Cigar Snob Magazine July August 2024

JULY / AUGUST 2024

Casino Royale p. 56

42

CIGARS RATED p. 41

Generational

TOBACCO

BAN p. 37

Surviving a

Cult p. 73

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editorials JULY / AUGUST 2024

26 PERFECT PAIRING STAUNING RYE / JOYA DE NICARAGUA CLÁSICO ORIGINAL A group of whisky-loving friends in Denmark started from the ground up and built an award-winning distillery. We tasted their rye whisky along with the Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original.

28 PERFECT PAIRING E. LÉON JIMENES 110 ANIVERSARIO RUM / LA AURORA 120 ANNIVERSARY After three years of research and development, at least that’s what they told their wives about the round the clock drinking and smoking, the team at La Aurora found the perfect rum to pair with their world-class cigars.

31 CASINO CIGAR LOUNGES Cigars and casinos, what’s not to love? We hit them at every chance, and while the field is narrowing as more casinos go smoke-free, here are some of our favorites.

37 GENERATIONAL BANS Not content to put in no-smoking areas in public places, anti-smoking crusaders have cooked up a new way to halt smoking. If they succeed, anyone born after a specified date of their choice will never be able to legally purchase tobacco, including cigars.

70 SEMINOLE HARD ROCK

73 MICHELLE DOWD Born into a religious cult founded by her grandfather and raised on a California mountain, Dowd has written an emotionally wrenching memoir of growing up in the wilds. She shares some outdoor survival tips, talks of her decision to leave as a young adult, and tells of her love of cigars.

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features JULY / AUGUST 2024

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

41 RATINGS

56 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB HOUSE MONEY FEATURING CASA DE MONTECRISTO

78 X SCOREBOARD

80 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

82 EVENTS 82 CARLITO FUENTE 70TH BIRTHDAY PRE-PARTY 84 CARLITO FUENTE 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 86 AVO EXPRESSIONS VIP CELEBRATION AT RED ROOSTER ROOFTOP 88 LA FLOR DOMINICANA 30TH ANNIVERSARY CIGAR LAUNCH 90 CITY CIGAR LOUNGE 4TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY 92 SMOKE-ONOS CIGAR FESTIVAL 93 SKYBRIDGE EVENT WITH LA AURORA 94 GALIANO CIGAR ROOM 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY 96 COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE AT RED PHONE BOOTH 98 DAVIDOFF TASTING EXPERIENCE AT SABOR HAVANA 10 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

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JULY / AUGUST 2024

VO L . 16 IS SU E 4 www.cigarsnob.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erik Calviño SENIOR EDITOR Steve Miller COPY EDITOR Michael LaRocca SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Oscar M. Calviño

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ivan Ocampo ART DIRECTOR Andy Astencio ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jamilet Calviño DIGITAL RETOUCHING SPECIALIST Ramón Santana DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGEMENT Gianni D’Alerta Diana Rita Cabrera CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Hemi Acharya EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Carlos Gastelbondo Glenn Tarsi Joe Photo by Matt Nassif Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Laken Romine Cigar Snob is published bi-monthly

by Lockstock Publications, Inc. 1421-1 SW 107th Ave., #253 Miami, FL 33174-2509 Tel: 1 (786) 423-1015 Cigar Snob is a registered trademark of Lockstock Publications, Inc., all rights reserved. Reproduction in part or full without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Cigar Snob is printed in the U.S. Contents copyright 2006, Lockstock Publications, Inc. To subscribe, visit www.cigarsnob.com

(SUBSCRIBE TODAY) - Only $18 for one year (six issues) of -

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I’m sure there are quite a few of you out there going through the roller coaster of emotion that is sending your kid off to college. I can’t think of any instances in life that bring about this conflicted cocktail of feelings.

There’s the overwhelming pride that comes with knowing that this young human being who emerged from my wife’s body kicking and screaming 18 years ago and has been fully dependent on us for everything that happens in his life, for better or worse, is about to leave this comfort and security by choice. It’s beautiful and courageous just as it is terrifying for us as parents. But above all, it makes us feel like we’ve already run out of time. It’s like being trapped in the lyrics of the Harry Chapin classic - you know the one. While that’s a bit of an exaggeration, we have a close-knit family. We spend a lot of time together and always want more. Now, it’s clear that at least in the short term, we won’t see our boy a whole lot. In a few short weeks we’ll all be flying up to his school to help him move into his dorm.

Our tickets will be round trip; his will be one-way. Ouch.

At the same time, we’re incredibly fortunate that publishing this magazine for 18 years means that I have cigar industry friends in many cities. Where he’s going is no exception. Knowing that I have a dear friend near him in case he wants to have a home-cooked meal is comforting and I am grateful for this club of cigar lovers that we all get to be a part of. Being a part of a club with these benefits often comes with a high cost - maybe it’s attending a specific school that gets you in a club, or rushing for a fraternity, or learning a series of rituals and handshakes. But our club has none of those requirements.

It comes with no dues or mandatory meetings. If you love cigars and you’re not a jerk, you’re in. You never know when the club will be of service to you or when you will be of service to the club. But over the years we’ve heard about and written stories of the club connecting long-lost friends, facilitating business deals, and even saving lives.

All I ask of the club today is to be kind to one another, help each other out, use the network that being a cigar smoker affords you, but don’t abuse it. Oh, and if you see my boy out there looking homesick, throw him a line. *** We didn’t set out to make a casino-heavy issue but it’s certainly what we ended up with. We shot the beautiful Laken Romine at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa. We called the shoot House Money (p.56), but the truth is that we had to use some of our own money to wager a little after the shoot. Thanks to the folks at Seminole Hard Rock for being such gracious hosts. This is the second Hard Rock location that we’ve shot at, and I can’t help but be impressed with the quality of people they hire. As our senior editor, Steve Miller, interviewed Michelle Dowd (p.73) at Pívat Cigar Lounge at Agua Caliente Casino, we couldn’t help but comment about how much we liked Pívat. That gave us an idea: we’ve had the fortune of visiting some of the best casino cigar lounges around the country. Shouldn’t

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we share those experiences with our readers? That conversation turned into the piece you can find on p.31. Thanks to everyone who made this issue possible. They’re never easy to finish but without this incredibly talented group of men and women, it could not get done.

Keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

OORAH! Thank You for your magazine, it appeals to everyman, unlike Cigar Aficionado which seems geared towards an exclusive cigar smoker. [Cigar Snob is] Informative about the industry and the histories of growers and brands and keeps us current with what’s going on in the industry. Once again I say thank you. As an old U.S. Marine, I can enjoy the freedoms given to us by the greatest generation and sit down and smoke a cigar and have a glass of whiskey without condemnation. Your magazine is a perfect companion for that occasion!

Oorah Semper Fi, Carry On and Beyond Randal B. via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com Thank you for your heartfelt letter.

It’s rewarding to hear that our magazine resonates with fellow Snobs like yourself, and by “Snobs,” we mean it in a satirical sense ( for those who haven’t gotten the joke by now). Since our inception, our mission has been to produce content that is entertaining, informative, and fun for cigar smokers of all stripes and to do so from our vantage point. We strive to be a publication that enhances your cigar experience.

Knowing that, at least in your eyes, we’ve accomplished what we set out to do 18 years ago is extremely satisfying. Your acknowledgment of the freedoms preserved by the sacrifices of generations before us, including brave Marines like yourself, adds a profound dimension to your message. We’re honored to be your companion during these cherished moments. Thank you once again for your service, your kind words and for being a part of our community.

TOP O THE MORNING Good morning fellas. I’ve been on my smokey treats journey for roughly six years. I am able to pull the different notes and dissect the cigars’ flavor profile. However, where I’m not educated is with bourbons or whiskeys, I’ve always ordered my drinks mixed,

such as a Crown and Coke which is my go-to. I want to start drinking straight bourbon but I can’t get past the burn and can never pull out these notes I hear people talking about. Can you help guide me or point me in the right direction on that journey so I can start pairing with my cigars?

Thank you!

Dana M. via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com We love to hear about your progress in the world of “smokey treats,” as coined by the Cigar Snob Podcast’s very own Jim Rodriguez. Developing a nuanced palate to detect flavor notes in cigars is no easy task. Kudos.

Transitioning to straight bourbon or whiskey can be a challenging but rewarding endeavor. When first graduating to straight whiskey, start with a higher quality spirit, there is a relationship between quality and burn. The better the quality, the lower the burn.

Next, make sure that it has a lower alcohol level, around 40% ABV. Similarly to cigars, a novice should start on the milder end of the spectrum, same goes for whiskey. Lastly, don’t be afraid to add a little water. This is a good way to reduce the alcohol burn and allow the flavors to be more easily discernible.

Start with just a few drops of spring water but add a little more if needed.

The idea is to add just enough water to ease it down but not so much that you’re drinking weird-tasting water.

It still has to be whiskey in the glass.

When it comes to the tasting part, spend a lot of time nosing the whiskey. Pro tip: it’s hard to nose whiskey in a regular rocks glass. A tulip-shaped glass like a Glencairn will definitely help. It isn’t BS, but don’t think you have to spend a lot on the glass, you can find acceptable ones almost anywhere, even Goodwill.

Take your time nosing the whiskey, swirl it in the glass, nose again, enjoy the entire experience. It takes time for your nose and palate to acclimate to the alcohol so be patient. The second sip is always better.

We hope we’ve helped and as always, keep listening to the Cigar Snob Podcast for more pairing and cigar advice!

Thanks!

WRITE US AT FEEDBACK@CIGARSNOBMAG.COM 16 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

2024 “TRAVELING CIGAR ROAD SHOW” SETS OFF ON A NATIONWIDE SUMMER TOUR

PLASENCIA 1865 RELEASES THE ALMA DEL FUEGO OMETEPE EDICIÓN LIMITADA

The “Traveling Cigar RoadShow” returns July 29, sponsored by Rocky Patel Cigars, Altadis U.S.A, Oliva Cigars, and C.L.E. Cigar Company/Asylum. The tour will visit 16 cities and run through Aug. 9, presenting at retail stores, restaurants, event centers and museums.

Plasencia 1865 announces the release of the Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada. This 6 x 54 Torpedo ($100) features a wrapper made with tobacco from Ometepe, named Hoja del Fuego by the Plasencia family.

“We are excited to bring the ‘Traveling Cigar Road Show’ back to the trade this summer,” Rocky Patel, CEO and founder of Rocky Patel Cigars, said in a press release. “The cigar industry is built on camaraderie and friendship, and we plan to bring a memorable experience for all attendees.”

The show will provide cigar retailers with an opportunity to meet with company representatives, enjoy featured products and summer promotions, and experience an event-style atmosphere with food, drinks and entertainment.

Retailers who want to attend the show will need to sign up and register via appointment only.

LA AURORA USA ANNOUNCES THE BEST SELLERS 2024 SAMPLER PACK La Aurora announces the release of the Best Sellers 2024, a sampler that includes two Toro cigars each from the 120th Anniversary, the 107 Nicaragua, ADN Dominicano, Cameroon 1903 Time Capsule Series, and the Connecticut 1987 Time Capsule Series. It retails for $120.

The box that holds the 10 Toros pays homage to the cultural heritage of Santiago de los Caballeros. It is adorned with sketches of Dominican figures: a couple dancing the folkloric merengue beneath the Monumento de la Restauración, and the lechón from the city’s February carnival.

The national bird, la Cigua Palmera, is depicted alongside cacao fruits, coffee beans, and tobacco plants, symbolizing the area’s agricultural bounty.

