Humo Latino Global August 2024 by humolatinomagazine

Long Live Tradition!

In Puerto Rico...

Viva La Hoja, Second Edition

Consolidating another one of José Gabriel Cruz Ayala’s, El Chan’s, dreams, the Second Edition of the Viva La Hoja Festival will take place this Saturday, August 24, at the Paseo de Los Artistas in Caguas, Puerto Rico. Over 20 exhibitors from the tobacco culture of the Island of Enchantment will gather for the event.

Viva La Hoja is a celebration marking the anniversary of La Hoja del Chan as a company and emerged from Gaby’s vision to create a free cigar event for both attendees and exhibitors.

According to Liz Janice López, Gaby’s widow and the brand’s CEO, La Hoja del Chan’s first anniversary was overshadowed by the pandemic. For the next occasion, they decided to invite all the cigar rollers in Puerto Rico to showcase their brands amidst Bomba and Plena –traditional island music– with a festival format dubbed Viva La Hoja.

In 2024, as part of his legacy, Gaby left behind scheduled dates and spaces for the Second Edition, which aims to become an annual event unifying tobacco artisans, distillers, and other local producers.

The Paseo de Los Artistas in Caguas will bring together traditional artisans, new brands, and foreign producers entering the market, as well as podcasters and artisans from other industries, in a celebration of tobacco and Puerto Rican culture, with a unique character: “Something totally different from the usual.”

José Gabriel Cruz Ayala (left) and La Hoja del Chan family, during Viva la Hoja 2023 celebration.

The Nova’s bright, in U.S. Stores

Characterized as a company that cares about the end consumer and promotes interaction between retailers and enthusiasts, Platinum Nova Cigars –under the leadership of Leonor Abzaradel– expanded its presence with a working tour across various establishments in the United States.

Its CEO explains that it is important for the brand to reciprocate the support received from Cigar Lounges and tobacconists that offer its products. does this by organizing Meet & Greet Cut & Light events, where enthusiasts have the opportunity to interact with the brand’s team while enjoying cigars at a local store.

This time, Nova’s tour began at Horsepower Cigar Lounge, located at 601 Norwich-New London Tpke, Uncasville, Connecticut, followed by Cigarz At Sunrise Smokeshop at 33 Sunrise Highway, Massapequa, New York, where attendees were able to enjoy the range of aromas and flavors that make up the brand’s core line.

Cut & Light at Horsepower Cigar Lounge.

The tour continued in the multi-state area known as The Highlands, where Leo and his team engaged with customers at New Tobacco Village, 1225 Schadt Ave, Whitehall, and Pairings Cigar Bar in Media; both located in Pennsylvania.

This trip, aimed at strengthening Nova’s business relationship with its network of retailers, concluded with a return to the Sunshine State, with an event held at The Burnt Leaf Lounge, located at 205 N University Drive, Sunrise, Florida.

Meet & Greet at New Tobacco Village.

Event at Pairings Cigar Bar.

Now with “Generational Focus...”

More Tobacco Bans

As the concept of Generational Tobacco Bans (GTB) advances in the United States and around the world, the debate over its impact on public health, personal freedoms, and the future of the tobacco industry intensifies.

These restrictions aim to eradicate tobacco use in future generations by preventing the purchase of tobacco products by individuals born after a certain date, regardless of their age. They also do not differentiate between mass tobacco consumption and occasional or festive use of premium cigars.

It is crucial to proactively oppose these policies, which are rapidly spreading in the United States. For example, in 1987, the city of Aspen, Colorado, passed the first indoor and restaurant smoking ban, and three years later, San Luis Obispo, California, implemented a ban for public buildings. By the year 2000, such local ordinances had proliferated across the country.

In response to the emergence of more national and international GTB legislation’s, Massachusetts Senator Paul Frost (R-Worcester) introduced H-2166, which seeks to prevent local Boards of Health from banning the sale of tobacco products without municipal or city council approval.

Frost’s legislation challenges the power of unelected individuals to impose radical bans without input from their constituents. It responds to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s decision earlier this year to uphold Brookline’s generational ban, which prevents the sale of tobacco to anyone born after January 1, 2000. Other municipalities might seek to implement similar bans.

Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, the new Labour government has reignited the debate over generational smoking bans. Although the industry celebrated a victory months ago when former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s plan for a GTB was abandoned, the issue has resurfaced as a political priority, and a similar proposal is expected.

The growing number of such bans worldwide raises significant concerns about individual rights and the extent of governmental authority, highlighting the erosion of adult autonomy by specific interest groups.

In addition to personal freedom, the adoption of generational smoking bans poses a risk to the premium cigar industry. Although these bans are aimed at a younger demographic than the average consumer, they could alter the current landscape: manufacturers and retailers might close their doors rather than face an uncertain future.

THE PREMIUM CIGAR INDUSTRY MUST REMAIN UNITED WITH A CLEAR MESSAGE

This fight against bans is not just about preserving a business sector; it is about safeguarding individuals’ right to enjoy life’s pleasures without unnecessary and excessive limitations. The threat of GTBs will persist in the U.S., and by 2025, it will once again be in the spotlight as a new state legislative cycle begins.

The premium cigar industry must remain united with a clear message: any regulatory approach should be guided by respect for tradition, moderation, and personal choice, rather than broad bans that fail to recognize the complexities of tobacco use and enjoyment.

(*) Based on the text by Cody Carden, Cigar Rights of America, at: https://cigarrights.org/ generational-tobacco-bans-a-growing-focus-in-the-us-worldwide/

Dominican Cigar Fest...

New Dates and Venue

With nearly 40,000 registered attendees during its first two editions, the Dominican Cigar Fest has exceeded all expectations. For its third celebration, the members of the Organizing Committee and the Board of Directors of the Dominican Association of Cigars and Tobacco (Adocitab) decided to move the event to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros and adjust the dates to the spring of 2025.

In an interview with Humo Latino, Mr. Osvaldo Radhamés Rodríguez, president of the group and the Organizing Committee, confirmed the changes and explained that due to the event’s success

Radhamés Rodríguez:

in its first two years, and to ensure the attendance of business groups from the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as enthusiasts and smokers in general, a city with a larger range of hotel and dining options is required.

“It is a shame to move the festival from Tamboril, but at the same time, it is an achievement and a sign that the event is becoming increasingly important. Tamboril is the Cigar Capital of the World, and it will simply move to Santiago for three days due to the need for a more appropriate and welcoming space, such as the Gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao.”

He revealed that after a thorough analysis, Adocitab decided to hold the festival on April 25, 26, and 27, to avoid competing with other international events and to facilitate the attendance of all interested parties from the Tobacco World: “We are working with great enthusiasm and determination to move forward, with the support of all the involved sectors. The idea is for Dominican Cigar Fest to be not just an important event but an essential one for the industry,” concluded Mr. Osvaldo Radhamés Rodríguez.

