Cigar Snob Magazine January February 2021 by Cigar Snob Magazine

t s e B

Cigars January / February 2021

All -Decade Awards pg.44

t e o P r o i r r a W ociety S

pg.67

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editorials JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

ROAD TO OMAHA

TOP 25 CIGARS

ALL-DECADE

WARRIOR POET SOCIETY

Every year, every college baseball team in the country embarks on a grueling, season-long journey to make it to Omaha where the College Baseball World Series is held. We are not a baseball team and our journeys are seldom grueling but that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop us from making it to Omaha and smoking a bunch of great cigars.

We tasted and re-tasted the highest rated cigars of 2020 to come up with the 25 best cigars of the year. Take a look at our ranking and let us know what you think of our pick for Cigar of the Year!

After a decade of travelling the world smoking, drinking, and touring cigar factories, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve put our experiences to good use by compiling a list of our favorites in categories like Cigar Factory of the Decade, Top Tobacco Country, Festival of the Decade, and many others.

Ex-college buddies John Lovell and Evan Temple joined forces to develop a network that brings their fans tactical training videos, scenario-driven shows, and product reviews in a way that breaks down some of the stigmas that have long been associated with this type of content.

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features JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

FEEDBACK

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WHAT’S BURNIN’

RATINGS

TWITTER SCOREBOARD

INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

EVENTS

SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB WINTER COLLECTION

92 CUBA UNDER THE STARS WITH OLIVA CIGARS 94 BURN 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY 96 EMPIRE SOCIAL LOUNGE GRAND OPENING 98 SMOKE THIS

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2021

VO L . 13 IS SU E 1 www.cigarsnobmag.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 CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Florin Safner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Jordan Gensler EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Natalia Marie García Jamilet Calvino Bugzy Lavoe/Main Course Hospitality Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Morgan Ketzner 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.cigarsnobmag.com

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I worked at one of the world’s most prominent Wall Street banks in my mid-twenties, not in a trading or banking capacity but as a database developer. The memories of some of the projects I worked on came rushing back to me with the news of the market volatility and subsequent uproar caused by the r/WallStreetBets subReddit. In one particular project we wrote scripts that scanned the closed caption feeds from financial news network broadcasts in search of certain pre-IPO ticker symbols, then based on what time of day it was broadcast, we gave the “ticker mention” a weighted value. This allowed us to gauge how much influence the mention could have on the market and how that could affect interest in an upcoming initial public offering. That’s because market movers like major banks and funds use the media to influence the market one way or the other, always have. In the days before CNBC and the like, it was the Wall Street Journal. You read the paper and looked for the bold company names to find information you could trade on. The speed of information was 24 hours. That must sound like the dark ages to the youngest among you but that’s what we had. Even then, the market movers used their contacts at the paper to generate movement much like they do today with financial news networks. So what’s different about what we are witnessing with Reddit and other social networks’ ability to move the market? It is nothing short of a profound power shift that will likely change the way that the value of securities, currencies, and commodities fluctuate for the foreseeable future. The major banks and funds will find a way to use these mediums to continue to do what they do, the survival of their businesses depends on it and history tells us they will adapt, but have no doubt that their influence on the markets just took a major hit. Is this good or bad? I guess it all depends on your vantage point. *** Compiling our annual Top 25 list is at once the most stressful, nervewracking, time-consuming task we perform and the most rewarding and exciting time of the year for everyone associated with Cigar Snob. If you weren’t among the thousands following along online as we were announcing it, I won’t spoil it for you by giving you the winner here. Turn to page 35 for that. Congratulations to our Cigar of the Year. If you’ve smoked it already you know what we saw in that cigar and if you have not, give it a shot and let us know what you think. In addition to the Top 25, we also put together an All-Decade Awards section starting on page 44 where we leaned on our experiences over the last ten years to recognize the best of the best in cigar making, retailing, and accessories. We also had the pleasure to smoke a few cigars and fire a few rounds with the guys from Warrior Poet Society. In a short time they have

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built a successful network around their knowledge and skills in the world of self-defense and tactical firearms training. They’ve brought a level of sophistication and thoughtfulness to a world that has often been mislabeled as senseless gun-rights advocates and in the process have won over legions of followers that span across race, religion, and socio-economic standing. Their story starts on page 67. Our senior editor, Steve Miller, also took a trip to Omaha and spent way too much time in museums but he managed to pull himself away enough to write about his visit on page 25. We sincerely hope you are all staying safe and pray that this year brings us all peace, prosperity, and excellent cigars.

Keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

LETTER LOVE I’ve been a Cigar Aficionado subscriber for years. It was informative, but I always felt it was just way too pretentious, and don’t get me started on the sometimes-total idiots they interview of which some might smoke one or two cigars annually, if that. And how many pages of god awful looking $100K+ watches can there possibly be? Maybe it’s just me, but do they have to make them that ugly to fetch those prices? First time I saw Cigar Snob was while we were in our favorite local cigar bar (Fedora’s) in Punta Gorda, Florida. I was hooked and immediately subscribed. Can’t wait for the next issue, as I read them from cover to cover. The magazine is extremely informative with articles that speak to a guy like me. The photo shoot ladies are quite easy on the eyes too. When I read your Letter From the Publisher in the latest issue, I felt like you were speaking directly to me. Yeah 2020 has been a bitch but we have been offered some great opportunities as well. I look forward to continuing my subscription and my wife and I hope to advertise in your pages for our new business that is indirectly a product of 2020. Thank you and keep up the great work! Mitch M. via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com

Wow wow wow!! I had to take a moment, since your email was listed after your signature from your Letter From the Publisher in the November/ December publication, to write you (in the off-chance you get it). I’ll first state that I’m a relatively new cigar smoker (several months now) and BRAND NEW to your magazine. As in... my first copy just came today. After reading your letter, I had to stop then and there before going further and email you. Sir, if this is what I can expect from your magazine, then I’m sure glad I paid for the subscription. What a well-written letter! As a 36-year-old father of two, I very much related to your words. While I’m not as you said, “the guy who is usually the most optimistic in the room,” I am a realist much like yourself. I too am so distraught and disgusted with the state of affairs (on both sides of the line) in this country that I truly don’t know what to do... but to try to be positive and tell myself that it could be far, far worse. Either way, I just wanted to drop you a quick line before I turned another page and say that if these opinions are reflected in the rest of the magazine, and those to come, that I am very much looking forward to my subscription. As a new cigar smoker I pulled the trigger on your magazine hoping for the best. It seems that I’m in for a real treat. Thanks and keep up the good work! Chris J. via ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

Good afternoon. I won’t take up much of your time, as I’m sure that you’re a very busy man. I just wanted to take a second to tell you that though I always look forward to your “Letter From the publisher”, this issue really was a home run. So many truths spoken in such a short letter. I appreciate your words and the work you put into putting out quality material in your magazine every couple months. I am a long-time smoker and have been a subscriber for a couple years now and look forward to each new issue. I’d also like to say thank you for the quick shout out to the healthcare workers. As a paramedic who has many healthcare working friends (medics, EMTs, docs, nurses.... all clinic/hospital workers), we certainly aren’t out seeking thanks, glory or recognition (well I’m sure there are some out there, but not this guy), but it is nice to be “seen” rather than “expected.” Thank you and have a great day. Jeremey B. via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com

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MY FATHER CIGARS CELEBRATES PEPIN’S 70TH BIRTHDAY WITH LIMITED EDITION HUMIDOR. My Father Cigars is releasing a limited edition, master crafted humidor to celebrate the 70th birthday of patriarch Jose Pepin Garcia. Delayed by the COVID pandemic, the humidor is a collaboration between French marquetry and luxury humidor makers Elie Bleu and My Father Cigars. Lined in cedar, the lockable, wood grain humidor is priced at $10,000 and can hold up to 95 cigars. It features a lift-out tray, and a custom-made humidification system and hygrometer placed under the lid to monitor moisture levels. Highlighted on the outer lid is the My Father Cigars logo, set on a highgloss finish. Elie Bleu built 75 pieces of which 70 will be sold, one for each year of Jose Pepin Garcia’s life. Pepin turned 70 on October 23. Each piece will be individually numbered by hand by the artist. The humidor includes 100 cigars in the 6.5 x 52 vitola, as with other My Father Cigars Annual Limited Editions. The tobacco used is all grown on My Father Cigars farms in Nicaragua, and the cigar uses a corojo 99 wrapper. The company calls it a “one-of-a-kind blend.” The cigars will be packaged in their own wooden box, allowing the owner to receive the humidor and personally stock it to his or her liking.

BACK AFTER 16 YEARS: THE AVO CLASSIC BELICOSO AVO Cigars is re-releasing the AVO Classic Belicoso, which was last issued in 2005, in a limited-edition production of 2,000 in 25-count boxes. The 6 x 48 lists for $12 a stick and delivers a smaller figurado to the line. Using the same blend as the regular Classics, Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper with a Dominican binder and fillers, “the Belicoso shape further intensifies the flavor delivered in this blend,” Lana Fraser, director of marketing and retail at Davidoff of Geneva USA, said in a statement.

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Avo Classics are made at the Oettinger Kelner Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic.

SCANDINAVIAN TOBACCO GROUP LAUNCHES THE FORGED CIGAR COMPANY, ANNOUNCES FIRST CIGAR TO HIT STREETS Scandinavian Tobacco Group has formed The Forged Cigar Company, an independent national cigar distribution network, and will divide its portfolio of brands between subsidiary General Cigar Company and the newlyformed company. The Forged Cigar Company will serve as a stand-alone cigar distribution network with a sales team of 12. In addition to the newly released El Rey del Mundo, Forged Cigar Company’s portfolio includes Partagas, La Gloria Cubana, Bolivar Cofradia, Diesel and Chillin’ Moose. Their sales team will begin working on February 1. General Cigar’s current sales force remains intact and will continue to support the company’s brands including Macanudo, CAO, Cohiba, Punch, Hoyo de Monterrey and others. “When we announced last year our withdrawal from the annual PCA Show, we committed to investing funds back into the premium cigar category,” Régis Broersma, senior vice president of the North American Branded and Rest of World division of STG, said in a statement. “With The Forged Cigar Company, we are doing just that with a multimillion dollar investment in the brick and mortar channel.” Forged comes out of the gate with the announcement that it will carry the Honduran brand El Rey del Mundo, which it will sell to U.S. stores. El Rey Del Mundo, a medium-bodied smoke, was previously a top-seller available exclusively through JR Cigars and Santa Clara Wholesale. Under Forged, El Rey Del Mundo will appear at retail stores as a full-time line featuring six front marks: The Café au Lait (4.5 x 36) and the Café Noir OSC (4.5 x 35) at $4.80 each in 24-count boxes, the Robusto OSC (5 x 54) at $5.40, the Robusto Larga OSC (6 x 54) at $5.80, the Robusto Supremo OSC (7.25 x 54) at $6.80 and the Ronco OSC (6 x 60) at $7, all in 20-count boxes.