A farmer working the fields and the facade of the original factory are also illustrated, all under the sun.

“Tobacco is inextricably linked to our Dominican culture and economy,” Iturbides Zaldivar, director of marketing and sales at La Aurora, said in a press release. “As a result, it has received designation as the National Cultural Patrimony of the Dominican Republic. This box is a way to honor that designation.”

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“Since 1865, we have nurtured and cultivated tobacco, and at last, we have successfully grown a wrapper of unparalleled beauty in Ometepe, Nicaragua,” Néstor Andres Plasencia, fifth generation of the Plasencia family and board member, said in a press release. “The island of Ometepe is of great significance to our family as it has been to the Indigenous peoples of this region.

We celebrate this achievement with the Plasencia Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada.”

It comes in 20-count boxes.

ALTADIS U.S.A. LAUNCHES SAINT LUIS REY CARENAS ULTRAMAR Altadis U.S.A. is expanding the Saint Luis Rey Carenas line with the Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar. The Ultramar features a Nicaraguan wrapper and binder with Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. It is produced in Honduras.

It comes in a 5 5/8 x 45 Corona ($9.10), 5 x 50 Robusto ($9.64), 6 x 52 Toro ($9.75) and 6 x 60 Magnum ($10.69).

The Ultramar is a tribute to the early days of the cigar trade when 16th-century Spanish vessels traveled ‘ultramar,’ or overseas, from Puerto Carenas in the New World to Spain carrying tobacco leaves.

The Ultramar box is stained deep blue to represent the rolling waves experienced by the merchants traveling the seas to deliver the leaves to the Spanish King. The interior box artwork depicts a ship navigating turbulent waters, while the box insert includes the mapped route from Puerto Carenas to Seville, Spain.

MACANUDO INSPIRADO BRAZILIAN SHADE RETURNS Macanudo returns with the Inspirado Brazilian Shade, first launched in 2021. The collection features a Brazilian wrapper and Cuban-seed filler.

Produced at the General Cigar Co. Dominicana

factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Macanudo Inspirado Brazilian Shade comes in a 6.5 x 52 Toro ($10.99) and 7 x 48 Churchill ($11.99). The cigars are presented in 10-count boxes designed to pay homage to the Brazilian flag.

“To create Macanudo Inspirado Brazilian Shade, we made a significant investment in agronomy that spans Central and South America,” Steve Abbot, director of marketing for Macanudo, said in a press release. “This blend speaks to our commitment to bringing unique smoking experiences to premium cigar smokers. We’re pleased to be able to offer this one-of-a-kind blend once again.”

HUELLA RELEASES TOBACTRACK, TOBACCO INDUSTRY COMPLIANCE PLATFORM Huella introduces TobacTrack, a tobacco industry compliance platform that uses advanced tech to streamline regulatory oversight for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TTB, and ensure adherence to the Food and Drug Administration’s Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This system, subject to two pending patent applications, is designed to enhance monitoring of tax compliance and FDA regulations.

The TobacTrack platform employs RFID tags that assign a unique ID, or UID, to each tobacco product. This UID provides details including the product’s TTB tobacco class, excise tax classification, FDA compliance status, and manufacturing code.

In addition to aiding federal compliance, the platform can assist tobacco companies seeking to meet the requirements of the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act and related state tobacco product reporting.

Visit www.tobactrack.com for more information.

GERMAN ENGINEERED CIGARS AND LES FINES LAMES PRESENT LE PETIT - KENTRON German Engineered Cigars and Les Fines Lames have teamed up to create Le Petit - Kentron, a cutter developed using 3D printing.

Crafted in Thiers, France, a hub of French cutlery, Le Petit ($179) is a friction folder knife slightly over four inches long featuring a non-lockable

stainless steel blade that handles up to 70 gauge cigars.

it’s layer upon layer of deeply aged leaf … a bold Liga 10 Anny, aggressive yet balanced.”

duras, and filler of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos.

“‘Engineering as an art’ is a principle we share with our French colleagues at Les Fines Lames,” Oliver Nickels, co-founder and chief cigar engineer of German Engineered Cigars, said in a press release. “This shared vision sparked the creation of Le Petit – Kentron, a symbol of true friendship.

It blends traditional craftsmanship and avantgarde technology and shows what happens when creative minds and skilled hands come together across borders.”

ARTESANO DEL TOBACCO UNVEILS EL PULPO GORDITA THE FRY

The Maduro features a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Honduran binder, and Nicaraguan filler.

FRATELLO CIGARS SHIPS FRATELLO ARLEQUIN CONNECTICUT The Fratello Arlequin Connecticut is shipping to retailers. The Arlequin Connecticut comes in a 5.5 x 52 Robusto ($11.50) and a 6.25 x 54 Toro ($12). It features an Ecuadorian Connecticutseed wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, and filler from Nicaragua and Peru. The blend is offered in a box press format.

The Arlequin Connecticut joins the Nicaraguamade Fratello Arlequin line.

“We’re proud to introduce the Fratello Arlequin Connecticut as a complement to our highest rated Fratello Arlequin,” Jennifer True, vice president of marketing and operations at Fratello, said in a press release.

The packaging of the Arlequin Connecticut continues the narrative established with the launch of the Arlequin in 2020, paying homage to the 16thcentury Italian theater character, Harlequin. Like its popular counterpart, the Arlequin Connecticut’s packaging comes in two-tone color boxes.

DREW ESTATE EXPANDS LIGA PRIVADA 10 SELECCIÓN DE MERCADO WITH CORONA VIVA SIZE FOR INTERNATIONAL MARKETS Drew Estate has added Corona Viva, a new vitola, to its Liga Privada 10 Selección de Mercado line for international markets.

The 6 x 46 Corona Viva, available in 10-count boxes, joins the existing Toro and Robusto sizes.

“The Corona Viva has a legacy all its own, defined by an intensity originally debuted with the Undercrown brand,” Jonathan Drew, founder and president of Drew Estate, said in a press release.

“Later we expanded that blend philosophy to the Liga No.9 and T52. Now, we bring the Viva to power pack Liga Privada’s 10th Anniversary …

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Artesano Del Tobacco announces a new size of EL Pulpo cigars, the Fry, a 4 x 48 pigtailed Gordita ($12.40). It features a San Andreas Maduro wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler. It comes packaged in a travel cardboard box that holds five cigars and a pocket for matches plus a magnet flip-top with a child-proof lock.

CROWNED HEADS CELEBRATES THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF LAS CALAVERAS Crowned Heads announces the latest installment to its annual Las Calaveras series, Las Calaveras EL 2024, along with a release to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the brand, Las Calaveras Decimo Aniversario.

Las Calaveras EL 2024 and Las Calaveras Décimo Aniversario are both manufactured at My Father Cigars, S.A., in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Las Calaveras EL 2024 features a blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos finished with a Habano wrapper. The range includes a 6 x 48 LC48, 5 x 52 LC52 and 6 x 54 LC54. Prices range between $13.95 and $15.95. In addition to the 1,500 boxes of each, there is also a series of four-cigar samplers featuring one of each vitola along with a sampler-exclusive 5.5 x 52 belicoso fino.

The 6 x 52 Las Calaveras Decimo Aniversario ($18.95) commemorates the 10th anniversary of Las Calaveras, which debuted in 2014. Packaged in 10-count boxes, Las Calaveras Decimo Aniversario features a blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos finished with an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper.

E.P. CARRILLO MADURO AND SUMATRA SHIPPING TO RETAILERS E.P. Carrillo is shipping the debut of its Essence Series. The E.P. Carrillo Maduro and the E.P. Carrillo Sumatra come in a 5 x 50 Robusto ($9.25), a 6 x 52 Toro ($10) and a 6 x 60 Gordo ($10.75).

They come in 24-count boxes with interactive QR coding, which links to a dedicated web page with information about the cigar.

The Sumatra features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, dual binder from Nicaragua and Hon-

The introduction of the Maduro and Sumatra lines marks the beginning of E.P. Carrillo’s Essence Series.

WEST TAMPA TOBACCO COMPANY EXPANDS LINEUP WITH LANCEROS West Tampa Tobacco Company is now shipping West Tampa Lanceros, a new addition to its core line. The 7 x 40 cigar ($10.99) comes in three blends, white, black and red.

“In my recent travels I have gotten several questions about this unique size, specifically why I should try it,” Rick Rodriguez, co-owner, said in a press release. “What makes this size special is that it allows smokers to truly enjoy the wrapper and I felt that this was a great way to commemorate our two-year anniversary.”

FERIO TEGO ADDS NEW OFFERING TO SUMMA BLEND Ferio Tego is shipping a new Toro format to its Summa Blend. The 6 x 50 Ferio Tego Summa Toro is presented in boxes of ten with an MSRP of $195 per box.

The Ferio Tego Summa is a core line for the brand, made regularly throughout the year. The Summa is composed of Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper.

“Each format within Ferio Tego Summa’s original four shapes tells a version of the Summa blend’s story,” Michael Herklots, co-owner and blender of Ferio Tego, said in a press release.

“The Toro tells the story exactly as it happened, so to speak. The blend was created in this format, and then edited thoughtfully for the other sizes, bringing out different nuances in each in order to be appropriate for the amount of time spent with each format, but preserving the most important points of the story.”

In addition to the new Toro, Ferio Tego Summa is available in a 5.75 x 46 Corona Gorda, a 5 x 50 Robusto, and a 6.25 x 52 Torpedo, each at $20 per cigar, and a 6 x 60 Gordo at $21. Each format is offered in hinged, Okume boxes. Ferio Tego Summa Ferio Tego is distributed by Davidoff USA throughout the United States.

J.C. NEWMAN SHIPS FIRST 2024 RELEASE OF YAGUA

Newman is shipping 1,550 boxes to 466 premium cigar retailers in 48 states.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the first release of the year of its Yagua cigars.

FRESH HOYO DE MONTERREY COLLECTIONS HONOR ORIGINS

The misshapen 6 x 54 cigar is designed to look farm-rolled, similar to what Lazaro Lopez, general manager of the J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Nicaragua, remembers his grandfather making at his family’s tobacco farm in Cuba in the 1940s. It uses unfermented tobacco, and no two are alike.

Shortly after being rolled, 20 Yagua cigars are bound together while still wet using a Yagua palmiche palm leaf. Each box of Yagua contains a bundle of 20 cigars still wrapped in the palm leaf.

“Yagua is a difficult cigar to roll because we use an under fermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, blend the filler tobaccos differently, and do not use the usual tools and techniques of a cigar factory,” fourth-generation owner Drew Newman said in a press release. “As the wrapper is not fully fermented, we age the cigars for a full year after they are rolled.”

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Hoyo de Monterrey has released two new blends, the Hoyo de Monterrey Oscuro and Hoyo de Monterrey Rojo.

Rojo features a Honduran Jamastran wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler tobaccos from Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Oscuro comes with a Brazilian Mata Fina Oscuro wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and filler composed of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos.

Both come in a 4.5 x 50 Rothschild ($5.99), a 6 x 52 Toro ($7.49) and a 6 x 60 Gigante ($8.49). They come packaged in 10-count boxes.

“The launch of these blends represents more than just new cigars,” Senior Brand Manager Ed Lahmann said in a press release. “They are about honoring the brand’s deep-seated foundation in Honduras. As one of the first Cuban expat brands

available in the U.S., Hoyo de Monterrey laid the foundation for Honduran cigar making nearly 60 years ago and has become a living legend in the world of premium cigars. With the launch of ‘Rojo’ and ‘Oscuro,’ the brand’s journey is reflected in its commitment to balancing traditional Honduran craftsmanship against the handmade cigar category’s ever-changing tides.”

