Cigar Snob Magazine January February 2023 by Cigar Snob Magazine

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

BEST CIGARS of

2022

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editorials JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

22 PERFECT PAIRINGS CRAIGELLACHIE 13 YEAR OLD SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY/ ILLUSIONE EPERNAY 10TH ANNIVERSARY

24 BRAND BREAKDOWN ESPINOSA LAS 6 PROVINCIAS – CMW

27 TRAVEL: CAN’T MISS EVENTS FOR 2023 Pack your bags and bring some extra butane for the amazing cigar-centric events happening in 2023. From cigar festivals to sports events to fireworks displays, our comprehensive list has got you covered for all the best parties. Don’t miss out on any of the exciting experiences tailored for cigar snobs this upcoming year.

65 TOP 25 CIGARS The highly anticipated best cigars of 2022 is finally here, and as always it’s filled with surprises from top to bottom. Our annual list is now in its 11th year and features a diverse range of winners in terms of manufacturers, countries of origin, tobacco types, and shapes/sizes. Make sure to look for our tear-out list inside the magazine and head to your local tobacconist to sample the winners yourself.

76 JACK DOUGLAS Music legend Jack Douglas has spent his career producing music for some of the greatest artists of all time. In addition to having a great ear, he also has a deep love of cigars. Jack tells us how he got his start in the music biz, stories of days in the recording studio, and how his love for cigars developed.

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TRUE STORY.

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features JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

33 RATINGS

50 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB ESCAPE ARTIST FEATURING DAVIDOFF SIGNATURE

82 TWITTER SCOREBOARD

84 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

86 EVENTS 86 CASA 1910 EXPERIENCE 88 SMOKE THIS 90 CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL 92 JC NEWMAN’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

93 CASA DE MONTECRISTO/RED MEAT LOVERS CLUB/OLIVA CIGARS

94 THE DE MOYA FOUNDATION GOLF

TOURNAMENT WITH OLIVA CIGARS

98 LA MARIELITA RUM LAUNCH PARTY 98 LITTLE HAVANA CIGAR SHOP GRAND OPENING

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2023

VO L . 15 IS SU E 1 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 Natalia Marie García

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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Bob Gruen Michael Coleman EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Ramon Santana Edward Leal, Magnate Photography Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Katharina Mazepa 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

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GOLD DUST LI G N E 2 LIGH TER

We’ve been getting dumber and I’m afraid it is accelerating at a pace that we’re not ready for. I don’t mean specifically that you and I are losing intelligence throughout our lifetime, although we may be, who knows. I’m talking about generationally. I feel that we may have peaked and unless we act, our children and our children’s children are heading downhill on the cognitive abilities curve. I think it started with the calculator. The idea was to use it to compute difficult math problems, but you had to understand the problem in order to use it, so that was OK. Then, as they got smaller and more accepted by teachers, the next generation of high school students took the calculators into the classroom and used them to solve ever-simpler math equations. Nowadays, most grade school students can’t solve anything without one. In spite of how it has affected our ability to compute, generally speaking, the student has to understand the problem and how to solve it before he can use the calculator so the impact isn’t as negative. But the calculator gave birth to the computer. Computers have made research incredibly easy. Before the 90s, when personal computers started to become commonplace in this country, you had to go to the library and do heavy research in order to write a paper. You pulled card catalogs, found books on shelves, read through them, reviewed microfiche; it was a pain but in that painful process you learned a tremendous amount. The whole point of assigning a research paper was so you would become intimate with the topic you were researching and you’d learn through the contact with the subject matter. Today on a computer with an Internet connection, you can easily search for everything you need without having to get so intimate but that’s still OK because you have to understand the topic enough to write about it. But you no longer need to write. With a new AI platform made public in December 2022 called ChatGPT, students won’t have to write a single paper about anything ever again. There are broader existential threats that can make you lose sleep but I’m not ready to go down that path of sci-fi horror just yet. What concerns me right now is that our children can easily use this chatbot to write coherent, well-written papers about anything that you can imagine, in any style or slant, in seconds. For example: they can ask ChatGPT to “explain the role of nihilism in Raskolnikov in Crime and Punishment from the perspective of Jordan Peterson.” In a matter of seconds it will spit out an explanation that would easily get you a passing grade. By the way, the teacher can also use it to grade the papers. I tested the whole thing out while writing this letter; ChatGPT gave itself a “high B or low A.” It actually said that, “it demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic and provides a detailed and well-supported explanation.”

we bestow the title of Cigar of the Year on what we feel is the best regular production cigar from last year. This process is the most difficult thing we have the privilege of doing all year. We take this ranking seriously and as such, smoke an unbelievable amount of cigars to arrive at what we feel are the best, so don’t finish this letter, jump straight to p. 65 and take a look! Let us know your thoughts on the list at feedback@cigarsnobmag. com. We were also fortunate enough to shoot the gorgeous Katharina Mazepa at The Guitar Hotel smoking Davidoff Signature for a spread we called “Escape Artist” on p. 50. Thanks to everyone who made that possible, and a special shout to our dear friend Eric Douglas, you’re the best E. Lastly, we had Steve Miller put together a story about the “Can’t Miss Events of 2023” starting on p. 27. There’s much more in the issue but we’re off to the write the next issue with ChatGPT! Keep ‘em lit,

You may or may not understand or agree with me on the depth of this problem but as I see it, at the very least we’ve just taken a giant step towards ignorance. We are in the early stages of this technology, there’s no telling how much better it will be and what it will be used for in the future but if they teach ChatGPT how to make cigars, I quit!

Erik Calviño

On a lighter note, this is our Top 25 issue! This is the time of year when

ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

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CIGAR INCENSE Hey Guys, I am a relative beginner to cigar smoking, and I have been enjoying your podcast for about a year and a half now. In my opinion it is the most entertaining and informative of any of the cigar related podcasts out there. I am relegated to smoking outside in my backyard since the Mrs. isn’t too fond of my new hobby. I have smoked indoors at a cigar lounge a couple of times and have noticed one distinct difference between my indoor and outdoor smoking experience, and that is indoors I get to enjoy the aroma of the tobacco burning from the foot of the cigar a lot more than when I smoke outdoors. So to remedy this when I smoke outdoors I like to wave my cigar under my nose throughout the duration of my cigar almost like you would an incense stick. I feel like this enhances my outdoor smoking experience. My question to you guys is: is this something you may have done before or heard of anyone else doing? Ricardo A. Via questions@cigarsnobmag.com Hello Ricardo, Thanks for listening. Here’s a newsflash: an overwhelming majority of our cigarloving brethren also get banished by our wives to outdoor sanctuaries in order to enjoy our favorite pastime! You are not alone. While smoking outside may have some drawbacks, there’re plenty of positives if certain elements are just right, including the wind and weather. Smoking outdoors on a perfect evening is one of life’s great pleasures. However it is also true that you are able to enjoy a cigar’s aromas far better indoors. As for waving the cigar under your nose, it is a common practice among cigar smokers. By waving the cigar back and forth, you can create slight combustion without actually puffing on it. This waving helps the cigar burn softly and gives off a small amount of smoke that is not over-burned. If you’re smoking good tobacco, you should be able to get excellent aromas from the smoke and enhance the experience. On the other hand, if the tobacco is bad or if the cigar is not burning correctly, the opposite is true and you get unpleasant aromas that might resemble a charred beach sandal! To answer your question seriously, it is quite common to wave your cigar and you should definitely continue to do so. An added bonus of this technique is that you will look like a certifiable Cigar Snob to onlookers. Cheers!

IT’S ALL IN THE PACE Hi Guys, what are some tips for smoking a cigar at the proper pace and fully enjoying the experience? I never know if I’m going too fast or not. Dan O. Via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com Great question! There is a definite sweet spot for the rate at which you should draw from your cigar, although it can be difficult to determine exactly what that rate is. If you draw too slowly, you run the risk of the cigar going out. Conversely, smoke too fast and now you’re the dreaded “machine gun puffer,” producing too much smoke, overheating the cigar, and possibly resulting in a self-induced cigar coma. Obviously the speed at which you should be smoking depends a lot on the construction and burn rate of your particular cigar. For example, a cigar stored with excessive humidity and/or a tight draw may require more puffing to stay lit compared to a drier cigar or one with an open draw. Hopefully, you’re buying good cigars and taking better care of them than these extreme examples. Having to puff more frequently than normal because your cigar is not “perfect” is less than ideal but sometimes it is what it is. It’s best to aim for a relaxed pace under normal circumstances, but even that can be subjective. A good rule of thumb is to not exceed 1 to 2 puffs per minute but please don’t set a timer and become a cigar smoking robot. Cigars are meant to be enjoyed, puff at whatever rate gives you most pleasure.

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JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

KNUCKLE SANDWICH CONNECTICUT RELEASE Espinosa Premium Cigars is adding a Connecticut core line to the Knuckle Sandwich portfolio, with a soft launch scheduled for January. The Knuckle Sandwich is a collaboration between Espinosa and celebrity chef, restaurateur and television personality Guy Fieri. The Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut is offered in a 5 x 52 Robusto J ($12.50), a 6.5 x 48 box-pressed Short Churchill G ($13) and a 6 x 54 Toro H ($13.50). The Knuckle Sandwich Connecticut was blended by Espinosa Premium Cigars, and produced at the San Lotano Factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. It will be first made available to Espinosa Lounges and select accounts nationwide and make its official debut at the Total Product Expo in February.

“We are inviting adult U.S. cigar enthusiasts to be part of this special VegaFina holiday tradition with a limited production of 1,500 boxes of VegaFina Classic Year of the Rabbit 2023 made for the U.S. market,” Rafael Nodal, head of product capability, said in a press release. The Year of the Rabbit will be available to retailers in the U.S. this month and Altadis U.S.A. plans to showcase the product at the upcoming 2023 TPE convention in February.

GURKHA COLECCION ESPECIAL NOW SHIPPING Gurkha is now shipping the Coleccion Especial in Robusto, Toro and Lonsdale priced between $13 and $15.

“In the last year, Guy’s has shown his enthusiasm and commitment to our industry and the Knuckle Sandwich line,” Erik Espinosa said in a press release. “He is excited about adding a Connecticut offering to the Knuckle Sandwich brand and providing yet another smoking option to its fans.

Gurkha first released the Coleccion Especial in an exclusive shape and size to the TAA earlier this year. It sold out quickly and retailers have been asking for more! “Retailers have loved the flavor, construction, and packaging of the Coleccion Especial TAA Exclusive,” says Jim Colucci, President of Gurkha Cigars. “We’re excited to present this product to a larger group of cigar lovers and can’t wait to hear their responses.”