MANIFATTURE SIGARO TOSCANO ANNOUNCES NEW U.S. DISTRIBUTOR Due to accelerating demand in the U.S., Manifatture Sigaro Toscano will handle its own distribution in the market. Starting February 1, Manifatture subsidiary Parodi Holdings LLC, dba Avanti Cigar Company, will handle U.S. distribution. The move comes after former distributor Miami Cigar & Co. in November announced a major overhaul of its sales force, reducing its numbers. “[Miami Cigar & Co. vice-president] Jason Wood and his team have believed in Toscano, as brand and as cigar, and helped to build many success stories in this very competitive and exciting market,” Luciano Simeone, chief operating officer of Manifatture Sigaro Toscano US Holdings, said in a statement. “Both companies believe that their respective portfolio requires 100 percent focus of the two organizations. This evaluation led both companies to end the commercial partnership. We are now excited to start this new challenge.” Toscano cigars are currently sold in over 80 countries

MICHAEL HERKLOTS AND BRENDON SCOTT ESTABLISH FERIO TEGO, LLC, AND ACQUIRE THE BRANDS OF NAT SHERMAN INTERNATIONAL Michael Herklots and Brendon Scott, formerly executives of Nat Sherman International, have acquired the brands of Nat Sherman and formed Ferio Tego, a premium cigar and accessories distribution company that will begin releasing cigars in the spring. Nat Sherman was closed in September by cigarette giant Altria Group Inc., which had owned it since 2017. Herklots, who was vice president of Nat Sherman, and Scott, who was its CFO, worked with Altria to secure the assets of Nat Sherman as they formed Ferio Tego. Included in the brands

they acquired are Timeless, Metropolitan, Epoca and Ancora. Those brands will return to market by the summer. The manufacturers of the acquired brands – the Plasencia and Quesada families – will remain the same, and the blends will be unchanged. The Timeless cigar scored a 92 rating in Cigar Snob’s Top 25 of 2015 and all the brands have consistently scored 90 points or higher over the last several years. “Having spent the last nine years developing and building these iconic brands, I am excited to be able to continue that work with Brendon,” Herklots said in a press release. “I’m proud of the way we were able to balance the need to maintain consistency with core products, while continuing to innovate with new offerings.” “Ferio Tego” is the Herklots family motto, which sits just below the shield on the Herklots Family coat of arms and dates to 1641. The coat of arms features an image of Hercules striking a Hydra within the crest’s shield, which will serve as the company logo.

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DAVIDOFF ANNOUNCES THE DAVIDOFF TAMPA EXCLUSIVE EDITION

PLASENCIA NOW SHIPPING ALMA FUERTE SIXTO, SPORTING A COLORADO CLARO WRAPPER

Davidoff announces the Tampa Exclusive edition, a 5.9 x 54 perfecto that comes in boxes featuring artistic portrayals of the Tampa skyline and Raymond James Stadium.

Plasencia Cigars is shipping the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto, a 6 x 60 hexagon-shaped cigar that uses a Colorado Claro wrapper and ten-year aged tobacco. The wrapper, lighter and thinner than most, comes from the Plasencia tobacco library. The new smoke is an extension of the Plasencia Alma Fuerte line, which, along with its hexagon shape, Plasencia introduced in 2016. It quickly became the brand’s best-selling cigar.

The blend features an Ecuadorian wrapper, and binder from the Dominican Republic. “We are pleased to present this special offering that symbolizes the exciting cigar heritage that the Cigar City of Tampa provides,” Lana Fraser, Davidoff ’s director of marketing and retail, said in a statement. “Davidoff ’s perfection of craftsmanship, from the cigar’s construction to the shape and taste profile, shines proudly in this exceptional blend.” The Tampa Exclusive is limited to 500 boxes, and can be found at Davidoff of Geneva Tampa as well as other Davidoff Geneva stores in the United States.

“When we created the hexagon shaped vitola, we did it with the intent to push the boundaries of cigar making,” Plasencia Cigars CEO Nestor Andres Plasencia said in a statement. “The Colorado Claro wrapper adds a different dimension to this already unique cigar. We proudly look forward to exposing the public to the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon.” Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon comes in a hexagon-shaped 10-count box priced at $21.00.

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Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

road to

omaha

By Steve Miller

urns out there is a time machine. Walking through the old Union Pacific terminal in downtown Omaha is a trek to a time when the U.S. was watching a second World War unfold, creating a new, mobile culture and moving as fast as transportation technology would allow. Housed in the Durham Museum complex, the station’s waiting room has ceilings to infinity, checked terrazzo floors that send every click of a heel upward, a linoleum topped soda fountain, and a sundries store that at one time offered a full rack of newspapers, some of the local editions with the ink freshly resonant, others coming in on trains from all over the country. The trains connected restless souls, seekers, businesspeople and lovers to each other. An aged timetable in the station tells you that in the summer of 1939, you could get a train directly to Los Angeles from Omaha that left the station at 4:30 a.m. and arrived at the Los Angeles Union Passenger Terminal at 8 a.m. a day later, taking the Union Pacific’s Overland Route, winding through Wyoming, Utah and Nevada. And you could smoke, blissfully puffing away on a cigar you’d bought at the Bell Cigar Store, located on the ground floor of Omaha’s Bell Hotel, a reputed haven for bookies, gangland figures and other Runyonesque characters. Moving ahead to less enchanted times, Omaha today is the place you’d rarely think to visit, in flyover

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The main waiting room is the focal point of the original Union Pacific Station which houses the Durham Museum. country, where most view it from five miles up, if at all. It’s plunked down in the middle of a state that is known for corn and for good reason: in the summer, outside of Omaha in any direction, you can drive forever, flanked by cornfields filled with eight-foot-tall corn stalks. But the city’s national significance makes it ripe for a warm-weather visit. All you need is a curiosity about how America grew up. And don’t be shocked by the abundant convenience, which is jolting when you land at Eppley Airfield and find that the airport is barely two miles from the downtown. It’s tempting to walk it, so close are the buildings. It’s that compactness that makes a visit so uncomplicated. Just bring that always-crucial curiosity and some shoes fit for concrete tromping. The 3,000-foot Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge, opened in 2008, spans a muddy stretch of the Missouri River and links Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa, settling at the foot of the downtown area.

landscaped and beckoning. A comprehensive museum takes up most of the first floor and is filled with artifacts including stuffed varmints, Native American artifacts, and ephemera. These are all well and good, perfect for kids, but the real deal is reading the well-written info plaques, which tell the story of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who were charged by President Thomas Jefferson with exploring territory that was part of the Louisiana Purchase. The U.S. had just picked up 828,000 square miles of raw land from France, running south from Montana to New Orleans. It included 15 states, including Nebraska, doubling the size of the country. Jefferson needed to see what we got for the $15 million we paid out. From 1804 to 1806, Lewis and Clark led a team through this territory and then some. Omaha played a riverside role in that, serving as a stopping point a few months into the journey, where Lewis and Clark met with some Oto and Missouri Indians. They struck a deal to not beat on each other and forged some trading deals before the expedition moved along.

The size is right, as you can bike it, walk it, run it, and never be winded.

After checking into some of the reading material, there’s a screening room where they show a condensed, 30-minute version of the Ken Burnsproduced documentary on the Lewis and Clark expedition, which is heavy on the straight-up history.

But the reason to be around this little riverfront plaza is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center, adjacent to the bridge in a shining, multi-story complex, impeccably

So with your head filled with this blast into history, walking out and looking at the Missouri River – the longest river in North America – takes a turn, one more crank of the time machine engine. It’s no longer

a cloudy, brown strip of water running through a Middle-American town; it’s a highway, the only avenue the team led by Lewis and Clark had to move westward into a new world.

A 20-minute walk from the riverfront down the wide sidewalks of Omaha takes you to the Old Market district, which gets you eateries, historic buildings, a killer record store in Homer’s, and two solid cigar establishments within 150 feet of each other, Havana Garage and SG Roi. The former is a straight up, spacious cigar bar, with a humidor, large selection of brown liquors and outside seating as well as an upstairs. Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

The latter is a tobacconist that sells products from chew to premium smokes.

Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

Both are operated by Chaz Kline, who joined the Omaha cigar scene after spending years in the corporate world.

Clockwise from top: the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge links Omaha to Council Bluffs, Iowa; SG Roi Tobacconist; lighting up at the Havana Garage.

Kline says being in the center of a tourist district brings in a disparate crowd of locals and visitors. Party timers mix with corporate travelers at Havana Garage on a usual night, with special events shaking the rafters. “Some of our busiest times are during the College World Series,” Kline says, referring to the June classic that has been held in the city since 1950. “It’s huge for cigar smokers.” It’s also when the La Flor Dominicana Special Baseball Edition makes its way to Kline’s humidors, limited editions designed to resemble baseball bats. “We had them start making those for us around six years ago, and at first, we weren’t sure if we could sell them,” Kline says. “But they really took off.” The college world series not only warrants its own cigar, but it also means folks from all over the U.S. converge on Omaha annually for this tin bat celebration that goes on for almost two weeks.

There are beer tents, live music, tailgate parties and food trucks. Everything you think of when you think of baseball, right? It’s a wild ride, and the list of prohibited items at TD Ameritrade Park reaches 18 and includes fireworks, selfie sticks and drones. We’re betting there’s a story behind each of those. No, we don’t want to hear it. “The College World Series presents a tremendous amount of people in town and it really gets jammed everywhere,” Kline says. Our advice: Stay clear of Omaha at that time. Last year’s was cancelled due to the virus. This year the first day of games is scheduled for June 19. If baseball is your jam, though, Omaha has since 1969 been a AAA minor league affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, the last stop before The Show. They play at Werner Park in the ‘burb of Papillion, 12 miles south of the town.

Werner holds 9,000 people and is rarely packed. TD Ameritrade holds 24,000 and people scramble for tickets. The College World Series is a big deal. While Kline has the trafficked tourist streets of downtown covered, there are less frenzied cigar lounges in the outer reaches of Omaha. “I’d say a smoker has five good locations around here,” he says. “Copa Cabana is west of here about 15 miles, to the northwest is Safari Cigars & Lounge, to the far north is Hearth Cigars and Pipe, and Nickleby’s Smoke Ring is between downtown and Copa Cabana. That’s a lot of coverage, and it’s a small town, so you have a favorite, then a secondary, and they’re all good.” Safari Cigars & Lounge is a success saga that has shaped Omaha’s bumper crop of cigar bars. Jeff Doll came from the beverage sales side and saw an existing lounge that had gone to seed. “I’d smoked there and watched it deteriorate,” Doll says. His vision was a homey place with a spacious humidor and “someplace more welcoming.”

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“I wanted to greet people and get to know them when they came in.” It took him some time and about $150,000 to hone Safari into the place that is now considered exactly what he envisioned. His patrons are a mix of locals and business travelers. “It’s amazing how many workers come into Omaha,” Doll says. “And once they come here, they come back. We get so many different people coming in that we see once or twice a month, when they’re in town working.”

Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

Like so many other states, Nebraska’s cigar advocates and business sector have battled with the nanny culture over smoking rights. Legislation in 2009 allowed cigar smoking in places that served alcohol, but in 2014, a local pool hall owner successfully challenged the law in state court, claiming it was unconstitutional to allow cigars a smoking liberty when cigarettes were not allowed.

easy answer to any dining dilemma. It’s German style unfiltered and the banana/clove blend is as good as it gets for an American brewery.

“The state has really worked with us to allow us to exist,” Kline says. “And now, Nebraska is very friendly to cigar smokers.” In addition to the comforts of the smoking scene, the underrated beer scene of Omaha is a local secret. Unlike states like Michigan or New York that loudly and proudly tout their craft beer scenes, you’ll see little self-promotion. The locals know their flavor is good. Walking through the Midtown Crossing area, a more residential version of the Old Market district, Farnam House Brewing sits across from the outsized, towering Berkshire Hathaway Corporate building. Farnam House was jammed both times we stopped by. Only by luck did we secure a seat at the bar on

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Clockwise from top: TD Ameritrade Park, the host venue of the College World Series; the humidor at Nickleby’s Smoke Ring; a pint of ale at Farnam House; the main lounge at Hearth Cigars and Pipes. Wednesday, trivia night, which packs the place.