ALEC BRADLEY LAUNCHES SAFE KEEPINGS BRAND Alec Bradley has launched Safe Keepings, a new brand that will feature blends made according to recipes recorded in the Alec Bradley founder’s blend book.

The line features four sizes in 24-count boxes.

They include a 5.37 x 46 Corona ($10.49), a 5 x 52 Robusto ($12.29), a 6 x 52 Toro ($13.89) and a 6 x 60 Gordo ($15.19).

The brand is produced by Oliva at Tabolisa, with a foundation of Jalapa, Condega and Estelí Criollo 98 tobaccos, and Nicaraguan Habano wrapper and binder.

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Stauning Rye Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original What do you get when you combine a helicopter pilot, a doctor, a teacher,a chef, and a butcher with a passion for whisky? It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke with a corny punchline, but it isn’t. In 2005, this diverse group of friends along with other co-founders started the Stauning Distillery in the small western Danish village of Stauning. The idea was to produce high-quality whiskies using traditional methods with local ingredients.

The mind-blowing part of this story is that the ownership group knew nearly nothing about how to make whisky.

Digging into old distilling texts, they learned on the fly, using the very traditional methods but more importantly, doing it themselves up to and including the malting process.

It’s not common to find a distillery that does its own floor malting. Even in Scotland there aren’t more than seven that come to mind. Couple that with the fact that Stauning sources all its barley and rye from local farmers and you start to get a sense of how important terroir and tradition is to this group. To take it a step further, Stauning employs relatively small pot stills to produce its whisky, an effort that results in a more expressive spirit, again bringing the terroir to the forefront.

To age and finish its whisky, Stauning gets more experimental and modern. The team brings casks from all over the world that previously held different types of spirits and wines and deftly combines them to deliver a uniquely complex and flavorful spirit. Their work has garnered heaps of praise from spirits competitions and panels, leading the team to significantly expand its operation in 2015 while carefully maintaining the traditional foundations that have worked so well. Previously unavailable in the U.S., Stauning secured distribution in 2023.

THE PAIRING

The Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original is a smooth and flavorful blend covered with a shade grown wrapper. Don’t let that deceive you; it isn’t as mild as it looks. There’s a core of pepper and earth accompanied by subtle nuts and cream.

The nose on the Stauning Rye produces a balanced combination of malt, ginger, new oak, and herbal notes. The palate is equally spicy and sweet with flavors of vanilla, apple pie, and a return of the herbal notes from the nose.

Paired with the Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original, the whisky’s vanilla and apple sweetness infuse the smoke beautifully for a complementary pairing.

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LOCATION: THE REZ GRILL AT SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINO TAMPA

FOUNDATION CIGARS

ROOTED IN TRADITION

CRAFTED FOR TODAY

WWW.FOUNDATIONCIGARS.COM

E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario Rum La Aurora 120 Anniversary Cigars and rum are a natural pairing. The raw materials that are elaborated to make these products grow favorably in the same climates, often in the same countries. Serendipitously, the wood, pepper, earthy flavors and aromas of cigars are easily complemented by the sweetness in most rum. Assuming the quality is high on both spirit and smoke, you could blindly reach for any cigar and rum and they would play together nicely. Like buying a shirt off the rack that is the right size, it’ll do the job. But have a shirt tailor made for you from the ground up and you’ll never want to buy off the rack again.

That’s what La Aurora has accomplished with this rum, making it purpose-built to pair flawlessly with its cigars.

The team at La Aurora collaborated with Ron Barceló to produce the E. León Jimenes 110 Aniversario. La Aurora’s master blender, Manuel Ynoa, in a recent conversation with Cigar Snob explained, “We worked hard for three years to develop this rum. We drank rum and smoked cigars in the morning, afternoon, and in the evening until we arrived at this rum. It was hard work.” Jokes aside, the rum is a limited-edition product, with 3,000 bottles produced annually. To get to that point, the distillate is aged eight years in virgin American oak barrels and finished for another two years in French oak.

The effort was recognized at the 2020 World Spirits Competition in San Francisco where it took home double gold and the Beverage Tasting Institute awarded the E. León Jimenes 97 points.

THE PAIRING

The cigar is a solidly packed, thick toro finished with a clean and velvety-smooth wrapper. Upon lighting, the blend opens with a balanced combination of cedar, pepper, and toasted almonds delivered along a rich, creamy texture with an aroma of leather and baking spices. The flavor intensity is quite full while the strength tops out at medium plus.

The E. León Jimenes 100 Aniversario offers up tons of caramel and butterscotch as well as oak spice and ripe fruits on the nose, giving it a cognac-like characteristic. The palate is a continuation of the nose and the addition of notes of chocolate and herbal bitters with a long finish. Enjoyed neat alongside the cigar, the rum infuses a delightful fruitiness into the smoke while the cigar brings the dry, oak notes to the forefront, knocking down the sweetness noticeably. The pairing is as advertised; both products positively impact each other harmoniously.

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LOCATION: SEMINOLE HARD ROCK CASINO TAMPA

Casino

Cigar Lounges

Photo credit: Montecristo Cigar Bar

Montecristo Cigar Bar at Paris Las Vegas

THE WAR ON TOBACCO HAS CLAIMED BARS, RESTAURANTS, AND OUTDOOR SPACES AS SMOKEFREE ENVIRONMENTS. NOW THE FIGHT HAS REACHED THE DOORSTEP OF HISTORICALLY CIGAR

FRIENDLY CASINOS. SOME HAVE KNUCKLED UNDER WHILE OTHERS HAVE STEPPED UP TO OPEN UPSCALE HAVENS FOR CIGAR LOVERS.

BY ERIK CALVIÑO

he overreach of the nanny state has not stopped at banning smoking in restaurants, bars, parks, and beaches.

Casinos and the companies that own them have succumbed to the drumbeat of anti-smoking zealots. In Atlantic City, for example, smoking is currently allowed on 25% of the casino floors of this once proud and free gaming district. In Nevada, smoking is still allowed in most casinos but groups including Trinity Health, a national, nonprofit healthcare network, and Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights, are pushing to end smok-

ing in casinos. Their pressure has led to a proposal presented to the stockholders of Caesars Entertainment, Boyd Gaming, and Bally’s Corp. urging them to require corporate management of the three companies to commission a report on the potential cost savings that could come from a smoke-free policy at their properties.

to cigar bars. And while Atlantic City has a host of problems that are not related to the smoking issue, those gamers who enjoy a smoke of any kind appear to have taken their action from the smoke-free casinos in what was once called “The World’s Playground” to the relatively smokey environs of Las Vegas casinos.

We are by nature biased on this matter. But we’re also of the mind that the cost savings will not come close to the amount of business lost from a smoke-free policy. We look to past results as an indicator; when smoking has been banned in bars, it seems natural that some customers took their dollars

As lovers of premium cigars, our best defense is two-pronged; support organizations like Cigar Rights of America, Premium Cigar Association, and the Cigar Association of America and most importantly, vote with your dollars. If you plan on visiting casinos, make it a point to seek out cigar friendly

venues and patronize them. And if by chance you are a stockholder in one of the abovementioned companies, don’t forget to vote during shareholder meetings.

THE LOUNGES As you can imagine, the landscape of casino cigar lounges is ever-changing. Some of the casino lounges we’ve visited over the years are no longer open, while at the same time there has been a rush of new ones popping up all over the country. The following are some of our favorite indoor cigar lounges in casinos from our travels, that are open as of this writing.

CASA FUENTE The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace Las Vegas, NV In the eyes of many, Casa Fuente is the granddaddy of casino cigar lounges. Opened in 2005 at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, Casa Fuente boasts a range of exclusive cigars including the eponymous Casa Fuente, produced for the store

by Tabacalera A. Fuente. The extensive rum selection and classic cocktails are another big draw for Casa Fuente. Regular visitors swear by the mojito and we can’t really disagree with that.

Photo credit: Casa Fuente

The place has a singular feel in that in spite of its location inside of a world-famous casino shopping center bustling with tourists around the clock, it feels like you’re a member of an intimate club when you’re inside.

NOTE: Smoking is allowed inside Casa Fuente but it is no longer allowed on the patio area.

EIGHT CIGAR LOUNGE Resorts World Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Opened in 2021, Eight Cigar Lounge is a 4,500-square-foot luxury cigar bar located inside the Resorts World Las Vegas. The space features a mix of seating including bar, lounge chairs, private rooms, and an outdoor terrace, which adds another 2,300 square feet of smoking area.

Photo credit: Clique Hospitality

The sheer size of this lounge sets it apart, but the selection of top-shelf smokes, spirits, and crafted cocktails takes Eight to another level. It’s not uncommon to rub elbows with celebrities, from Hollywood to sports stars to musicians, not to mention cigar rock stars, many of whom are locker members at the lounge.

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If hunger strikes while at Eight, patrons can order from the menu at Brezza, just next door where executive chef Nicole Brisson’s Italian-driven menu promises to elevate your experience with everything from pan seared halibut to beef cheek ravioli.

PÍVAT CIGAR LOUNGE Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage Rancho Mirage, CA Derived from the Cahuilla word for “smoking tobacco,” Pívat offers a sophisticated cigar smoking environment inside of Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage, about 20 minutes outside of Palm Springs, CA. The impeccably maintained walk-in humidor boasts a broad selection of roughly 400 facings from top brands including Oliva, Davidoff, and Padrón, to name a few.

Photo credit: Agua Caliente Resort and Casino

The stylishly designed lounge offers comfortable leather seating, a private room, an outdoor terrace, and a bar teeming with your choice of libations. In addition to the gaming screens at the bar, the lounge area also has slots and table games, affording cigar lovers the ability to take part in gaming action without having to leave the lounge.

The food options at Pívat are stellar thanks to the menu curated for the lounge by the award-winning eatery, The Steakhouse.

Patrons can order handheld bites like the candied hanging bacon or the French dip sandwich, both of which are excellent, or go all in with the ribeye 88; either way you can’t lose.

MONTECRISTO CIGAR BAR

There are comfortable leather chairs throughout as well as seating at the bar, which features gaming screens. The sizable selection of beer, wine, and spirits, including their “whiskey library,” complements the 300+ facings of premium cigars in the walkin humidor. A common misconception is that you’ll only find Montecristo cigars in the humidor, but that’s not the case. The selection features many top brands including My Father, La Flor Dominicana, and Arturo Fuente among others.

The Caesars location of Montecristo Cigar Bar boasts a similar setup, albeit in a more classic American cigar bar style. The 208inch video wall and TV screens throughout make this a perfect spot to watch sporting events while the private dining room allows 10 people to have a more intimate outing with food from Caesars Palace eateries like Peter Luger, Stanton Social Prime, and Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill.

Montecristo Cigar Bar at Caesars Palace Montecristo Cigar Bar at Paris Las Vegas

Photo credit: Montecristo Cigar Bar

With locations in both Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas, Montecristo Cigar Bar gives cigar lovers an upscale spot designed for maximum cigar enjoyment. Situated a couple of doors down from JJ’s Boulangerie on Le Boulevard inside Paris Las Vegas, the newest Montecristo Cigar Bar has a distinctly French style with its ornate detailing, elegant chandeliers, and checkerboard stone floors.