VEGAFINA YEAR OF THE RABBIT 2023

Adorned in a high gloss, white box with a gold Gurkha Soldier, these 10 count boxes will hit select retail shelves in the coming week.

New Limited Edition Celebrating the Chinese New Year hits the Market This Month.

If you would like more information about this topic or to set up an interview, please write to marketing@gurkhacigars.com.

VegaFina is shipping its Chinese New Year 2023, special-edition cigar, celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. The VegaFina Year of the Rabbit 2023 is a 6 x 50 torpedo ($12) featuring a blend of tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Ecuador. It comes in 16-count specially produced red and gold lacquered boxes, with the cigars arranged in two blocks of eight – the Chinese lucky number. In addition to carrying the brand’s standard cigar band, each cigar in this year’s offering features a band at the foot of the cigar that matches the box design. Each box is individually numbered.

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LA AURORA ESTABLISHES US-BASED COMPANY, ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP La Aurora today announced it will be taking over handling of its U.S. brands starting in April through a Miami-based operation, taking over from Miami Cigar & Co., which had handled its distribution. Ed McKenna, formerly of STG and Bacardi, will be in charge of the recently formed La Aurora USA. He will be joined by John Ferrigan, formerly of Breakthru Beverage Group and STG. Both will be handling sales and retail operations.

McKenna and Ferrigan will join reps from the sales team in visiting its retail partners beginning this month, the company said. All La Aurora cigar orders should continue to be placed through Miami Cigar for now. “I look forward to the contributions from Ed and John, along with those from the LUSA Team, in shaping and driving La Aurora’s future growth in the most important US premium cigar market,” La Aurora owner Guillermo León said in a press release.

PCA LAUNCHES FIRST GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN IN CANADA The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is embarking on a grassroots campaign in Canada to help defend the rights of cigar smokers across the country. Cigar smokers in Canada face increasing restrictions on the sale of, marketing, and consumption of premium cigars. The most recent regulatory proposal by Health Canada rolls premium cigars in with all other tobacco forms and complicates packaging requirements for premium cigar distributors and retailers. “Cigar smoking has long been a tradition and a passion for many Canadians,” a PCA press release states. “It is a social activity that brings people together and provides enjoyment and relaxation. However, Health Canada is proposing a new health warning label regulation that would cover 75% of the cigar packaging, effectively demonizing cigar smokers and their choice to use a legal product.” The Premium Cigar Association invites all interested parties both domestic and international to visit cigaraction.org to keep track of issues and actions regarding government regulation of premium cigars.

CAO AMAZON BASIN EXTRA AÑEJO DEBUTS IN JANUARY CAO Amazon Basin adds the Extra Añejo to the lineup that launched in 2014. As the name suggests, Extra Añejo speaks to additional aging given to the Amazon Basin blend. The cigars were crafted in 2021 and left to mature for two years in a room lined

with Spanish cedar. The 6 x 52 CAO Amazon Basin Extra Añejo ($14.99) features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and a touch of Dominican and Colombian leaf in the filler. CAO Amazon Basin Extra Añejo is centered on a tobacco varietal called Bragança, which is grown in an Amazonian rainforest and harvested once every three years. Native farmers transplant the seedlings directly into the soil a full yard apart from each other, resulting in less than half the yield of other tobacco plants. After harvest, artisans roll the leaves by hand into tubes called carottes, where they undergo six months of natural fermentation. Produced at STG Esteli in Nicaragua, CAO Amazon Basin Extra Añejo will ship in 18-count wooden boxes, limited to 5,800 boxes for the U.S. market.

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FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES EL GÜEGÜENSE BOX PRESS TORO MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR FAMOUS SMOKE SHOP Foundation Cigar Company has teamed up with Famous Smoke Shop for the El Güegüense Toro Box Press cigar. The 6 x 52 soft-pressed cigar ($16) features a Nicaraguan Corojo 99 wrapper from Jalapa, with a San Andrès binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers from Esteli and Jalapa.

to craft this beautiful Box Press Toro. It is a special complement to our El Güegüense line,” master blender Nicholas Melillo said in a press release. Limited to 500 boxes, the El Güegüense is available exclusively from Famous Smoke Shop and can be found at www.famous-smoke.com.

FRATELLO CIGARS RELEASES FRATELLO FLORIDA

El Güegüense is Foundation Cigar Company’s first blend which launched in 2015. Translated as “The Wise Man,” it celebrates the cultural history of Nicaragua.

Fratello Cigars has released its latest state exclusive, the Fratello Florida, which joins the Texan, the Pennsylvania and the Fratello DMV in its series. The 5 x 50 ($8) features a Habana 2000 wrapper, Olor Dominicano binder, and Corojo Seco, Criollo 98 and Piloto Cubano ligero filler. It comes in 20-count boxes.

“We were pleased to work with such a respected tobacconist as Famous Smoke Shop

The Fratello Florida debuted in November at ABC Fine Wine and Spirits stores.

Craigellachie 13 Year Old Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary Long considered the muscle behind Dewar’s blended Scotch, it wasn’t always easy to find Craigellachie bottlings, but in recent years, it’s become slightly more accessible at least by availability and perhaps price. But accessible on the palate is a different matter. Famed whisky expert Alfred Barnard called Craigellachie, “a style of whisky seldom met” when he tasted it in 1891. Tasting the whisky today and comparing it with other popular Speyside malts, we see where Alfred was coming from but we absolutely love the seldom-met style of this whisky. While this Craigellachie is aged only 13 years and is bottled at 46% alcohol, it has the mouthfeel of a much older and perhaps higher alcohol whisky. It is viscous and feels almost heavy on the palate thanks at least in part to the distillery’s traditional – detractors would say old-fashioned – use of worm tubs. Worm tubs refers to the way that the vapors are condensed coming off the still. The method results in less copper contact leaving more of the meaty, full-bodied compounds in the resulting spirit. Additionally, the distillery does not chill-filter its whiskies, which we applaud. Whisky nerds for and against chill-filtering will argue that the difference is minimal but all you need to do is taste a dram of Craigellachie 13 and compare it to other similarly aged Speyside malts and you’ll taste it for yourself. Does it look ugly in the glass when you drop cold water in to dilute? No doubt about it. Non chill-filtered whiskies get cloudy in that scenario but we compare that to seeing plume on a perfectly aged cigar; the novice smoker sees an ugly, moldy-looking growth while the knowledgeable smoker sees gold. THE PAIRING In a sense, the Illusione Epernay 10th Anniversary is the opposite of the Craigellachie. The whisky seeks more body and muscle by using worm tubs but the cigar seeks less body by not using the strongest, thickest leaves on the plant. For this reason, we recommend that you pour out a dram of Craigellachie 13 and nose the whisky. It’s a wonderful combination of biscuit, caramel, crisp apple, and a touch of pineapple in the background. Take a small sip if you must, just to satisfy that desire that comes over you when you nose something so good. Now using a spoon or dropper, add a bit of cold spring water into the whisky. When you nose it again you should notice that the intensity has come down significantly but the fruit notes like apple and pineapple have ramped up. Now take another sip and savor that sweet, oaky, fruity deliciousness while you start lighting the Illusione Epernay 10th. The cigar has a smooth peppery sweetness along with cedar, nuts, and citrus that works wonderfully with the whisky.

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LOCATION: EMPIRE SOCIAL LOUNGE DADELAND empiresociallounge.com

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO

ESPINOSA LAS 6 PROVINCIAS - CMW COUNTRY

Nicaragua

WRAPPER

Ecuador

BINDER

Nicaragua

FILLER

Nicaragua

PRICE FACTORY

$ 18.00 AJ Fernandez San Lotano Factory

Erik Espinosa Jr. Vice President Espinosa Cigars Unlike the majority of the Espinosa portfolio, which is directed by your father, Erik Espinosa, Las 6 Provincias is your baby, you came up with the concept and you decide what direction it takes. Take us through that process – what are you trying to achieve with this line and how did you go about making it a reality? It took a lot of sleepless nights. I wanted to put my own stamp on this industry. I wanted to incorporate Cuba in some way, but I didn’t know exactly how. I know that you can’t use a lot of city names and other things because of the possibility of a lawsuit, but I really wanted something for my grandparents. I’ve spent a lot of time with them and they’ve always told me about how much better times were back then. And then after a lot of hard thinking, I thought of the original six provinces in Cuba. The six provinces in Spanish translate to: “Las 6 Provincias,” so that’s the brand name and every year we release another edition named after one of the provinces.

AVAILABLE IN 1 SIZE

Toro 6 x 50

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Yes they are. From the very beginning I set out with the intention to keep it small so we could tell the story behind the cigars. In order to do so we decided to ship most of the product to our Espinosa lounges first. This way we’re able to share its history, which is something I care about deeply. Unfortunately the bigger a cigar gets, the harder I feel it is to tell the story. How many Espinosa lounges are there? I believe we have about 11, which get the bulk of the product. When those are done, whatever is left over we give out to friends and family. It’s a shame the cigar isn’t more accessible so that more people could get their hands on it. But you’re right; it would lose its essence if you did. And I imagine it’d be harder to make that good of a cigar. Right? Absolutely. When I first came up with the idea, I wanted this crazyamazing, flavorful cigar. When I reached out to our manufacturing partner AJ Fernandez and explained what I had in mind for the blend, he wouldn’t do it. He wouldn’t give us the wrapper that we wanted or anything close to it. My team and I had to sit down with him and explain the idea and concept in full detail, the limited nature of it, the homage to pre-revolution Cuba, and he started to get it. Obviously he is Cuban and understood where we were coming from but the only reason he agreed was because he understood it was a small batch and we were not going to use up all of his best tobacco. If this were going to be a full production cigar it would be a different story. That’s the main reason why we keep it so small, so we can make sure we can always get the next one when we are ready and we can continue making phenomenal sticks. How should someone go about getting these cigars if they are interested? Are the lounges on your website?

Yes the country used to be broken up into six provinces but after Castro’s revolution, they split the country up into 13 provinces and now I believe it’s up to 15. In essence, by using the original six you are making a reference to the time before the revolution without saying so and by referring each blend to an abbreviation of the province name, you get around the trademark issue. That’s clever.

Yeah, they should go to espinosa.com where we have a list of all the Espinosa lounges. From there they can call them directly. I believe most of them provide shipping. Also you can visit the store’s social media pages. Most of the time the stores will post the cigars on their social media when they get a large shipment and will say the amount of boxes they have available for sale.

Now in terms of production, is every one of Las 6 Provincias a limited edition?

Most consumers just buy the box. They buy the box and they take home a phenomenal box of cigars that speaks for itself.

These cigars are usually not sold as singles, correct?