You’ve smoked at Havana Garage, drank at Farnam House and/or Nebraska Brewing, and it’s time to move time back again. The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum is a three-hour time taker located 30 minutes southeast of downtown.

Farnam has a special love for European-styled beers, and it approaches them with the same dedication as a German village. You can score a Belgian IPA, a Berliner Weiss, or a more complex Doppelbock in a clamoring, compact-sized beer hall atmosphere. There are three other brewpubs within four miles of Farnam. One more feather in the cap, Nebraska Brewing Company, sits in a mega strip mall 12 miles north of the city, worth the drive for the EOS Hefeweizen. The EOS has won awards on awards until it can get no more. It’s eminently drinkable with almost anything, although paired with a simple salmon Caesar is an

Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

On appeal, Kline and other cigar lounge operators responded that “as a lounge, we were an island and no government entity that governed us,” he explains. In 2015, a measure giving cigar bars an exception to the state’s indoor smoking ban passed in the state house. The legal struggle was over.

The bar/restaurant is standard issue suburban, big on dark wood, posted kitschy slogans and plenty of room with the beer tanks on display behind glass. It’s big and noisy, but the EOS is what should lure you and keep you there for a minute. It’s what Uber is for.

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But there is a crucial pit stop on the way there. Omaha is not known for its food, and so the grub situation was subdued during this visit. A salad to go with the beers, some side snacking – it looked like there was going to be a gastronomic vacancy. Voodoo Taco, though, became an unlikely savior. Stuck in a shopping center just off Interstate 80 going toward the Air Command Museum, the eatery sits in a makeshift outlet mall, keeping company with Cole Haan, Oakley, Fossil and J Crew. This is not something that would signal good eats, but I’d heard good things, both foodwise and in business practices.

around 25 yards long, with four props and a frontpitch cockpit that left the pilot widely exposed. The more modern in the collection is an SR-71, the world’s fastest aircraft with a maximum speed that is still classified, even though it was retired in 1990. Consider, though, its cruising speed was 1,320 mph. More important, the SR-71 could soar to over 80,000 feet, high enough at the time – the mid-to-late 60s – to elude detection over enemy territory. It was a spy plane that was considered the successor to the U-2. Which is also on hand. A sleek, black, unsensational

Bombs were altered to carry the heavy payload. The B-29 here was put into service right after the war and was used on domestic operations only during its career. That time machine keeps us steadily tracking the past. With a head full of history, it’s time to relax. We have five choices, as all the town’s aforementioned cigar lounges are within 30 minutes. Time is a small price to pay for some Midwestern serenity. By the time you get back to your hotel, which is

Among them was that they hired recently released prisoners as well as individuals still on paper, including those from work centers and halfway houses. The “stick a pin in it” catchphrase, one of several used by the local chain, was also something to get behind, so walking in, the voodoo dolls on the walls made good sense and, despite the sterile location, provided an adventurous atmosphere. As did the menu. Tacos featuring Alligator sausage, fried corn on the cob dusted with chili powder, and a pleasingly heavy-duty margarita with a jalapeño muddle were lunch. I poured some salsa doña – roasted jalapeño with garlic in a creamy blend – over the tacos.

Photo courtesy of Visit Omaha

So there, in the middle of a flatland in nowhere, in a strip mall with a McDonald’s within sight distance, was this fabulous Tex-Mex that would be at home in east Austin (or maybe not, given the cartoonish gentrification of that once-great city). Eight miles away is the Strategic Air Command museum, and it’s a monster of a place by necessity: It houses some of the largest planes to ever fly a U.S. flag. Like Voodoo Taco, there is some geographical head scratching. Why here? The question is answered at the museum’s door: Nearby Offutt Air Force Base is where the Enola Gay and Bockscar were assembled. These are the B-29s that dropped the bombs over Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, effectively ending World War II. Offutt is also where the military decided to put the headquarters of the Strategic Air Command in 1948, moving it from Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, to keep it deep in the Heartland and away from the East Coast, which was more easily reachable by missiles. It was Cold War time. Anything, the government believed, was possible. The museum is set back from the road, a driveway running up to the impressive front, which features a vaulted wall of windows, tall and wide because of the aircraft sitting inside. And, man, check out the fighter planes. There are air shows at military installations that are impressive for the firepower on display, but seeing this collection puts them all to shame. The relic of the three dozen or so aircraft on display is the B-17, called the “Flying Fortress,” a bomber that did some heavy lifting during World War II and peaked out at around 287 mph, blazing at the time. It was

30 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

The Lockheed SR-71 “Blackbird” on display at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in nearby Ashland. looking craft. Although developed in 1954, U2 technology is still considered a high mark in development. It could reach an altitude of 70,000 feet, a substantial climb in the 50s, when it was developed. The U2 also lends itself to a small exhibit on the complicated story of Francis Gary Powers, a CIA pilot who was spying on the Soviets when he was shot down over Russia in 1960. Powers was jailed for nearly two years in Russia before he was swapped for a captured Soviet spy. He died in 1977 when the news helicopter he was piloting crashed. The exhibit devoted to his story includes letters and chunks of his U2 plane. Then there’s the B-29: the fact that a 133,500-pound plane with a 50-yard wingspan could get lift in the nascent age of aviation is an aging miracle. But to stand before it is to enter a sci-fi world. It’s like the Lincoln Memorial of aircraft. The B-29 was developed as the Asian theater became crucial during World War II, and was frequently used on runs into Japan. The planes used to drop the Big

inevitably downtown, it’s worth one last look at the train station and the Durham Museum. There are a series of train cars, dusty with memories of a preaviation fueled America. They fed you on these trains, and well. The menu was of the age – boiled eggs, au gratin potatoes, cold ox tongue, radishes, pudding, plenty of coffee served in china cups with the Union Pacific logo. All through the museum are photos, and it’s noticeable: The cigar is ubiquitous. In photos of men behind desks, on the street, or sitting on the corner, tucked in between fingers or dangling lipside, the cigar. You don’t need a time machine to know that folks with wars to fight and ox tongue on the menu needed some smooth relaxation. In Omaha, that was the way they rolled in the day. Today, with a strong lineup of lounges and a hefty dose of history to dig into, the middle of America is still a good place to kick back and enjoy things.

NOTE: AT PRESS TIME THE L & C MUSEUM WAS CLOSED BY THE FEDS DUE TO THE VIRUS. SEVERAL EXHIBITS AT THE DURHAM ARE ALSO CLOSED, INCLUDING THE TRAIN CARS, AND THE SODA FOUNTAIN AT THE RAIL STATION IS LIMITED.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

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6 Jones St

Jones St

JONES ST Leavenworth St

Leavenworth Plaza

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801 S 10th St. durhammuseum.org

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601 Riverfront Dr. nps.gov

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9. Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters and Visitor Center

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422 S 11th St. mspubomaha.com

705 Riverfront Dr.

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8. Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

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N 16th St N 17th St S 17th St

1125 Jackson St. jacksonstreettavern.com

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1190 Capitol Ave Ste 120 akaruiomaha.com

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1008 Howard St. thehavanagarage.com

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11. TD Ameritrade Park Omaha 1200 Mike Fahey St. tdameritradeparkomaha.com

12. Orpheum Theatre 409 S 16th St. omahaperformingarts.org

SLEEP 13. Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha Downtown Old Market 555 S 10th St. hilton.com

14. Hyatt Place Omaha 540 S 12th St. hyatt.com 32 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

CIGAR STORES

Copa Cabana

Jake’s Cigars & Spirits

NOT IN THE MAP

17520 Wright St. STE 108 copacabanaomaha.net

6206 Maple St. jakescigars.com

Nicklebys Smoke Ring

Safari Cigars and Lounge

Tobacco Hut

2464 S 120th St. nicklebyscigars.com

13110 Birch Dr. #108 safaricigarsandlounge.com

4865 C St. # 3

Hearth Cigars & Pipes

The Omaha Cigar Company

Smokers Gallery Premium Cigars, Pipes & Tobacco

9230 Mormon Bridge Rd. hearthcigarsandpipes.com

5038 S 108th St. theomahacigarcompany.com

15611 W Center Rd. westovapesandcigars.com

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R O C KY PAT E L R O C KY PAT E L C I G A R S

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@bovedainc

@bovedausa

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

e made it through the tough ride that was 2020 in great shape to proudly deliver to you our ninth annual Top 25 list. Every 12 months, we compile a list of all the cigars that have scored 91 or better in the calendar year’s ratings sections. Those smokes are then re-tasted by our panel to decide which is the best of the best. Getting the cigars to our esteemed tasters was more difficult since our direct contact was limited this year. But we managed and managed well. Remember that we consider the newness of a cigar among other factors, and we also do not include limited-edition runs. You check the list, and ideally, you can easily pick up the smoke you want. You’ll likely notice that the majority of our Top 25 comes from Nicaragua or uses Nicaraguan tobacco and for good reason: The country continues to keep its quality high. So much so that we awarded it the Top Tobacco Country of the last decade. So 2020: Just because a 100-year virus struck the world doesn’t mean you have to stop smoking. In fact, many retailers saw record business last year, which will be documented as the Year of the ‘Rona. Locked down, some of us full of media-driven fear and rightfully cautious, we ventured to the local tobacconist or an online retailer for some tobacco comfort. That thirst for lighting up during lockdowns allowed the Dominican Republic to post a 6 percent increase in tobacco exports to $1 billion. While some cigars were harder to find, other brands were able to overcome obstacles and grow. There were more trials in 2020. When back-to-back hurricanes in Central America hit Honduras and Nicaragua in November, the tobacco fields were largely spared and the cigar industry stepped up with relief efforts to help those affected. It showed a cohesiveness that the cigar industry fosters, the same kind of bonding we crave as people, to help, to talk, to engage. We’re going to start meeting more frequently again in 2021, as the virus ebbs and we get back to where we belong: together. Our mailbag swells after we publish the Top 25, and we’re glad of it. Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at feedback@ cigarsnobmag.com and let’s talk.

N⁰ 1

ESPINOSA LARANJA RESERVA ESCURO

WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 52 MSRP: $ 11.45 RATING: 94

36 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

San Lotano Factory in Nicaragua

The Espinosa Laranja Reserva Escuro is a cigar that unanimously wowed our panel every time we tasted it. This impeccably box-pressed maduro was put through the blind-tasting wringer over and over, and it rose to the top each time. The cigar hits home on every level, delivering a perfectly balanced combination of espresso and dark chocolate notes countered by smooth spice and earth, all held together by a sweet, creamy background flavor. The voluminous smoke output is thick and heavy with rich aromas of cocoa, cedar, and a touch of tanned leather. We present to you the Espinosa Laranja Reserva Escuro, Cigar Snob Magazine’s Cigar of the Year for 2020.

N⁰ 2

FONSECA BY MY FATHER CIGARS

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Cedros PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/2 x 54 MSRP: $ 11.00

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

From the moment My Father Cigars announced the acquisition of the Fonseca brand at the end of 2019, smokers, retailers, and even many of My Father’s competitors eagerly waited to smoke the revamped and re-energized version of the venerated brand. The Garcías didn’t disappoint. They delivered a beautifully produced, medium-bodied blend that instantly became a mainstay in the rotation of many a smoker. It speaks to the García family’s incredible cigar making talent and impressive development in their growing operations that 100 percent of the tobacco in this world-class cigar is cultivated by the Garcías themselves. Bravo!

