Non-Negotiable Quality
Silvio Loaisiga and José Antonio Ortega are prime examples of success. Both, with over 26 years of experience in the agricultural and industrial sectors of the tobacco industry, are the founders of Loaisiga Cigars, S.A., a Nicaraguan company that, in a relatively short time, has successfully expanded into several countries across America and Europe –highly competitive international markets. The key is that, for them, quality is nonnegotiable.
César Salinas Chávez Director
Alberto Arizmendi Editorial Director
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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
EDITORIAL BOARD
José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca
Michel Iván Texier Verdugo
Diego Urdaneta Diamantes
Nicolás Valenzuela Voss
COLLABORATORS
Argentina
Gastón Banegas
Colombia
Federico Londoño Mesa
Eduardo Márquez
Canada
Nicolás Valenzuela Voss
Chile
Francisco Reusser
Christopher Sáez
Michel Iván Texier Verdugo
Cuba
José Camilo López Valls
YEAR 1, ISSUE 7, NOV 2024
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Spain
Luciano Quadrini
José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca
Fernando Sanfiel
United States
Anastasia Psomiadi
Blanca Suárez
Lefty Karropoulos
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.
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Editorial A New Horizon
Upon completing three years with Humo Latino Magazine, this past October we began a new phase for Grupo Humo Latino, with the launch of its sister company GHL República Dominicana. Its goal is not only to provide greater certainty to those who place their trust in us there, but also to start developing regional projects in the main tobacco and cigarproducing countries in Latin America.
It is precisely there, of course, where we will take the next step in this new phase, with the launch of our first printed magazine: Humo Latino Dominicana, which, as of this edition’s publication, is coming off the press and ready to begin its national distribution. The inaugural issue will also circulate in several cities in Puerto Rico and Florida, United States.
Similarly, exploring new markets leads us to countries like Nicaragua and Honduras, where our future efforts will continue to support those who do not have a place in other specialized media and see Humo Latino as a platform that allows them to showcase their brands and initiatives.
This is the case of José Ortega and Silvio Loaisiga of Loaisiga Cigars, who with their brand Infiel are the first Nicaraguans to appear on the cover. They are two experienced businessmen with a forward-thinking vision who began with the preindustry and tobacco processing –which they still maintain alongside their operations– and have now moved on to cigar manufacturing, launching their own brand to conquer various international markets.
It is a success story that deserves to be told and known, just like all the stories we have been fortunate to hear and share through Humo Latino. Beyond taking stock of everything that has happened during these three years, we know that we have just learned to walk, and we are determined to keep building a platform where everyone has a place, because in the end, the sun shines on everyone.
That is the new horizon, and towards it we walk, determined, convinced... with a steady step.
Third Saturday in October
The Cigar Game*
Last October 19, one of college football’s most celebrated rivalries took center stage as the #7 Alabama Crimson Tide (17) rolled into the Scruffy City to take on the #11 Tennessee Volunteers (24) in what’s famously known as the “Third Saturday in October.”
While this annual SEC clash is always a highlight of the season, it’s not just the on-field action that captivates fans –it’s the long-standing tradition that accompanies the game. Known as the “Cigar Game,” the rivalry brings with it a time-honored celebration: the victorious team lights up cigars to mark their triumph, a secondary violation that the NCAA ignores.
The origins of this unique tradition trace back to 1961, when Alabama’s athletic trainer, Jim Goostree –who was a Tennessee graduate– handed out cigars to the victorious Alabama players after their win over the Volunteers, breaking a 5-game losing streak. What started as a one-time gesture of celebration evolved into an annual ritual, with cigars becoming a symbol of victory in this heated rivalry. Now, the act of lighting up after the game is deeply embedded in the culture of both programs, cementing the “Cigar Game” as one of the most unique and highly anticipated traditions in college football.
The rivalry, famously known as the “Third Saturday in October,” dates back to 1901 and has been defined by legendary players and coaches from both schools.
