gatekeeper will not change with the factory change, and their partnership with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo was not harmed with moving out of his factory.
From the official press release, second-generation cigarmaker Alec Rubin said: “Bradley and I want to assure our brand advocates that absolutely nothing has changed with the Gatekeeper blend. Our relationship with Ernesto is everlasting, and he will still be very much involved in the process, ensuring only the highest quality standards.” In the same press release, Alec’s brother, Bradley Rubin, said: “My brother Alec and I had an amazing journey working with Ernesto to create the Gatekeeper blend! Changing factories doesn’t at all negate our experience and relationship with Ernesto. The name, after all, is an homage to Ernesto opening the gates to us, allowing us to expand our tobacco knowledge.” Ernesto Perez-Carrillo also says in the news release about the factory change: “I believe we’ve alleviated a bunch of headaches for everybody. Juggling our needs with Alec & Bradley’s needs was a challenge. I value my relationship with everyone at Alec Bradley and am very proud of what Alec, Bradley, and I have achieved. Those young men have a bright future, and I’m honored to continue being a part of the process!”