RATING: 93

N⁰ 3

OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO MADURO

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Figurado PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/2 x 52 MSRP: $ 15.06

Oliva Cigars in Nicaragua

The highest ranking of the three perfectos on this year’s list, the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Figurado features a lush Mexican San Andres wrapper and impeccable construction. In recent years almost every facet of the Oliva Cigars operation in Nicaragua has been overhauled with multiple groundbreaking technological improvements that earned the company the Cigar Manufacturing Technology Advancement Award in this publication’s All-Decade Awards. The quality and consistency of the cigars coming out of Oliva today rival that of any manufacturer in the business, and no other product highlights that better than the Serie V Melanio Maduro.

RATING: 93

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

N⁰ 4

AGANORSA LEAF CONNECTICUT

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 1/4 x 50 MSRP: $ 7.69 RATING: 93

N⁰ 5

MI QUERIDA TRIQUI TRACA

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic VITOLA: No. 648 PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 x 48 MSRP: $ 11.75 RATING: 93

38 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Tabacos Valle de Jalapa in Nicaragua

It’s not often that a Connecticut wrapped cigar reaches these heights on our annual list; these blends typically lack the depth and complexity to duke it out with the heavier, stronger cigars. The reason is that if you pack a lot of flavorful and strong tobacco in the filler blend but cover it with a mild wrapper like Connecticut Shade, most often the wrapper’s flavor gets lost, and in the worst cases the blend goes completely off balance. The team at Aganorsa was able to navigate this dilemma thanks to its enviable stockpile of aged tobacco. Simply put, they’ve taken strong and flavorful tobacco but let it age to the point that it mellows enough to not overpower the delicate Connecticut Shade wrapper. What you end up with is this beautifully balanced and complex smoke, complemented by the nuanced notes of the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper.

Nicaragua American Cigars in Nicaragua

The Mi Querida Triqui Traca is an offshoot of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust’s original Mi Querida line. You can tell them apart by the band color, as the original Mi Querida is navy and gold while the Triqui Traca is garnet and gold. Brand owner Steve Saka has employed catchy and memorable names for all of his DTT brands, although many are difficult to pronounce for non-Spanish speakers. Mi Querida (pronounced me kay-ree-dah) is a term commonly used to mean “my mistress” while Triqui Traca (pronounced tree-key trah-kah) is Nicaraguan slang for firecrackers or fireworks. Nicaraguan closing ceremonies often involve setting off a string of firecrackers; “triqui traca” is a reference to the sound they make when they pop.

N⁰ 6

PADRÓN 1964 ANNIVERSARY MADURO

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 7

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Divine Inspiration 6 1/8 x 47 $ 8.99 93

The story behind the blend for the Casa Cuba Divine Inspiration is the stuff of legend but when our panel smokes for ratings and Top 25 rankings, they do so blind. There’s no story, no branding, no legend, they just smoke the cigar and this cigar delivers an Old World profile that sets it apart from everything else on this list.

Tabacalera Villa Cuba in Nicaragua

Toro 6 1/2 x 52 $ 13.50 93

LIGA PRIVADA T52

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

Even for the venerated Padrón family, back-to-back top ten finishes on this list speaks to their otherworldly level of consistency. The 1964 Anniversary Series commemorates the year that the late José Orlando Padrón started Padrón Cigars in Miami, FL.

Tabacalera A. Fuente in Dominican Republic

ROCKY PATEL QUARTER CENTURY

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 9

Imperial 6 x 54 $ 16.80 93

CASA CUBA - DIVINE INSPIRATION

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

N⁰ 8

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Tabacos Cubanica in Nicaragua

Back in 1995 Rocky Patel made his first foray into cigars when he partnered with Phil Zanghi to start Indian Tabac Cigar Company. Twenty-five years later, Rocky Patel’s cigars can be found in just about every corner of the world. This cigar celebrates Rocky’s quarter century in the cigar business. Here’s to twenty-five more!

La Gran Fábrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Toro 6 x 52 $ 14.33 93

The Liga Privada T52 has been a favorite at Cigar Snob HQ since its release back in 2009. It is covered with a stalk-cut Habano wrapper sun grown in Connecticut. This tobacco, while more costly because of its provenance, harvesting and curing method, unquestionably makes the T52 a unique blend worthy of this lofty ranking.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

N⁰ 10

WARPED LA COLMENA

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

N⁰ 11

Amado No. 44 5 1/2 x 44 $ 15.95 93

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Toro 6 x 52 $ 8.96 93

40 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Established in 2011 by Reinier Lorenzo, HVC Cigars is one of the more exciting young cigar companies of the last ten years. Reinier’s unapologetically high standards when it comes to flavor, aroma, and balance in his blends has helped HVC’s cigars earn consistently high marks in our ratings.

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

Lancero 7 x 38 $ 8.99 92

JOYA DE NICARAGUA NÚMERO UNO

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Translates to “The Beehive.” La Colmena is manufactured at the famed El Titan de Bronze in Little Havana and is only available in this classic Cuban size. The Cuban influence doesn’t end there; the rollers at El Titan use traditional Cuban methods that make La Colmena a cigar deserving of this coveted Top 10 ranking.

Tabacos Valle de Jalapa in Nicaragua

AJ FERNANDEZ BELLAS ARTES MADURO

WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 13

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

HVC EDICIÓN ESPECIAL 2015

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 12

El Titan de Bronze in Miami

The original AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes, released in 2016 with a gorgeous hybrid Connecticut/Habano wrapper, impressively took the number 5 spot on our Top 25 that year. While we did not rate the original blend this past year, we have fallen hard for the Bellas Artes Maduro lancero that you see here.

Joya de Nicaragua in Nicaragua

Le Premier 6 7/8 x 48 $ 16.60 92

In 1970, then-Nicaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza Debayle visited President Nixon at the White House. After pleasantries, Nixon offered Somoza a cigar and much to Somoza’s surprise, the cigar that the White House had been sharing with global leaders after the Cuban embargo was this blend from Joya de Nicaragua.

N⁰ 14

AGING ROOM PURA CEPA

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 15

Rondo 5 x 50 $ 12.68 92

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Super Corona 5 1/4 x 45 $ 9.00 92

TATUAJE RESERVA MIAMI

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 17

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

SUPER FLY MADURO BY OSCAR VALLADARES

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua, Honduras & Dominican Republic

N⁰ 16

Plasencia Cigars in Nicaragua

Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Honduras

Oscar Valladares’ story of perseverance and triumph should be an inspiration to the next crop of aspiring cigar makers. But this list is not about the story behind the brand; it’s about how the cigar performs when you don’t know what you’re smoking. And it is in that arena that the Super Fly Maduro shines brightest.

My Father Cigars in Miami

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Reserva J21 5 x 50 $ 12.00 92

PLASENCIA ALMA FUERTE

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

The Aging Room brand originally launched with the M356 line at the end of 2011. The brand was known from day one for its very Dominican-dominant blends, but today the majority of its releases come from Nicaragua, including this one. The Aging Room Pura Cepa is manufactured by Plasencia Cigars in Estelí.

This beautifully constructed robusto is made at the Miami factory of My Father Cigars. Its surprisingly strong profile has made the Tatuaje Reserva Miami a postlunch favorite at Cigar Snob HQ. To be clear: While we love them both, this Top 25 spot was given to the Tatuaje Reserva Miami, not the Tatuaje Reserva Broadleaf.

Plasencia Cigars in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Generacion V 7 x 58 $ 22.00 92

The Alma Fuerte makes its triumphant return to our list! Fans of this annual ranking will remember that the Alma Fuerte in 6 x 54 earned the coveted #1 spot back in 2017. This time, the blend caught our attention in a 7 x 58 Salomon format. Set aside the rest of the afternoon and let the Alma Fuerte take you on a ride.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

N⁰ 18

DAVIDOFF NICARAGUA

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 19

Diadema 6 1/2 x 50 $ 20.20 92

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Robusto 5 x 50 $ 10.50 92

42 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Late in 2020, in the midst of this pandemic, the Eiroas’ warehouse was burglarized and sadly, the bandits made off with the entire inventory. We’d be remiss if we didn’t reiterate that you should seek out this fantastic flavor bomb of a cigar, but you should do so only from an authorized reseller.

Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Torpedo 6 1/2 x 54 $ 13.00 92

SAN CRISTOBAL REVELATION

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Another No. 1 from the past returns to the list in the form of a perfecto! The Davidoff Nicaragua, especially in this figurado size, enchants us with its flavors, aromas, and complexity as much today as it did back in 2013, when it took the top spot in a robusto format.

Fabrica de Puros Aladino in Honduras

VIVA LA VIDA

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 21

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

ALADINO MADURO BOX-PRESSED

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

N⁰ 20

Cigars Davidoff in Dominican Republic

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Brothers Billy and Gus Fakih put their years of retail experience serving New York City cigar lovers to good use in their Viva La Vida brand. It is strong, flavorful, and meticulously made at AJ Fernandez’s factory in Nicaragua. This is Viva La Vida’s debut on our Top 25 list, but we predict you’ll see much more of this growing brand.

My Father Cigars in Nicaragua

Legend 6 x 52 $ 8.50 92

The original San Cristobal brand was launched in 2007. The Revelation came in 2013 and like all other San Cristobal lines is made at Don Pepín García’s My Father Cigars factory in Estelí. This soft-pressed toro is creamy and smooth while simultaneously bringing plenty of power to the party.

N⁰ 22

LA AURORA 107 NICARAGUA

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 23

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Toro 6 x 54 $ 9.95 92

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

The Gurkha Nicaragua Series scored a 92 in the Jan/Feb 2020 issue making it the highest rated Gurkha in Cigar Snob history. The cigars are made for Gurkha by Aganorsa at their Tabacos Valle de Jalapa factory. The factory is no stranger to this list; it has produced cigars that make our Top 25 every year since we began doing it.

Tabacalera Perdomo in Nicaragua

Epicure 6 x 56 $ 9.50 92

DIAMOND CROWN BLACK DIAMOND

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

La Aurora has always been known for being super-Dominican. They even released a cigar in 2017 asserting their Dominican DNA. Last year the factory embarked upon a journey to find the best tobaccos from all over the globe in a collection they call Tobaccos of the World. The 107 Nicaragua is the first installment of this set.

Tabacos Valle de Jalapa in Nicaragua

PERDOMO 20TH ANNIVERSARY MADURO

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 25

Robusto 5 x 50 $ 8.50 92

GURKHA NICARAGUA SERIES

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N⁰ 24

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

La Aurora in Dominican Republic

This is the 2nd time that the Perdomo 20th Anniversary Maduro makes our Top 25 list, the first being 2018 when it came in at #18. What makes this particular blend so special is that Perdomo finishes this wrapper an additional 14 months in ex-bourbon barrels after its initial 8 years of aging.

Tabacalera A. Fuente in Dominican Republic

Marquis 5 1/4 x 56 $ 19.00 92

The original Diamond Crown was launched by JC Newman in 1996 to commemorate the company’s 100th anniversary. Twenty years later the Diamond Crown Black Diamond made its debut and our panel has been loving its dark, oily wrapper and flavorful profile ever since.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

CIGAR SNOB MAGAZINE'S

ALL-DECADE AWARDS As we turn our attention to 2021, we looked back at the last ten years to see what companies, personalities, and products made a lasting impact on us. Some were chosen because they changed the game while others because they did the same thing as everyone else but did it at such a high level that even the competition took notice. Why did we compile this list? To put it plainly it’s because over the last ten years we have travelled the world smoking, drinking, and touring cigar factories to bring this information to you. You may agree, disagree, or think we’re insane. Either way let us know what you liked, disliked, added to your bucket list or holiday wish list. It’s all fair game and we will not be offended. Enjoy.