Tennessee broke that streak in dramatic fashion in 2022, winning 52-49 at Neyland Stadium with a walk-off field goal. The victory sent Vols fans into a frenzy, storming the field and lighting up cigars as the long-dormant tradition was reignited. For Josh Heupel, who lit an Olivia Melanio, the win was a defining moment as Tennessee’s head coach, signaling the Volunteers’ resurgence and a renewed competitiveness in the SEC.
Beyond the game itself, the cigar tradition adds an extra layer of excitement to the rivalry. With the rivalry once again at full strength, both teams know that the chance to light up a cigar at the end of the game carries more weight than ever.
Whether Alabama or Tennessee emerges victorious, the winning team will uphold this long-standing ritual –celebrating not just a win, but a decades-long tradition that connects the present to the past.
For fans, the “Third Saturday in October” is more than just a football game –it’s a celebration of one of college football’s greatest rivalries. The tradition of cigars has become just as important as the game itself, symbolizing a hard-fought victory that transcends generations. With each passing year, the significance of the game grows, uniting players, coaches, and fans in a moment of shared history and pride.
*With information from Cody Carden/Cigar Rights of America https://cigarrights.org/tennessee-vs-alabama-the-historic-cigar-game-traditioncontinues/
To Hell with a Toscano Between the Teeth Stories
Darío Procopio
The three men arrived on horseback at the Sad Hill cemetery. The place is located in some desolate spot in the old and Wild West. They are alone; anyone who has dared approach has perished at the hands of their bullets. The adventure that brought them here found them joining forces and pistols by chance, although none of them trusts the other even a little. All three know where the false grave is, where the Confederate soldiers buried a fortune in gold. They also know that only one of them will leave the cemetery with the prized golden metal. The year is 1862, and the hour has arrived.
The men part without affection, all knowing what is about to happen. One of them remains standing while the other two move off in different directions without turning their backs on one another. When the separation is just right, the three are equidistant and facing each other. One of them shifts his poncho, revealing his Colt. The other two do the same. The air is thick with tension; eyes dart between threats, hands trembling as they approach their weapons. A single drop of sweat or a blink will unleash chaos, with the tombs as the only witnesses.
One of them is a Mexican bandit named Tuco Benedicto. Another is a former sergeant turned hitman known as Angel Eyes. The third is a bounty hunter, a soldier of fortune, always ready to seize an opportunity at gunpoint. They will pass into eternity as “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”.
The truth is that Sad Hill is a fictional cemetery, just gravestones and crosses in the rugged landscape of Burgos, in southern Spain. It’s not the Wild West, but some regions outside Almería. Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone, with a European production (from Italy, Spain, and Germany) and little money, directed the filming of a Euro-Western All’italiana or Spaghetti Western. The original title would be “Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo”, and when the world laid eyes on the film, nothing would ever be the same for the genre. Filmed in 1966, it is the third and final installment of the Dollars Trilogy, following A Fistful of Dollars (1964) and For a Few Dollars More (1965).
Regarding the three characters, the “Ugly” is portrayed by comedian Eli Wallach, and the “Bad” is played by actor Lee Van Cleef. However, the character who would become iconic is the “Good”, who, more than embodying goodness, is a perfect antihero portrayed by an unknown and young television actor, Clint Eastwood.
Eastwood brought to life a character with unbelievable traits. To begin with, he is a nameless character. Never, in any of the three films, is his name mentioned. In the credits, he appears as “Joe,” but only as a single reference in the first film. “Joe” is a name often used in English when someone’s real name is unknown. His companions call him alternately “The Manco” (Il Monco) or “The Blond” (Il Biondo). The character never introduces himself or mentions his origins, another of his peculiarities. The Nameless Man rarely speaks or does so very little in the three films he stars in.
Moreover, “Uomo senza nome” is anything but good. He has a cold stare and seems motivated by nothing more than his desire for money. He has no qualms about killing or betraying. He is a solitary man, carved from ice. His likes, affections, or emotions are rarely predictable. He is thin and always wears an old, dusty, tattered poncho, in which he hides his hands and dangerous Colt.
However, the antihero created by Eastwood and Leone is a full stereotype, a source of inspiration for characters in multiple universes and formats. It’s impossible to search for Westerns without stumbling upon the emblematic image of the Nameless Man. In 2008, the American Film Institute ranked him number 33 among the greatest fictional characters of all time.