Photo credit: Montecristo Cigar Bar

Caesars Palace and Paris Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 33

DAVIDOFF OF GENEVA SINCE 1911 The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Hollywood, FL Just down the way from the main entrance to The Guitar Hotel, passing the picture-worthy oculus fountain, you’ll find the Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911. At first glance, it looks like a standard Davidoff retail storefront, not unlike those seen in other casinos. High-end accessories, a well-stocked walkin humidor on your right as you enter, and a friendly, well-trained tobacconist to answer any questions.

Photo credit: Bol Hospitality Group

If you don’t ask to enter the lounge, you’d never know that behind that retail space is a beautifully appointed cigar bar replete with comfortable seating, TVs, private lockers, and a bar loaded with high-end spirits, wine, and beer. The low-lit environs along with the nondescript entrance give off an undeniable speakeasy vibe while the healthy mix of tourists and local regulars make everyone feel like they’ve just found their new high-end home away from home.

LEGENDS OF FIRE

Photo credit: Northern Quest Resort and Casino

Northern Quest Resort & Casino Spokane, WA Billed as “Spokane’s only premium cigar bar,” Legends of Fire provides smokers with an upscale spot to enjoy their favorite smoke. The walk-in humidor has a good selection of established brands as well as some lesser-known up and comers providing a good balance of selection. The bar is stocked with a good variety of top-shelf spirits as well as beers and wine but their seasonal cocktail menu is always fun to try.

Finally, Legends serves up a curated menu of bites like a charcuterie board, salads, and a killer double smash burger.

LIT CIGAR LOUNGE Snoqualmie Casino Snoqualmie, WA

If you’re planning a visit, inquire about Lit's annual Washington Cigar & Spirits Festival in late September. Since 2011, Lit has been hosting this multivendor cigar event with brands that include Drew Estate, My Father, and Foundation among several others. Spirit sponsors like Lagavulin, The Macallan, Angel’s Envy, and Old Forester highlight a stout list of wine and spirits.

34 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Photo credit: Snoqualmie Casino

Finding a place to enjoy a premium cigar is difficult in the Pacific Northwest, but Lit Cigar Lounge inside of Snoqualmie Casino provides that and then some.

The comfortable seating, fully stocked humidor boasting a wide selection of brands, and superb staff set this place apart. Moreover, you won’t feel the sticker shock that comes along with many casino cigar lounges. Lit prides itself on its customer service at fair brick and mortar prices.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 35

ANTI-TOBACCO POLITICIANS TURN AUTHORITARIAN, PUSH GENERATIONAL BANS

by Steve Miller AT HOME AND OVERSEAS.

ou'd think the U.S. could export something better than a generational ban on premium cigars.

bans but have so far been stymied by a majority of their colleagues who note that the diminution of tobacco tax receipts down the road will create adverse fiscal impacts, particularly in places where long-term bonds are issued on the back of tobacco settlement money.

When the Boston suburb of Brookline, Massachusetts in 2021 enacted a prohibition on buying tobacco products by anyone born after Jan. 1, 2000, it was taking action on a concept that had been bandied about by anti-smoking advocates for at least a decade.

“The reasoning there is that it is all tobacco.

There is no idea and no interest in any argument that premium cigars are different and unique.”

The law lumps cigars in with any other nicotine and is rallying anti-tobacco advocates.

- Cody Carden

The concept is contagious.

New Zealand, from 9,000 miles away, followed Brookline by passing a nationwide ban on tobacco purchases by anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009. Like a bad wildfire, the idea spread to the United Kingdom's House of Commons, where a measure is pending to prohibit anyone born after Jan. 1, 2009 from buying tobacco, including premium cigars.

“The role of the government is to protect the health and safety of residents. And we know smoking causes health problems. Over 400,000 people die every year from smokingrelated illnesses. It’s not good for us.”

- Susan Albright Prohibition has a new flavor in the 2020s. While alcohol bans didn't work out so well in the U.S. in the early 20th century, contributing to the formation of well-organized criminal rings to deliver booze to a majority public that never asked for such a ban, today's anti-vice crews are institutionally recognized as being on the right side of the allegedly scientific health battle.

The evils of smoking started with no-smoking sections in restaurants and other public places, but over the years anti-tobacco advocates have made smoking not only illegal in many places but also cast it as a social ill indulged in by lawless, weak participants.

It makes sense that the generational ban movement will follow.

38 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Newton Mass city council person Susan Albright “We'd like to see this passed across Massachusetts,” Susan Albright, a city councilor in Newton, told Cigar Snob.

She was one of seven board members who proposed a generational ban that made Jan. 1, 2004 as the defining date of a forbiddance law modeled on Brookline's.

"The role of the government is to protect the health and safety of residents," Albright said. "And we know smoking causes health problems."

She likened the proposed ban to the national seat belt law and her state's outlawing of the public burning of leaves.

"When it comes to cigarettes, the tax money goes to the state and federal level mostly whereas the locals are just getting primarily sales tax," Carden said. "A place like Brookline isn't going to worry about foregoing a few hundred or even thousand dollars in sales tax. The state would miss the revenue."

Legislators and policy makers in California, Tennessee and Hawaii have all made unsuccessful stabs at legislation that would prohibit a specified group of people, determined by data of birth, from ever legally buying any tobacco product.

Their logic is similar.

“If you’re born on or after Jan. 1, 2003, you’ve never been able to smoke legally, so it’s not taking away a right people currently have,” Oahu Sen. Stanley Chang, a Democrat who introduced the Hawaii bill, told West Hawaii Today, a news website.

"Over 400,000 people die every year from smoking related illnesses," she said. "It's not good for us."

The Brookline rule survived a legal challenge from a group of retailers, which alleged that the bylaw passed by a municipality doesn't preempt state law, which has no generational ban.

Brookline, in its response to the state's Supreme Court, successfully contended that the law was valid and that other municipalities have enacted bans on various products.

"When the ban is fully phased in, Tobacco Products will join the list of other items completely prohibited by the Commonwealth or its municipalities," Brookline's general counsel wrote, citing one town's ban on a specific type of foam insulation and another's on recreational marijuana sales.

Photo credit: Cigar Rights of America

Newton is among a number of like-minded Massachusetts villages looking at generational bans, which halt anyone born after a specified date from legally purchasing tobacco in the given jurisdiction for the rest of their lives.

Photo credit: newtonma.gov

"The policy passed by Brookline applies to all tobacco products," Mark Gottlieb, executive director of the Public Health Advocacy Institute, told a group of anti-tobacco crusaders in the neighboring town of Newton at an April meeting. He said the policy in place in Brookline is spreading and is "being referred to as the nicotine-free generation policy."

Massachusetts is so far ground zero for the generational bans, given an especially powerful public health sector.

"It looks like often these bans start with the board of health in a particular town," said Cody Carden, a governareasoning there is that it is all tobacco, there is no idea and no interest in any argument that premium cigars are different and unique."

Several U.S. states have also tried to push for similar

Cigar Rights of America government relations director Cody Carden

Introducing his legislation last year in California, state assemblyman Damon Connolly called it a "phased ban" on tobacco.

Photo credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

From top to buttom: Today's proposed tobacco bans are reminiscent of the temperance movement, which drew protestors in the 1920s; Flyer from the California-based Thirdhand Smoke Research Consortium. that swept in a new administration.

Photo credit: thirdhandsmoke.org

The country’s prior leadership under Rishi Sunak sought to "create the first smoke-free generation," as he put it. "... We will change the law to ensure children turning 14 or younger this year can never legally be sold cigarettes in their lifetime."

However the new politics of the nation shake out, premium cigars, while lumped in with the rest of the tobacco products, will need their advocates to lobby as the law takes its final shape.

He said it was a measure that would address youth tobacco use, rather than the permanent hold on those falling under its dictates. That hold would last a lifetime.

To be clear—this bill will not affect anyone who is currently of legal age and able to purchase tobacco products and will not punish individuals for simply using or possessing these items," Connely said in a press release introducing the plan. " By slowly phasing out the use of these harmful products, we can ensure that the next generation children in California do not get addicted to smoking.”

The good news for future cigar smokers and people who would rather make their own choices is that in the U.K., the proposal will take a back seat as the country adjusts to a new political regime following July elections

In New Zealand, the law was repealed almost immediately by a conservative body that took power in October. The anti-smoking activists took it hard, not understanding how anyone could not see their way.

“This is [a] major loss for public health, and a huge win for the tobacco industry – whose profits will be boosted at the expense of Kiwi lives,” Lisa Te Morenga, the chair of industry group Health Coalition Aotearoa, told The Guardian newspaper after the New Zealand rule was revoked.

The battle plan for premium cigar advocates is a messaging campaign to separate cigars from the tobacco pack. While health officials downplay any caveats to what many consider settled science, there is room to convince.

"If there were a federal angle on the whole proposition, we might be stuck on the legal front," said Glynn Loope, director of state advocacy for the Premium Cigar Association. "But the strategy now is grassroots education, going to elected officials and local boards of health."

Anti-tobacco advocates don't differentiate between forms of tobacco, stridently rallying against anything with a smoky output be it chemically enhanced leaves, oil or the pure tobacco used for premium cigars.

As a result, Loope has not sought to engage anyone on the other side in a conversation about the varying forms and corresponding dangers of smokeables.

"Absolutely not," Loope said. "They've made up their minds and we've made up ours. I wouldn't see the virtue of trying to change the mind of someone who has initiated such a proposal."

Nor are those who lobby against all smoking likely to engage. Several no smoking officials contacted for this story did not respond.

Carden, at Cigar Rights of America, has taken a different approach. He's sent emails to some city council members, while also providing fact sheets to them on the difference between premium cigars and other tobacco products.

"If these generational bans were to take hold, we would see some of the family-owned cigar producers hit the hardest," Carden said. "The Padrons, the Newmans. It would be the sunsetting of future premium cigar consumers."

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 39

`

42 CIGARS

CHURCHILL Fuente Fuente Opus X

$ 40.41

93

VITOLA: Double Corona LENGTH: 7 5/8 RING: 49 WRAPPER: Dominican Republic BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata

92

VITOLA: Concerto LENGTH: 7 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Muestra de Saka

Beautifully balanced and complex, this medium to full strength blend delivers a core of sweet cedar and cinnamon accompanied by cocoa, leather, and a dash of pepper. Draws well and produces an excellent smoke output along a wavy burn.

$ 13.37

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a balanced combination of chocolate, roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and baking spices complemented by a touch of butterscotch on the finish. This medium plus strength box-pressed Churchill is covered with a near perfect, dark brown wrapper.

$ 20.75

92

VITOLA: The Bewitched LENGTH: 6 5/8 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Villiger 1888 Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Flawlessly pressed and sporting a clean, reddish-brown wrapper topped with a neat pigtail.

This full-strength blend has an ultra-flavorful profile loaded with chocolate, espresso, deep pepper, and cream balanced by a rich, caramel sweetness.

$ 9.60

91

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 47 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Romeo Y Julieta 1875 Vintage Lote Limited Edition

90

VITOLA: Double Corona LENGTH: 6 3/4 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: USA FILLER: Dominican Republic & USA

Cohiba Blue

N I CA R AG UA Consistently well-made, this super smooth, medium strength Churchill delivers a core of sweet pepper, roasted nuts, and baking spice complemented by a touch of vanilla cream on the finish.

Draws and burns flawlessly.