What’s

What’s new?

in alphabetical order

Barreda Cigars Don Chico Habano

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Sizes: Toro (5 x 54), Gran Toro (6 x 54) and 6 x 60

Diab Ellan La Amira Spicy

Wrapper: Dominican Corojo

Binder: Dominican Habano 92

Filler: Dominicana, Brazil and Nicaragua

Sizes: Magnum (6 x 60)

Ferrera Damn Torpedoes

Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua, Connecticut Honduras and Candela Honduras

Binder: Habano Jamastrán Honduras

Filler: Jamastrán and Olancho Honduras and Jalapa Nicaragua

Sizes: Torpedo (6 x 52)

Blackbird Crow Box Pressed

Wrapper: México

Binder: Habano

Filler: Nicaragua, Pennsylavia, Corojo, Criollo 98

Sizes: Robusto (5 x 50), Gran Toro (6 x 54) and Doble Toro (7 x 60)

Monte de León Behike

Wrapper: Habano

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Sizes: Behike (6 ½ x 56)

Noble Intermission

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Dominicana

Sizes: Toro (6 x 52)

Nova Trappist

Wrapper: Habano 2000 Oscuro

Binder: Broadleaf

Filler: Dominicana

Sizes: Torpedo (7 ¼ x 54)

P

La Cangri Cangri

Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua (4 years aged)

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua

Sizes: Torpedo (6 x 52)

Tabacos Serafín Camo

Wrapper: Connecticut, Maduro, Candela and Habano

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Nicaragua

Sizes: 6 ½ x 54

The Blueprint

Wrapper: San Andrés México

Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra

Filler: Nicaraguan Estelí, Pennsylvania, Corojo, Criollo 98

Sizes: Toro (5 x 54)

Juan de León…

Long Live Tradition!

With three decades in the industry and a tobacco tradition spanning generations, Juan de León has successfully established and grown his own factory—named after him—in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. It’s here that countless conversations, learnings, and knowledge bring to life various private brands, and soon will also reflect a family blend.

RAÚL MELO

César

Salinas Chávez Director

Alberto Arizmendi Editorial Director

EDITORIAL BOARD

José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca

Michel Iván Texier Verdugo

Diego Urdaneta Diamantes

Nicolás Valenzuela Voss

COLLABORATORS

Dominican Republic

Julio César Fuentes

Honduras

Patricia Pineda

Rolando Soto

Roberto Pérez Santiago Editorial Design

Raúl Melo Publisher

Moisés Licea Web Master

Yoshua Segovia Community Manager

Argentina

Gastón Banegas

Brazil

Rodrigo Emmanuel, Don Emmanuel

Colombia

Eduardo Márquez

Canada

Nicolás Valenzuela Voss

Chile

Francisco Reusser

Christopher Sáez

Michel Iván Texier Verdugo

YEAR 1, ISSUE 4, AGO 2024

Humo Latino Magazine reserves the right to reject unsolicited articles that contravene its thematic profile, as well as those that do not conform to its style standards.

The articles received will be approved in the first instance by members of the Editorial Board. We reserve the right to make changes or introduce modifications to the manuscripts, for the sake

global.humolatino.com issuu.com/humolatino

Cuba

José Camilo López Valls

Spain

Luciano Quadrini

José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca

Fernando Sanfiel

United States

Blanca Suárez

Mexico

Aurelio Contreras

Manolo Santiago

Puerto Rico

José Luis Acosta

Dominican Republic

Francisco Matos Mancebo

Wendell Rodríguez

Venezuela

José Bello

Diego Urdaneta

of better reading comprehension, without this implying changing their content.

The authors are responsible for the content published under their signature. Humo Latino Magazine does not assume any responsibility for possible conflicts arising from the authorship of the works and publication of the graphic material that accompanies them.

@humolatinoglobal info@humolatino.com

Editorial

The Legacy of the Chinchal

César Salinas Chávez

For those unfamiliar with the term Chinchal, it refers to workshops or small tobacco factories, almost always family-run, that proliferated in Cuba in the early 19th century. Their initial goal was to meet local tobacco demand, which later extended to the surrounding area.

According to Gaspar Jorge García Galló’s Biography of the Habano Tobacco, which our collaborator José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca cites in his article The Cuban Chinchal, cigars produced in these workshops were sold on the streets, as well as in warehouses and small, poorly maintained shops in small population centers. The chinchalero would leave his cigars on consignment and, upon their sale, would receive a small income to support his struggling household economy.

From the formal market established throughout the 1800s emerged the small tobacco companies, which over time grew and established themselves as respected international brands; such is the case with Partagás or Romeo y Julieta, for example.

Another fundamental aspect is that the chinchales created a workforce around cigar production, which, over generations, was inherited, expanded, professionalized, and grew, finding roots and opportunities in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, the United States, Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador, Brazil, the Canary Islands, Puerto Rico, Indonesia...

Today, small factories with a tobacco tradition spanning generations continue to uphold the market for boutique cigars, which, following the pandemic, experienced a resurgence during the mini-

boom that the premium cigar industry underwent.

Most of the boutique brands found in Cigar Lounges and tobacconists in the United States originate from these factories, heirs to the chinchales, where great cigars are crafted with an incredible variety of options: tobacco entrepreneurs managing the inherited family business or venturing with the dream and determination to make fine cigars, growing and continuing their enterprise through generations.

How large is the premium cigar industry? Immense. One need only visit the producing regions to see the numerous and extensive community of men and women involved and dedicated to this industry; a vast production chain generating billions of dollars in annual sales.

In this market, boutique brands multiply and many flourish. From Humo Latino, we have seen and followed this phenomenon with its key players, especially in the Dominican Republic. Examples include Tabacalera Juan de León, whose owner appears on our cover, and just to name a few others: Alma and Crú, Rodríguez Oliván, ZR, La Lealtad, William Ventura, El Hoyito, El Puente, Caballeros, Díaz Cabrera, Quintana, El Artista, Cornelio, Blackbird, and Ceniza.

Although the market contracted in the past two years, it has not ceased to grow, and small and medium-sized tobacco companies continue to gain clients. From what we see, the boutique cigar market continues to develop robustly, offering smokers a wide and interesting range of good cigars. We have confirmed this.

Juan de León…

Long Live Tradition!

Juan de León.

Raúl Melo

The recounting of experiences accumulated during the Tobacco Boom era, family workshops, and his immersion and knowledge of the U.S. market stand testament to the fact that life’s paths can be long, but with the right focus and necessary effort, any goal can be achieved.

FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, HE WAS INVOLVED IN THE TOBACCO PRODUCTION PROCESS, WHETHER IT WAS WALKING THROUGH FIELDS, CONVERSING WITH HIS GRANDMOTHER, A SKILLED STEM REMOVER, OR WORKING IN HIS UNCLES’ PERRITOS FACTORIES

BEGINNINGS

Juan de León’s story is intertwined with many others who were born or grew up in Tamboril, a municipality in Santiago known as the World Capital of Cigars, in the Dominican Republic: a childhood marked by tobacco, its aromas, and the hardworking hands of a family dedicated to this industry.