To perfect the persona of the gunslinger, Sergio Leone insisted that the character should smoke. Thus, the mask of the Nameless Man is not complete without a cigar firmly held between his teeth, accompanying him in every shootout, both in sunlight and shadow.
When bringing the character to life, neither Leone nor Eastwood imagined they were creating a universal cinematic
icon, and perhaps that’s why neither of them paid attention to the brand of the cigar used. However, the Italian origin of the production and the omnipresence of the cigar in the scenes are enough proof for experts to conclude that it was an Italian Toscano cigar, or its original precursor, an Asian Cheeroot.
Toscanos and Cheeroots have similar characteristics in color, shape, and size. However, as they have different origins, the type of tobacco varies. While Cheeroots use Asian tobacco (Thanat leaves) and were introduced to Europe from India or Burma by Portuguese traders (in Portuguese, charutos) and English sailors (in English, whiffs), Toscanos, promoted in 1818 by Fernando III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, use tobacco imported to Italy from Kentucky plantations in the United States.
Burley tobacco from Kentucky was the first introduced to Italy and became popular through the making of Toscanos. It wasn’t until 1850 that Italy began cultivating its own Kentucky-type tobacco, a hybrid of the typical tobacco imported from the U.S. and local tobacco varieties better suited to the soil and climate.
Kentucky or Burley tobacco is brown when fully matured and darkens after the direct-fire curing process, where wood smoke penetrates the leaf cells, giving it a distinctive flavor. Originally, it was used for chewing and later for strong-flavored cigars. Besides Kentucky, it is also grown in Virginia, Tennessee, Mexico, Poland, and various African countries.
Both Toscanos and Cheeroots are dark cylinders, made without filters and open at both ends. Both are fine cigars (diameter between 13mm and 16.5mm) and of similar length (155mm or 6.1 inches to 163mm or 6.4 inches). This is why the greatest mystery regarding the favorite cigar of the Western icon is, in fact, the brand.
There are two brands that are attributed the honor to this day. One of them is Avanti with its Parodi Ammezzati line, and the other is the Toscanos line from De Nobili company. Both were founded in the United States to meet the demand from the thousands of Italian immigrants arriving in America. Avanti was founded in New York in 1901, and its competitor, De Nobili, dates back to Pennsylvania in 1896.
However, when asked in a recent interview, Clint Eastwood himself provided a definitive clue about the matter by saying that he only remembered the cigar box indicating that it came from Virginia. This detail points all the focus to the pioneering tobacco company Marsh Wheeling, founded in West Virginia in 1840, and one of the most popular in its time.
Besides being the only brand available in the film’s 1862 setting, the Virginia company offered rustic, affordable Toscanos that could well have been consumed by a marginal character of the Wild West. A curious detail is that Marsh Wheeling used Dominican tobacco and offered flavors like almond, anise, bourbon, cherry, and vanilla. Yes, dear reader, it’s hard to imagine the Nameless Man executing an adversary coldly while savoring a cherry or vanillaflavored cigar. But that is the history.
The scene of the triple duel at the Sad Hill cemetery is perfectly completed as the cherry on top with the exquisite music of Ennio Morricone. When Leone’s camera flies over the eyes of the gunslingers and the musical piece The Trio erupts, nothing would ever be the same. The scene would not only be the climax of a trilogy of Westerns but also the climax of the Spaghetti Western genre’s history.
After this scene, the quirky Italian subgenre would overshadow traditional Westerns and awaken a genre that would mark a style of Western that endures to this day. After that scene, beloved fictional characters like Ringo or Django, artists like Franco Nero, Claudia Cardinale, and Terence Hill, and stories like Once Upon a Time in the West (C’era una volta il West), I’ll Go, Kill Him, and Return (Vado... l’ammazzo e torno), and its incredible sequel Go, Kill Them All, and Return Alone (Ve, ammazzali tutti e torna solo) would follow.
For Clint Eastwood, it meant his rise to stardom, and no doubt an image for which he will always be remembered. Perhaps that’s why, in his many decades of success as an actor and director, he would return to the genre. And though his later characters had names, all film lovers see the Nameless Man in Hang ‘Em High, Pale Rider, and Unforgiven.