$ 15.00

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a combination of pepper, salted peanuts, and cedar later joined by a rich, creamy texture and an aroma of tanned leather. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

$ 15.19

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D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A large, good-looking Churchill covered with a light brown wrapper with minimal veins. This medium strength blend provides a wavy burn and a thin smoke output with flavors of wood, roasted nuts, and a touch of cream accompanied by a sharp pepper note throughout.

P L A S E N C I AC I GA R S . COM

@ P L A S E N C I AC I GA R S

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 43

LANCERO Oliva Serie V

$ 10.33

91

VITOLA: Lancero LENGTH: 7 RING: 38 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta

91

VITOLA: Lancero LENGTH: 7 RING: 38 WRAPPER: Ecuador & Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: Lancero LENGTH: 7 RING: 40 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua

Cohiba Riviera

N I CA R AG UA A unique-looking lancero with a shade-grown wrapper covering most of the cigar and an ultraflavorful maduro wrapper covering the head.

Opens with tons of sweet, maduro flavors complemented by notes of smooth cedar and baking spice. Medium strength.

$ 13.83

N I CA R AG UA A powerful lancero covered with an oily, reddish-brown wrapper. Produces an excellent smoke output with a core of red pepper, tanned leather, roasted nuts, and a touch of earth complemented by a rich, creamy finish.

Medium plus strength.

$ 16.19

90

VITOLA: Lancero LENGTH: 7 RING: 38 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Casa Magna Colorado

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a combination of chicory, almonds, and black currant balanced by wood and black pepper in the background. This box-pressed lancero produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

$ 1 4.00

89

VITOLA: Lancero LE LENGTH: 7 RING: 40 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Galera Habano

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a red pepper blast that quickly settles to incorporate notes of sweet wood, toasted nuts, chicory, and earth. This medium strength lancero is consistently well-made and covered with a dark, reddish-brown wrapper with veins.

$ 10.28

89 44 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Flavorful and well-made, this medium to full strength blend produces an abundance of smoke along a perfect draw and an even burn. Delivers notes of cocoa, roasted nuts, and smooth pepper joined by a touch of earthiness.

$ 9.95

The Tabernacle Havana Seed CT No. 142

90

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Perillas LENGTH: 7 1/4 RING: 38 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A well-constructed blend delivering a core of wood, ripe fruit, and sweet spice along a perfect draw and a slightly wavy burn. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 45

PERFECTO AJ Fernandez New World Dorado

92

$ 12.80 VITOLA: Figurado LENGTH: 6 RING: 56 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Oliva Serie V Melanio Edición Año 2023

92

VITOLA: Figuriños LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Nestor Miranda 80th Anniversary

91

VITOLA: Ruky LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 48/52 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

$ 20.00

N I CA R AG UA A consistently well-made perfecto that draws and burns exceptionally while producing a core of sweet cedar, cocoa, and light spice accompanied by subtle hints of leather and almond cream. Medium bodied.

N I CA R AG UA Beautifully constructed and covered with a nearly flawless, reddish-brown wrapper with excellent oils. Produces an abundance of thick, aromatic smoke with notes of cedar, nuts, and sweet cream balanced by smooth pepper and a hint of earth.

$ 2 7.25 VITOLA: Gold No. 2 Tubos LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Dominican Republic BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Brazil, Peru & Nicaragua

Davidoff Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A flavorful and balanced perfecto featuring impeccable construction and an attractive, chocolate-brown wrapper. Draws and burns exceptionally well while producing a core of cedar, sweet spice, toasted almonds, and a touch of caramel.

$ 24.60

90

VITOLA: Diadema LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Los Statos Deluxe Limited Edition

89 46 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

An ultra-flavorful, pressed perfecto finished with a neatly applied, aromatic wrapper with minimal veins. This medium to full strength smoke delivers a profile of white pepper, bittersweet cocoa, toasted nuts, and a sweet hint of molasses.

$ 18.00

La Aurora Preferidos Gold Corojo

91

N I CA R AG UA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Consistently well-constructed and finished with a medium brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This longer perfecto produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke with notes of cedar, soft spice, and nuts complemented by a rich creaminess.

$ 16.99 VITOLA: Figurado LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a clean, dark brown wrapper with a toothy exterior, this well-constructed perfecto draws and burns flawlessly while producing notes of earth, oak, and black pepper joined by a touch of molasses.

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TORO Aganorsa Leaf Rare Leaf Reserve Maduro

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

601 La Bomba Warhead X

$ 1 4.75

N I CA R AG UA An expertly balanced and complex toro delivering a core of smooth black pepper and oak spice complemented by notes of dark chocolate, roasted almonds, and coffee with a touch of cream. Medium to full strength.

$ 16.00

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 55 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Soft-pressed and finished with an oily, dark brown wrapper, this well-made toro delivers tons of full strength smoke along a smooth profile highlighted by notes of earth, pepper, roasted cashews, and bittersweet chocolate.

Gurkha Year of the Dragon 2024 by E.P. Carrillo

$ 25.00

92 91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 5/8 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A dark and intense toro with a profile of currant, oak, and bittersweet chocolate accompanied by notes of earth and sweet spice in the background. This medium plus strength blend draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

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The Wise Man Maduro

$ 12.50

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Esteban Carreras Devil’s Hand

90

48 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Covered with a dark, reddish-brown wrapper with a toothy texture, this medium to full strength toro produces an abundance of thick, velvety smoke with notes of mocha, deep pepper, and earth balanced by a touch of cream.

$ 10.60 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Macanudo Vintage Maduro 2013

88

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA A firmly packed toro covered with a dark brown wrapper, this medium strength blend draws and burns exceptionally while leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Produces a profile of sweet almonds, oak, and soft pepper with a brown sugar finish.

$ 12.99 VITOLA: Toro Grande LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Brazil, Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with an exceedingly dark wrapper with a toothy feel, this mild to medium strength toro delivers a core of earth, wood, and molasses accompanied by notes of dark chocolate and ripe fruit.

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TORO E.P. Carrillo Encore

$ 13.50

91

VITOLA: Celestial LENGTH: 6 1/8 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Guardian of the Farm Cerberus

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: R 54 LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

West Tampa Tobacco White

89

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a light brown wrapper with slight veins showing. This medium plus strength toro delivers a core of black pepper, cedar, roasted nuts, and a touch of sweet spice. This medium strength blend is covered with a light, reddishbrown wrapper.

$ 11.30

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A flavorful, medium strength blend that delivers a combination of cedar, cinnamon, roasted nuts, and smooth pepper balanced by a rich, sweet cream on the finish. This well-made toro draws well and produces a slightly wavy burn.

$ 10.99 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

CAO Fasa Sol

N I CA R AG UA A well-built toro with a core of earth, smooth pepper, and oak complemented by a rich aroma of leather. Draws and burns exceptionally well while producing an abundance of medium strength smoke.

$ 6.99

89

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Cameroon FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Platinum Nova

H O N D UR AS Delivers a flavorful combination of red pepper, cedar, earth, and roasted nuts along a sweet, ripe fruit background. This medium strength toro is covered with an oily, reddish-brown wrapper that provides a wavy burn.

$ 24.50

88 50 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Impeccably pressed and finished with a flawless, reddish-brown wrapper with excellent sheen. Opens with a creamy core of toasted almond, red pepper, smooth earth, and a touch of sweet cinnamon on the finish.

$ 10.99

A. Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R

90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C

VITOLA: Leo 12 LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 56 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A thick toro covered with a neatly applied, medium brown wrapper. Provides a firm draw while leaving behind a solid, light gray ash along a razor-sharp burn. This mild to medium strength blend has a core of wood, red pepper, and a touch of sweet cream.

ROBUSTO 601 Blue Maduro

$ 9.90

91

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/4 RING: 52 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Undercrown 10

Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a dark, toothy wrapper, this medium to full strength blend delivers a smooth combination of pepper, earth, and dark chocolate joined by a touch of cedar and espresso.

$ 13.00

91

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: USA FILLER: Nicaragua

Camacho Triple Maduro

N I CA R AG UA Intensely flavorful with a profile of raisins, oak, and dark chocolate balanced by earth and smooth pepper. Produces tons of thick, medium plus strength smoke along a perfect draw and an even burn.

$ 11.60

90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Brazil, Honduras & Dominican Republic

Room 101 Hit & Run Redux

89

H O N D UR AS A medium to full strength robusto covered with a dark brown wrapper with a toothy and slightly coarse feel. Consistently produces an excellent smoke output with a core of sweet earth, smooth pepper, roasted nuts, and a touch of hazelnut.

$ 12.99 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Rocky Patel Decade

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A dark, well-made robusto that consistently delivers tons of chocolate, ripe fruit, and oak joined by notes of pepper and black tea. Draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 12.30

89

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Honduras

La Aurora Preferidos 1903 Diamond

89 52 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

H O N D UR AS An impeccably constructed box-pressed robusto finished with a clean, dark brown wrapper.

This medium strength blend draws and burns flawlessly while producing a core of heavy earth, cinnamon, and bittersweet chocolate joined by a sharp pepper zing.

$ 12.50

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C An intense robusto covered with a dark, slightly toothy wrapper. Opens with an onslaught of wood and spice accompanied by notes of ripe fruit, raisins, and a touch of espresso. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 53

CORONA Aganorsa Leaf Arsenio

$ 1 4.99

91

VITOLA: Corona LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

LFD Coronado

A powerful corona with a complex profile of nuts, cedar, smooth but intense pepper, and a touch of sweet cream on the finish. This medium plus strength blend is covered with a clean wrapper with excellent oils.

$ 10.70

91

VITOLA: Corona Especial LENGTH: 5 3/4 RING: 47 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

La Aroma de Cuba Pasión

90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A flavorful blend covered with a neatly applied, light brown wrapper with a supple, velvet feel.

Delivers a medium strength core of cedar, vanilla, raw almonds, and cream balanced by a dose of pepper in the background.

$ 10.75 VITOLA: Corona Gorda LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Partagas Legend

N I CA R AG UA Covered in a reddish-brown wrapper with prominent veins showing, this corona gorda opens with a heavy dose of pepper and earth accompanied by notes of cedar, raw almond, and a touch of cream. Medium plus strength.

$ 1 4.59

89

VITOLA: Corona Leyenda LENGTH: 5 1/4 RING: 44 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Dominican Republic

Flor de Selva Classic Collection

89

N I CA R AG UA This pressed, corona extra is covered with a thick, reddish-brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke with notes of earth, smooth red pepper, and oak accompanied by a tanned leather aroma.

$ 11.00 VITOLA: Fino LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Micallef Migdalia

H O N D UR AS Covered with a light brown wrapper and topped with a neat pigtail. This mild corona delivers a core of nuts, cedar, and earth complemented by a light touch of butterscotch in the background.

$ 11.00

88 54 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Corona Extra LENGTH: 6 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Indonesia FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a blast of sharp pepper that settles a bit to incorporate notes of wood, cinnamon, and earth. This medium plus strength corona draws and burns well while producing an abundance of aromatic smoke.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 55

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Hard Rock HOTEL & CASINO ust 15 minutes outside of the “cigar mecca” that is Ybor City, you’ll find another type of mecca, a gaming mecca.

Boasting 245,000 square feet of gaming area, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa offers the largest gaming area in the state of Florida. The area includes over 5,000 slot machines, a multitude of table games, and a dedicated poker room.

It also features a high-stakes area that provides an exclusive environment for serious gamers, complete with VIP services that elevate the gaming experience. Smoking is allowed on the first-floor gaming area while nonsmokers can play in 26,000 square

70 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

TAMPA

feet of smoke-free gaming on the mezzanine level.