SWEET

CHOCOLATE

NUT

EARTH

CREAM

WOOD

COFFEE

SPICE

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elcome to 2023, a number known in numerology as “an encouragement to embrace the unknown, explore your talents, and learn new things.” We’re not much into hocus pocus but that’s an approach that has no downside. So when you walk into your favorite lounge or retailer, think wide and hug up to something fresh, a smoke you’ve never seen before. Then extend that adventurous overture to the road,

that fabled place where you truly learn about yourself and others. We’re talking about cigar events and more, places to put yourself to breathe in a new experience, maybe check out a sports event or some music and create some memories. To help with your travels, we can give some suggestions on the wheres and whens. Choose your conveyance, pack what you need – never more – and hit the road. After all, what is knowledge without the miles?

January

For the first time since 2020, the Puro Sabor Nicaraguan cigar festival (January 2327) is happening, marking the return of a chance to rub elbows with some of the biggest names in the business, along the way checking out the journey of the cigar, from the seed in the fertile Nicaraguan soil to the finely produced gem in your hand. You land in Managua and then head to Granada for the event’s kickoff, then to Esteli to hang with the country’s great cigar producers. You’ll visit the fields and factories, led by knowledgeable company officials. The last time Puro Sabor went down, in 2020, over 100 folks from around the world showed up to chow on local cuisine and hit parties put on by some of the host companies. Along the way is the smoking of some fine cigars and a knowledge and appreciation for the craft of producing the world’s best cigars. nicaraguancigarfestival.com

February The Pro Cigar Dominican Republic festival (February 19-24) was created by the island’s premium cigar association, which includes Arturo Fuente, Davidoff, Ernesto PerezCarrillo, La Aurora, and a host of other hardhitting mavens of the industry. This year will be the 15th annual, and the hosts put on a tour of the cigar big leagues through the fields and factories of some of the world’s biggest producers, with every day ending in a gala dinner and open bar.

March You can’t beat this month’s The Great Smoke (March 16-19) in West Palm Beach, Florida. It’s four days of pre-parties, afterparties and during party-parties, hosted by an array of marquee industry names. It’s the largest, paid, multi-vendor event in a state that is certifiably cigar-crazy. thegreatsmoke.com Also this month: Cigar Snob Cigar of the Year Party (dates TBA, watch the newsletter), which takes over a specially selected spot in the Miami area for an evening. We celebrate the hallowed Cigar of the Year that is announced in this issue with live music, multiple open bars, food stations, inspired hors d’oeuvres and a selection of cigars, including the honoree. cigarsnobmag.com

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Cigar Snob Cigar of the Year Party

Procigar Festival Attendees are also privy to some unreleased smokes and plied with premiums throughout the festival. Over 800 people attended last year, so expect to be meeting like-minded cigar fans from all over the world. procigar.org Also this month: The Miami International Boat Show (February 15-19). miamiboatshow. com and Super Bowl LVII 2023 (February 12). nfl.com/super-bowl

April

Kentucky Derby

Photo credit: John Minchillo/AP/Shutterstock

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (April 28-May 7) began in 1970 and hosts some of the biggest names in music, straying far from the jazz and Louisiana-centric music it originally focused on. Last year’s lineup included The Who, Foo Fighters and Billy Strings, decidedly a far cry from a jazz/blues/soul past that has included Charles Mingus, Nina Simone, and Sonny Rollins. But it’s New Orleans, and the festival has a “no carny food” policy, giving it plenty of room to serve up local fare, including (mouth waters profusely) crawfish strudel and oyster patties. nojazzfest.com Also this month: The Masters (April 6-9) in Augusta, Georgia. Access to one of the most prestigious events in sports is complicated. There are no set ticket prices but the Augusta area is rife with ticket merchants, some sketchier than others. If you do procure credentials, be aware that most electronic devices are not permitted. This includes cell phones, tablets, and video cameras among others (a full list is available on masters.com). Still cameras are allowed for personal use but only on practice round days. Once you get past all of that, however, Augusta National is your oyster. Load up on Masters merch and have it shipped home so you don’t have to lug it around. Cigar smoking is allowed at Augusta National so fire up your favorite blend and enjoy this bucket list moment.

Texas Cigar Week (May 11-14) switches locations each year, landing in 2023 in Dallas, a Metro area rich in smoking. The focal point will be Casa de Montecristo Cigar Lounge & Bar in the city’s Oak Lawn neighborhood and events will take place throughout the city. Last year’s festival in Austin featured a steady stream of events, from a golf challenge to nightly parties at various nightclubs, lounges, and restaurants. Expect the same this year. texascigarweek.com

If you are fortunate enough to be invited to the Oliva Cigars and Mercedes Benz Pavilion just off the number 9 green, you’ll be treated to lunch, drinks, and just about any offering from the Oliva book of brands including the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro, the 2021 Cigar of the Year. masters.com

Also this month: Kentucky Derby (May 7). Derby week includes parties that include plenty of homegrown brown spirits and cigars. The Derby is presented by Woodford Reserve, just to give you an idea of what goes down. kentuckyderby. com

July The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (July 4), held along the banks of the Charles River, is one of the most impressive celebrations of our nation’s independence. Guests show up early to snag the best views from the lawn, then the concert kicks off in earnest at 8 PM and is capped by a 30-minute fireworks show choreographed with music from the iconic Boston Pops. Although the concert is outdoors and there is fireworks smoke all around, don’t expect to fire up your favorite stogie in peace during the show. Better yet, after the spectacle cruise over to Stanza Dei Sigari and enjoy your smoke in one of the only indoor, cigar-friendly spots in the city. bso.org/boston-pops-fireworks-spectacular Also this month: The annual cigar industry convention and trade show, which isn’t open to consumers, takes place in Las Vegas from July 8 to 12.

May June The College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska (June 15-26) offers a sports-based party with plenty of eating, drinking and smoking opportunities. See our Jan/Feb 2021 issue for our travel piece on the Gateway to the West. While in Omaha, stop in at Havana Garage, a laidback cigar bar in the heart of the Old Market. cwsomaha.com Also this month: The U.S. Open (June 1218), one of golf’s four major championships, will be held at the Los Angeles Country Club for the very first time. usopen.com

August The Rocky Mountain Cigar Fest (August 26) in Broomfield, Colorado is a blast of music, smoking, craft beer and fine spirits set against the cooling landscape of the Rockies, 25 minutes from Denver. Honchos from all the major premium cigar brands will be there. rmcigarfestival.com Also this month: You want freedom? Burning Man (August 27 – September 5) has you covered. Set in the Black Rock Desert north of Reno, Nevada, they love smoking; it’s in the name. burningman.org

Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

September Atlanta Cigar Week (dates TBA) takes over the town seven days of the third week of the month, a period that has been designated by city proclamation as the official week of cigars. The week is packed with seminars and soirees from black tie to business casual. The 90s block party and car show is a particularly cool place to be and the Bacardi sponsorship means some adventurous drink possibilities. atlantacigarweek.com Also this month: With the cooperation of the weather, the start of the Willamette Valley wine harvest season begins this month. Ground zero for some of the best Pinot Noir in the world, the Oregon region’s 900+ wineries are in full swing, making this a premier time to visit. willamettewines.com

Atlanta Cigar Week

October Drew Estate in 2022 brought back its Barn Smoker events, four strategically placed events that give guests a deep dive into the craft of cigars, with generous amounts of food, smokes, and alcohol as a side dish. This year’s schedule has not been finalized, but the fall event in 2022 was the Kentucky Fire Cured Barn Smoker in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, where attendees toured Gray Family Farms, where Drew Estate sources its Kentucky seed fire-cured tobaccos. barnsmoker.com Also this month: The two-day III Points music festival returns to Miami with dates TBA. Last year’s event featured another ambitious cross section of electronica, hiphop and house and the return of headliner LCD Soundsystem. iiipoints.com

Drew Estate’s Barn Smoker

November The NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning are the only pro sports team that we know of with a cigar lounge in its venue. So, Amalie Arena’s Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge is the place to spend an autumn evening taking in a home stand, watching the two-time Stanley Cup champs play. Next season’s schedule will be announced in June. nhl. com/lightning

30 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

December Sabor Havana’s Smoke This (date TBA) has two decades behind it and keeps things grounded with a simple format for the single-day event: a generous admission package that includes plenty of cigars, food from all over the Miami metro area, premium refreshments, and a roster of cigar manufacturers to engage with. facebook.com/saborhavanacigar/ Also this month: Cigar Heritage Festival (date TBA) in Tampa delivers two days of cigars, food, beer, wine, dessert trucks, premium cigar makers and VIP pre and post-party events. cigarheritagefestival.com

Sabor Havana Smoke This

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

48 CIGARS CIGAR CUTTER: Les Fines Lames Le Petit - Marblewood (lesfineslames.com)

LANCERO AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro

$ 10.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 40 Mexico Mexico Nicaragua

Herrera Esteli Tienda Exclusiva Ct Broadleaf

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 38 USA/Connecticut Brazil Nicaragua

Espinosa Laranja Reserva Escuro

A beautifully box-pressed lancero covered with a dark brown wrapper with a toothy feel. Delivers a balanced profile highlighted by notes of dark chocolate, black American coffee, and a hint of baking spices over a pepper and earth core. Medium plus strength.

$ 13.95

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with a tanned leather feel, this medium bodied blend consistently provides an easy draw and an even burn. Produces a core of sweet pepper, cedar, and milk chocolate accompanied by a rich creaminess on the finish.

$ 10.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 1/2 38 Brazil Nicaragua Nicaragua

Oliva Serie V

N I CA R AG UA A thin lancero covered with a dark, oily wrapper with thin veins showing. It’s consistently well made and produces an excellent smoke output with a core of bittersweet chocolate, smooth pepper, and oak accompanied by a touch of sweet cream. Medium to full strength.

$ 9.04

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 38 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Aladino Maduro

N I CA R AG UA Consistently delivers a well-balanced combination of cocoa, roasted nuts, and coffee joined by notes of smooth pepper, subtle earth, and cedar with a rich creaminess on the finish. This medium plus strength lancero provides an easy draw and leaves behind a solid, dark gray ash.

$ 8.80

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Elegante 7 38 Mexico Honduras Honduras

Illusione Maduro -hl-

H O N D UR AS Impeccably constructed and covered with a dark brown wrapper with excellent oils. This classic lancero draws perfectly while producing a superb, medium bodied smoke output with a core of cedar, roasted almond, sweet cream, and milk chocolate with an ultra-clean finish.