In fact, it is in the last of these films (Oscar for Best Picture, 1992) that, in the final scene, Eastwood’s character enters a saloon to settle the conflicts central to the film. There, the sheriff and a dozen deputies are planning his manhunt. It won’t be necessary; the prey has come to hunt them instead. It’s 20 against 1, and outside it’s pouring. Inside, a flash of lightning illuminates the door of the hall and there is The Nameless Man who,
pointing his weapon, says: “I have killed men, women and children; I have killed almost everything that ever walked or crawled on this earth. And I am here tonight, to kill you.”
What follows is a fierce shootout in which our antihero kills the sheriff and six deputies. The rest escape. The gunman pours a couple of glasses of whiskey and before leaving he threatens: “I’m going out, if I see anyone, I’ll kill them. If someone shoots me, I will kill him, his wife and all his friends. Oh, and I will burn down your house.”
Needless to say, he leaves calmly and slowly in the middle of the storm. His silhouette is lost in the darkness, in one hand he carries a gun, in the other a bottle and on his lips a smoking Toscano.
What’s new ?*
*in alphabetical order
Anthony Garrillo Cigars, Habano Strong Spirit
Wrapper: Habano 2000
Binder: Sumatra
Filler: Criollo Dominicano, Piloto Cubano and Nicaragua
Sizes: Toro (6 x 60)
BIN Cigar, Gran Cigarro
Wrapper: Havana
Binder: Havana
Filler: Havana
Sizes: 5 ½ x 48
Don Doroteo, El Alcalde 15 Años
Wrapper: Sumatra Ecuador
Binder: Sumatra Ecuador
Filler: Brazil and Dominican
Sizes: Belicoso (6 ¼ x 52)
Flayva Cigars, Pina Colada*
Wrapper: Honduras
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican and Nicaragua
Sizes: Toro (6 x 52)
*Infused, not soaked.
La Hoja del Chan, 9/21 Chan
Wrapper: Corojo Estelí
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Jalapa Nicaragua and Puerto Rico
Sizes: Corona Pig Tail (5 ½ x 42)
Loaisiga, Infiel Connecticut
Wrapper: Connecticut Ecuador
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Sizes: Robusto (5 x 54)
Micallef, Black Soft Box-Pressed Toro
Wrapper: Maduro San Andrés México
Binder: Habano Ecuador
Filler: Nicaragua
Sizes: Soft Box-Pressed Toro (6 ½ x 54)
Montes de Oca
Wrapper: Habano Honduras
Binder: Jalapa Nicaragua
Filler: Jalapa Nicaragua
Sizes: Robusto (5 x 52)
Platinum Nova Cigar, 5 Boroughs
Wrapper: San Andrés
Binder: Corojo and Cubita
Filler: Nicaragua
Sizes: Churchill (7 x 50)
Rebellion Cigars, The Demon Barber
Wrapper: Connecticut and San Andrés (Barber Pole)
Binder: Indonesia
Filler: Special blend featuring Jalapa
Sizes: 6 x 52
Loaisiga Cigars
Non-Negotiable Quality
Silvio Loaisiga and José Antonio Ortega are prime examples of success. Both, with over 26 years of experience in the agricultural and industrial sectors of the tobacco industry, are the founders of Loaisiga Cigars, S.A., a Nicaraguan company that, in a relatively short time, has successfully expanded into several countries across America and Europe –highly competitive international markets. The key is that, for them, quality is non-negotiable.
Under this directive, from the very beginning both partners have been committed to being involved in every step of the tobacco process, from planting to the production of raw materials (which supply various local companies), as well as in the manufacturing of cigars for different private brands. They recently launched their own brand, Infiel, which, based on rigorous standards, is steadily gaining ground in different regions of the world.
ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCE
Silvio Loaisiga has over 24 years of experience in the tobacco industry… He was born and raised in Estelí, Nicaragua, where he began working in the sector at the age of 18 –just after graduating from high school– while studying Systems Engineering. However, as his career progressed toward a more administrative role focused on process control, he decided to further his education with a second degree in Business Administration.
