Room101 came out with the original Daruma in 2012 as a sequel of sorts to Namakubi. The cigar disappeared from the market a handful of years later, but now in 2023, the line is making a comeback.
The cigar gets its inspiration from Japanese talismans, “a Daruma is a small papier mache figure used in Japan and around the world as a goal setting tool. Its egg-like shape is connected to perseverance: if a Daruma is knocked down, it will stand right back up. When setting a goal for the year, one of the eyes of the figure gets penciled in, and when the goal is achieved, the second eye gets penciled in and the Daruma gets lit on fire in celebration of the achievement. It's not dissimilar to lighting a cigar to mark a special occasion.”
The return of Daruma is symbolic of the relationship with STG and Room101 moving forward. It represents the opportunity for Room101 to spread its wings which has always been our goal. And just as goals change and times change, Daruma has evolved. The Daruma of 2011 would not be the Daruma of today. The blend is correct and appropriate for now and begins a new chapter for both Daruma and Room101. This cigar is exactly what it needs to be, and it gives people exactly what it needs to give them. Light up a Daruma and celebrate how far you come and set a course for your next big adventure.
Matt Booth
The blend for Daruma is a Nicaraguan puro rolled Nicaragua in partnership with Cory Bappert and the Oliva Cigar Company. Daruma come in just one size, a 6” x 50 Toro that will sell for an MSRP of $12.99 per cigar. The brand will be distributed by Forged Cigar Company.