$ 11.15

90 34 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 1/2 40 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

H O N D UR AS Ultra-flavorful and creamy with a profile of roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and oak complemented by a subtle touch of chocolate and dark roast coffee. Produces an excellent output of medium plus bodied smoke with a clean finish.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

LANCERO Villiger Miami

$ 15.00

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Laguito No. 1 7 1/2 38 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero

Beautifully constructed and covered with a supple, light brown wrapper with a slightly reddish hue. Produces an excellent output of mild to medium strength smoke highlighted by notes of cedar, nuts, and sweet spices complemented by a creamy texture and a clean finish.

$ 12.70 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 1/5 38 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Crux Du Connoisseur

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Flavorful and full-bodied, this well-constructed lancero consistently delivers an excellent draw and an even burn while producing an excellent output of highly aromatic smoke with notes of red pepper, tanned leather, almond cream, and sweet cedar.

$ 10.99

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

No. 1 7 1/2 38 Nicaragua Nicaragua Honduras

La Aurora Fernando León Legacy

90 89

N I CA R AG UA A classic-looking lancero covered with a light brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Opens with a flavorful combination of pepper, black American coffee, and cedar balanced by creamy notes of almond and caramel. Consistently produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

$ 20.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 6 7/8 40 Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Brazil & Dominican Republic

Casa Cuevas El Flaco Habano Edicion Limitada VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lonsdale Extra 7 43 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

La Amira

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a smooth profile of cedar, cinnamon, and sweet pepper complemented by subtle notes of leather and cream. This medium plus strength lancero is covered with a clean, reddish brown wrapper and topped with a tight pigtail.

$ 9.50

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a profile dominated by wood, roasted nuts, and soft spice complemented by a sweet creaminess on the finish. Covered with an attractive, reddish brown wrapper and topped with a neat pigtail, this medium strength blend provides a firm draw, a wavy burn, and a flaky ash.

$ 12.00

88 36 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

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

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 40 Mexico Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a medium brown wrapper with a somewhat coarse feel, this medium bodied blend delivers an excellent smoke output highlighted by notes of sweet spice and wood accompanied by a touch of cream.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO EP Carrillo Allegiance

$ 13.10

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Confidant 6 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

La Gloria Cubana 8th Street

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Extra 5 3/4 54 Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Impeccably constructed and covered with a reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils. Provides a perfect draw while producing notes of white pepper, wood, and molasses complemented by a hint of leather and sweetness. Medium plus strength.

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A well-balanced and flavorful blend that opens with a complex combination of cedar, white pepper, and honey accompanied by subtle touches of black tea, floral, and hazelnut. This thick, wellconstructed toro draws and burns flawlessly while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 10.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Ecuador Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Powstanie Wojtek 2021

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Consistently well made and covered with a clean, milk chocolate colored wrapper with a velvet feel. Produces an excellent smoke output with a medium strength combination of sweet spice, cedar, and cocoa powder accompanied by a subtle herbal note on the finish.

$ 13.40

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Mexico & Ecuador Indonesia Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Espinosa La Zona 10th Anniversary

89 38 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

USA

$ 18.50

Founders Douglass Habano

Neatly box-pressed and covered with a medium brown colored wrapper. Draws and burns exceptionally while producing an excellent output of medium bodied smoke with a profile of cocoa, roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and a touch of caramel sweetness.

$ 21.99

Ferio Tego Timeless Limited 10 Years

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA Sporting a unique barber pole finish, this wellmade toro provides a firm draw and a wavy burn while producing a good output of medium strength smoke. Flavors of wood, earth, and black pepper are complemented by a subtle touch of caramel and coffee.

$ 13.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Brazil Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a core of cedar, hazelnut, sweet cream, and roasted almonds later accompanied by black pepper, earth, and charred wood. This medium plus strength toro provides an open draw and a wavy burn requiring some touch ups.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Maduro

$ 13.75 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

AJ Fernandez New World Puro Especial

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 1/2 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Mexico USA/Connecticut Nicaragua & USA

Opens with a heavy dose of spice, bittersweet chocolate, and dark roasted coffee bean joined by notes of dried fruit and a touch of pepper with a clean finish. Consistently provides a flawless draw and burn while producing an excellent smoke output. Medium to full strength.

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a dark brown wrapper with a coarse feel, this flavorful blend opens with a core of earth, sweet pepper, roasted nuts, molasses, and oak accompanied by a rich creaminess on the finish. Impeccably built, this medium to full strength smoke draws and burns perfectly.

$ 11.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Weller by Cohiba

N I CA R AG UA An intensely flavorful toro covered with an exceedingly dark and toothy wrapper with excellent oils. Draws and burns exceptionally while producing an output of medium plus strength smoke with a core of earth, spice, and chicory accompanied by ripe fruit and bittersweet cocoa.

$ 19.99

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Extra 5 1/2 50 Honduras USA/Connecticut Nicaragua

Cavalier BII Viso Jalapa

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C An attractive toro covered with dark brown wrapper and topped with a classic, rounded head. The blend opens with tons of earth and smooth pepper complemented by charred oak and a subtle hint of ripe fruit. Draws and burns well while leaving behind a compact, light gray ash. Medium bodied.

$ 9.00

88 40 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

N I CA R AG UA

$ 9.85

Room 101 12th Anniversary

Super smooth and complex with a balanced blend of sweet cedar, caramel, and roasted nuts accompanied by smooth pepper and cocoa along with a creamy texture. Draws and burns impeccably while producing an excellent output of medium plus strength smoke.

$ 9.00

Blackened M81 by Drew Estate

USA

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

H O N D UR AS A soft-pressed toro covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils. This medium plus strength blend provides an open draw and burns a bit warm while producing a core of earth, tanned leather, and roasted almonds accompanied by notes of pepper and sweet cream.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

ROBUSTO Maria Lucia

$ 12.80

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Extra 5 1/4 54 USA Ecuador Peru, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Fratello Navetta Inverso

A short pressed robusto covered with a dark, slightly mottled wrapper with an inviting, velvet feel. This medium plus strength blend is well balanced and features a flavorful core of bittersweet chocolate, currant, oak, and tanned leather along an excellent draw and burn.

$ 12.20

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 1/2 54 Nicaragua Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Herrera Esteli Norteño

N I CA R AG UA A stout and flavorful robusto with a core of pepper, earth, and sweet spice complemented by a note of cedar and a rich almond cream note throughout the experience. Firmly packed and covered with an oily, reddish brown wrapper. Medium to full strength.

$ 9.60

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Grande 5 1/2 54 Mexico Honduras Nicaragua

Padrón Family Reserve No. 95

91 88

N I CA R AG UA Flavorful and consistent with a balanced combination of smooth pepper, earth, and black American coffee complemented by rich notes of mocha and roasted nuts. This well-constructed, soft-pressed robusto extra produces tons of thick, aromatic, medium bodied smoke.

$ 2 9.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Gordo 4 3/4 60 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

RoMa Craft CroMagnom Aquitaine

N I CA R AG UA A thick, short robusto covered with a dark, toothy wrapper with excellent oils. This medium to full strength blend opens with intense flavors of charred oak, black pepper, and earthy notes balanced by notes of dark chocolate, espresso, and a subtle hint of leather in the aroma.

$ 9.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Mandible 4 1/2 60 Ecuador Cameroon Nicaragua

PDR El Trovador Maduro

N I CA R AG UA A short, soft-pressed robusto covered with a reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This medium plus bodied blend provides a firm draw with a slow burn while delivering flavors of earth and red pepper accompanied by a touch of charred oak and molasses.

$ 9.94

87 42 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 52 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with an oily dark brown wrapper, this box-pressed robusto delivers a mild core of cedar, marzipan, dried fruit, and a hint of sweet pepper. Draws and burns well while leaving behind a tight, compact ash.

MYFATHERCIGARS.COM

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

ROBUSTO Davidoff Royal Release

$ 85.00

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 1/2 55 Dominican Republic Ecuador Dominican Republic

Tatuaje Cojonu 2015

A superb combination of well-balanced and nuanced flavors highlighted by cedar, subtle spice, almonds, and a hint of floral joined by a sweet creamy vanilla on the finish. Beautifully constructed and topped with an impeccable, reddish brown wrapper with sheen. Medium strength.

$ 13.00

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 55 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Intemperance Whiskey Rebellion 1794

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

N I CA R AG UA A consistently well-built, thick robusto covered with a slightly coarse, medium brown wrapper. Delivers a core of earth and black pepper complemented by subtle notes of cocoa, almond cream, and tanned leather. Leaves behind a picture perfect compact ash. Medium to full strength.

$ 8.40 Bradford 5 56 Ecuador Indonesia Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Aganorsa Supreme Leaf

N I CA R AG UA Thick, box-pressed, and covered with a reddish brown wrapper with an inviting, velvet feel. Consistently draws firm and burns well leaving behind a compact, dark gray ash while producing an excellent smoke output with notes of black pepper, earth, chicory, and a hint of ripe fruit.

$ 11.50

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Don Pepín García Original

90 88

N I CA R AG UA Cloaked in a good-looking, milk chocolate-colored wrapper and finished with a partially covered foot, this soft-pressed robusto delivers a profile of pepper, nuts, and cream joined by notes of sweet spice and cedar along the way. Medium plus strength.

$ 9.10 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Invictos 5 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Sancho Panza Extra Fuerte

44 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

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

N I CA R AG UA An intensely flavorful robusto with a core of red pepper, dark roast coffee, and wood accompanied by notes of hazelnut and tanned leather. This medium to full strength blend is covered with a neatly applied, reddish brown wrapper and provides a perfect draw.

$ 7.49 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 50 Ecuador USA/Connecticut Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

H O N D UR AS Delivers a medium bodied core of earth and pepper complemented by subtle hints of wood, tanned leather, and clove. Covered with a thick, reddish brown wrapper, this robusto draws well and leaves behind a wavy burn line and a somewhat flaky ash.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

CORONA Illusione Epernay

$ 10.20

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Le Grande 6 46 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Tatuaje Skinny Monsters

An impeccably balanced and complex blend that delivers a combination of sweet cream, pepper, nuts, and a touch of wood. This medium strength corona is covered with a clean, light brown wrapper and produces an excellent smoke output along a perfect draw and sharp burn.

$ 9.00

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

The Mummy 6 38 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Fonseca by My Father

N I CA R AG UA A beautifully constructed petit lancero finished with a neatly applied, light brown wrapper. Provides a superb draw and burn while producing an excellent smoke output with a creamy and balanced profile of cedar, roasted nuts, sweet spice, and pepper. Medium to full strength.