Throughout his professional development, he became deeply involved in product storage, inventory control, and raw materials. He also worked in equipment and new technologies, gaining ground within the company he worked for. He had the opportunity to rise through the ranks and eventually become the company’s Operations Manager, but when he found he was unfamiliar with some processes, he decided to get involved in the field and production to refine his knowledge.
On the other hand, José Antonio Ortega, originally from Managua –the country’s capital– is an agricultural engineer who began his professional career at the age of 20 in a company selling agrochemicals, where he built his career over 26 years. After moving to Estelí in 2005, he developed a passion for tobacco cultivation. Eager to learn, he began growing it with the support and financing of Don Gilberto Olivas (RIP), “who was a great man,” he says.
It was at that time that he met Silvio, who was already working for a tobacco company, and they soon became friends
and clients. Over the next 18 years, they developed a deep, sincere, and transparent friendship, both personally and professionally.
In 2012, with his list of top business contacts, José Ortega founded his own agrochemical company in Nicaragua, which led him to become a market leader for several years. After expanding to countries such as Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, in 2017 he sold the business to a U.S. multinational listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
José Antonio Ortega.
THE BIRTH OF A COMPANY
Loaisiga Cigars was conceived during a family gathering in a conversation between friends –something that could have easily been forgotten. Silvio was dissatisfied with his work situation and was looking for a new project that would fulfill his professional expectations. José proposed that they form a partnership and create something of their own.
Silvio’s biggest concern was that starting a business required large amounts of money, but José replied, “Whatever you need, the hen lays it. I’m a crazy person… Every time I’ve jumped into the water, it’s gone well, and when it hasn’t, I’ve learned,” he recalls –more or less– during their video call interview.
The creation of Loaisiga Cigars combined economic factors, Silvio’s experience in productive infrastructure, and José’s creativity, which were put into practice to make their business competitive in a country with major brands.
It took just a few days for Silvio to quit his job and, “jumping into the water,” as they put it, everything began. José was loyal, firm in his commitment, and immediately began looking for resources and exploring tobacco purchasing options. Silvio, of course, took care of the infrastructure for planting and processing the leaves, among other needs.
Thus, the economic factors, Silvio’s experience in production infrastructure, and José’s creativity came together to create a business that could compete in a country with well-established brands.
By doing this, Silvio put a definitive “period” on the past, opening a new chapter in his life to build a company from scratch. The process has not been easy, but they’ve overcome various challenges.
In 2021, Loaisiga Cigars began operations in Estelí with the processing of tobacco leaves, planting in the regions of Jalapa, Condega, and Estelí. One hundred percent of the raw material is fermented and prepared in their own pre-industrial and manufacturing facilities.
INFIEL, BY LOAISIGA CIGARS
The brand is called Infiel (unfaithful), and José and Silvio clarify, somewhat playfully, that it has nothing to do with “a women issue.” Its meaning is simple, yet profound, as it refers to the essential requirement for any improvement in life. In other words, being unfaithful to customs, to tradition, to the comfort zone –they both agree – and daring to push boundaries to explore something new.
In this sense, just as they left their previous professional lives behind to step outside the conventional and do everything differently to start their business, some labeled them as “unfaithful”... And since this happened just when they were thinking of a brand name, they didn’t need to search any further. “It came to us… and yes, now we are proudly Infiel.”
Cigar manufacturing began in mid-2023, while they awaited the appropriate aging process for the batch of raw material reserved for the new project. The first boxes were shipped to the United States in early 2024.
These are premium cigars with a medium to medium-full strength; a bet on the flavor of the tobacco, through a pleasant blend that invites you to keep smoking. Their lines include an excellent Ecuador Connecticut, a medium-strength Ecuador Habano Sungrown with flavor, and a Maduro San Andrés from Mexico: “A Maduro that’s well-behaved because it doesn’t overwhelm the palate and allows for an extraordinary experience.” All of them feature a 100% Nicaraguan tobacco blend.
As for their vitolas, to cater to different tastes, they offer six sizes: Corona, 5.5 inches, ring gauge 42; Robusto, 5 inches, ring gauge 54; Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 54; Churchill, 7 inches, ring gauge 54; Torpedo, 6.5 inches, ring gauge 54, and Toro Gordo, 6 inches, ring gauge 60.