From a very young age, he was involved in the tobacco production process, whether it was walking through fields, conversing with his grandmother, a skilled stem remover, or working in his uncles’ perritos factories—little cigars for the local market—where he learned table work and rolled his first cigars.

It’s clear that in those days, being under age, he did not smoke his creations. But he became familiar with leaf cutting and the classifications of tobacco for wrappers, binders, and fillers, acquiring the skill and muscle memory that would later help him carve out a path in the industry.

Juan’s upbringing included close interaction with members of the Víctor Sinclair family, who owned a small workshop beside his house: “The owner’s children were my best friends, and that’s how I got involved with the company,” he recalls.

Between the ages of 16 or 17 and beyond 23, he continued his tobacco training with the support of this factory, where, upon becoming an adult, he developed his interest in smoking and blending.

“I started smoking around 18 and tried something every day on the way to the factory, evolving from a pastime to a more formal learning process.”

Thus, through practice, he became involved in the manufacturing processes of cigars until daily routines fueled his desire to venture out and grow within the industry. The next step was heading to a Free Zone—where job opportunities were abundant—to continue his development by working in various factories, gaining experience, and developing a unique style.

“What I sought was to perfect processes and create a different cigar because I knew tobacco should not just taste like tobacco but should settle and offer pleasant notes on the palate; a clean smoke without bitterness or harshness. In general, a pleasant experience,” he asserts.

For four years, Juan worked in nearly half a dozen factories, leading a team of young people learning under his guidance. He became a supervisor, a role that allowed him to understand the characteristics and differences between leaf varieties and classifications, such as Seco, Viso, and Ligero, or by their colors. All of this, before emigrating to the United States, where he would indirectly continue his training.

THE BOOM

According to Juan, before the 1990s— when the so-called Tobacco Boom emerged—Tamboril did not have the tobacco industry we know today and was mainly limited to small perritos workshops making rustic cigars for local consumption.

But when tobacco became established as an industrial product, the novelty sparked expectations and ambitions for growth among those living in Tamboril.

“In no time,” he remembers, “most people, about 90 percent, turned to tobacco, taking advantage of job offers and opportunities to study in new schools set up to meet the needs of a budding industry.”

During these years, the city took off to become what it is now, growing from one or two factories to over a hundred. The original, established companies received contracts to produce between 5 and 10 million cigars, quantities that exceeded their production capacities. This situation forced them to “share” the demand with different perritos factories, which evolved into the creation of what is now known as Vitola Cigars.

Juan’s memories from those years include working late, paying overtime, and even hiring multiple shifts of staff to maintain continuous production 24 hours a day.

“There was economic growth and a passion for this industry. The job offer was such that you could choose to move to a factory where your friends were and... there was always opportunity,” he details.

MASTER

With a thirty-year career in the industry, Juan de León has not only accumulated experience but also friendships, such as with his mentor Tirson López, with whom he began developing his palate, practicing identifying each tobacco by its flavor and strength when smoked.

He recalls working with him on creating a cigar specifically designed for Don Freddyn Beras Goico, a Dominican television personality. It was a robustly constructed cigar, rolled using the accordion technique, where the folds of the leaves—similar to the bellows of that instrument—create a firm cigar but with a very free draw.

“I didn’t want to do it because of the difficulty, and although the master assured me there would be no consequences if I didn’t, he also encouraged me to practice until I succeeded. In the end, I did and learned… He always corrected and pushed me to work without worry, which allowed me to know, try, and learn many things within the industry. These are experiences that mark you in life and that you appreciate from those who teach you,” he says.

From this man, teacher, and mentor, Juan learned techniques he could incorporate into his search for a personal style; knowledge he now applies in every creation that comes out of his rolling tables at his own facilities.

FACTORY

From a young age, a recurring desire was to one day have his own factory, but life only offered him the opportunity to work for others, from family workshops to the small factory of his neighbors, or a more advanced place like an industrial warehouse in a Free Zone.

At 30, Juan emigrated to the United States to work in a factory in New Jersey, delaying the prospect of starting his own business for another eight years while his experience grew.

But at some point, he changed course and took up plumbing, an unrelated trade from which—nevertheless—he learned how to run a business and established his first company. As this work didn’t diminish his passion for tobacco, it was common “and necessary” to visit a tobacco shop from time to time to enjoy a good cigar and chat with other enthusiasts.

It was during one of those occasions, in a casual conversation, that the foundations of the future Juan had envisioned for nearly 20 years were laid. “While smoking, I shared with someone that one day I would set up my cigar factory in Tamboril, and he assured me that if I was willing to do it, he would be with me.”

However, that day, the topic did not advance further. It was later, during a softball game, when his current partner reminded him of that conversation, and they agreed immediately. “The deal was done, I left the plumbing business in the hands of a friend, and set up my dream in the Dominican Republic.”

According to Juan, the factory setup process was tedious but filled with emotions, including fear, especially due to the risks involved in investing in raw materials, equipment, and necessary staff training. “But setting up a tobacco factory is a permanent issue; you never starts a business thinking that one day it will close; it becomes a matter of attachment, and that’s what we did.”

Initially, Tabacalera Juan de León focused on producing private labels for cigar stores chains in New Jersey, such as La Casa del Tabaco, or brands for Dominican friends in the U.S. who wanted to enter the industry, such as 1901 Papuro.

After four years running the factory and a client catalog that, reflecting its success, occupies full-time staff, Juan never considered producing his own cigars. However, current conditions allowed him to start working on JDL, the company’s flagship brand set to launch soon.

It’s a premium cigar with long-aged tobacco, with two years of aging, whose manufacturing will occupy the necessary space to not interrupt the production of private brands. A medium to fullstrength cigar with a well-balanced flavor, intended for all audiences and as a daily smoke: “I believe people deserve to smoke a cigar made by us, the Juan de León family, and showcase what we can do for ourselves as manufacturers,” he adds.

THE CIGAR

As a Blender and tobacco smoker for so many years, Juan has developed his own criteria, listening to and savoring the stories that tobacco tells. For him, tobacco speaks, and even though the story behind a blend may be short, it can be told through the leaves.

This is how Tabacalera Juan de León operates to satisfy the owners and consumers of each private label approaching; he reminds clients that what they sell is their own palate, so the public should know they are buying what each brand likes.

For all these reasons, Juan believes that the blend of his upcoming JDL is the culmination of all his years in the industry, of the experiences sitting with so many people to understand what they seek... the harvest of years of experience collected in a single cigar: “It carries within it a percentage of each person I know, of each friend who has smoked with me; it’s my journey made into a cigar.”