CIGAR MAKER AWARDS CIGAR FACTORY OF THE DECADE TABACALERA AJ FERNANDEZ

distributors, have garnered high marks in magazines and websites but more importantly have been enjoyed by you, the premium cigar smoker, at an astounding rate. In addition to the AJ Fernandez owned brands such as San Lotano, Bellas Artes, and Dias de Gloria, Tabacalera AJ Fernandez manufactures multiple brands for the largest of companies like Altadis USA and General Cigars as well as much smaller operations like Foundation Cigars, La Palina, Southern Draw, and Caldwell to name a few. The most impressive part of this feat is that in spite of this warp-speed growth, AJ Fernandez has managed to maintain the highest levels of quality year in and year out. It is no doubt a testament to AJ’s talent, relentless nature, and acute attention to detail.

CIGAR MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT AWARD OLIVA CIGARS

Before Oliva set out to question every facet of the cigar making process, the business of growing, harvesting, curing, and fermenting tobacco went mostly unchanged for decades. Sure there have been advancements like better “tapado” frames for ease of covering the tobacco in the fields and the technological advancements in drip irrigation. But we’ve never seen a single cigar maker devise and implement so many process improvements in such a short time span. We dedicated over 4,600 words to these advancements in an article titled Oliva 2.0 in our January/February 2020 issue and there’s no room to list them out here. But let’s say that when the temperature of a “pilon” in fermentation reaches the desired temp, the “pilon” will text the supervisor on duty. That’s one of the multitude of advancements that have improved Oliva’s yields and thus their bottom line so much that we have no doubt that others will follow suit.

BLENDER OF THE DECADE HENKE KELNER – DAVIDOFF CIGARS

Over the last ten years no factory has grown more in size and influence than AJ Fernandez. Their blends, whether manufactured for themselves or as private labels for other 44 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

How do you choose one blender for the entire decade? It’s not easy and there is no right or wrong answer but here was our thinking. Before Henke Kelner came along, blending for premium cigars was done by older men and women, who over time learned the intricacies of blending tobacco from their fathers, grandfathers, or mentors. It was a skill passed down from generation to generation with little to no documentation or science. Don’t take it wrong, there was obviously science

involved, but most of it was not written or documented in a repeatable way. Now there have been blenders who have tried to make tobacco blending formulaic and rigid. You’ve never heard of these people because their cigars were terrible.

Tobacco is a moving target. Once you nail down the formula for a perfect blend with the tobacco you have on hand, the next batch of tobacco throws your “perfect” blend out the window. Henke approached the idea of blending with equal parts engineer and artist. His diagrams of how tobacco hits the different parts of the palate were groundbreaking and the way he described the blending process to an aspiring tobacco lover elevated the practice of cigar smoking to new heights. All of this would be for naught if his work as a master blender hadn’t produced classic, life-changing cigars that are still treasured throughout the world for their flavor, aroma, balance, and complexity.

TOP TOBACCO COUNTRY NICARAGUA

Unless you’ve been smoking under a rock, you have no doubt seen the Nicaraguan takeover of humidors all over the world. Seemingly every non-Nicaraguan cigar manufacturer markets a blend comprising Nicaraguan tobacco, the so and so Nicaragua. When you see a proud tobacco man from country X-not-named-Nicaragua release a Nicaraguan edition of his brand in order to elevate it in the eyes of the consumer, that tells you everything you need to know. Nicaragua has dominated the last ten years in this magazine’s ratings and in the shelves of retailers all over the world.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

BRAND OF THE DECADE BY COUNTRY DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - ARTURO FUENTE

SWAG AWARD DREW ESTATE

BEST FACTORY TOUR TABACALERA A. FUENTE

HONDURAS - CAMACHO

MEXICO - A. TURRENT

NICARAGUA - PADRÓN

No company has dominated the swag game like Drew Estate. Not only have they produced some incredibly innovative swag over the years but they even built a rewards program to help you earn it, Drew Diplomat! Using the Drew Diplomat app, smokers have earned everything from branded hats, flashlights, and pocket knives to cigar accessories but the highest earners have been able to pull down hand painted artwork, ashtrays, and cigar presses from Drew Estate’s Subculture Studios in Estelí, Nicaragua. When swag becomes a one of kind collectible piece of art, you’ve leveled up in the swag category.

RETAIL & EVENT AWARDS PACKAGING AWARD DAVIDOFF

For the last ten years Davidoff and its brands have been taking packaging to a place few could have imagined. The hits are too many to recount but among our favorites is the Avo Classic Covers record-shaped box, the Camacho Diploma Special Selection with its hexagonal collection of triangular cigar coffins, and the exquisite simplicity of the Davidoff Zodiac Series. Tack on the limited edition jars and frameable artwork on box lids and it quickly becomes unfair to look elsewhere. 46 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

A tour of Arturo Fuente’s factory in Santiago guided by Carlito Fuente is not easy to come by. The tour itself is as unique as it is rare. Although throughout the tour you walk past row after row of cigar makers at work, it never feels like you’re in a cigar factory. The word factory doesn’t quite fit. Listening to Carlito describe each rolling room, aging room, raw material warehouse, and packaging area is like listening to someone who has lived in a house their entire life give you a nickel tour. There are memories at every turn, there’s meaning in every nook and cranny. You laugh, you cry, and you smoke incredible cigars with Carlito in his world. The venue manages to be at once historic, charming, and awe-inspiring while your guide is dynamic and polished without ever being stuffy or overbearing. If you are ever presented with the opportunity, do everything you can to take the tour.

FESTIVAL OF THE DECADE PROCIGAR FESTIVAL IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

BEST CIGAR EVENT MOUNTAIN ON FIRE

From the very first ProCigar that we attended in 2008, it was clear that this event was destined for greatness. Sure there were the usual mishaps and snafus of a first time event of this scale, but the foundation for a world-class event was evident from the jump. Today the festival draws a who’s who of cigar industry giants while at the same time being completely accessible to the regular cigar consumer. Lifelong friendships are born and cigar business deals are consummated all while consumers tour the factories and farms of the Dominican Republic’s best cigar companies.

The only words needed to describe this event are first class. Held annually at the Hotel Schoene Aussicht in Hochsolden, Austria, Mountain on Fire is a one of a kind three-day experience presented in conjunction with Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. For starters the entire hotel is closed to the public. Only event participants are in attendance. This means that you can smoke your Rocky Patel cigars anywhere on the hotel grounds (except your room). There are nonstop wine and spirit tastings, excursions to alpine camps, ski adventures, and even a dinner at 10,000 feet above sea level. Words cannot do this event justice; you must simply attend.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

BEST CIGAR BAR ARTURO FUENTE CIGAR CLUB IN SANTO DOMINGO, D.R.

breathtaking view, the massive humidor, and the food are almost worth the price of membership but what take it over the top are the friendships and business relationships that grow organically in the club. The Beverly Hills Grand Havana is also good, but to us there’s nothing like Grand Havana New York City.

CIGAR ACCESSORY AWARDS LIGHTER - LE GRAND S.T. DUPONT

When comparing cigar bars all over the world we took into account the cigar selection, beer, wine and spirit selection, food options, and entertainment. In the final analysis nothing can compete with Arturo Fuente Cigar Club in Santo Domingo. There are a great number of superb cigar bars all over the United States and the world but none combine rare cigars with a top-shelf bar, outstanding chef-driven cuisine, and an elevated stage where world-class musicians jam the night away. That’s enough to make it the best we’ve seen in the last decade, but when you factor in the ambiance, and the beautiful crowd dressed to the nines, you’re in cigar bar nirvana.

BEST CIGAR BAR MULTI-CITY BURN BY ROCKY PATEL

better than you could imagine. In the Cigar Snob Labs we have tested the Show Band 3 by putting more than 200 pounds of weight directly on the case and it does not budge. So what we’re saying is that these cases look beautiful and don’t just carry your cigars, they protect them from getting crushed.

CUTTER - XIKAR Xi Simply put, the Xikar Xi cutter changed the game. With the Xi you were finally able to easily cut your cigar without having to fidget with two hands and even better, if you did it right the clippings landed in your palm as opposed to, well everywhere. In 1996 Xikar’s Kurt Van Keppel and Scott Almsberger took apart the seemingly tried and true design of a double-guillotine cutter and actually made it better. In 2014 the company was finally able to obtain US trademark protection meaning the iconic design is protected from duplication indefinitely.

HUMIDIFIER - BOVEDA

How can a cigar lighter blow your mind? What would it have to do or what would it have to look like? To us, the Le Grand S.T. Dupont is that lighter; it upended the way we looked at lighters from the first day we held one. Before the Le Grand, if you wanted a fine lighter you had to choose between soft flame and torch, but not now. The Le Grand’s unique dualignition allows you to pick between the two on the fly without sacrificing a thing. Game over.

CIGAR CASE BRIZARD & CO.’S SHOW BAND 3 CIGAR CASE

If you’ve been reading all of these awards, you’ve noticed we put a premium on game changers. In keeping with that mentality, there’s no disputing Boveda’s impact on the premium cigar industry. Ten years ago cigar lovers were either filling those green foam humidifiers or the little jars of gel with distilled water. And then when you’d remember to fill the jar you would notice that you were out of distilled water. And when you were at the grocery store you’d forget to buy the distilled water. You’d get home, sulk for a moment, then say screw it I will use tap water. A couple of months later you’d have Sea Monkeys growing in your little jar. It was a dark time for cigar smokers until the guys at Boveda convinced everyone in the business to just toss a Boveda pack in their box. Soon after, even humidor makers got in on the act and started to build in Boveda slots in their humidors. Keeping your cigars humidified has never been easier. Oh what a time to be alive!

AIR PURIFIER - RABBIT AIR MINUS A2 The first Burn opened its doors in Naples, FL in 2010 and since then it has continued to grow and get better with every year that passes. Today there are five Burn by Rocky Patel lounges spread out among Naples, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, and Pittsburgh, each with its own theme and décor but all with Rocky Patel’s sense of style and quality. All of them feature a full service humidor with a broad selection of smokes from major cigar manufacturers and boutiques as well.

BEST PRIVATE CIGAR CLUB GRAND HAVANA CLUB IN NEW YORK CITY Situated on the 39th floor of the 666 Fifth Avenue building in Midtown Manhattan, Grand Havana is a member’s only club with all of the amenities a cigar lover could desire. The 48 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

In a sea of cigar carrying cases the Brizard & Co Show Band 3 stands out of the pack. First for the craftsmanship and beauty. Each case is meticulously crafted with the highest quality materials and it shows. There are other carrying cases that look stunning and perhaps even have the quality to last as long as the Brizard but where the Show Band 3 wowed us was in the way the cedar dividers protect each cigar. As we write this it even sounds silly but believe it, if used correctly the cedar dividers can protect your cigars from getting crushed

We have had a Rabbit Air Minus A2 at Cigar Snob HQ for years. As long as you keep changing the filters, it does a fantastic job of cleaning the air. And it does so with a sense of style and simplicity that we absolutely love. Over the years we have been sent a number of test units from other air purifiers and nothing has beaten the Rabbit Air Minus A2 in our eyes.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

Alejandro MartĂnez Cuenca Joya De Nicaragua

Dion Giolito Illusione Cigars

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente, Jr. Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.