$ 8.05

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Cosacos 5 3/8 42 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

La Palina KB Series Part Two

91 90

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Long Corona 6 40 Honduras Honduras Nicaragua

A short and beautifully constructed corona covered with a light, reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Delivers a core of cedar, nuts, and spice complemented by hints of cocoa, leather, and white pepper. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

H O N D UR AS A flavorful, well-constructed corona covered with a clean, reddish brown wrapper with sheen. Opens with a medium bodied combination of pepper, coffee, walnuts, and sweet cream complemented by a touch of leather in the aroma. Consistently draws and burns well.

$ 8.25 Corona Extra 5 5/8 46 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

ADVentura The Royal Return Queen’s Pearls

N I CA R AG UA

$ 9.00

Perdomo Champagne 10th Anniversary

46 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

H O N D UR AS

Corona 6 44 Ecuador Ecuador Ecuador, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

N I CA R AG UA Provides a flawless draw and burn while producing an excellent output of medium strength smoke with a core of black pepper, wood, and subtle earth balanced by notes of hazelnut and citrus accompanied by a buttery texture. Covered with a supple, light brown wrapper.

$ 11.80

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a light, tan colored wrapper with a supple feel, this mild to medium strength corona delivers notes of wood, nuts, toast, and black pepper accompanied by a hint of citrus on the finish. This blend offers a good draw while leaving behind a somewhat flaky ash.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

CORONA EP Carrillo La Historia

$ 10.50

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Parientes 6 3/4 43 Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua

Espinosa Laranja Reserva Azulejo

Neatly box-pressed and covered with a dark, oily wrapper. Opens with a blast of dark chocolate, espresso, and smooth spice complemented by a touch of creamy nuttiness. Draws and burns impeccably while producing an excellent output of medium plus bodied smoke.

$ 11.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Corona Gorda 6 46 Ecuador Brazil Nicaragua

Ashton VSG

N I CA R AG UA This impeccably box-pressed corona consistently offers a perfect draw and even burn, producing tons of thick, aromatic smoke with a profile of bittersweet chocolate, caramel, smooth pepper, and roasted nuts complemented by a sweet, creamy note on the finish. Full bodied.

$ 13.10

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Illusion 6 1/2 44 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

The Tabernacle

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a smooth core of sweet cedar, cinnamon, and caramel balanced by notes of white pepper and tea with a clean finish. This well-constructed corona is covered with a dark brown wrapper showing slight veins and produces an excellent output of medium plus strength smoke.

$ 10.33

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Corona 5 1/4 46 USA/Connecticut Mexico Honduras & Nicaragua

La Dueña

N I CA R AG UA A smooth and ultra-flavorful corona covered with a dark, oily wrapper. Produces an abundance of medium plus bodied smoke with a core of cedar, earth, black tea, and sweet spice complemented by notes of honey, leather, and a hint of anise on the finish.

$ 8.15

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Petit Lancero No. 7 6 42 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

Fable Fourth Prime

N I CA R AG UA A dark and consistently well-made blend with a profile of dark roast coffee, earth, and smooth pepper accompanied by subtle notes of ripe fruit, toast, and oak. This medium plus strength corona provides an easy draw and a slightly wavy burn leaving behind a compact, light gray ash.

$ 9.00

90 48 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

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

VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Mi Mi 5 3/4 46 USA/Pennsylvania Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

N I CA R AG UA A flavorful, medium to full strength corona covered with an exceedingly dark wrapper with a slightly coarse feel. Delivers a core of earth, espresso, and red pepper accompanied by a touch of clove and sweet spices while producing an excellent smoke output.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

featuring

Davidoff Signature

BUSTIER AND PANTS ISABEL MARANT SHOES GIANVITO ROSSI HANDBAG ISABEL MARANT

SKIRT AND LEOTARD LAQUAN SMITH SHOES ANDREA WAZEN

JUMPSUIT AND SHOES TOM FORD

TOP AND SKIRT MOSCHINO SHOES TOM FORD

BUSTIER DOLCE GABBANA SKIRT AND SHOES CHRISTIAN DIOR

SWIMSUIT GURIA SWIM FROM SHOWROOM 305

SWIMSUIT GURIA SWIM FROM SHOWROOM 305 ASHTRAY DAVIDOFF CONCRETE ASHTRAY

MODEL KATHARINA MAZEPA ELITE MODELS PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED EDITION limitededitionmanagement.com PRODUCTION IVAN OCAMPO iocampo@cigarsnobmag.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JAMILET CALVIÑO jcalvino@cigarsnobmag.com WARDROBE STYLIST CRISTINA CELLINI limitededitionmanagement.com HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST HANIC ARIAS limitededitionmanagement.com LOCATIONS THE GUITAR HOTEL SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOLLYWOOD, FL CIGAR LOUNGE

DAVIDOFF LOUNGE HARD ROCK RESTAURANT

BAE KOREAN GRILL

SWIMSUIT GURIA SWIM FROM SHOWROOM 305

CIGAR

DAVIDOFF SIGNATURE davidoffgeneva.com

64 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

e’re back with the 11th annual Top 25 list, smoking, resmoking, assessing and then writing all about the year’s best. As continues to be the case, the competition is lively and while you will see some of the big, established brands at the top, there is a healthy mix of new and perhaps lesser-known brands throughout the list. As we smoked our way to the top, we grappled with some nuances. One time, limitededition cigars are, as a rule, not included in the Top 25. This is a list that, we hope, allows the everyday consumer to buy something special and rewarding. Some brands wisely keep producing limited editions, just in…limited amounts. So you may see something limited in the Top 25, but we’re confident you can get it. This year we also noted more fluctuations in

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quality than usual. Cigars which earlier in the year scored high marks in the ratings didn’t perform nearly as well during the Top 25 tastings. The opposite was also true; cigars that just barely made the cut to be eligible for the list suddenly shot up the rankings with very high marks in the Top 25 tastings. It brought home the fact that cigars are subject to variables – these are man-made products created with raw materials that come from the soil. Achieving consistency is and always has been the most difficult part of cigar making. Nicaragua continues to produce a high volume of excellent cigars, hands down. This year, an overwhelming majority of the cigars on this list hail from Nicaragua, a hold that the country has kept since before we started putting together this annual list. As usual, we leave a tear sheet of the Top 25 for readers of the print magazine to use as a cheat sheet or shopping list. It’s an invaluable help that doubles as a conversation starter at your local lounge.

FOUNDATION CIGARS OLMEC MADURO

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 14.50 RATING: 93

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The annual Top 25 list is also a de facto look back at the year that was, and, this year, to check out how the projections made at the start of 2022 went. We talked with several industry folks for a story, “Reading the Tobacco Leaves,” in our Jan./Feb. 2022 issue. From the story: “The coming year looks like this: a leveling off of demand, a tobacco farm labor shortage, some price hikes here and there, and a hold on federal regulation of premium cigars.” And what do you know? These came mostly true. Don’t ask us to pick your lottery numbers, but we sure don’t mind being able to tap some of those with a hand in the game to predict and project. We’re thankful for that level of trust from our colleagues. Enjoy the Top 25, and here’s to another robust year of smoking the good ones.

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

Foundation Cigars, led by its founder Nicholas Melillo, isn’t shy about using history in its brand identity, but while English castles and Ethiopian rulers make for great branding, nothing has hit as spot on as Olmec. The Olmecs are widely considered Mesoamerica’s first great civilization and more importantly in this context, they offer the first ancient evidence of cigars. The image on the label of the Cigar of the Year is purportedly the oldest known image of a cigar smoker. On a side note, the Olmecs are also considered the first civilization to make chocolate. If we understand this correctly, the Olmec civilization from the San Andres Valley in Mexico gave us tobacco and chocolate; if they also invented the taco we may just convert to Olmecism! All jokes aside, the Olmec Maduro is covered with a mouth-watering San Andres negro wrapper grown in the region where the civilization thrived. The Olmec Maduro is so beautifully pressed and the wrapper is so flawless that it looks like a dark chocolate bar in the box. The smoke is a well-choreographed dance between intense flavors and nuanced complexity; there’s just enough cocoa, pepper, and earth but also interesting subtle notes of cedar, molasses, and coffee. It’s all delivered along an excellent smoke output thanks to the consistently perfect draw and burn. We’re pleased to announce Olmec Maduro as the 2022 Cigar of the Year!

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PADRÓN 1926 SERIE NATURAL

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: No. 6 PHYSICAL SIZE: 4 3/4 x 50 MSRP: $ 15.22

Tabacos Cubanica in Nicaragua

It’s no secret that our tasting panel has a long-standing love affair with Padrón maduros. In the last 10 years there has been a maduro-wrapped Padrón blend in the Top 10 no less than seven times, including two #2’s, a #4, and a Cigar of the Year. However, this year was different. While there were Padrón maduro candidates for the list, they didn’t stand up in the end-of-year tasting round. Instead it was the 1926 Natural No. 6 that shot up the rankings to take the #2 spot. The 1926 Serie, which debuted in 2002, commemorates the late José Orlando Padrón’s birth year and uses five-year-old tobacco to give this box-pressed blend its signature flavor. Unlike its darker, toothier maduro-wrapped sister blend, the natural is finished with an impeccable, milk chocolate colored wrapper, which brings a creamy sweetness to the full-flavored robusto.

RATING: 93

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H. UPMANN BY AJ FERNANDEZ

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 54 MSRP: $ 9.30 RATING: 93

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

The H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez was launched in 2017 to robust sales and rave reviews. This publication assessed the blend at 93 points in the Sept/Oct 2017 issue; it seemed destined to land a top spot in the following end of year list. Shockingly, it didn’t perform well enough to make the list after the rigorous top 25 round of tastings. The characteristics that gave it such a high score during the year were simply not there in the second tasting. The panel continued tasting the blend in subsequent years, scoring it 91 points in the Jan/Feb 2019 issue, but it wasn’t until the July/Aug 2022 tasting that the original richness of flavor and creamy texture returned along with the smooth pepper, roasted nuts, and cocoa. Now for the real test; how would it score when compared side by side to the best cigars of 2022? The thick toro with the flawless, light brown wrapper soared to the #3 position.

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AJ FERNANDEZ BELLAS ARTES MADURO

WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 54 MSRP: $ 10.00 RATING: 93

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Back in 2010, AJ Fernandez released San Lotano, his first brand. Up to that point he had been making cigars mostly for Cigars International but this brand was close to his heart. San Lotano had been created by AJ’s grandfather in San Luis, Cuba and AJ planned to resurrect it from his startup Nicaraguan factory. The cigar was well received, and even appeared on our very first Top 25 list in 2012, landing in the #8 position. Since then AJ has done nothing but grow his operation into a Nicaraguan powerhouse. In 2016, the original Bellas Artes was released and like many other AJF products it scored extremely well and landed at #5 on our year-end list. This year the Bellas Artes Maduro, which came to market in 2018, outdid its sister brand by taking #4. This boxpressed toro scored a 92 in our Jan/Feb 2022 issue. When we re-tasted it for this list at the end of the year, it was even better. It’s no secret that consistency is the most difficult aspect of premium cigars, but when your inconsistency takes your cigar from ‘excellent’ to ‘even better,’ you’re on another level.