Tabacalera Juan de León continues to work and grow with doors always open to those who share the dream of entering the tobacco industry, with the finest raw materials and the guarantee of the personal experience of its founder.

CONTACT:

Tabacalera Juan de León, Avenida 27 de Febrero, Tamboril, Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic 809-679-5010 ventas@tabacalerajuandeleon.com @tamborilcigars

Linga… Tobacco Cluster

WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AND COMPLETE CONTROL OVER THE PROCESSES OF PLANTING, CURING, FERMENTATION, MANUFACTURING, BRAND DESIGN, EXPORTATION, AND REGULATORY MEASURES FOR TOBACCO PRODUCTS, JONATHAN ALMÁNZAR AND LINGA CIGARS OFFER A TRUE CLUSTER DEDICATED TO DRIVING THE SUCCESS AND LONGEVITY OF NEW BOUTIQUE BRANDS IN THE U.S. MARKETS AND MANY OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD

Jonathan Almánzar, CEO of Linga.

For this Dominican entrepreneur, achieving this array of services is a complex challenge, but not an impossible one. He is very clear that forming a team with the right people; experts who can support each stage of the business, from whom one can always learn to understand the industry in depth, is essential.

WEAKNESS OR STRENGTH?

Jonathan Almánzar is a businessman with significant experience in various markets, and based on this, he has developed a business-oriented mindset, regardless of whether it involves selling tobacco products or pharmaceuticals.

Although lacking a family tobacco tradition in this industry might be considered a weakness, he finds strengths in it and explains that being prepared for business allows him to leave the tradition to those who accompany him and the companies he subcontracts.

“A client does not come to smoke with my family tree —he illustrates—, but seeks my experience to create and strengthen their brand and business. Unlike other companies, we are prepared to comply with Europe’s Track and Trace regulations.”

According to Jonathan, this cluster strategy allows him to fully control the processes of planting, curing, fermentation, manufacturing, brand design, exportation, and regulatory measures, leading specialized teams that handle specific tasks while he focuses on organizing and steering all activities in the right direction.

“It’s about offering guarantees on the product being worked on while acquiring the necessary experience to ensure optimal quality in everything acquired outside the cluster, such as some raw materials or subcontracted packaging companies,” he clarifies.

FORMULA FOR SUCCESS

He states that there is no magical formula for achieving success, as within the premium tobacco industry, markets are varied and so are the needs. Therefore, the most important thing is to listen 90 percent of the time and speak only 10 percent: “It’s about understanding, asking, processing, thinking, and developing a suitable plan for each of our clients.”

If one aims to develop a cigar brand, the first step is to understand the market you wish to reach, clearly defining the specific segments of the audience, such as young people, for example; understanding their strengths, suitable flavor profiles, and other relevant aspects. What Linga offers is a high level of involvement, without losing the essence of why the client approached the company: “It is always considered what they had in mind as the original idea.”

NEW COMPANIES

Among the strategies that the cluster presents and utilizes, the challenge for brand recognition stands out, as initially, it doesn’t matter whether a new company is considered good or bad, as long as it becomes known.

Linga’s offering includes the development of blends, packaging, formats, and bands, as well as establishing relationships with suppliers of each product and recommending the most appropriate means of promotion for the emerging brand.

Equally important is the advisory that Jonathan provides to each client, guiding them on the best business actions to take. This includes making a presence at major trade shows like the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade fair or InterTabac, the most significant events in the industry in America and Europe, respectively.

There is also the organization and participation in networking events with retailers and distributors operating in the target markets.

DOMINICAN ROUTE

According to Jonathan’s vision, the Dominican market is prepared to compete on a global level, especially at a time when there is a favorable political environment and a pro-business government that has put significant effort into supporting the sector.

Regarding the current boom in the industry, in the post-pandemic era, he believes that the market will stabilize, provided there is no new trigger from the formal entry of Asian countries into the tobacco sector.

In this regard, he highlights that the boutique market in the Dominican Republic is doing well but could be better with new sales strategies and more visits to foreign markets: “One must invest without expecting short-term profits. If you made $20 today, that’s what you should reinvest so that in ten years you can enjoy the results.”

He asserts that the greatest and best investment any business can receive is time and patience, especially when it comes to premium tobacco, an industry where no machinery can accelerate the processes.

From planting, the seed needs time to turn into leaves, which are then dried and undergo curing and fermentation processes. Then, in the cigar manufacturing, each pair of cigar makers cannot produce more than 350 to 400 cigars a day if a strict quality control is considered. In conclusion: “Tobacco is so mysterious and so tied to time that even to smoke it, you need a few minutes of tranquility.”

Adventures of Ana Galana...

The Paths of Life

Annette Meisl.

Annette Meisl

Sometimes I wonder, whose footsteps are we following? This comes to mind because on a gray winter afternoon in Cologne, Germany, as the scant daylight was fading around four in the afternoon, I received an unexpected visit that –I would never have thought– would change my life.

My favorite uncle, Claus, came to visit me from distant California, USA, accompanied by a great-aunt I had never met before, as the family is spread across several countries and my grandmother had 12 siblings. It turned out to be Aunt Gigi, who noticed a collection of old suitcases in my home. She then told me about a suitcase she had inherited from her grandmother: “Do you want to have it?” she asked, “It’s cluttering up my attic.” Of course I wanted it!

When the suitcase arrived in my hands –which initially could not be opened– it revealed a bunch of old letters, yellowed photos, a small doll, and other relics from a bygone era that led me to the story, among others, of Anna Mehringer, a young cigar roller from Bremen who, in 1868, escaped from her hometown and arrived in Cuba.

I won’t tell more, as that story is already written in my novel The Secret of the Cigar Queen, published under the pseudonym Ana Galana. But that suitcase marked the first of many steps I took towards tobacco, still unaware of what it would come to mean for me.

Since I was seven years old, I was fascinated by three different fields: music, writing, and management. I told my father, “I want to play the violin!” and he got me both the instrument and a teacher. I also noted in a tiny gray pocket calendar, “I want to be a poet,” and started writing fairy tales, which I illustrated with drawings of princesses, unicorns, and elves. Finally, I started a horse club and insisted that the entire family join... I was already a little businesswoman.

As an adult, life led me to pursue all three fields, as a musician, author, and entrepreneur, spending time in France, Spain, Turkey, and Latin America.

But back to the suitcase. I found a hand-drawn map in it showing a place called Hidden Valley, with drawings of plants I later recognized as tobacco. There was also a charm with dried, forgotten seeds, including those classified by a gardener as from the same plant, and as I began translating the old letters, the trace of tobacco became clearer and clearer.

Through my work as an artist agent, I collaborated with Vieja Trova Santiaguera, a Cuban Son quintet whose members had a combined age of 400 years. These old-timers, who in their youth had driven the locomotives of trains crossing the sugar island from East to West, were now triumphing all over Europe.