Erik Espinosa Espinosa Cigars

Karl Malone Barrel-Aged by Karl Malone

cigarsnobmag.com/podcast

˚ featuring ˚ Gurkha Nicaragua Series

PUFFER VEST FREE PEOPLE CORSET TOP NBD SHORTS RICHER POORER SOCKS WOLFORD BOOTS SCHUTZ

COAT EAVES SWEATER MAJORELLE CORSET RONNY KOBO PANTIES BLANKNYC GARTER SUSPENDERS BLUEBELLA

PUFFER WOOLRICH SWEATER FRAME BRIEF RONNY KOBO CORSET BELT ONLY HEARTS

FUR COAT FREE PEOPLE BODYSUIT MICHAEL COSTELLO CORSET BRA NBD BRIEF YUMMIE SOCKS HUES BOOTS SCHUTZ

PUFFER VEST THE COUTURE CLUB BODYSUIT WOLFORD SWEATER ALICE & OLIVIA SUSPENDER BELT BLUEBELLA BOOTS STUART WEITZMAN

COAT PAIGE SWEATER LOVERS & FRIENDS CORSET 4TH & RECKLESS PANTIES RIVER ISLAND SOCKS HUES WEDGES CULT GAIA

BODYSUIT LOVERS & FRIENDS AVIATOR COAT TULAROSA SOCKS WOLFORD SHOES ZARA

COAT SAM BRALETTE AYA MUSE CORSET BELT ONLY HEARTS SHORTS COMMANDO GLOVES MONCLER

PUFFER SOYA & KYO BRA FLEUR DU MAL PANTS HELMUT LANG BOOTS STUART WEITZMAN

COAT SUPERDOWN BODYSUIT / SHORTS COMMANDO CORSET BELT MIAOU SOCKS WOLFORD BOOTS BERSKA

MODEL MORGAN KETZNER PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED EDITION limitededitionmanagement.com PRODUCTION IVAN OCAMPO iocampo@cigarsnobmag.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JAMILET CALVIÃ&#x2018;O jcalvino@cigarsnobmag.com WARDROBE STYLIST FRANCESCA LOPRESTI limitededitionmanagement.com MAKEUP ARTIST LUCIA ABUIN limitededitionmanagement.com JUNIOR PRODUCTION ASSISTANT NOA BENOLIEL

FUR COAT FREE PEOPLE BODYSUIT MICHAEL COSTELLO CORSET BRA NBD BRIEF YUMMIE SOCKS HUES BOOTS SCHUTZ

CIGAR GURKHA NICARAGUA SERIES gurkhacigars.com

66 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Warrior Poets Merging Manliness, Patriotism and Weaponry in the New South Written by Steve Miller / Photography by Jordan Gensler JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

ucked into an obscured industrial park in the Atlanta suburbs, two college pals are trying to retool the way the world looks at masculinity. The offices of Warrior Poet Society look like a mish-mash of a Dwell magazine profile and a Guns & Ammo cover, all steel furniture, exposed ceiling and black paint with a wall devoted to some impressive weaponry.

graphic designer who digs fine aesthetics and martial arts. Lovell, also 39 years old, is a wiry, bearded, bundle of energy and a military veteran, part of an elite Ranger unit that carried out special operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where he deployed five times. His talents when he left the service were weapons training, door kicking and jiu-jitsu, with a side interest in business. The two met while both were students at Georgia

Just as apparent, though, are the stacks of books: A Napoleon biography, David McCullough’s 1776, “To Hell and Back,” Audie Murphy’s classic WWII memoir, “The Art of War,” a Fifth Century Chinese exposition on conflict, a dash of war fiction and some classics.

And a warrior and a poet. Lovell had experience as a public speaker through his weekly bible classes in Costa Rica, which were also offered on video.

Video, social media, podcast and the written word would be their medium. Tactical training at different levels, from beginner to advanced, would be offered.

So he and Temple decided to join forces. “I was a branding guy and he was a front man, and we knew we could combine and make something really cool,” Temple says. It was a medium that is made for Lovell, who has a brash but earnest outspokenness and a courageous conviction.

And within two years, they had gathered enough of a crowd to move out of their basements and into the industrial park, taking not only the tworoom office but another conference space in another building. That space also houses a small gym, heavy on the weight lifting equipment, and a large floor safe well-stocked with armored vests and weapons.

“We’re making a Disney Plus of masculinity and violence, but in a wholesome way, not with all the negative connotations that people tend to attach,” says Temple, a stocky 39-year-old who grew up in Georgia. “Masculinity and violence are key tenets of all kinds of positive things, including firefighting, even rock climbing. When a firefighter is running out of a burning building with a baby, well a fire is a very violent situation, and it takes real courage to run into that. And we want to develop that type of masculinity.” Temple is the artist of the duo, a degreed and pedigreed

68 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

But Lovell saw the fallow period as an opportunity and the chance to be the entrepreneur he had always wanted to be. “I was doing training, teaching tactical teams, SWAT and military units,” Lovell says. “And I was seeing these gun industry messages that were disingenuous and lopsided. This chestbeating hyper-masculine bravado that led people to believe we were soulless super soldiers, which is just not true. I wanted to be a successful human being more than a successful soldier. And I wanted to shift from training military and police to teach regular folks with a holistic approach that is real and honest and allows them to grow as men. To be a lion and a lamb, a lover and a fighter.”

Warriors and poets, in fact, make sensible bedfellows to Evan Temple and John Lovell, who founded Warrior Poet Society in 2016, housing it first in their basements as they constructed philosophy and structure. It would be faith-based, male-tilted and appealing to guys with varying interests. Survivalists, gun aficionados, protectors, husbands and fathers, not necessarily in that order, would be their audience.

The centerpiece is a bevy of video offerings, available via subscription. Some are hard-core training minifilms, while others are scripted and humorous, sometimes including shooting things or light-hearted skits. Almost all are connected to a concept of manliness and family.

Southern University in the mid-2000s. After both finished college, Temple worked some graphics design jobs while Lovell and his wife, Rebekah, went to Costa Rica to serve as missionaries for four years, sometimes living hand to mouth. They had their second son while there, and returned to the states nearly broke.

“I smoke about ten cigars a year and I don’t think that’s healthy. I should smoke 20 a year, as I need more relaxation.” – John Lovell

Today’s Warrior Poet Society is a flashy website, a dedicated broadcast network, a merchandise portal and a blur of social media. The marketing also promotes the monthly training sessions offered by Lovell, from single day basic weapons handling to the two-day “one man clearing,” which requires some previous weapons training. And you have to bring your own quality semi-automatic weapon. Glock provided. The exercises are carried out both on their home turf and on the road. The training ground in Georgia is a 45-minute drive from Warrior Poet HQ in Adairsville on a forested 50-acre tract of land that includes a storefront village, the skeletal remains of a burned out car and a shooting range. The village is a dream scenario for any kid who has ever played soldier, with beige stucco storefronts and doorways perfect to provide cover to lay in wait. The roadshow training goes where their patrons

“It’s funny to shoot your friends in the private parts” – John Lovell, in “Ranger Games” an episode on the Warrior Poet Society Network.

“I was a branding guy and he was a front man, and we knew we could combine and make something really cool,” – Evan Temple

demand, including Florida, Tennessee, Texas and Alabama.

and we help them develop some safety habits along with a healthier philosophy.”

“The people who come to see us are people who want to protect others,” Lovell says. “They’ve seen school shootings, these kinds of things, and they want to be able to responsibly rescue and help others. “

The poet part of the society is what centers them, and that concept allows them to impart a refined gentleness. And leads to more cultivated life pursuits which of course leads to cigars.

We met a few days after some overzealous protestors breached security at the U.S. Capitol, as they rallied against the Electoral College count formalizing Joe Biden’s election victory in Congress.

“Evan has always been fancy and sophisticated,” Lovell declares.

Advocates and media, both from the left side of the political aisle, contend some of those protestors were armed and had some extreme views. Although carrying a weapon is not unlawful, nor are particular political stances, today’s cultural climate is a disagreeable, contentious stew that disallows reasonable discussion. As such, gun advocates, to some, are unreasonably deemed to be out-of-control extremists. “We’ve seen this kind of action from left and right over the past year,” Temple says. “BLM, Antifa and then this. We don’t want any kind of riots or violence or anything. We say, ‘you need to be a dangerous person in an extremely controlled fashion.’ We don’t want them to be wrapped up in politics and we don’t amass guns for some kind of show of force.” Warrior Poet Society survival training may or may not draw such individuals, depending on who you ask. “I don’t see those guys a lot,” Lovell says. “It’s priced at a point where you’d have to be pretty committed to get in.”

“I am, I suppose,” Temple agrees. He enjoys cooking, fine bourbon, good wine, and, not least, a premium cigar, a passion he developed at about the same time Warrior Poet Society was formed. He’s gone from smoking a few a year to one a day and buying a humidor to store some of his favorites. “I have slowly become part of the cigar culture,” Temple says. “I started with the Acids and the Nubs and worked my way into the Camachos, so I got into the lighter Honduran tobacco. Now, I’m finding I enjoy the full-bodied cigars.” Lovell, who prefers Walmart over Target, Waffle House over fine dining, savors the leisure of a smoke more than the cigar itself. He is a follower of Charles Spurgeon, a British Baptist preacher, and C.S. Lewis, a British theologian. Both were outspoken cigar lovers. “Someone once asked him, ‘Mr. Spurgeon, when do you consider cigar smoking in excess?’,” Lovell recounts. “Because biblically, we’re not supposed to do anything to excess. And Spurgeon says, ‘when I smoke two at a time.’ “

Not so much, Temple says.

So based on his own research, he says, he does not believe that a cigar is damaging.

“We get meatheads and airheads sometimes,” he insists. “We have to give them some special attention,

“I smoke about ten cigars a year and I don’t think that’s healthy,” Lovell says. “I should smoke 20 a year, as I

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need more relaxation. I am just starting to appreciate quality. But for me, it’s more about the friendship, peace, camaraderie and reflection that naturally arises.” Given their fealty to a good smoke and the culture around it, the considerable line of Warrior Poet Society merchandise includes a cutter manufactured by Italian firm FOX Knives, a stainless-steel number that weighs in at a feathery 25 grams and comes with a leather case. And there’s more stuff, anticipating that the same type who likes to hustle and shoot and strategize also, generally speaking, enjoys having some decent gear. Warrior Poet Supply Co. is the brand’s online store, and yes, there’s camo. Hats, vests, hoodies, all come in the vaunted varying green. There are also ankle medical kits, tactical pens (you can break glass with the tip as well as write with it), gun belts, holsters and backpacks, all bearing the WPS logo. The brand started its upward, profitable climb in 2017 and continues to blossom with a growing fondness among Americans seeking to get back to the land as the sweep of COVID has merged with political polarization. Most people don’t think the end is near, but the idea of being both a warrior and a poet… “There’s this divide between old world values and this new precipice that hasn’t mixed well,” Temple says. This is where they hope to stick as a brand and as a movement. “We are aiming to achieve some communication between those two sides, where we can live peaceably,” Lovell says. “Warrior Poet Society welcomes anyone... if you are living for a higher purpose and are ready to sacrifice in the defense of others, if you can meet those two criteria, you are one of us.”

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

48 CIGARS CIGAR HOLDER / COASTER: Ballash Woodworks Cigar Coaster (ballashwoodworks.com) CIGAR CASE: S.T. Dupont Double Cigar Case (st-dupont.com)

CHURCHILL Davidoff Aniversario

$ 35.10

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

Double R 7 1/2 50 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Gilberto Oliva Reserva Blanc

Highly aromatic and well balanced. This impeccably constructed, mild to medium strength Churchill draws and burns perfectly producing notes of cedar, raw almonds, and soft spice with a floral note in the aroma.