MY FATHER LA ANTIGUEDAD

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Corona Grande PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 3/8 x 47 MSRP: $ 8.70 RATING: 93

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Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

My Father Cigars maintain an exceptional level of quality across its blends year in and year out as well as anybody in the cigar business. You could chalk that up to a number of reasons, not the least of which is Don Pepín and Jaime García’s knowledge and skill in working these tobaccos. But you could argue that without a reliable supply of top shelf raw material, no amount of knowledge or skill could achieve this consistent level of excellence. The importance of their growing operation cannot be overstated, which leads us to this year’s #5 cigar, the My Father La Antiguedad. The cigar’s filler blend as well as the double binder are made up exclusively of tobacco grown by the Garcías on their farms in San Rafael, Las Quebradas, and San Jose in Nicaragua. That blend is pressed and finished off with a beautiful, reddish brown Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. The La Antiguedad has scored well in every format we’ve tasted but it was in the corona gorda where the blend soared to this lofty spot.

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OLIVA SERIE V 135TH ANNIVERSARY EDICIÓN LIMITADA

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Toro 6 x 52 $ 18.00 93

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The company that brought you such game-changing brands as the Leaf by Oscar and Super Fly actually debuted in 2012 with a cigar commemorating the “end of days” in the Mayan calendar. Thankfully the world didn’t end and the company has grown steadily thanks to superb cigar making and a singular style in branding and packaging that sets them apart.

Nicaraguan American Cigars in Nicaragua

Toro 6 x 52 $ 19.75 93

ESPINOSA KNUCKLE SANDWICH HABANO

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

This uniquely shaped perfecto, released in late 2021, commemorates the Oliva Cigar Family’s entrance into the tobacco growing business. Melanio Oliva, whose name you recognize from the highly acclaimed Oliva Serie V Melanio, began growing tobacco in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba in 1886, pausing only to fight in Cuba’s War of Independence.

Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Honduras

MUESTRA DE SAKA UNSTOLEN VALOR

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua & USA

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Toro 5 1/2 x 54 $ 12.50 93

OSCAR VALLADARES 10TH ANNIVERSARY

WRAPPER: Mexico & Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

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Oliva Cigars in Nicaragua

The Muestra de Saka series by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is a series of releases blended mostly by Steve Saka himself. The blends are released in one size and are meant to resemble a Saka test blend or sample. The Unstolen Valor is slightly different in that the blend was the work of Raul Disla, the master blender at Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. (NACSA).

AJ Fernandez San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua

Robusto-J 5 x 52 $ 12.50 92

Few cigars generated more excitement in 2022 than this collaboration between Espinosa Cigars and Guy Fieri. Unlike many celebrity brand owners who just seem to slap their name on a product and expect it to sell itself, Fieri is passionate and involved in the project. The Knuckle Sandwich is available in Habano and Maduro. Both are excellent.

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N⁰ 10 AGANORSA LEAF ANIVERSARIO COROJO

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Toro 5 1/2 x 54 $ 20.30 92

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One of only a couple of brands that have made the list three times, the 2013 Cigar of the Year returns in a beautifully box-pressed format. While the blend is the same as the robusto format, which took the top spot, this box-pressed toro feels like a deliciously amped up version of its round brother.

Tabacalera Villa Cuba (TAVICUSA) in Nicaragua

Robusto 5 1/2 x 50 $ 13.00 92

ALADINO CLASSIC

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

This is the second time that the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Corojo blend makes an appearance on our annual list but due to a recent rebranding, you may have missed it. In our Top 25 of 2017 list, the Casa Fernandez Aniversario reached #2 in the lancero format. This time it is the robusto that clawed its way into the Top 10.

Cigars Davidoff in the Dominican Republic

ROCKY PATEL A.L.R SECOND EDITION

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Robusto 5 x 52 $ 12.99 92

DAVIDOFF NICARAGUA BOX-PRESSED

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua

The original Aged, Limited, and Rare, which hit the market mid-2018, was the result of a limited edition blending and aging experiment by Rocky Patel’s TAVICUSA factory. A year later in 2019, the ALR 2nd Edition was released and scored extremely well with our panel, taking the #2 spot for Cigar of the Year. Three years later, it’s still impressing.

Fábrica de Puros Aladino in Honduras

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Robusto 5 x 50 $ 8.60 92

The Aladino Classic, produced by the father and son team of Julio and Justo Eiroa from their vertically integrated operation in Honduras, shows that they can grow more than just excellent corojo. This blend features a beautiful habano wrapper over corojo and habano fillers for a beautifully balanced and nuanced smoking experience.

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LA AROMA DE CUBA MI AMOR

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Magnifico 6 x 52 $ 9.00 92

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Candente 5 x 50 $ 15.00 92

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The Plasencia family, Central America’s largest tobacco growers, shook the cigar world in 2017 with Alma Fuerte, which won our Cigar of the Year. In 2019 the brand unveiled Alma del Fuego, which pays homage to Nicaragua’s Ometepe Island, the volcanic island where it grows tobacco that makes up a majority of the filler in this spicy and sweet blend.

Fábrica de Tabacos HVC in Nicaragua

Esenciales 5 5/8 x 46 $ 8.40 92

FLORIDA SUN GROWN 20 ACRE FARM

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

There aren’t many brands that can claim the level of continued excellence that this Nicaraguan-made gem has achieved. Since its launch in 2010, these box-pressed maduros have been manufactured under the watchful eye of Don Pepín García at My Father Cigars in Estelí and recently underwent a rebrand featuring an eye-catching sky blue background.

Plasencia Cigars in Nicaragua

HVC SELECCIÓN NO. 1 MADURO

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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PLASENCIA ALMA DEL FUEGO

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

The HVC brand caught our eye in 2017 when the San Isidro scored 92 points and finished the year 15th on our list. That cigar, like most HVC products, was produced at the Aganorsa factory but this year’s entrant is made at HVC’s own factory in Nicaragua. It’s a huge step for the company but its place on this list proves they’re off to a great start.

La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua

Robusto 5 1/4 x 54 $ 12.40 92

Cleverly unveiled during one of Drew Estate’s Freestyle Live streaming events in late 2021, the Florida Sun Grown 20 Acre Farm quickly made a lasting impression on smokers everywhere, including our panel. The cigar features tobacco grown on Jeff Borysiewicz’s farm in Clermont, Florida, the first cigar tobacco farm in the area since the 1970s.

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CROWNED HEADS COURT SERIE E

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Corona Gorda 5 5/8 x 46 $ 10.00 92

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This is likely the last time you’ll see this packaging on Illusione cigars in our Top 25 as the company has recently completed a massive re-branding of many of its core lines. The good news is that the blends under the hood will stay exactly the same. So the Illusione cg:4 Maduro now becomes the Illusione Maduro in corona gorda. See? That wasn’t so hard.

Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic

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Super 60 6 x 60 $ 14.30 92

CAVALIER GENÈVE WHITE SERIES

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Paraguay, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Can you imagine what it would be like to smoke one of the most exhilarating guitar solos in rock music history? That’s what the team at Crowned Heads set out to do when they enlisted Tabacalera Pichardo to blend a cigar that smoked like Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo on “Eruption” sounded. However they arrived at this blend, it worked and we loved it.

Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua

A. FUENTE MAGNUM R

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

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5150 5 1/2 x 50 $ 11.50 92

ILLUSIONE CG:4

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Tabacalera Pichardo in Nicaragua

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Tabacalera Fuente is no stranger to the Top 25; there isn’t a single year-end list that we’ve compiled that hasn’t included at least one Fuente. However, this is the first time that the Magnum R makes an appearance, and it is well deserved. In this Super 60 vitola, the blend shines with tons of sweet cedar, cinnamon and cream over a smooth, subtle spice.

Fábrica Centroamericana de Tabaco in Honduras

Elegantes 4 1/2 x 52 $ 9.25 92

The Cavalier Genève brand is one that we came across during a 2016 visit to Dallas for a travel story. The team returned to HQ with these cigars sporting a gold foil diamond and not much else; we smoked them and fell in love. Now, years later, the White Series makes the company’s debut on our year-end best of the best list. Hate to say I told you so.

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FIAT LUX BY LUCIANO

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

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Insight 5 5/8 x 46 $ 8.75 92

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Petite Lancero 6 x 38 $ 8.50 92

What started off as a limited release for special events, select retailers, or just simply a private reserve for owner Pete Johnson was converted to a regular production and our panel could not be happier. While there are some differences from those early versions, this petit lancero is an absolute gem worth seeking out at your favorite Tatuaje retailer.

Joya de Nicaragua in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Toro 6 1/4 x 54 $ 11.40 92

GURKHA NICARAGUA SERIES

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

You’ve heard “fiat lux” before but unless you’re keeping up with your Latin or bible studies, you may not recall it. It is Latin for “let there be light,” as in “And said God let there be light, and there was light.” The brand is the second from Tabacalera Pichardo to make the list and it is a beautifully balanced blend with a delightfully clean finish.

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

FRATELLO ARLEQUIN

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Peru & Nicaragua

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TATUAJE BLACK

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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Tabacalera Pichardo in Nicaragua

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This marks Fratello’s first appearance in our annual ranking of the top cigars and this blend is more than deserving. This ultra-flavorful combination of pepper, roasted nuts, and cocoa is balanced perfectly by a rich, sweet creaminess in the background. These box-pressed toros are made for Fratello at the famed Joya de Nicaragua factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

Agricola Ganadera Norteña (Aganorsa) in Nicaragua

Robusto 5 x 52 $ 9.75 92

This company, synonymous with opulent packaging and killer swag, returns to our annual best of the best with one of its more understated brands. The Gurkha Nicaragua has proven to be a consistently flavorful blend with a core of cedar, pepper, cocoa, and baking spice balanced by a rich, creamy sweetness throughout the smoke.

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CMJ

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PHOTO CREDIT: BOB GRUEN 76 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

JACK DOUGLAS HAS SHAPED YOUR LIFE WHETHER YOU KNOW IT OR NOT BY STEVE MILLER JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

AS A RECORD PRODUCER, Douglas has over the decades helped create music by John Lennon, Cheap Trick, Alice Cooper, and myriad other culture shapers. Douglas is the man behind the hits, including Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion,” two of the 70s’ most impactful songs. The songs put platinum on his wall and influenced popular music genres from rock to rap. Douglas, 77 years old, is most recently the music producer for Martin Scorsese’s latest rock doc, “Personality Crisis: One Night Only,” about David Johansen, a.k.a. dance schmaltz hipster Buster Poindexter, of 1987 hit “Hot Hot Hot” fame. More film scores and production are on the table.