The AAA Four-Diamond-rated Seminole Hard Rock Tampa offers over 800 rooms and suites, designed with a focus on detail and comfort.

The accommodations range from rooms with minimalist decor to those with state-of-the-art amenities. As expected, music is the heart of Hard Rock hotels, and The Sound of Your Stay program is a three-pronged manifestation of that ethos. With Tracks, guests can enjoy curated Spotify playlists throughout the property; Picks allows the musically inclined to reserve their choice of a Fender guitar complete with amp

and headphones for impromptu, inroom jam sessions; and lastly there is Wax, where the Hard Rock’s team of music experts will curate a collection of vinyls and a turntable for guests who want that throwback musical experience.

Aside from the musical amenities, all rooms are equipped with 100% cotton sheets, plush towels, signature Seminole Hard Rock robes, Sweetgrass body products, free wifi, and a media hub. Every room is also equipped with a refrigerator and coffeemaker.

Dining at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel includes a variety of options, featuring upscale venues like Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, Cipresso for Italian fare, and The Rez Grill serving up elevated American classics. For a more casual experience, there’s the Hard Rock Café, Rock ‘N Raw sushi bar, and Jubao Palance Noodle Bar. The poolside bar and grill, High Tide, provides a relaxed, beach-themed environment with a selection of cocktails and local craft beers. Smoking is allowed in most of the uncovered areas on the pool

deck, which incidentally is the site of the annual Tampa Cigar Bash, a large scale, multi-vendor cigar event hosted by Casa de Montecristo.

There’s no shortage of bars and lounges on the property but two of them are dedicated to just drinks, the Center Bar and L Bar. Situated in the heart of the casino floor, the Center Bar provides a 360-degree bar around a tower of TVs. Gaming screens on the bar allow you to keep the good luck ball rolling while you enjoy wine, beer, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails. The L Bar is the classier of the two, a laid-back bar just off the gaming floor with subdued lighting and cozy corners with a style that harkens back to the Golden Era of Hollywood. L Bar also has a small stage where live entertainment livens things up on Fridays and Saturdays.

Cigars are welcome in both locations and in the event that your stash is running low, Lucky Cigar has you covered with 24/7 access to a selection of premium smokes.

Additionally, the shop has a terrace where you can take a break from the action while the store’s staff takes care of your smoking needs.

Survival of the

fittest

Interview by By Steve Miller / Photography by Hemi Acharya Location: Pivat Cigar Lounge at Agua Caliente Resort Casino and Spa

818-424-2116 Michelle Dowd still remembers the phone number from her childhood. But rather than being tethered to a landline phone on the wall of a cozy home, Dowd’s number rang to the office of the Field, a religious cult in the Angeles National Forest, 15 miles and a universe away from downtown Los Angeles.

For 10 years, from the ages of seven to 17, Dowd lived in the mountain wilderness with the Field, which was founded in the 1930s by her grandfather, Orrick W. Hampton. It was an isolated operation that began as a boy’s camp, a pastiche of fundamental Christianity and the Boy Scouts. The Field’s 16 acres were leased for $100 a year from the feds.

Weekend excursions for local boys took in the 700,000 acres of the forest. Eventually, it grew into a full-on enterprise, a village of charismatic leadership, subordination and the strictest, even fanciful, interpretation of Scripture.

Dowd tells the story of her life in the Field in a brow-furrowing autobiography, “Forager: Notes for Surviving a Family Cult: A Memoir,” which came out in hardcover in 2023 followed by the paperback in February.

that featured a small humidor. A fellow patron asked if she would like to try a cigar and she accepted.

“This was my first cigar and I loved it from the very first taste,” Dowd says.

The occasion was one of many enlightenments as Dowd has grown from adolescence in a group that espoused celibacy, plenty of tithing and the now-obligatory looming apocalypse. The end date of 1977 came and went. Followers were told that Hampton would live to be 500 years old – he died in 1982 at 75 – and that they would be among those who ascend to heaven when it all goes down. Another dubious promise.

“They told us the dates were off,” Dowd says.

She was one of four children born to a military vet dad and an ambitious autodidact mom in El Monte, California. They were not setting the world on fire: “I grew up there living next to a dump,” Dowd says. She attended public schools until the decision was made to help turn the Field – a de facto family business – into something “special,” and Dowd’s indoctrination began.

“We were all pulled out of our public school and lived on the mountain,” Dowd says.

So when you saw her on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in April, smoking a Foundation cigar like a champ, it was a smoke of victory for Dowd. She is now a full-time author.

As she grew from a kid into a teenager, Dowd had little exposure to popular culture, with her sole connection to the outside world a Sears catalog squirreled away under her mattress. Dowd was not allowed to fraternize with boys, and sometimes existed, like her peers, on plants and berries. She was forced to wear a non-body fitting robe, called a djellaba – “so we don’t tempt the boys” – and to downplay her femininity. Sex was forbidden unless married and then only for procreation.

Dowd, as well as all the members, were told that comfort and care were sins. As a part of the original family that began the Field, she was treated more strictly than the others.

Cigars for Dowd began with a simple offer; she was at an outdoor music event at a venue

In other words, Michelle Dowd was raised by wolves.

It chronicles her journey from the cult to the halls of academe, where she earned a master’s degree in English language and literature/letters at the University of Colorado Boulder. She spent 25 years as an English and journalism professor at Chaffey College in California’s Inland Valley. “Forager” is her first book and its success has afforded her to this year leave her day job at Chaffey.

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CS: What counts as a cult? There are thousands of cults that are operating right now, right?

There are an estimated 10,000 cults operating right now, but most of them fold within 10 years, almost always over power struggles. The ones we hear about are the ones that go up in flames, like Waco or Jonestown. Those are known because of the horrible tragedies. They have a charismatic leader with a mercurial temperament, who decides who stays and who goes.

They have the ability to control people.

Kids are pretty easy to control but there are plenty of adults that are as well. It’s easy to control people through a combination of charisma and cruelty.

I was told not long ago that the Field was a successful cult. And I didn’t even like that word. I wouldn’t use it. But I know that I never thought I was from a cult when I was young. You know it’s much harder to do that now, with social media. We didn’t have access to information, but now, you can see that things are different in other places.

CS: This group, the Field, said the world would end at some point soon, which kind of kicked off the survival training. What did it mean to do survival training in a religious cult fashion?

Presumably, we weren’t going to survive the apocalypse, that’s what my grandfather said. But 1977 came and went, then my grandfather died [in 1982]. And then my mom kind of took over this training. My mom was big on, you can’t have a jacket, you can’t have a flashlight, you can’t have matches, you can’t have anything, and you have to be able to survive. The idea of survival is different from preppers, who are always prepared, right?

Survivalists believe that you are going to be nomadic. And so your goal is just to live with nothing. And so when people talk about the end of the world, things like cockroaches survive. You have to be the cockroach; you have to be something that can survive on nothing. You have to know how to find the minimum needs. Our version was that some of the people would go up to heaven at the Second Coming, or the apocalypse, there would be a trumpet with sounds, for example. And then whatever caused a nuclear war, whatever ended up being the destruc-

tion that God would put on the earth, there were some people who would rise to heaven prior to that, and then there’d be some people left behind.

My grandfather believed that he was a close relative of the Son of God, or at least a prophet. And I was blood family. He believed that his family then would be like Noah who built the ark, or Jonah, who was wild in the belly of the whale, like we are the people who God chose to bring centers into the light.

So we, our family, would be left to find the people who needed help. A lot of the people from the Field would go up to heaven. We don’t know who, but I probably would have been left behind.

My mother trained our family and the people who came to the mountain to do this training but more casually. Not as intense as our family.

CS: How long would you go out for this?

It depended. I would be out a week but the other people mostly stayed out only for three days.

CS: So you can survive in the wilderness of the California mountains. What do you do if you’re out hunting or fishing and all of a sudden, you’re lost?

The first thing you do is stay put as soon you recognize you don’t know where you are. Stop moving and sit down. The first thing to do is to get yourself calm. Because the natural thing is fight or flight. And if you’re in fight or flight mode, you are not going to think clearly. Honestly, if you can do that, you’ve got a fighting chance. My mom gave us this phrase, ‘Survive with Fear, Survive with Faith.’ You can believe in God. That’s fine. But the faith is also in yourself. There’s the acronym, so the first one is shelter. You need shelter even if you think you don’t, because you either need shelter for the sun or you need shelter from the cold.

Many people die the first night they are lost because they didn’t shelter.

You have to decide where to build, if you’re lucky, there will be water and you can build near that. Be careful not to build near an animal trail, which a lot of the time is clear. If you get in their way, mountain lions or bears, they will attack. But you want to make sure you have a place that is covered and try to keep warm.

CS: If it’s 50 degrees would someone die of exposure?

like that when I was little because they would leave us in the tent while they went out to speak and talk with people.

We just had to sit there all day.

You’re better off if it’s cold rather than hot. And the second of that acronym is fire. If you’re somewhere warm, that’s fine, but in the majority of places, you will need a fire at some point. Next is signaling. Find any item of clothing you have that is colorful. Assuming you’re not injured, find the highest point and put that colorful item on a stick and put that at the highest point. If you have a mirror, you can use that as well, but even white clothing is a powerful color.

CS: Do you remember the geography and any history you learned from the trip?

Yes, we went to Appomattox, a lot of the Civil War sites, a lot of the battlefields. We went to Gettysburg, we learned battle formations. I remember seeing the Passion Play at a place in the Ozarks, it was in a forest, it takes place in the rocks up in the hills, right?

In retrospect, I’d say I saw most of the country, the contiguous United States, that way. We went from the West Coast to the East Coast, then down to Florida. We went into Canada; we took long trips to Mexico.

CS: You talk in the book about eating all kinds of things, and each chapter begins with some kind of plant that can be eaten in survival instances, like pine cones, weeds and various other foliage. One thing that isn’t mentioned is how this stuff tastes.

It’s not delicious. It’s nothing like the grocery store. Very rarely do you taste anything out there that tastes good.

What you learn is what has the highest calories. And then what is dangerous? What has the most nutrition?

What do you need to balance a diet?

But I wasn’t going around going like, ‘Oh, these rose hips, these are almost like cherries.’ They’re not. Nothing in nature is as sweet as what we have cultivated as humans. As humans, we have spent years making things that are palatable for us. Nature doesn’t really give them to us quite that way.

CS: So living off the land tastes like crap.

Yes, pretty much. When people say they are living off the land, they mean agriculture. Mostly they’re having gardens. We ate bugs. A lot. I mean, not in everyday life, but when you’re foraging and practicing survival, you have to.

It’s a reliable source of protein. Ants.

Photo credit: Michelle Dowd

You signal at whatever flies over. If anyone knows where you are, there is going to be a search and rescue mission and a helicopter that may come by. Because if anyone is searching from the ground, it’s really hard to find someone who is lost on the ground.

You do the signaling before you do water or food. And remember, you’ve only got three days of a search and rescue before they give up and presume you’re dead. The last of the acronym is food, or really water.

From top to buttom: Michelle Dowd, holding glove, with sister Lizbeth, holding whiffle ball, with other children in the Field; The four Dowd children singing quartet, "The Cuckoo," from left Michelle, Lizbeth, Becca and Danny; Grandfather Orrick W. Hampton with a child, Luke, from the Field. Names in the book were changed for privacy.

CS: Seems it would take a lot of ants to fill you up.

the Trip when he was 18, in the 50s.

I believe that’s when the Trip started.