$ 7.10 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Churchill 7 50 Ecuador Ecuador Nicaragua

CAO Vision

N I CA R AG UA Consistently well constructed and covered with an attractive, light brown wrapper with a supple, velvet-like feel. Draws and burns exceptionally while producing a smooth core of nuts, soft pepper, and cedar balanced by a note of sweet cream.

$ 18.99

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

Churchill 7 50 Cameroon Ecuador Nicaragua

Villiger La Flor de Ynclan

N I CA R AG UA Sweet and creamy featuring a profile highlighted by notes of cedar, spice, and caramel with a touch of orange zest on the finish. This mild to medium strength blend is covered with a thin, even-colored wrapper with sheen.

$ 12.00

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

Churchill 7 48 Ecuador Indonesia Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Saga Solaz

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a light, reddish brown wrapper with slight veins showing, this mild to medium bodied blend has a profile dominated by wood, light cinnamon, nuts, and spice. Leaves behind a dark gray ash while producing a good smoke output.

$ 9.00

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

Churchill 7 48 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Macanudo Inspirado White

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

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C An impeccably constructed, classic-looking Churchill covered with a silky, golden wrapper. This mild to medium strength blend draws and burns exceptionally well producing notes of spice and oak balanced by vanilla and a touch of citrus on the nose.

$ 7.69 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Churchill 7 48 Ecuador Indonesia Mexico & Nicaragua

H O N D UR AS Delivers a mild profile highlighted by delicate notes of wood, subtle spice, and a hint of cream. This well made Churchill draws well and produces a thin smoke output. Covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with sheen.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

GRAN TORO My Father The Judge

$ 12.40

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

Toro 6 56 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Oliva Serie O Maduro

Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a nearly flawless milk chocolate colored wrapper. Opens with a blend of smooth pepper, earth, and toasted oak balanced by rich almond cream and cocoa. Medium plus strength.

$ 10.40

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

Double Toro 6 60 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

Nat Sherman Timeless Panamericana

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

Gordo 6 60 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Costa Rica

Well balanced and smooth with a core of earth, cedar, and deep pepper complemented by notes of currant, molasses, and a touch of espresso. Draws and burns perfectly while leaving a behind a solid ash. Medium plus strength.

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a flavorful profile highlighted by roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and cream accompanied by notes of caramel and leather on the finish. Provides a firm draw and a slow burn while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 11.90 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Special Toro 6 60 Ecuador Mexico Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Fernando Leรณn Family Reserve

N I CA R AG UA

$ 13.45

AVO Syncro Nicaragua Fogata

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with an aromatic, neatly applied, reddish brown wrapper, this flavorful gran toro has a core of spice, earth, and chicory complemented by sweet cream. Produces an excellent output of medium bodied smoke.

$ 9.60 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Gran Toro 6 58 Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Peru, Brazil & Dominican Republic

CAO Zรณcalo

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Densely packed and covered with an attractive, reddish brown wrapper with sheen. This medium strength blend provides a firm draw while producing a profile of sweet wood, soft spice, and a touch of leather on the nose.

$ 8.49

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N I CA R AG UA

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

Gordo 6 60 Mexico Cameroon Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA This medium plus strength blend has a core of earth, pepper, and ripe fruit sweetness. A thick, good-looking gran toro covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils. Produces a somewhat thin smoke output.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORPEDO A. Fuente Don Carlos

$ 13.50

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

No. 2 6 55 Cameroon Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Herrera Esteli Miami

Consistently well-constructed and covered with a light brown wrapper with sheen. Beautifully balanced with flavors of sweet cedar, nuts, and subtle spice accompanied by cinnamon and cream. Medium strength.

$ 12.75

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

Piramide Fino 6 52 Ecuador Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Tatuaje Havana VI

USA Extremely flavorful and complex with a core of earth, cashews, cinnamon, and pepper. This medium plus strength torpedo is covered with a supple, reddish brown wrapper with only slight veins showing.

$ 8.50

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

Artistas 6 1/8 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Plasencia 146 Cosecha

N I CA R AG UA Flavorful and smooth with a profile of marzipan, cocoa, and soft pepper complemented by a touch of oak and earth. This medium strength blend produces an excellent smoke output along a firm draw while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 13.50

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

San Agustin 6 1/4 52 Honduras Nicaragua Honduras & Nicaragua

AVO Regional South Edition

H O N D UR AS Delivering a blend of nuts, cream, and earth accompanied by soft red pepper, subtle oak, and a touch of leather in the aroma. This medium bodied torpedo is finished with an inviting, reddish brown wrapper with a supple texture.

$ 1 4.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Torpedo 7 52 Ecuador Ecuador Peru, Honduras & Dominican Republic

La Aurora 100 AÃ±os

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Flavorful and well-made, this long torpedo offers flavors of wood, spice, and orange zest complemented with herbal and floral notes in the bouquet. This medium bodied blend draws and burns perfectly.

$ 16.80

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

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

Belicoso 6 1/4 52 Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a core of wood and sharp pepper accompanied by ripe fruit sweetness on the finish. This medium bodied torpedo provides an open draw and leaves behind a dark gray ash.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO Henry Clay War Hawk

$ 8.00

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

Toro 6 50 Ecuador USA/Connecticut Honduras

Camacho Connecticut

Expertly balanced and flavorful with notes of toasted almond, cedar, and spice countered by sweet cream and a hint of tea. Draws and burns impeccably producing tons of thick, aromatic smoke and leaving behind a compact ash.

$ 8.80

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

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Honduras Dominican Republic

Oliveros Gran Retorno Connecticut

91 90

H O N D UR AS A beautifully constructed, mild to medium bodied blend covered with a supple, light brown wrapper showing almost no veins. Produces a balanced profile of cedar, nuts, and soft spice accompanied by a touch of vanilla cream.

$ 7.70 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Swing 6 50 Honduras Nicaragua Nicaragua

AVO Improvisation LE 2020

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a clean, golden colored wrapper with minimal veins and excellent sheen. Delivers a smooth core of cashew, soft spice, and cream balanced by subtle earth and pepper throughout. Medium strength.

$ 16.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 1/2 50 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Kristoff Connecticut

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Impeccably constructed and covered with a supple, light brown wrapper with an inviting sheen. Produces an abundance of mild to medium bodied smoke with notes of cedar, allspice, and roasted nuts joined by a hint of tea.

$ 9.5 8

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

Matador 6 1/2 56 Ecuador Nicaragua Dominican Republic

Atabey

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C This thick and firmly packed blend is topped with a pigtail and finished with a covered foot. Delivers a medium strength profile of wood, butterscotch, and spice along a rich, creamy textured smoke output.

$ 30.00

89 80 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

H O N D UR AS

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

Delirios 5 3/4 55 Ecuador Undisclosed Undisclosed

C O STA R I CA A thick toro covered with a nearly flawless, golden colored wrapper. This mild to medium strength blend has a highly nuanced profile with delicate flavors of honey, orange zest, and pine accompanied by soft pepper and subtle earth.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO AJ Fernandez Dias de Gloria

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

Toro BP 6 56 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Sindicato Particulares No. 1

A flavorful, well balanced, box-pressed toro covered with a beautiful reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Medium strength with a rich profile of nuts, cream, and cocoa complemented by smooth hints of pepper and earth.

$ 7.95 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Deliciosos 6 1/4 48 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Asylum 13 The Ogre

N I CA R AG UA Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This well-balanced toro has a core of cedar, nuts, and sweet cream accompanied by a soft pepper note on the finish. Medium bodied.

$ 8.96

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

Toro 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

El Artista Buffalo Ten Natural

N I CA R AG UA A neatly produced barber pole toro with a clean and balanced profile with notes of grass, leather, and soft spices. This medium strength blend draws and burns exceptionally well while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 5.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Indonesia USA, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Alec Bradley Kintsugi

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Box-pressed and finished with a beautiful reddish brown wrapper with excellent sheen. Consistently well-made producing a solid, compact ash while delivering a smooth, mild profile of wood and leather with a hint of sweetness.

$ 8.80

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

Toro 6 52 Honduras Honduras & Nicaragua Honduras & Nicaragua

Partagas 10 Decadas

H O N D UR AS Consistently well constructed and finished with an even-colored wrapper with a somewhat coarse texture. This medium strength blend delivers a profile of leather, soft spice, and oak complemented by a touch of mint on the nose.

$ 15.00

89 82 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

N I CA R AG UA

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

Robusto Extra 5 1/2 49 Cameroon Honduras Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a medium strength core of oak, tea, and white pepper accompanied by more subtle notes of cashew and honey. Provides an easy draw and produces an abundant smoke output leaving behind a somewhat flaky ash.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

TORO Crowned Heads Mil Dias

$ 10.75

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

Double Robusto 6 3/8 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Peru, Costa Rica & Nicaragua

Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage

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

Well balanced and flavorful with a core of sweet pepper, cedar, roasted almond, and cream with a tanned leather note in the aroma. This impeccably constructed blend produces an excellent smoke output leaving behind a compact ash.

$ 10.50 Epicure 6 56 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Blackbird Unkind Cubra

N I CA R AG UA Consistently well-constructed and covered with an aromatic, dark brown wrapper. Produces an abundant output of medium plus strength smoke with notes of earth, pepper, and charred oak balanced by a hint of sweetness.

$ 9.5 8

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

Gran Toro 6 54 Brazil Dominican Republic Nicaragua & USA

Room 101 Farce Maduro

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Earth and black pepper dominate the profile accompanied by more subtle flavors of dark roast coffee and bitter cocoa. This medium to full strength toro is finished with a dark brown wrapper with a slightly coarse feel.

$ 11.90

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

Toro 6 52 Mexico Indonesia Nicaragua & USA

Indian Motorcycle Maduro

89 88

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a dark, toothy wrapper, this medium plus strength blend produces an excellent smoke output and leaves behind a solid, compact ash. Delivers a core of molasses, earth, and currant complemented by a touch of dark chocolate.

$ 8.75 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 USA/Connecticut Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

La Palina Silver Label TAA

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

N I CA R AG UA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a somewhat mottled, dark brown wrapper, this medium bodied toro delivers a core of molasses, espresso, and dark cherry accompanied by a touch of subtle spice on the nose. Provides an easy draw and a good smoke output.

$ 9.99 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 1/2 52 Honduras Costa Rica Costa Rica, Honduras & Nicaragua

H O N D UR AS A firmly packed toro covered with an evencolored, dark brown wrapper with thin, imperceptible veins. Opens with an intense blast of charred wood, pepper, and molasses complemented by ripe fruit sweetness.

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

ROBUSTO Cabaiguan Guapos

$ 9.50

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

RX-Robusto Extra 5 1/4 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Aladino Habano Vintage Selection

Flavorful and rich, this medium plus strength robusto produces a well-balanced profile highlighted by flavors of almond, toast, and subtle pepper accompanied by a sweet, creamy note. Excellent construction topped with a neat pigtail.

$ 6.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Rothschild 4 1/2 48 Honduras Honduras Honduras

Rocky Patel Sun Grown

H O N D UR AS A consistently well-made robusto covered with a clean wrapper with a supple feel. Delivers a medium bodied blend of roasted nuts, sweet cedar, and soft spice complemented by a touch of caramel on the finish.

$ 8.30

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

Robusto 5 1/2 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Macanudo Inspirado Orange

H O N D UR AS Delivers a smooth core of roasted almonds, cedar, and cream complemented by a touch of clove on the nose. This medium strength blend produces a good smoke output along a firm draw leaving behind a dark gray ash.

$ 7.69 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto Extra 5 1/2 50 Honduras Honduras Nicaragua, Honduras & Dominican Republic

Fratello Navetta Inverso

H O N D UR AS A smooth and creamy blend covered with a light brown wrapper with a soft, supple feel. This mild to medium bodied smoke delivers a profile of nuts, cedar, and sweet spice accompanied by a subtle touch of mint.