“I love working and have always been attracted to film scores and film music,” Douglas says in a phone interview from his son’s Los Angeles home. Away from the studio, Douglas is a passionate cigar connoisseur, with a circle of smoking companions that includes actors Johnny Depp and Kevin Bacon, and Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and Steven Tyler. “Aerosmith used to have a road case that was a humidor,” Douglas says. While Douglas still tends to the vagabond travel schedule of an artist, he spends much of his time

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Photo Credit: Michael Coleman

“I STARTED AS A JANITOR AT THE RECORD PLANT IN NEW YORK,” HE SAYS. “I GOT A FOOT IN THE DOOR WITH A HAND IN THE TOILET.”

with his wife – married since 1995 – at his home on the Hudson River in Nyack, New York.

defining for patrons the meaning of masculinity in contemporary culture.

“I like living out there, it’s in the woods on a dirt road, no one is around us,” he says. “I can be in Manhattan at my office in 20 minutes. And I can have a cigar while I make the drive in.”

“At the end, all of us got together in a room and the guy heading it up, [A. Justin] Sterling, brought out cigars and we all smoked,” says Douglas, who was kicking a decades-long cigarette habit. “I’m sure the cigars were not the best, but it was amazing, this ceremonial smoke with 100 men, many of whom probably never smoked a cigar in

His love of cigars began in 1995, when Douglas took part in a weekend seminar by Sterling Men’s Group, an organization devoted to

their lives. And it bonded us all, it was almost primitive.” One of his colleagues at the seminar, though, worked at Davidoff in Manhattan, and wisely counseled Douglas, a New York native. He invited him to his store, and Douglas, whose life was a blur of recording studios, big and often eccentric personalities, and all their conflicts and, not coincidentally, substantial financial reward, had found a new passion.

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

NOW HEAR THIS:

A SELECTION OF JACK DOUGLAS GEMS Muscle of Love by Alice Cooper (Warner Bros., 1973) Get Your Wings by Aerosmith (Columbia, 1974) Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith (Columbia, 1975) Rocks by Aerosmith (Columbia, 1976) Radio Ethiopia by Patti Smith Group (Arista, 1976) Cheap Trick by Cheap Trick (Epic, 1977) Double Fantasy by John Lennon and Yoko Ono (Geffen, 1980)

“I went in, and he told me, ‘these are good cigars.’ He had the greats, of course. He pointed out the Montecristo #2s, and turned me on to my favorite cigar of all time, Opus X. He showed me how to appreciate a cigar, going through the wrapper, filler, binder. I found I liked the Connecticut wrapper.” While Douglas spent time, like many smoking New Yorkers, at the nowshuttered Grand Havana Room on Fifth Avenue, the Davidoff of Geneva Lounge on Madison is still a favorite haunt for Douglas. “I go in and buy a shorty and watch these guys reading the Wall Street Journal,” he says. It’s where Bacon was a member and Douglas smoked with actor Kevin Chapman and would occasionally see Rudy Giuliani and Al Sharpton. Douglas made more friends in cigar circles, the way cigars create a community.

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“We used to go to Armand Assante’s house, and he had a great selection of cigars, and we’d smoke with the guys from the Sopranos,” Douglas says. The cigar trail had its origins for Douglas as a youth, “since two of my heroes smoked cigars – Ernie Kovacs and Groucho Marx.” When Douglas eventually met Marx, lunching with the diminutive, aging comedian at the Polo Lounge in Los Angeles, “he had the cigar along with a beautiful blonde, who he said was his nurse.” Meeting heroes, cigars with the stars had a humble beginning, launched with a willingness to be humble. He began as a musician, first as a coffeehouse troubadour, then venturing to Liverpool in the mid60s to just breathe the same air as the Beatles. He played around town for a few weeks, then headed back to the U.S., playing in bands with moderate success and serving a term in the mid-60s as bassist in one of Chuck Berry’s many road bands (“he didn’t pay us well at all, we didn’t care, and he knew it”). After enjoying some time checking out studios as a musician does, Douglas in 1969 landed a spot at the Record Plant, which had opened the previous year with the Jimi Hendrix Experience as one of its first clients. The studio was already being upgraded. But Douglas wasn’t pushing faders. “I started as a janitor at the Record Plant in New York,” he says. “I got a foot in the door with a hand in the toilet.” To increase his chances of getting a break, Douglas enrolled with the Institute of Audio Research, a trade school for audio production. Classes were held in a Midtown hotel room. Douglas patiently waited his turn, sitting in a corner and watching the process. Using his audio training, though, he was also stashed away in an editing suite, cutting jingles,

dubbing, and fixing whatever came his way. “I was taking notes the whole time,” Douglas says. “At the same time, I was scoring the original ABC Afterschool Special shows, so the janitor was composing scores for TV shows.” Years passed quickly, and he cut the demos for an early Billy Joel. The Who came through and in 1971 he engineered early versions of what became “Who’s Next.” The same year, he met Lennon, who was recording “Imagine.” Douglas scored an engineer credit. He moved to the engineer desk in the main studio. Douglas was always around, and when someone mentioned a band from Boston that needed some help, Douglas became the man. He produced Aerosmith’s “Get Your Wings,” in the winter of 1973. It has since gone three times platinum. In the best circumstances, a producer is a de facto babysitter, contributor, buffer between the corporate label suits and the artist and, on occasion, a good friend. Through his diligence, amiability and work ethic, Douglas kept working with Aerosmith as they became the biggest band in the U.S. They often called him the sixth member of the band. Douglas was finally a big name in recording circles, sought out and welcomed to any session. Even A & R people took his calls. In 1976, while visiting relatives in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Douglas asked his hosts what kind of entertainment the Milwaukee suburb of 50,000 had to offer. “The Sunset Bowl,” he was told, and headed over there with his brotherin-law. The evening’s entertainment was a band from nearby Rockford, Illinois, Cheap Trick. They knocked him out. He called Tom Werman, a junior talent guy at Epic Records, and advised him to check into the

raucous act. Things worked out and Douglas produced the debut, self-titled Cheap Trick album. The group was so rich in material that two songs that would soon define Cheap Trick were saved for another day – “Surrender” and “I Want You to Want Me.” “I think we recorded 30 songs in two and a half weeks in New York, and I put those on the back burner for the next album,” Douglas says. A couple years later, in 1979, Douglas was called one night to come by Producer’s Workshop in Los Angeles where Pink Floyd was recording “The Wall.” “One of the guys in the band, I can’t recall which, maybe it was [guitarist David] Gilmour, asked if I could do them a favor and go to this Air Force base in the desert and record some helicopters and jet fighters,” Douglas says. “So I headed to Edwards Air Force Base. When we told them we were doing it for Pink Floyd, they let us do whatever we wanted.” In the summer of 1980, Douglas became close with Lennon and Yoko as they recorded “Double Fantasy.” It was released three weeks before Lennon was murdered in December 1980. On the eve of the death, Douglas and Lennon were working on another project and signed off at the studio for the evening. Lennon was dead hours later, shot by a crazy person. The death shook Douglas for years. Over his storied career at the board, he has played a role in an estimated 200 million sold albums over the years; Douglas has a copy of every album he’s been part of. Working as a producer means keeping up with every latest software improvement and gadget, which he does, and is still learning. The man who has recorded across the spectrum, from Miles Davis to Mountain, aspires to more. “The work always controls me,” Douglas says. “But that’s because I let it. And I do that gladly.”

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

TWITTER SCOREBOARD The cigar world is on Twitter and we aim to keep track of who’s leading who. The following is a scoreboard of the cigar world’s most relevant Tweeples. The list is sorted by number of followers and broken into groups: Top 20 Twitter Cigar Companies & Reps, Top 10 Twitter Retailers, Top 10 Online Cigar Tweeps, Top 3 Twitter Cigar Organizations, and Top 3 Cigar Radio Twitter accounts. If you have the numbers and belong in one of these groups, stand up and be counted! Set us straight via Twitter @cigarsnobmag. TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar .................................... Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ............................................... Padron Cigar @PadronCigars .................................................. CAO International @CAOCigars ................................................ Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ................................................... La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars .............................................. Alec Bradley Cigars @AlecBradley ........................................... Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrewArt ......................................... Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ........................................... Pete Johnson @TatuajeCigars .................................................. La Gloria Cubana @lagloriacubana .......................................... Xikar Inc @XIKARinc ............................................................... Nick Perdomo @PerdomoCigars .............................................. Davidoff Cigars @Davidoff_Cigars ........................................... E. Perez-Carillo @EPCarrillo .................................................... AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars ......................................................... JC Newman Cigar @JCNewmanCigars ....................................... Ernesto Padilla @PadillaCigars ................................................ Punch Cigars @punchcigars .................................................... Miami Cigar Co @miamicigar ...................................................

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

45738 39070 29127 27813 22205 20897 20729 17669 17632 15945 15939 15039 14064 13792 13567 13275 13107 12862 12765 12689

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Famous Smoke Shop @FamousSmokeShop ............................. Slippery Rock Cigars @SlipperyRockCig .................................... Mulberry St. Cigars @MulberryStCigar .................................... Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ..................................................... Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @CoronaCigarCo................ Cigar Row @CigarRow ............................................................ Barry – Two Guys Smoke Shop @Barry2Guys ........................... Michael Herklots @MichaelHerklots ......................................... Lindsay Siddiqi @TheCigarChick .............................................. Cheap Humidors @cheaphumidors ..........................................

18190 16143 12558 10394 7784 7283 6223 6129 4864 4765

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14459 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 9477 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4303

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10193 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2087 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2045

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

@elainelilleyhawaii Ko’olina Golf Riding solo #cigarbarhawaii #brixandstones #elainelilley #cigarsnob #golfbabes

TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES David Voth–Sex, Cigars, & Booze @SexCigarsBooze ................. Cigar News @CigaRSS ............................................................ Cigar Events @CigarEvents ..................................................... Blind Man’s Puff @BlindMansPuff ............................................ Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe ........................................ Cigar Dojo @CigarDojo ............................................................ Cigar Federation @CigarFederation ......................................... CigarHustler.com @CigarHustler ............................................. Cigar Vixen @CigarVixen ......................................................... Stogie Boys @StogieBoys .......................................................