These cigars are sold at competitive prices in different markets, such as Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, Spain, Chile, and the U.S., primarily in Florida. Their strategy is to move the product in the brand’s most consumed average price range, but with superior quality. “We will soon be in Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, and the UAE,” they add.
THE EXPECTED RE-PURCHASE
As part of their marketing plan and professional development, Silvio and José met in Dortmund, Germany, to attend the InterTabac trade fair. Upon their return, they decided to visit their distributor in Madrid, Spain, where a blind tasting was organized with their Sungrown for a group of 15 smokers.
“We didn’t tell the participants what they would be smoking, and we weren’t introduced as the owners or anything… We were simply invited into the room to
listen to their impressions of the cigar, and in the end, all the feedback was positive,” they state.
But receiving compliments, beyond personal satisfaction, doesn’t mean much for the company itself, and they know this. So, they decided to add a Maduro Infiel cigar as a gift for the distributor, who immediately added it to their order.
“Generally, the first impression of a new brand is that it will just be another one, but we focus on grabbing attention with our branding to break the ice and get people to try us. With this strategy, the only response we expect is the re-purchase.”
Generally, the first impression of a new brand is that it will just be another one, but we focus on grabbing attention with our branding to break the ice and get people to try us. With this strategy, the only response we expect is the re-purchase.”
BREAKING BORDERS
To conquer the international market, Loaisiga Cigars combined the expertise of both partners, both in the factory and the business side. Therefore, in 2024, José decided to leave everything behind and focus full-time on the company.
Initially, they found a distributor in the United States, where they now sell a significant volume of cigars, and they are exploring new possibilities in Texas and California.
They also expanded into Spain, which marked their first export to Europe, and from there they plan to reach other countries on the continent while meeting the necessary requirements to enter Qatar, Dubai, and Africa.
They also have distribution in Guatemala, a distributor in Honduras, and another in Nicaragua, where they increased their sales volume thanks to a contract with Duty-Free at the airport, where they became the best-selling cigars in just five months.
These advances are complemented by negotiations with potential distributors in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico... “In just three months of work,” they emphasize.
Regarding Traceability, one of the new requirements in Europe, Loaisiga Cigars is highly committed. They comply with production standards and quality controls that allow them to trace, even, who made a particular cigar and which harvest or pile the tobacco came from.
Similarly, each cigar is made with 35% to 40% raw material treated in the field with low-impact environmental bioproducts, meaning significant control over cultivation and subsequent processes, guaranteeing a major reduction in the chemical load of the leaves, “to pass any residue tests, such as those conducted in European countries.”
FUTURE GOALS
Loaisiga Cigars is open to any possibility. Therefore, they also produce long and short-filler cigars for private brands, offering premium and semi-premium quality options for all tastes and budgets. They are also developing two more brands of their own, which will soon be on the market –variations of their commercial proposal– and they are considering Limited Editions under the Infiel label.
Their mission is simple: not to change much of their working schemes and to remain as producers of raw materials and manufacturers. “Initially, these activities were meant to be temporary, but now we see them differently, and we feel comfortable with them,” they say.
“We thank all the people who have made the growth and development of Loaisiga Cigars possible. Especially, each one of our collaborators –from the field to the industry– as well as our customers, for placing their trust in this project. All of this commits us to be better every day and to take Nicaragua’s name to the highest level through our products.”
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 the same sense of community.
Be part of the Movement!
The Impact of Cigar Lounges on Local Development
Anastasia Psomiadi
Cigar lounges are more than just spaces to enjoy fine cigars; they are vibrant hubs that contribute to local development, economic activity, and social cohesion. By forming partnerships with local businesses, supporting artisans, and engaging with community organizations, cigar lounges help drive local growth while building strong connections within their communities.
Cigar lounges
attract a diverse range of patrons, bringing together people from different generations, cultural backgrounds professional identities and financial statuses.
The shared enjoyment of cigars acts as an equalizer, breaking down barriers and creating common ground.