Well, it does. Larvae, though, are something that has a lot of protein and is larger. Elderberries are super nutritious, but you have to boil them in order to take out toxins. There’s a lot of plants that you boil because otherwise they’ll upset your stomach.

Chris McCandless, who Jon Krakauer wrote about in Into the Wild, died from eating something he shouldn’t have.

CS: So this was like the Partridge Family or something? Everyone in this bus touring?

CS: You speak in the book of the Trip, or this journey where people in your group would load up and go across the country and talk to people about faith. It was kind of a tent revival show that we still see in parts of America today.

My dad started driving the bus for

It’s bigger than the Partridge Family.

CS: What was the format of these trips?

My sister and I went on a Trip when I was just a few months old. Obviously, I don’t remember it but my sister told me we were in a different campground every night. The guys’ trip was 10 weeks long every summer, staying in tents.

Then around 1974, they started doing girls’ trips, those were eight weeks long.

Because we were part of the family, we went on boys’ trips too. The boys were usually ages 14 to 25, their families had let them go to be in the Field. I didn’t

On the trips, it wasn’t vacation. We were panhandling, asking for donations, putting on plays for people with very elaborate sets. Everyone was separated from their parents for this, it was like religious training. We ran every morning, two miles, before you did anything, even use the bathroom or eat. Then we’d have to wash the vehicles, some kind of chore.

CS: What kind of lessons did you take away that might be handy now?

I feel like as a kid it was very troubling to me, but also it was very valuable.

People think that air conditioning is necessary, for example. Someone will say you can’t sleep without air conditioning, and that is ridiculous.

As I grew up and came in contact with other people, outside, I’d hear them say things like that. I’d also hear people talking about Black churches and going to Black churches. We had Black people in our community, but we did not call them one thing or the other, African American. We did not identify race or ethnicity. I would now say I had Black brothers and people who will say, ‘you were my sister.’ It never occurred to me they were Black, because all that mattered was that you were unified in Christ and that you were in this group. I was talking to a [Black] man who’s a little older than me, but he was raised as a brother to me. And I said, ‘Did you see your skin color?

Did you feel different?’ And he said, ‘Not until I left. I honestly never knew.’

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 75

CS: Your path to getting away from the cult was when you developed an autoimmune disease and were hospitalized. That’s a rough way out.

CS: What do you drink with a cigar?

My younger sister gave me my first alcohol, when I was in my 30s. It was after I’d had all my children – I didn’t drink when I was raising children – and we were at her house, and she blended margaritas. But I can’t say that gave me as much pleasure as my first cigar.

I kept smoking, one of the deans at my college liked to smoke cigars, so he would come over during Covid and smoke in my backyard. I smoke about once a month.

It gave me information. But I was in the hospital. At that point, I was aware that there were families, kinder than my family, more loving, and I didn’t have the awareness to want that for myself in an active way. Like I couldn’t say that out loud. But if I hadn’t gotten sick, I’m not sure I would have been the very first child born in the Field to ever get out of that organization.

I was the first person to leave who was born there.

CS: Maybe most famously on the Joe Rogan show.

When I went on Rogan, I knew that he smoked cigars, and I thought he must have good cigars. And I thought, ‘why not do something that he already likes to do?’ So when I got to his studio, he asked if I wanted anything, drink, cigar.

And I said ‘cigar.’

CS: There were TVs in the hospital.

That’s a scary start, but it’s a start.

The first show I saw was Bonanza.

I also liked Big Valley. This was the 1979 to 1982 period. There were only certain channels available, it was a children’s hospital.

CS: You got to smoke the Rogan blend that comes from our pal Nick at Foundation.

CS: Once you got out of the hospital, through contacts you made there, you began cleaning houses for people. And that led to you leaving the Field. A woman you were working for connected you to a way to go to college, which ended up happening.

I never made a decision to leave, per se. It was a set of circumstances that led to the inevitability that I could not stay. It was very impulsive. I never let myself think I was leaving. But I did.

CS: Did you have money?

I had a little from house cleaning but I got a full ride scholarship for college.

I had a concept of money, and I knew I didn’t have it. I didn’t have a bank account. When I got to college, I knew there were kids with money because they had things and they could buy things. I just wanted food and shelter.

CS: So you lived in a dorm in college. Did you have any Mork moments? That is, the alien character in the show “Mork and Mindy” who comes to Earth to study human behavior.

Every moment was a Mork moment, and I had no idea of who that was at the time. I didn’t make any friends because I had no idea how to. I didn’t know it, but I was very attractive and

76 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Yes, and afterward, Nick sent me some cigars and some other stuff, swag.

He sent me some Upsetters, some Tabernacles.

CS: So now you’re ready to do the next book.

I got a lot of attention. I lived in a coed dorm. My roommate was a super conservative Mormon. She didn’t drink coffee. She didn’t drink alcohol. So we were two very conservative girls in our space.

CS: So boys must have been an interesting thing to navigate.

I went to the freshman dance before classes even started. And this basketball player who was living diagonally from us across the hall, gorgeous guy who had all the girls he wanted. I knew they all liked him, but, like, whatever. He asked me to go to this dance. I went to the dance. He kind of took my hand and like, kind of tried to hold me on the dance floor for a few seconds. I was so freaked out I ran away. Hooking up was such a foreign concept for me. Like, I couldn’t even imagine that. I had never had a social relationship. I never did in college, really. I had never had the experience of having a friend yet, even through college. I mean, other

than the friends I was born with.

CS: To really understand your journey, your book is the place to be. You went on to be married to someone who had also been in the Field, have babies, get some higher ed degrees and become an educator. The book, though, is this crowning jewel. So let’s talk about cigars.

I started smoking cigars about 12 years ago at an outdoor jazz place that had a humidor, wine. Someone asked me, and I accepted. It felt so freeing. I loved the way it enhanced conversation. So I started going there, then after yoga, I started going to a cigar lounge in Upland, the Cigar Exchange International. There’s an indoor and outdoor and they would have live music every weekend. Beer, wine, all sorts of whiskies. I felt that smoking a cigar made me feel good and there were no consequences. It’s not like overeating or overdrinking where you feel bad afterward.

The proposal is done. It will be an extension [of Forager], working title “Prodigal Daughter,” kind of picking up where we left off. It flashes back to some of the first book, but it starts when I’m 29. I skipped a little over 10 years, because I feel like it’s very important in memoir writing to tell a story not to just give facts about your life.

It does give you a reference point to what happened when I left.

Dowd’s harrowing saga has a happy twist. Dowd has four flourishing, grown children and four dogs, and lives in a 1920s home on an acre in California’s Inland Valley. Her literary career is on fire, as is a possible film concept, for which she was commissioned to write the first draft. Dowd hosts a yoga and beer night at a local brewery, Yoga on Tap at Claremont Craft Ales, has friends over to her home, teaches writing workshops, and works on her Substack. She frequently backpacks in the mountains.

Only this time, it's her choice.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 77

SCOREBOARD We started paying attention to the platform formerly known as Twitter in our March/April 2010 issue when we had our friend and co-founder of Stogie Review Walt White write a story about Twitter’s impact on the cigar world. The following issue was the first to run a Twitter Scoreboard and ever since we’ve been keeping tabs on the Twitter accounts of cigar companies, personalities, retailers, and more. We have transitioned from calling it the Twitter Scoreboard to the odd-sounding X Scoreboard. We’ve also traded the powder blue and bird for a minimalistic, modern X on a black background but as always, if you believe you have the numbers to be on this page, let us know via @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar ....................................

Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ...............................................

CAO International @CAOCigars ................................................

Padron Cigar @PadronCigars ..................................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @AlecBradley ...........................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrewArt .........................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

E. Perez-Carillo @EPCarrillo ....................................................

La Gloria Cubana @lagloriacubana ..........................................

Pete Johnson @TatuajeCigars ..................................................

Oliva Cigar Company @OlivaCigar .............................................

Xikar Inc @XIKARinc ...............................................................

JC Newman Cigar @JCNewmanCigars .......................................

Davidoff Cigars @Davidoff_Cigars ...........................................

Nick Perdomo @PerdomoCigars ..............................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Punch Cigars @punchcigars ....................................................

Ernesto Padilla @PadillaCigars ................................................

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

44195 42117 29679 28858 25531 21705 20327 17438 17186 16417 16229 15466 15237 15156 14982 14718 13861 13372 13281 12973

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10080 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2017 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2041

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TWEETS, MENTIONS, AND RANDOM SOCIAL MEDIA GOODNESS.

@motheroftheleaf

The Wise Man Maduro @foundationcigars

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Famous Smoke Shop @FamousSmokeShop .............................

JR Cigars @JRCigars ..............................................................

Mulberry St. Cigars @MulberryStCigar ....................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ....................................................

Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @CoronaCigarCo................

Cigar Row @CigarRow ............................................................

Michael Herklots @MichaelHerklots ........................................

Lindsay Siddiqi @TheCigarChick ..............................................

Cheap Humidors @cheaphumidors ..........................................

Buckhead Cigar @BuckheadCigar ............................................

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14838 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 10481 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4179

21226 13004 12286 10083 8088 7010 5990 4720 4578 3949

TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES David Voth–Sex, Cigars, & Booze @SexCigarsBooze .................

Cigar News @CigaRSS ............................................................

Cigar Events @CigarEvents .....................................................

Blind Man’s Puff @BlindMansPuff ............................................

Cigar Dojo @CigarDojo ............................................................

Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe ........................................

Cigar Federation @CigarFederation .........................................

CigarHustler.com @CigarHustler .............................................

Stephen LaPre, Sr. @CigarChairman .........................................

Cigar Vixen @CigarVixen .........................................................

78 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

133322 20737 16077 14465 13627 12256 11146 10083 9642 8522

@kuttelwascherondrej HVC PAN CALIENTE DOUBLE CORONA @hvccigars @hvc. cigars.family

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 79

INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD Since its launch in October of 2010, the cigar world has become enamored with Instagram. Today the ‘Gram is unquestionably the most popular platform on which to share snaps of what you’re smoking and drinking. This scoreboard is sorted by number of followers and broken into groups: Top 20 Cigar & Cigar Accessory Companies, Top 10 Retailers & Reps, Top 10 Cigar Influencers, Top 3 Cigar Organizations, and Top 3 Cigar Radio accounts. If you have the numbers and belong in one of these groups, stand up and be counted! Set us straight via Instagram @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR & ACCESSORY COMPANIES ( sorted by Instagram followers ) Padron Cigar @padroncigars ...................................................

Davidoff Cigars @davidoffcigars .............................................

Drew Estate Cigars @drewestatecigar .....................................

Arturo Fuente @arturofuentecigars .........................................

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars @rockypatelcigar ........................

Raquel Quesada @raquelquesadaofficial .................................

Boveda @BovedaInc ...............................................................

Epic Cigars @epiccigars .........................................................

Oliva Cigar Co. @olivacigar .....................................................

My Father Cigars @myfathercigars ..........................................

Gurkha Cigars @gurkhacigars .................................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

Xikar Inc @xikar .....................................................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Plasencia Cigars @plasenciacigars .........................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

Nick Perdomo @Perdomocigars ..............................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @alecbradleycigar ....................................

Joya de Nicaragua @joyacigars ...............................................

170817 158136 146641 121776 115739 103998 88921 83798 83732 81078 80691 78465 77487 75721 68663 68672 66723 66533 64047 57149

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Privada Cigar Club @privadacigarclub .....................................

Havana Phil’s Cigar Company @havanaphils .............................