Grateful, they invited me to Cuba, where I spent the last afternoon of the millennium on the terrace of Gregorio Fuentes, a man then 103 years old, who in his time was the captain of the yacht of the famous writer Ernest Hemingway. What an impression! Being there, sitting next to this wise man with bright, curious eyes standing out on a wrinkled face.

He offered me the first cigar of my life: a handmade Habano from the fields of Pinar del Río by a farmer friend of his. What an exquisite taste!, accompanied by a seven-year-aged rum and the distant strumming of a guitar. The smoke mingled with the scent of roses from the neighboring garden, and step by step, tobacco ensnared me like a gentle lover you cannot resist. That’s why, when I returned to Germany, I opened a tobacco lounge with cigar manufacturing.

LA GALANA

The suitcase remained there, tempting me day after day. I carefully extracted its stories: translating, interpreting, investigating... Until one day Manuel Torres, a Cuban Revolution veteran, appeared in my Cologne lounge, bringing surprising books that contained the missing pieces to understand and piece together the mosaic of the mysterious suitcase. And I began to write...

Everything I had learned over the years about tobacco began to fit together and take shape. Before me emerged the picture of a beautiful, brave young German woman who, in the mid-19th century, escaped from her home and arrived in Cuba disguised as a sailor.

In August 2023, my first historicalromantic novel was published, which I presented at the grand Volksbühne am Rudolfplatz theater, as part of a successful show of music, reading, and tobacco, where I performed songs composed especially for the occasion.

But next year, a second part of this story will be released. The adventures of Ana Galana will continue.

Headed by PhD

Anastasia Psomiadi

-expert in ethical and responsible entrepreneurship; active for a long time in the international field-, the SOTL Global Movement creates a positive change in the Cigar World, breaking stereotypes in search of creating a better world, inspired by the love for people and cigars.

From its establishment in Greece, in 2017, its objective is to empower women, inspire them and create opportunities

for them to raise their voices; motivate them to create cigar communities, support their entrepreneurial spirit and - in collaboration with mendevelop a better environment for aficionados.

The Advisory Council and Management Team works tirelessly to lead the organization toward success, promoting projects such as the Maestro School of Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist, in collaboration with the Tobacco University: the Women Friendly Cigar Lounge

Certification, in support of small businesswomen, and Global Round Tables to facilitate discussion and equal dialogue between aficionados. Also, the Global Movement Cigar Speakeasy online tutoring with Detra Denise, a space to enjoy smoking cigars and dispel worries, so as a Scientific Research in Social Psychology with Panteion University, on the Contribution of Cigars in Social Health, based on the senses, the emotions, the connection, bonding, selfidentification and its social value.

Educate people of all genders about the history, culture and craftsmanship of cigar making, promoting awareness of the benefits to health and enjoyment of smoking, will allow future generations to preserve the tobacco industry, if we encourage them same sense of community.

Be part of the Movement!

Cigar Pairing: Tea Aromas and Coffee Delights

S Taaj Hubbard.

The Chicago Cigar Week, held from July 17 to 21, aimed to showcase Chicago’s nightlife to a market of cigar enthusiasts from various parts of the country, while also maintaining an educational focus on premium tobacco and its enjoyment.

One example was the Tea Aromas and Coffee Delights cigar pairing experience, an event organized in collaboration with the SOTL Global Movement and sponsored by 708 Cigar and Cigar Blondie Accessories which took place at the Embassy Cigar Lounge on July 19. Those who had the opportunity to attend enjoyed an evening filled with flavor and palate pleasure.

S Taaj Hubbard from AROMAS, detailed that hosting a pairing session brought her a double satisfaction. First, for representing the SOTL Global Movement and its unique grand position in the international cigar community.

Second, for having the attention of a room full of people who invested in The Chicago Cigar Week as VIP attendees and traveled from near and far to be part of this pairing event.

Additionally, doing so in the recently opened Embassy Cigar Lounge in Flossmoor, which she described as beautiful and fully equipped for the session, including a relaxing atmosphere to simply enjoy.

S Taaj Hubbard took the opportunity to thank Mikal and his entire team for the thoughtful invitation, as well as True Serenity Tea for providing the beverages to be enjoyed with their cigars. “Offering a bit of education mixed with socialization and adding a touch of luxury and relaxation is what it’s all about,” she noted.

In the other hand, Natalie Simms from Sagrado Cigars highlighted that The Chicago Cigar Week was an incredible experience and a great opportunity to showcase Sagrado products, both coffee and cigars, as well as to promote the SOTL Global Movement and the wonderful women who make the organization special. “I had the chance to put faces to names and network with the best of the best in the cigar industry,” she explained.

A Conversation with Bryant Thompson...

Smoke ‘N

The Desert

Bryant Thompson (right), and the Smoke N’ the Desert team.

A result of a brilliant career as a promoter in the nightlife entertainment sector, where he honed his skills in brand development and customer engagement, Bryant Thompson is synonymous with innovation and excellence. After accumulating over 20 years in marketing and sales, driven by his love for tobacco and the surrounding culture, he found an important niche in the industry and merged both paths, giving rise to Smoke ‘N The Desert

INSPIRATION AND VISION

In 2019, Smoke ‘N The Desert was conceived by two innovative minds: Bryant Thompson of Red Level Entertainment and the humidor company Angels Safe Cigar. The shared dream was to create an extraordinary experience during the Phoenix Cigar Week, in the very heart of Arizona. But more than an event, they envisioned gathering enthusiasts from around the world to celebrate the craftsmanship, heritage, and community spirit surrounding premium tobacco.

The dream took shape thanks to Bryant’s collaboration with experts who shared his love for cigars, and together they carefully planned a weekend that would offer an unforgettable experience. The year 2020 brought unexpected challenges that temporarily halted plans, and even with the passing of Ángel – founder of Angels Safe Cigar and a key figure in Bryant’s journey – in January 2022, the project did not stop but rather gained momentum as a way to honor his legacy.

New partners joined the initiative, and with the participation of Keake Williams, Trimarco Coleman, and Michael Dix, who bring extensive experience and passion, Smoke ‘N The Desert remains a top-tier event. Enthusiasts enjoy various activities that cater to both seasoned aficionados and newcomers. Highlights include cigar tastings and pairings, workshops and seminars, live entertainment, and networking opportunities.

As Bryant traveled through different states, he observed notable changes in the cigar community: “There is an increasing diversity. Many women and young people are embracing this culture, which is fantastic.” He also exemplifies the differences between cities: “Chicago (Illinois) has a long tradition of Cigar Lounges that cater to a more classic and traditional crowd. In contrast, Phoenix (Arizona) enjoys a more relaxed and contemporary atmosphere. Both have vibrant communities, but the experiences in each are different.”

