José L. Piedra is a particularly notable Havana due to the fact that it is made using the "totalmente a mano, tripacorta" or "totally hand made, short filler" technique, in addition to the fact that its blend is made entirely of filler tobaccos grown in the Remedios tobacco region (formerly known as Vuelta Arriba).

The Piedra family travelled from the Spanish province of Asturias to Cuba in the 1880s. They began producing cigars after settling close to the town of Santa Clara, which is located in the centre of the Remedios region, where tobacco has been grown since the 16th century.

The brand was formed and promoted by the second generation of the family, directed by José Lamadrid Piedra, whose name is honoured today.

Remedios tobaccos are used to make all of the José L. Piedra sizes utilising the age-old "tripa corta, totalmente a mano" method, which involves short filler and complete handiwork.