82 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

138058 19073 16640 14908 11486 11387 11330 10394 8433 7843

@blackenedamericanwhiskey BLACKENED CIGARS “M81” BY @drewestatecigar Link in bio to find a retailer near you.#bryanabreu #mauriciodubon

d o O w D a e d

NEw!

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

love is for suckers - cigars are for lovers love is for suckers - cigars are for lovers l

WElc0Me to deaDwoOd

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 ..................................... Raquel Quesada @raquelquesadaofficial .................................. Rocky Patel Premium Cigars @rockypatelcigar .......................... Arturo Fuente @arturofuentecigars ......................................... Epic Cigars @epiccigars ......................................................... Boveda @BovedaInc ............................................................... Gurkha Cigars @gurkhacigars ................................................. Xikar Inc @xikar ..................................................................... Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ........................................... La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars .............................................. My Father Cigars @myfathercigars .......................................... Oliva Cigar Co. @olivacigar ..................................................... Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ................................................... AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars ......................................................... Alec Bradley Cigars @alecbradleycigar .................................... Nick Perdomo @Perdomocigars .............................................. Plasencia Cigars @plasenciacigars ......................................... E. P. Carrillo Cigars @epcarrillo_cigars .......................................

163818 140862 137752 111455 106812 102858 88356 83503 77131 76978 72439 69674 69154 65119 63252 62795 57958 56546 55971 52256

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Privada Cigar Club @privadacigarclub ..................................... Famous Smoke Shop @famoussmokeshop ............................... Mulberry St. Cigars @mulberrystcigars ................................... Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler .................................................... Michael Herklots @michaelherklots ......................................... The Cigar Culture @thecigarculture ......................................... Master Sensei @cigardojo ...................................................... Angela Yue @angela_yue ......................................................... La Casa Cigars & Lounge Vegas @lacasavegas ........................ Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @coronacigarco ................

57099 54636 45955 29388 28763 28456 27413 24976 24541 20480

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 17362 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 6525 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 4155

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3493 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1577 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast ................................. 1275

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

@gurkhacigars

The perfect #Halloween costume doesn’t exi……. #GurkhaNation

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................ Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ...................................................... Whiskey Girl Josie @whiskeygirl_josie ..................................... Delicia-Creator-Influencer @cigarvixen ................................... Nikki @cigarpassionista .......................................................... Melanie Sisco @lilsiscokidd21 ................................................. Angela, CCST & IACS CCS @cigarsmokingchick ....................... Cigars / Smoke.Laugh.Live @world.of.cigars ............................ HERficinado / Cigar Lifestyle @herficionado ............................. Elaine Lilley @elainelilleyhawaii ...............................................

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

110306 104183 89587 89131 42649 40298 40131 36629 30853 29613

@thevintageclt Where is the weekend taking you?

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS CASA 1910 EXPERIENCE Mexico City

Casa 1910 hosted its annual cigar experience in Mexico City. Invitees to this extravagant weekend event were treated to some of Mexico's finest gastronomy, traditional music, the full line of Casa 1910 cigars, and some of the majestic city's best-kept secrets. The opening night was kicked off with a cocktail party at the trendy restaurant NIICH in the beautiful neighborhood of Colonia Condesa. Co-founders Jaime Baer, Serge Bollag, and Manolo Santiago (master blender) welcomed guests to an evening filled with craft drinks, food, music and a sneak peek at the new Casa 1910 cigar line which will debut at TPE 2023. Day two of the experience started at El Castillo De Chapultapec, one of the city's best-preserved gems and residence to Mexican Presidents and Emperors past. After touring the beautiful grounds, the experience headed off to the weekend's main event at the Antiguo Molino de San Jerónimo – a restored hacienda turned boutique hotel / event space in the city's epicenter. Guests enjoyed unique tequilas, gourmet traditional Mexican cuisine, mariachi performances, and of course excellent cigars. Some of the evening’s sponsors included: Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia, Bushmills Irish Whiskey, Ron Matusalem, Palmar Hard Seltzer, FLOW Mexican Wine, and Zotoluca Boutique. Capping off the memorable weekend was a brunch at one of Mexico's most historic and flavorful restaurants, Puerto Prendes.

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JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS SABOR HAVANA SMOKE THIS Doral, FL

Sabor Havana’s annual event, Smoke This, doubled as a 20th year anniversary bash for the Doral retailer. Over 400 attendees received more than 40 cigars from brand representatives and enjoyed premium wine, spirits, and craft beer from the Tank Brewery. Local restaurants like Sushi Sake, Manny's Steakhouse, Divietto Italian, Chef Paella's, and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse served up tasty bites while cofounder Jorge Valdes ran raffles throughout the day. Proceeds from the raffle were donated to the Oliva Helping Hands Foundation.

Jorge Valdés, Silvia Jaramillo Fernández, Doral Mayor J.C. Bermúdez, and Aquiles Legra

Michael Herklots and Alvio Domínguez

Will Amonte, Mauro Caballero, Santi Aragón, Rafael Delmonte, Jorge Reyes and Alfonso Quesada

Terence Reilly and Paul Palmer

Luis Velásquez, Erika Fernández and Karen Rivera

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

Travis Pappenheim and Jill Meyers

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL Tampa, FL

The annual Cigar Heritage Festival in Ybor City, which bills itself as the "world's largest cigar festival," graced Ybor's Centennial Park, featuring premium cigars from around the world, food and dessert trucks, beer and wine vendors, two mobile cigar lounges, and arts booths. The Sol Caribe Latin Band provided the entertainment, and VIP ticket holders enjoyed their own private area with refreshments and cigars included with the ticket. Colorado and Tampa Holy Smokes Cigar Club

Eric and Drew Newman

Eduardo Sánchez, John Mailander and Allan Buelvas

Roy Viera, Manny Iriarte, Macarena Quiroga Zabalza, Belkys Sánchez and Mike Taus

Albert Hernández and Lissette Leiva

Garrett, Terri and Anthony Damore

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

Naomi-Marie McCormick and Lawrance Holton

Eduardo Aguilar and Nick Melillo

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS JC NEWMAN’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Tampa, FL

J.C. Newman posthumously celebrated 125 years of cigars, an occasion delayed by the pandemic but made up for with a fine turnout of nearly 700 and great cigars. The event was held at Newman's recently renovated El Reloj Cigar Factory in Ybor City. The company was started by Julius C. (J.C.) Newman in 1895, and four generations later, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker. The event marked the debut of the Diamond Crown 125th Anniversary Toro, which will pop up in limited quantities this year. Attendees enjoyed tours of the factory while a live band, open bar, food stations and some choice Newman cigars were available throughout the single-day event.

Carlos Jr. and Lidiana Fuente, Manny García, Sofia Fuente, Mario Campos and Liana Fuente Kara Guagliardo, Sydney Kotoch and Marilyn Scolano

Marvin and Netta Samel

Danny Szarmach, Jeremy Weiner, Dan Gallagher and Tamara Hoyland

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Dee Aguasvivas and Alejandra Céspedes

Friedman Torres, Omar Ortez, Lázaro López and David Pérez

Dan Sawalhi and Sawsan Mahdi

John Oliva and Sarah Olsen

EVENTS CASA DE MONTECRISTO, RED MEAT LOVERS AND OLIVA CIGARS Boca Raton, FL

Casa de Montecristo, Red Meat Lover’s Club and Oliva Cigars joined forces to put on a massive feast, smoke, and benefit at the Casa in Boca Raton, raising $8,000 for the Oliva Helping Hands Foundation. Attendees dug into smoked jalapeño and sticky bourbon barbecue short ribs, Australian Wagyu, warm kimchi brioche buns, and filet mignon cheesesteaks, while Dalmore Reserve poured the cocktails. Patrons received an Oliva sampler and a limited-edition Oliva Helping Hands Foundation cigar. The event also featured a live and silent auction and a raffle. Items for bid included custom art and a specially created box of Oliva cigars.

Louis Mass,Yadira Creighton, Albert Sosa and Bernie Rodríguez

Robert Glick and Yadira Creighton

Albert Sosa and Evan Darnell

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS THE DE MOYA FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC WITH OLIVA CIGARS Miami Lakes, FL

The de Moya Foundation held its second annual Golf Classic at The Miami Lakes Golf Club. The foundation works with young adults with unique abilities and helps them secure jobs. Oliva Cigars, which is among the community members that provide jobs to some of the foundation's beneficiaries, provided golfers with the Connecticut Reserve and Serie O. The event merged golf carts and cigars with raffles, spirits and beer. In-kind sponsors included Pinecrest Bakery, KombiKeg Miami and Voli 305 Vodka.

Javier Fernández and Hector Delgado

Yadira Creighton, Alec Piedra, Bernie Rodríguez, Albert Sosa and Dave Wagner

Frank Herrera, Iván Ocampo, Erik Calviño and Chuck Geragi

Freddy Latour, Jorge and Alex DeMoya, Robbie and Eric Hernández

Manny and Melissa Ramos

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS LA MARIELITA RUM LAUNCH PARTY Miami, FL

La Marielita Rum unveiled its debut 18-year Panamanian rum at a launch party at the American Museum of The Cuban Diaspora. The event featured a cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres in the historic museum setting, where patrons enjoyed a rooftop party with a cigar roller, a live band, and a full view of the Miami skyline. Attendees also enjoyed a number of cocktails made with the new rum, which is a collaboration between La Marielita CEO and founder Janet Diaz-Bonilla and world-renowned Cuban master of rum Francisco José “Don Pancho” Fernández Pérez. The bottle label was designed by CubanAmerican artist Humberto Benitez.

Kelly Marín

Nena Abdelnour, Janet Díaz-Bonilla and Priscilla Rojas

Lorenzo Fernández Pérez, Robert Rosenthal, (Master Blender) Francisco Jose "Don Pancho" Fernández Pérez, Pietro Pinat and Luis R. Bonilla

Greg and Michelle Kickasola, Iván and Jennifer García, Nilka Rivas and Renzo Urzola

Halle Eavelyn, Janet Díaz-Bonilla and Marlen Rodríguez

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

Stephanie Hugh, Ali Pinedo and María Salas

Javier Barreto

Yarida Forteza and René González

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS LITTLE HAVANA CIGAR LOUNGE GRAND OPENING Corona, Calif.

Dashon Goldson, Reggie Bush, Mayor of Corona Wes Speake, Brandon Manumaleuna, Todd Gurley, Jeron Johnson and many more gathered to celebrate the opening of the Little Havana Cigar Lounge, the company's first lounge in the U.S. The 6,000-square-foot lounge has state-of-the-art air purification and humidification systems, and features several curated lounge rooms and a retail floor with two walk-in humidors.

Todd Gurley

98 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2023

Reggie Bush and Lilit Avagyan

JAN / FEB 2023 | CIGAR SNOB |

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