Nicholas Melillo, the executive vice-president of international operations for Drew Estate Tobacco Company, has left the company. Melillo’s responsibilities included the purchasing and monitoring of the Nicaraguan-based company’s massive tobacco operation, as well as blending. During his tenure, he took part in the blending of some of the company’s most popular cigars including Liga Privada No. 9, T52, Undercrown, Kahlua, Java and others. Blends like Dirty Rat have been described as cigars that started as Melillo’s personal cigars that he would smoke around the factory before they were modified for commercial release. Last year, he took part in not only the blending of the company’s Nica Rustica release, but also assisted with the branding. “I am extremely grateful to Jonathan Drew for giving me the opportunity and believing in me back in 2003,” said Melillo in a press release. “I am also enormously proud of the Nicaraguan team. They have been like family to me and we have come a long way together.” Drew Estate’s Nicaraguan operations now include two large factories, one of which opened earlier this year, with capacity to produce over 100,000 cigars and the employment of 1,500 people. “It’s definitely an emotional moment for me personally. We’ve had some great times ...
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