DESERT SMOKE COCKTAIL

If Bryant had to create a distinctive cocktail for Smoke ‘N The Desert, it would be a blend of bold and smooth flavors, much like the event itself. “I would use a base of aged whiskey for its depth and richness. I’d add a touch of coffee liqueur, representing the robust flavors of cigars; a bit of vanilla syrup to mellow it, and finish with a twist of orange peel for a refreshing citrus note... I’d call it Desert Smoke.”

Ingredients:

▶ 2 oz aged whiskey

▶ 0.5 oz coffee liqueur

▶ 0.25 oz vanilla syrup

▶ Twist of orange peel

Instructions:

▶ Combine the aged whiskey, coffee liqueur, and vanilla syrup in a mixing glass with ice.

▶ Stir well to chill and combine the flavors.

▶ Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

▶ Garnish with the orange peel.

Thanks to dedication, collaboration, and a love for cigars, Bryant Thompson and his team continue to elevate the experience of Smoke ‘N The Desert, which is not just an event but a celebration of the cigar lifestyle that brings enthusiasts together to share their passion.

Knowledge

SOTL School of

The Voices of the

Is Power

of Sommeliers...

the Alumni, Vol. 2

The mission of the alumni from the Global SOTL Movement’s Certified Cigar Master Sommeliers School is to foster a community by providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development.

This network allows them to connect with other cigar enthusiasts, as well as to meet and engage globally through the platform: https://www. sotlglobalmovement.com/sgmsommeliers

In addition to networking opportunities, SGM –in collaboration with Humo Latino– presents brief profiles of certified sommeliers, available in both Spanish and English, to spread the experience and passion of the graduates, who serve as inspiration for aspiring sommeliers.

Every two months, SGM organizes virtual tastings and exclusive networking events for alumni, featuring a special guest, and will provide the cigar to be tasted, if available in their country.

These meetings include guest speakers such as cigar brand owners, Master Blenders, and experts in various aspects of the tobacco culture. This gives alumni the chance to sample different cigars and learn about their origins, flavors, and pairing options, all from the comfort of their homes.

At the same time, it provides a space for graduates to connect, share experiences, and build relationships in a relaxed and enjoyable environment. Join the Global SOTL Movement to promote the value of the Sommelier Course and let’s continue to elevate, together, the knowledge for the appreciation of cigars!

CCST PATRICIA KHALAF

Better known in the tobacco world as The Queen of Ash, Patricia Khalaf is a 48-year-old entrepreneur and owner of Casa Aficionado Premium Cigar Lounge, a venue located in Delaware, Ohio, USA.

For her, obtaining the Cigar Sommelier certification was another way to expand and share her knowledge with clients and employees, especially in such a competitive sector.

She considers that the Cigar Sommelier Certification Program driven by the Global SOTL Movement (SGM) is an excellent way for novice and experienced smokers to learn about cigar manufacturing processes and numerous aspects of the industry in general.

Additionally, as a member of the SGM Advisory Council, Patricia has encouraged many others to enroll in the program offered by Tobacconist University –from clients to colleagues, and even her fiancé– thus preparing them in this field.

CCST NICOLE TOWNSEND MURFF

Nicole Murff is a retired educator from the Detroit Board of Education, where she worked for 20 years with children on the autism spectrum and with special needs. She now dedicates her retirement life to RIVIAN, an electric vehicle company, and to the tobacco groups Pretty While Puff N™️ and Gentlemen While Puff N™️.

She resides in Detroit, Michigan, USA; a diverse city that warmly welcomes cigar smokers. She notes that in her area there is a wide range of Cigar Lounges, cafés, and social events dedicated to tobacco. All of them bring together many fantastic people who work towards the growth of the industry.

She says her drive to become a Cigar Sommelier stemmed from the members of Pretty While Puff N™️ and other MGS members, who often asked questions about different cigars, their descriptions, and how to pair them; their various sizes, aromas, and flavors; the different origins of tobacco, and everything that enriches conversations among smokers.

Thus, in the SGM and Tobacconist University Program, she found an excellent way to educate herself, acquiring a lot of knowledge in a short time. Nicole gained confidence to advance in her goals, answer questions within and outside her groups, and make recommendations.

An active SGM member, she participated in the Chicago Cigar Week; will be part of Cigar Queens Of Midwest, from October 12 to 13 in Chicago, and an Ambassador at the Dallas Smoke Fest, next November. August 11 marks the first anniversary of the Pretty While Puff N™️ group.

CCST DANNY NIPPERS

As a spare parts salesman for an international truck dealership, Danny enjoys visiting a Cigar Lounge in every city his work takes him to and uses the opportunity to smoke and socialize with other enthusiasts.

Although his hometown, Ocala, Florida, USA, lacks significant tobacco activity, it is an hour away from Tampa; a place he frequently visits to buy and light a good cigar.

Driven by a passion for premium tobacco, Danny sought to gain more knowledge, and inspired by Patricia, The Queen of Ash, found his opportunity within the certification program offered by SGM; an experience he describes as amazing and filled with wonderful people.

Yesiré Rosa…

Between Spirits and Tobacco

ORIGINALLY FROM VENEZUELA, YESIRÉ ROSA HAS SPENT A COUPLE OF DECADES LIVING IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, IN THE UNITED STATES, WHERE SHE ARRIVED AS AN IMMIGRANT TO START A NEW LIFE, ARMED ONLY WITH HER EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF WHISKY

NEW HORIZONS

Before leaving her homeland, Yesiré was studying Industrial Engineering while working part-time as a promoter for some spirit brands like Buchanan’s and Chivas Regal, a job that allowed her to finance her professional education.

Once settled in Miami, Florida, she worked for four years as a saleswoman for various products at a supermarket chain, and her reconnection with spirits came through marriage, finding in spirits and tobacco a moment of companionship that she had not experienced before.

For Yesiré, each evening was a form of reward after a long day of work. Between drinks and smoke, she shared their best

and worst moments of the day, and that was it. “I used to see the consumption of spirits as something merely social; I didn’t expect to find a passion in it like I have now,” she recalls.

But something from her inside motivated her to delve deeper into those conversations, at which point she decided to research and study more about the drinks and cigars she had the opportunity to enjoy. “I wanted to go to a cigar lounge, walk in and choose a cigar with knowledge. Go to a bar and break the stereotype of Ladies’ Night and go beyond the glass of wine to ask the bartender for a neat whisky, no matter how out of the ordinary that might seem,” she explains.

PASSIONS CANNOT BE LEFT BEHIND; IT’S SOMETHING YOU CARRY IN YOUR DNA REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU ARE A MAN OR A WOMAN. MAYBE TODAY I DON’T DEDICATE MYSELF TO 100 PERCENT, BUT TALKING ABOUT BOTTLE AND TELLING THE STORY BEHIND EACH SPIRIT IS SOMETHING THAT STILL EXCITES ME.”