$ 11.25

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

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

La Rosa de San Diego Habano

88 86 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a burst of smooth pepper later joined by notes of earth, wood, and a hint of cocoa. Features excellent construction providing a flawless draw and an even burn. This medium strength blend is covered with an evencolored wrapper with a velvet feel.

$ 8.57 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 52 Ecuador Ecuador Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a supple, reddish brown wrapper with excellent sheen. Opens with a creamy blend of leather, cedar, and roasted nuts accompanied by notes of sharp pepper and a hint of bitterness. Medium strength.

ROBUSTO E.P. Carrillo Pledge

$ 10.75

D OM I NI CAN REPUBLIC Covered with an oily, dark brown wrapper with a sweet and rich aroma. This impeccably constructed, pressed robusto produces a core of oak, bittersweet chocolate, and smooth earth joined by a bit of cedar on the nose. Medium plus strength.

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

Prequel 5 50 USA Ecuador Nicaragua

Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro

$ 5.75

N I CA R AGUA Smooth and flavorful from the word go with a profile of sweet pepper, molasses, oak, and bitter chocolate. Medium bodied and finished with a dark brown wrapper with a coarse feel. Leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

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

Robusto 5 50 Mexico Brazil Nicaragua

This slow-burning blend is ultra-flavorful with a core of earth, pepper, and charred oak complemented by more subtle notes of roasted coffee and tanned leather. Delivers a medium to full strength profile.

91 Montecristo Espada Oscuro

$ 13.2 7

D OM I NI CAN REPUBLIC

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

Ricasso 5 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

90 Crowned Heads Juarez

$ 6.95

N I CA R AGUA Well-constructed and flavorful, this medium strength robusto provides a perfect draw producing an abundant smoke output with notes of bitter cocoa, molasses, and earth balanced by a ripe fruit sweetness on the finish.

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

Jack Brown 5 56 Mexico Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

90 CAO Flathead

$ 8.99

H O ND U R AS A robusto extra covered with a dark, oily wrapper and topped with a uniquely flat head. Delivers tons of bitter cocoa, charred oak, and molasses accompanied by a hint of dark cherry along a medium strength profile.

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

V554 Camshaft 5 1/2 54 USA/Connecticut Ecuador Nicaragua

Quesada 40th Anniversary

$ 10.7 1

D OM I NI CAN REPUBLIC Produces an intense profile thick with pepper, currant, dark chocolate and wood accompanied by a touch of earthiness on the finish. This well-constructed robusto is covered with a dark, toothy wrapper with beautiful oils.

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

Robusto 5 52 Mexico Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

89 JAN / FEB 2021 | 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 ORGANIZATIONS

TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ................................................ Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar .................................... Padron Cigar @PadronCigars ................................................... CAO International @CAOCigars ................................................ Alec Bradley Cigars @AlecBradley ........................................... La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars .............................................. Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar .................................................... Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrewArt .......................................... Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ........................................... Pete Johnson @TatuajeCigars .................................................. La Gloria Cubana @lagloriacubana ........................................... Xikar Inc @XIKARinc ............................................................... Nick Perdomo @PerdomoCigars .............................................. Miami Cigar Co @miamicigar ................................................... Davidoff Cigars @Davidoff_Cigars ........................................... Punch Cigars @punchcigars .................................................... Ernesto Padilla @PadillaCigars ................................................ AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars ......................................................... La Palina Cigars @La PalinaCigars ........................................... Avo Cigars @AvoCigars ...........................................................

35221 33263 28136 25827 20543 20350 18481 18251 18140 16202 15041 14779 13326 12885 12865 12616 12524 12365 11422 11322

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

15453 12860 10792 7710 7410 6325 6251 5065 5032 4194

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14375 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 8350 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4404

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10547 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2185 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 1892

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE TWEETS, MENTIONS, AND RANDOM SOCIAL MEDIA GOODNESS. @roderickrashon If everything around you seems dark, look again you might be the light - Rumi @gkcigars #gold #king #luxury #style #class #cigars #bourbon #whiskey #rum #cognac #cigarsociety #cigarlifestyle #salon #hats #aficionado #beard #ad #vision #tobacco #cigar #smoke #leaf #cigarladies #cigarlife #cigarporn #cigarlover #cotd #cigarsnob #sommelier #pssita

@coronacigarco TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES David Voth–Sex, Cigars, & Booze @SexCigarsBooze ................. Cigar News @CigaRSS ............................................................ Cigar Events @CigarEvents ..................................................... Cigar Federation @CigarFederation ......................................... Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe ........................................ Stogie Boys @StogieBoys ....................................................... Cigar Dojo @CigarDojo ............................................................ Cigar Evaluations @CigarEvaluation ........................................ The Stogie Guys @stogieguys .................................................. Cigar Inspector @CigarInspector .............................................

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

143872 16446 14594 11730 10760 8213 8162 8036 7670 7273

We’ll let you make the caption... #happyfriday #botl #sotl #cigarlife #coronacigar #orlando

HANDMADE IN ESTELI, NICARAGUA W W W. D R E W E S TAT E . C O M JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

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 )

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

Padron Cigar @padroncigars ................................................... Drew Estate Cigars @drewestatecigar ..................................... Davidoff Cigars @davidoffcigars ............................................. Rocky Patel @rockypatelcigar ................................................. Arturo Fuente @arturofuentecigars ......................................... Gurkha Cigars @gurkhacigars ................................................. Xikar Inc @xikar ..................................................................... Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ........................................... Boveda @BovedaInc ............................................................... La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars .............................................. Epic Cigars @epiccigars ......................................................... Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ................................................... My Father Cigars @myfathercigars .......................................... AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars ......................................................... Alec Bradley Cigars @alecbradleycigar .................................... Oliva Cigar Co. @olivacigar ..................................................... Joya de Nicaragua @joyacigars ............................................... Nick Perdomo @Perdomocigars .............................................. E. P. Carrillo Cigars @epcarrillo_cigars .................................... CAO International @caocigars .................................................

Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 12127 Operation: Cigar for Warriors @cigarsforwarriors .................... 10566 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ....................... 3048

130858 111559 104737 95043 81429 69897 69548 66046 62986 59196 55863 54174 51495 50876 47946 45156 43753 41236 39041 38533

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

54052 48136 46430 30230 27396 26148 24556 23202 20251 16975

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Delicia-Creator-Influencer @cigarvixen ................................... Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ...................................................... Naked Cigar @nakedcigar ....................................................... Eric Theoneandonly @scotchandtime ...................................... Cigars / Smoke.Laugh.Live @world.of.cigars ............................ Nikki @cigarpassionista .......................................................... Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................ Elaine Lilley @elainelilleyhawaii ............................................... Girls With Cigars @girlswithcigars ........................................... Melanie Sisco @lilsiscokidd21 .................................................

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

80582 55678 50641 48002 39358 30903 29463 27768 27147 26434

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3179 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1583 Cigars and Scotch @cigar_and_scotch .................................... 817

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

@bigashescigars

Dear @hey_sherean , It’s been half a fortnight since we last smoked a cigar together. I’ve seen the moon seven times, the stars in the sky, and the heavens above, but it all fails in comparison to your beauty. Blow off real life and blow some smoke with me later! Ashley

@themirfactor

A little smoke and literature never hurt nobody! #mvv #cigarsmoker #actor #actorlife #film #filmlife #hollywood #cigarsnobmag #shark #cigaraficionado #loanshark #mafia #mafiaboss #boss #likeaboss #hustle #reading #mir #fearthemir #cigarworld #cigar #cigarsmoking #cigars #gangster #cigarlife #work #horror #horrormovies #killer #cigarsnob

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS CUBA UNDER THE STARS Miami

It was cigar smokerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night at the outdoor dinner show Cuba Under the Stars, presented by Oliva Cigars and Cigar Snob Magazine. Oliva handed out the smokes, we gave out our popular SNOB lighters and copies of the latest issue of the magazine. The two-hour show was excellent, featuring an 18-piece orchestra and over 25 dancers on stage accompanying the Cuban music legends headlining the show. Celebrity chef (and Real Housewives of Miami TV show cast member) Ana Quincoces provided the food and Bacardi poured the rum.

Rosa Romero and Daniel Figueredo

Erik CalviĂąo, Peter Regalado, and Albert Sosa

Carlos Rodriguez and George Dominguez

Carlos and Monica Cardoso

Gianni and Barbie D'Alerta

Belkys Sanchez and Marcel Monnar

92 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Andres and Jackie Chirino

Pedro & Julie Sarabia and Brian & Maria Quintana

Carmen Gallinal, Ela and Carlos Lopez and Barbie CalviĂąo

Lori and Omar Fernandez and Mitch Hirsh

Ivan and Ive Ocampo

Moraima and Eduardo Rodriguez

Denise, Luis, Maida and Luis Cuevas Sr. and Armando Lapido

Maritza Cruz and Grace Cabezas

Robert Vesco and Milly Gonzalez

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS BURN 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY Naples, Fla.

Celebrating ten years for Burn by Rocky Patel's flagship lounge in Naples, Florida meant a white party - and in the balmy tropics, even linen was suitable in December. Rocky Patel Premium Cigars provided the smokes while singer Diana Landa entertained the crowd. The $10 specialty cocktails kept the party going as well as the raffle and the talented FloDivinas Dancers.

Cosimo Picci and Rocky Patel with the FloDivina Dancers

Nish Patel, Rafael Feliciano and Hamlet Paredes

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

PHOTO CREDIT: Bugzy Lavoe/Main Course Hospitality

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS EMPIRE SOCIAL LOUNGE DOWNTOWN DADELAND GRAND OPENING Miami

Empire Social Lounge officially opened its new sister location in Downtown Dadeland with a bash that featured cocktails from Haig Club Single Grain Whisky along with smokes from Oliva Cigars. The grand opening of the venue, which includes a 1,000-square-foot members lounge, dedicated whiskey bar with over 130 options and a walk-in humidor, also included displays from local artists. Blending art with cigars, Humidif Group provided ashtrays and lighters to be painted by local artist Laura Chirino.

Maria Cabeza and Angie Vizcon

Rick and Mirian Delgado with Gabriel PiĂąeres and Liza Santana-PiĂąeres

Allan Rosado, Pierre Jebbian. Laura Chirino and Victor Santana

Cari Cartilla, Sylvia Perez and Victoria Zych

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Peter Bernsten, Joel Capin, and Jason Reznik

Ron Gilbert and Albert Sosa

Sandi Cruz and Pete Bernsten

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

EVENTS SMOKE THIS Doral, Fla.

Sabor Havana's annual Smoke This! had a different look this year due to the 'rona, with a grab and go style for the coveted swag. Ticket holders received a red, black and gray Sabor Havana athletic-styled duffel bag packed with 43 premium smokes, a three-flame torch lighter and a Smoke This! official t-shirt, plus other assorted swag. The smokes came from a who's who of cigar makers. The raffle was held via Facebook Live and featured a drum cooker from Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Ellie Osorio, Aquiles Legra, Jorge ValdĂŠs and Amanda Hanono

Amanda Hanono and Ellie Osorio

Scott Judd, Mario Silvestri, Gus and Fernando Martinez

Orlando Alvarez, Michael Balboa and William Martin

David Delancy and Eddie GarcĂa

98 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021

Aquiles Legra and Reinier Lorenzo

Rafael del Monte

Yasser Pichardo and Alexandra Ortega

JAN / FEB 2021 | CIGAR SNOB |

100 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2021