524. Puff Culture: ALHAMBRA CIGARS & CIGARETTES Ads, 1929-1962

CORONAS DE LA ALHAMBRA, 1929 Ad

One of the most enduring brands in our commercial and industrial history of the Philippines is ALHAMBRA—a brand associated with early smoking products made by the Alhambra Cigar & Cigarette Mfg Co., which was named a majestic palace and fortress complex in Granada, Spain called “Alhambra”.

ALHAMBRA CIGAR & CIGARETTE MFG. CO, John Tewell Photo, via flickr

As a tobacco product maker, its beginnings can be traced back during the late 19^th c. colonial period. But it was in 1912 that the company became established when it opened its manufacturing plant and offices along Tayuman St, in Tondo, Manila.

ALHAMBRA REGALIZE, 1957 Ad

The cigars were all made in the factory, handrolled and finished, and were sold locally and abroad. Alhambra contributed to the upliftment of the industry by making high quality Philippine cigars that were sought after and known around the world.

"LAFLOR DE FILIPINAS"ALHAMBRA BLANCO cigarette wrapper, Photo: Edward delos Santos

Alhambra cigars and cigarette products reached their peak in popularity in the first 3 decades of the 20^th century, with a range of products that catered to a range of markets—from everyman’s daily cigarettes, to premium cigars in handsome wooden presentation boxes,

ALHAMBRA CIGARS, 1962 Ad

The corporation ended in 1962, and a new entity, Alhambra Industries, Inc., was formed to manage its business and liquidation. The brand is now associated with Tabacalera Incorporada, a manufacturer of world-class Philippine cigars that continues to produce cigar-based product lines under the iconic and venerable  "Alhambra" brand name.