TALENT AND PASSION HAVE NO GENDER

Over time, Yesiré, known on social media as @Yesire.Rosa (Be_chic), made a name for herself in the world of spirits, an achievement she feels proud of, as it is an industry, like tobacco, traditionally dominated by men.

According to her, it is a world of continuous learning that involves a lot of passion and patience where gender is irrelevant, with more doors opening every day for women passionate about the art of this industry, such as Rachel Barrie, Scotland’s first Master Blender, with whom she has even had the opportunity to converse during a tasting session.

“Passions cannot be left behind; it’s something you carry in your DNA regardless of whether you are a man or a woman. Maybe today I don’t dedicate myself to it 100 percent, but talking about a bottle and telling the story behind each spirit is something that still excites me,” she says.

Thus, Yesiré affirms and exemplifies that a passion can change your life, through a journey that has taken her to different parts of the continent, involved in one way or another with spirits, not knowing that one day, she would develop a passion and empirical knowledge that has left her with a great taste in her mouth.

The Path of Tobacco

I HAVE ALWAYS SAID THAT LIFE PRESENTS US WITH THE PEOPLE WE NEED TO MEET, FROM WHOM WE LEARN AND GAIN LESSONS THAT WILL BE USEFUL AT SOME POINT IN OUR LIVES. THAT’S WHERE MY STORY BEGINS

Don Luis Anaya.

Don Luis Anaya

Let’s start from the beginning. In February 1994, I encountered a completely unknown world: the path of cigars and tobacco. I was 18 years old and had never tried a cigar. In fact, I had only smoked a couple of cigarettes with my high school friends, without knowing how to do it “correctly,” but that was all.

I have always said that life presents us with the people we need to meet, from whom we learn and gain lessons that will be useful at some point in our lives. That’s where my story begins.

I met Don Elías Mina, born and raised in Mexico City —formerly the Distrito Federal— where his parents had arrived from Greece to stay. Since his father was the first to bring Lucky Strike cigarettes, among many others, to Mexico, he learned the business and, at the age of 38, founded La Fábrica de Puros Valle de México in the well-known Colonia Roma. In a single location, he established the tobacco warehouse, the cigar factory, and the store.

When I arrived there and realized everything it entailed, everything that was behind it, and the people who made it possible, I was simply amazed. Moreover, when people came into the store and picked up their cigars —able to smoke them on the premises— I watched their reaction as they lit them: a combination of fulfillment, satisfaction, and joy… all at the same time. I fell in love with that place and the magic surrounding its frequent visitors, members of a generation known as “the old school.”

Its three main characteristics were the quality of the cigars, fair and competitive prices, and customer service. As visitors got to know me, they became familiar faces, and each visit was an opportunity for a brief conversation, perhaps a coffee, and if there was enough time, to smoke a cigar with them.

AS VISITORS GOT TO KNOW ME, THEY BECAME FAMILIAR FACES, AND EACH VISIT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR A BRIEF CONVERSATION, PERHAPS A COFFEE, AND IF THERE WAS ENOUGH TIME, TO SMOKE A CIGAR WITH THEM.

Don Elias Mina, in approximately 1998.

Don Luis Anaya, in 2014.

Each person had an opinion, a story, or a memory to share, and that’s what allowed that community to grow and create a brotherhood among smokers. Over time, I learned from all of them and from the day-to-day tasks of the cigar factory.

I was fortunate to work in every position within the company, from the lowest to the highest. I learned to store tobacco, prepare it for the rollers, handle quality control, manage order dispatch, store cigars, package them, create inventories, handle receiving, local and foreign sales, and even exportation.

Observing, learning, and striving to do things right—even making mistakes— were valuable experiences I accumulated over time; truly a great era.

Back then, the situation and lifestyle of smokers in Mexico were completely different from what we experience today. I would be very happy to share some of my memories and daily life in this path of tobacco.

Bienvenidos siempre.

LaFumarosa

Blueprint…

Crafted Excellence

Eric Josefson, co-founder of The Burn Down Podcast.

La Fumarosa

Blueprint is a reflection of the “mental blueprint” that defines the identity and aspirations of Eric Josefson and Justin Heisig, who are also the creators of The Burn Down Podcast.

This Robusto Gordo boasts a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan Estelí, Pennsylvania, Corojo, and Criollo ‘98 filler tobaccos. With a rich earthy base and notes of espresso coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark chocolate, it offers a truly indulgent smoking experience.

– What motivated you to create your own cigar brand, and what sets it apart from others in the market?

– Since we ventured into the cigars word and launched our podcast, having our own brand seemed like a distant goal, but thanks to Jonás Santana of Blackbird Cigar Co., our dream came true sooner than expected.

What really makes us unique is that we are one of the few cigar brands that emerged from a podcast community, and this strong connection with our audience is something we deeply value.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, and we are very proud of the craftsmanship of The Blueprint. It wasn’t an easy process, as it took two years to perfect the blend, and after going through 13 different versions, we were determined to launch the product only when we were truly satisfied.

Thus, our dedication to quality ensures that every smoke of The Blueprint is an exceptional experience.

– How do you source and select your tobacco, and what do your blending and production processes involve?

– We source our premium tobacco from a network of reliable growers in six different countries, each known for their unique flavor profiles. This global perspective allows us to offer a distinctive and balanced smoking experience. Creating the blend is an art form. Our Master Blender is an expert with an exceptional palate and meticulously evaluates each batch of tobacco, selecting leaves from various origins.

In developing Blueprint, we implemented a ten-category rating system that, beyond flavor, considers factors such as aroma, body, strength, burn characteristics, and overall balance. This ensures that each of our cigars provides a consistent, complex, and thoroughly enjoyable smoke.

– What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?

– We faced a significant challenge, but in a good way. Our first production sold out much earlier than planned; understandably, there was higher demand than anticipated. To address this exciting development, we are reinvesting every dollar into the business, ensuring that we can meet future demand.

– Can you discuss the importance of branding and marketing in the industry, and how to build a loyal customer base?

– The cigar industry is a competitive landscape dominated by well-established brands. Building brand awareness from scratch can be challenging, but fortunately, we had an initial advantage.

Three years before introducing our cigars, we launched The Burn Down Podcast, a platform that created brand recognition by cultivating a community of listeners we could rely on. Our strong social media presence has also played a crucial role in promoting the product.

– Can you share a success story or milestone that you’re particularly proud of on this journey?

– There was a moment of pure joy when we held the first box of cigars in our hands. All the countless hours spent tasting flavors, meticulously designing the logo, and crafting the perfect marketing strategy converged there. It was almost enough to make us cry!

We are incredibly proud of this success story. Thanks to Blueprint’s growth in its first two years, we are excited to announce the launch of our second line of cigars this summer.

– How is the industry evolving, and what growth and expansion do you anticipate?

– The future of cigars is bright. There are legislative obstacles to overcome, but we are fortunate to have strong advocacy groups, such as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA), fighting for our passion. Even better, we are seeing a new generation of enthusiasts, with young people in their twenties starting to smoke cigars.