Famous Smoke Shop @famoussmokeshop ...............................

Mulberry St. Cigars @mulberrystcigars ...................................

Michael Herklots @michaelherklots .........................................

Master Sensei @cigardojo ......................................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ....................................................

The Cigar Culture @thecigarculture .........................................

Angela Yue @angela_yue .........................................................

La Casa Cigars & Lounge Vegas @lacasavegas ........................

107351 73775 56088 44765 32150 28881 28612 27782 24917 24826

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 24330 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 9946 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 6073

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3575 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1566 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast .............................. 1539

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TWEETS, MENTIONS, AND RANDOM SOCIAL MEDIA GOODNESS.

@shashariga

You can’t add days to your life, but you can add life to your days! La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull. @lfdcigars

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ......................................................

Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................

Delicia-Creator-Influencer @cigarvixen ...................................

Whiskey Girl Josie @whiskeygirl_josie .....................................

Cigar Social Club @cigarsocialclub ..........................................

Eric Kim @scotchandtime ........................................................

Angela, CCST & IACS CCS @cigarsmokingchick .......................

Nikki @cigarpassionista ..........................................................

Melanie Sisco @lilsiscokidd21 .................................................

Cigars / Smoke.Laugh.Live @world.of.cigars ............................

80 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

112468 99627 90239 88553 66159 64408 59790 40594 38957 34739

@rum_poet

No matter how crazy weird life gets, always do one thing a day for yourself.

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 81

EVENTS CARLITO FUENTE’S 70TH PRE-BIRTHDAY PARTY AT GRAND CATHEDRAL Tampa, FL

Carlito Fuente’s 70th pre-birthday bash, themed “Welcome Home Tampa Boy,” was a night to remember at Grand Cathedral. Guests enjoyed a special Fuente “Tampa Boy” cigar, Cuban BBQ, and live Motown and Rat Pack-era music. Angela Yue presented a grand cake, and all sang “Happy Birthday” amid confetti showers, making it a celebration worthy of the proud “Tampa Boy.”

Angela Yue, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Ed Fernández

Kaleb Thornhill, Travis Key, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Player Zach Triner

Ciro Cascella, Joey Bianco, Cynthia Fuente and Laura Zeller

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Rui Alvim de Faria

Onna Ning and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr.

82 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Angela Yue, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Nick Baez Photos by: Joe Photo by Matt Nassif

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 83

EVENTS CARLITO’S 70TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Ybor City, FL

Carlito Fuente’s 70th birthday bash at The Cuban Club in Ybor City transformed the historic venue into an extraordinary space for the night. Guests were greeted with champagne, stepping into Carlito’s speakeasy, complete with a live jazz band and a fully stocked bar.

The celebration flowed into a lush cigar garden, leading to the main hall.

The space was reimagined into an oasis with palm trees. Carlito made a grand entrance in Elvis attire, driving a classic convertible GTO and escorted by police horses. He handed roses to the ladies and gave out high fives to his friends and colleagues. The entertainment included standout performances by Arturo Sandoval and Kid Rock, who also jammed together. The emotional pitch came when Carlito took the stage with his children and sister Cynthia, and delivered a heartfelt speech.

The night culminated with the announcement of the upcoming Arturo Fuente Cigar Club in Ybor City.

Michael Cafagno, Rui Alvim de Faria and Paolo Modolo

Arturo Sandoval and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr.

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Ciro Cascella, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Rich Dolak

Annie Pérez, Ramon Adato, Jamilet Calviño, David Pérez Jr. and Erik Calviño

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr., Sofía and Liana Fuente

Kid Rock and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr.

Arturo Sandoval and Kid Rock

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Carlos Arturo Fuente III, Alex and Les Mann

Liana, Sofía, Carlos Arturo III, Cynthia and Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr.

Melanie Sisco, Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Diab Ellan

Ernesto Jr., Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo and Erik Calviño

Henk Nota, Sean and Theresa Knutsen

Augusto Reyes and José M Espart Alberti

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 85

EVENTS AVO EXPRESSIONS VIP CELEBRATION AT RED ROOSTER ROOFTOP Miami, FL

AVO Expressions and D-Nice hosted a VIP celebration of AVO Expressions 2024 at the Red Rooster Overtown rooftop. Despite heavy rains, the event drew a packed crowd. Attendees enjoyed an exclusive selection of AVO Cigars, cocktails with Havana Club rum, and live music by Jarobi. Notable guests included PCA executives, prominent local content creators, and some of the Real Housewives of Miami.

Dan Markovich and Eva Bauch

Josh Habursky, Eddy Guerra, D-Nice and Antoine Reid

Ben Grynbaum, Gaspar González, Álvaro Sucre, Mayerling Villar, Alessandro Colonna and César Gambino

Yeny and Juan Barboza, Eric Douglas, Sara Díaz, Dana Genovese and Carlos Escalona

Yani and Fidel Castro

86 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Agustín and Lily Hernández, Helen Silveira and Alex Hidalgo

Rodney Gutiérrez, Fabián Barrantes and Gabriel Piñeres

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 87

EVENTS LA FLOR DOMINICANA 30TH ANNIVERSARY LAUNCH AT CITY CIGAR Miami, FL

The launch of La Flor Dominicana 30th Anniversary Cigar was hosted by City Cigar Lounge.

It featured tastings of Flor de Caña aged 18, 20, and 25 years, and guests received an exclusive La Flor Dominicana five-pack to take home. The pack included the Andalusian Bull, LFD Litto Gómez, LFD 30th Anniversary, LFD 25th Anniversary, and LFD 1994. Food was provided by Chef Tanita.

Litto Gómez, Silvia Fortun, Inés and Litto Gómez Jr.

Gio Bertolotti and Tommy Soberon

Luis Santana, Brittany Cierra, Joel Mesa, Nina Lois and Luis Taveras

Luis Santana and Paul Reynolds

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Jennifer Nolan and Jason Jackson

Esha Desai, Sima Parikh and Nasiba Alami

Cesar Martínez Micheli and Leandro Reyes

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 89

EVENTS CITY CIGAR LOUNGE 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY Miami, FL

City Cigar Lounge celebrated its fourth-year anniversary with a burlesque-themed party that featured dancers in full costume, feathers included. Woodford Reserve and Aberfeldy were the drink sponsors for the night and were joined in sponsorship of the event by Drew Estate Cigars and Davidoff Cigars.

Luis Alberto, Tico, Lilia and Natalia Gutiérrez

Alex Domínguez, Victor López de Mendoza, Tico Gutiérrez, Carlos Garcéd and Hubert Ruiz

Brittany Cierra, Terry Bartly and Deanne Pierce

Regnier Acosta, Ibis Lu, Yadira Creighton and Brittany Cierra

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Henry Infante showcasing Woodford Reserve for the evening

Grace Cabezas, George Domínguez and Mayerling Villar

Scott Chester, Evelyn Luna, Henry Flores and Gabriel Piñeres Photos by: Carlos Gastelboldo

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 91

EVENTS SMOKE-ONOS CIGAR FESTIVAL Poconos, PA

Best Cigar Prices and Best Cigar Pub hosted its inaugural three-day Smoke-onos Cigar Festival, kicking off with a dinner and golf tournament. The next day provided brunch, live music, cocktails, food trucks and cigars galore. The closing day featured a bonfire, more cigars and DJ Eli spinning the hits.

Robert and Sharon Holt

John Remer, Erik Espinosa and Candie Tarsi

Tom Lazuka and Robert Wright

Glenn Tarsi and Gary Scheer

Khuong Pham, Laura Barlau and Arthur Zaretsky

Candie Tarsi and Willy Herrera

Nimish Desai and Rocky Patel

John Remer, Lina Atie and Michael Herklots

John Marzella and Greg Fox

92 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Photos by: Glenn Tarsi

EVENTS LA AURORA CIGARS AND E. LEÓN JIMENEZ RUM TASTING Doral, FL

Skybridge Cigar Club hosted a tasting with La Aurora Cigars and E. León Jimenez Rum, held in the outdoor courtyard of the Intercontinental Hotel. U.S. Southern Command members met with Guillermo León, who also signed boxes.

Manuel Ynoa presented the cigar and rum tasting that went along with music and other beverages.

Tom Allan, Manuel Ynoa, Guillermo León, José Bogaert, Antonio Ho

Byron and Manuel Ynoa

Frank Tabares and Herminio Martínez

Brian, Diana Cabrera and Tim Ryan

José Bogaert and Bruce Cheadle

Jesus Yunen and Raul Caminero

Carlos, Jeff, Ron and Jorge

Jean Michel Craan and Tony Chitwood

Willy Marante, José Bogaert, Manuel Ynoa and Elvis Batista

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 93

EVENTS GALIANO 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Coral Gables, FL

Galiano Cigar Room celebrated five years in Coral Gables with a celebration that featured live music from the Afro 23 Band, cigars and drinks. The capacity crowd was also entertained by DJ Carluba and the music continued through the evening. Cigar specials were offered and the crowd included former Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning.

Ciro and Maggie Rodríguez, Barbie and Ozzie Gómez

Carolina Levy and Macarena Zabalza

Raúl Ledesma, Nelson Rodríguez, Daniel Costa, Ciro Rodríguez and Ozzie Gómez

Sandra and Sergio Muñoz

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

David Levy, Alonzo Mourning, Camilo and Manny Iriarte and Brian Kuhs

Barbie Cuellar, Jennifer Ledesma-Rodríguez, Mairely Pérez Falcón, Sandra Nuñoz, Maggie and Lourdes Rodríguez

Carluba

Daniel and Maria Costa

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 95

EVENTS COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE AT RED PHONE BOOTH Brickell, FL

Red Phone Booth, a Prohibition-themed establishment that features crafted mixed drinks, cigars and small plates, hosted Oliva Helping Hands’ Cocktails for a Cause, a ticketed event that provided patrons with a drink, an Oliva cigar, appetizers, and entry to a raffle. The raffle winner received a one-year membership to Red Phone Booth, which features a special entry system in which guests must know a code to enter the establishment through an antique London red phone booth.

Regnier Acosta and Yami Ramírez

Joel and Jennifer Valdés

Carolina Echeverry, Eli La Rosa and Monica Martínez

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Albert Sosa, Cam Harrington, Yadira Creighton and Bernie Rodríguez

Marco Telles, Hiram Díaz, Ahmed Carus, Boris Crespo and Julián Cuevas

Diana Cabrera, Fidel Valdés and William Plaza

Yandy and Denisse Hernández

Christopher Mesa, Eduard Bouten, Josiel Ruiz and Albert Sosa

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 97

EVENTS DAVIDOFF TASTING EXPERIENCE AT SABOR HAVANA Doral, FL

Sabor Havana hosted a Davidoff Cigar tasting event led by Alex Weghorn, U.S. brand ambassador. Smokes included the Davidoff Escurio, Davidoff Nicaragua and Davidoff Yamasa. Weghorn provided details about the differences in the tobaccos of each cigar as well as notes on the flavors and aromas at every step.

Alex Weghorn, Aquiles Legra and Carlos Escalona

Justo Parada and Jorge Valdés

Antonio De Oliveira, Santi Aragón, Jorge Arauz and Saúl Blanco

Roly Álvarez and Haroldo Rodríguez

98 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024

Fidel Castro, Carlos Gort, Juan Barrios and José Chacin

Justo Parada and Carlos Escalona

William Martin and Paul Chapman

JUL / AUG 2024 | CIGAR SNOB | 99

100 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2024