He received the Habanos Award (Production category) in 2014 for his entire career.

Photo of Arnaldo Vichot Rojo published on February 19, 2026 on Tabacuba’s Facebook page

Arnaldo Vichot Rojo, former master blender at the Partagás factory, has died, the state-owned Tabacuba group announced.

“It is with deep respect and great admiration that we bid farewell to Arnaldo Vichot Rojo, one of the most illustrious figures in the Cuban tobacco industry,” the group wrote on its social media.

Born into a family of tobacco workers—his mother and sisters worked in the tobacco industry—”Vichot” (as he was known) entered the tobacco industry in the 1960s, hired at a tobacco processing plant (despalillo) where he began sorting leaves. Climbing the ranks, he ended his career as a master blender at the Partagás factory in the 1990s.

“His expertise in leaf aging and his flair for the perfect blend made him a benchmark,” Tabacuba wrote.

Arnaldo Vichot received a Habanos Award in 2014 ©Luc Monnet

At the 16th Festival del Habano in 2014, Arnaldo Vichot Rojo received the Habanos Award (Production category) for his lifetime achievement.

He was 93 years old.

Opening photo: Arnaldo Vichot Rojo interviewed by Kirby Allison, video uploaded to YouTube in April 2025 (https://youtu.be/tUkPYmoLWb0?si=qhkNWBtk8R4h3pCK)