Success extends beyond the cigars themselves. We have expanded into experiences by organizing private events, corporate meetings, fairs, and even creating customized labels. It’s clear: people love Blueprint.

www.burndownpodcast.com

Cocktail or neat?

Diego Urdaneta

BALLANTINE’S FINEST BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY IS THE BRAND’S MAIN PRODUCT, SUPPOSEDLY A BLEND OF 50 MALT WHISKIES AND 4 GRAIN WHISKIES, ALL AGED FOR AT LEAST 3 YEARS

Made by: Pernod Ricard.

Name of the whisky: Finest Blended Scotch Whisky.

Brand: Ballantine’s.

Origin: Scotland.

Age: Over 3 years.

Price: $17.00

Nose: A strong caramel and honey note, with some raisin and red licorice notes.

After a few minutes, there are more fruity notes like apple juice and canned peaches.

Palate: Doesn’t feel like something I want to try regularly. It’s starts peppery, but more like I feel my lips and tongue numb. After a short time, there are notes of apple juice, red licorice, canned fruits and dry fruits.

Retrohale/Finish: Almond extract and corn syrup.

Rating: 5.5 on the t8ke scale.

Conclusion: I try not to be too negative when reviewing spirits, since they are technically correct, and taste is subjective. But I can’t deny that I didn’t like Ballantine’s, nor did enjoy reviewing it. I tried reminding myself that Ballantine’s is not a whisky to drink neat, but a whisky for cocktails.

Nóble Cigars: Act One

Nicolás Valenzuela Voss

On this extremely humid day —accompanied by 28 degrees Celsius— I light a Noble Act One by Liz Santos, featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf Claro wrapper with almost a year of aging, cut with a Cigar Blondie guillotine. Adorned with a simple yet elegant band, the cigar displays impeccable construction with an oily and shiny wrapper

Liz, along with her business partners Eddy Santos and Jon Gjebrea, founded Nóble Cigars and launched the Act collection in 2022, showcasing their commitment to quality and consistency. This line is complemented by Act Two, a San Andrés Doble Ligero wrapped cigar, and Intermission, a recently launched Sumatra Ecuadorwrapped cigar.

Returning to Act One, the first puffs deliver powerful leather and pepper notes, perfectly pairing with the sweetness of Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey chosen for the occasion. Cedar appears, and the whiskey makes the smoke feel creamier on the palate.

This is followed by slightly citrus notes, plenty of wood, and some bitter chocolate; in the finish, a hint of white pepper can be sensed at the back of the tongue. The retro hale aroma is predominantly floral with a slight mineral quality. Although not extremely mild, this cigar is perfect for starting the day, as its clean smoke allows for the enjoyment of other cigars throughout the afternoon and evening.

Towards the end of the first third, cocoa, chocolate, and wood notes become more pronounced, while the white pepper fades. In the retro hale aroma, the wood notes become more evident, and a strong taste of licorice and cedar develops on the sides of the tongue.

ALTHOUGH ACT ONE AND ACT TWO ARE MANUFACTURED WITH DOMINICAN TOBACCOS, THEY HAVE A CHARACTER CLOSER TO NICARAGUAN CIGARS, ALBEIT WITH MORE BALANCE. THAT IS TO SAY, THEY HAVE NICARAGUA’S POWER BUT THE BALANCE OF THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC.

My eldest son plays while I record these impressions and asks me why I talk about chocolate if it’s not chocolate. I explain that as you smoke, the tobacco provides flavors that remind you of chocolate, similar to what happens with wines, specialty coffees, or liqueurs... it’s something wonderful. “And why do you stop tasting flavors?” he continues. Well, because the cigar evolves and changes, I tell him, but he still doesn’t understand and prefers to return to his game.

The caramel and vanilla from the Bourbon complement the cigar’s woody notes very well, which now take on some astringency. It is a well-balanced cigar, but not for a beginner; rather, it is suited for someone who is already a smoker.

As the second third progresses, almond and nut notes emerge, along with one my friend Diego Urdaneta mentions: Graham cracker, which in Mexico are Marías cookies; those that are crushed with butter to make pies, and taste of vanilla but are not overly sweet. A note like lemon peel also appears, which induces salivation, a plus for me because it makes the cigar light, with a short finish that leaves the mouth clean for the next puff... or cigar.

Although Act One and Act Two are manufactured with Dominican tobaccos, they have a character closer to Nicaraguan cigars, albeit with more balance. That is to say, they have Nicaragua’s power but the balance of the Dominican Republic.

IN

THE FINAL THIRD, SPICY NOTES RETURN, AND THE WOOD BECOMES ROUGHER, MORE RUSTIC, WITH A BITTER TOUCH REMINISCENT OF PEANUT SHELLS.

As the second third ends, I pair the smoke with orange juice to debunk the myth that cigars do not go well with citrus beverages. It complements the cigar well, making the smoke lighter, cleaning the mouth, eliminating the peppery note, and allowing the wood flavors to emerge slowly, extending the cigar’s finish.

In the final third, spicy notes return, and the wood becomes rougher, more rustic, with a bitter touch reminiscent of peanut shells.

Nóble Act One is an excellent choice for a mid-morning cigar, with an engaging evolution. Its flavors are classic, yet they are clearly defined and allow for easy pairing.

The Vitola

THE FIRST KNOWN LITHOGRAPHED LABELS WERE INTRODUCED BY THE CUBAN TOBACCO INDUSTRY IN CIGARETTE BOXES BETWEEN 1836 AND 1840, KNOWN AS “CIGAR LABELS”

José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca

The vitolas or cigar bands, as well as the markings that accompanied their boxes, originated in the early part of the 19th century due to the rise in tobacco, competition among Cuban manufacturers, their struggle to protect their work from fraud and counterfeiting, and the policies of that era to distinguish and adorn their products, which were aimed at or directed towards high social classes.

The first known lithographed labels were introduced by the Cuban Tobacco Industry in cigarette boxes between 1836 and 1840, known as “cigar labels.”

This led to the luxurious packaging that La Eminencia by Ramón Allones and La Honradez by the Susini family began to use between 1845 and 1850, which drew considerable attention at the tables of European princes, kings, and emperors. Their example soon spread among other Cuban manufacturers.

Later came the cigar bands or vitolas that were placed on each cigar individually. Although there is contrary information, it seems proven that the first vitola appeared after 1870, many years after the first markings.

Experts believe that the golden age of vitolophilia corresponds to its earliest phases up until 1910-1915, when the bands reached their highest artistic quality.

CENTRAL BODY

EMBOSSING

CIGAR GAUGE OR RING

BORDER

NUMBERING

TRADE MARK

GOLD LEAF

EDGE

BORDER

RIGHT WING

NAME OF THE MANUFACTURER OR TOBACCONIST