COMMERCIAL PARTNERSHIPS AND LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORT
· Collaborating with Local Shops and Artisans: Cigar lounges can partner with local businesses, such as craft distilleries, breweries, or wineries, to host events that benefit both the lounge and local producers. Additionally, locally crafted cigar accessories like cutters, humidors, and ashtrays can be showcased and sold within the lounge, supporting local artisans and entrepreneurship.
· Creating Synergies with Restaurants and Cafés: Many lounges collaborate with nearby restaurants and cafés, creating a symbiotic relationship where patrons can enjoy local food and drinks while enjoying their cigars. These partnerships not only enhance the overall experience but also drive more traffic to surrounding businesses.
· Driving Foot Traffic and Economic Growth: Cigar lounges often attract loyal clientele, which drives foot traffic to nearby shops and restaurants. Visitors to the lounge are likely to explore the surrounding area, benefiting the entire local economy. This collaborative model supports the vitality of commercial districts and promotes cross-business engagement.
SOCIAL COHESION AND COMMUNITY BUILDING
· A Place for Social Connectedness and a Sense of Family: Cigar lounges are social gathering spaces where people from different walks of life come together. Patrons often describe the lounge atmosphere as family-like, where they feel a sense of belonging and comfort. Regular visitors see the lounge as a neighborhood haven a place to relax, connect, and feel safe.
· Celebrating Personal Milestones:
Many patrons choose to celebrate personal milestones, such as birthdays or anniversaries, at the cigar lounge, inviting fellow customers to join in their celebrations. This highlights the lounge’s role as a social hub, where customers feel at home among friends, and the shared celebrations strengthen the bonds within the community.
· Bridging Different Demographics:
Cigar lounges attract a diverse range of patrons, bringing together people from different generations, cultural backgrounds professional identities and financial statuses. The shared enjoyment of cigars acts as an equalizer, breaking down barriers and creating common ground.
· Promoting Local Art and Culture: Cigar lounges can support local artists by hosting exhibitions featuring paintings, photography, or sculptures. These events provide a platform for local talent to showcase their work while enriching the cultural experience of the lounge. This promotes a sense of local pride and supports the arts community.
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS AND NONPROFITS
· Supporting Community Development Initiatives: Cigar lounges can collaborate with local organizations and non-profits to support community initiatives. Whether through fundraising events, educational programs, or charity drives, these partnerships allow lounges to contribute positively to their local areas. Hosting events for local causes strengthens the lounge’s role as a community player.
· Collaborating with Local Governments and Institutions: Lounges can also work with local government bodies and chambers of commerce to align their efforts with broader development goals. Whether it’s participating in city revitalization projects, partnering with tourism boards, or hosting local business exhibitions, cigar lounges become influential in local development through these partnerships.
ECONOMIC IMPACT AND JOB CREATION
· Creating Local Employment Opportunities: Cigar lounges often hire from within the local community, creating employment in hospitality, service, and management roles. These jobs directly contribute to local economic growth by building skills and supporting local families. Additionally, lounges engage local professionals, such as musicians, event organizers, or marketing consultants, further boosting economic activity.
Visitors who come to experience a premium cigar lounge often explore other local attractions, enhancing the area’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
· Boosting Tourism: Well-known lounges can also attract tourists! Visitors who come to experience a premium cigar lounge often explore other local attractions, enhancing the area’s hospitality and tourism sectors. These visitors can have a positive effect on surrounding businesses and the broader economy.
A HUB FOR NETWORKING AND CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
· Fostering Business Development: Cigar lounges often serve as informal hubs for networking, where professionals from various industries come together to relax and discuss business. These interactions can lead to local business ideas and partnerships, making the lounge an incubator for collaboration and economic development.
· Enhancing Civic Engagement: The lounges can play a more active civic role by hosting community forums or discussions on local issues. These
lounges become platforms for dialogue, bringing together community leaders, business owners, and residents to exchange ideas on how to improve the area.
Cigar lounges are more than just places to enjoy cigars, they are key contributors to local development. This impact is largely driven by the leadership and vision of the lounge owners and general managers.
The role of the lounge owner and general manager is crucial in this ecosystem. They are not just business operators but key figures who shape the lounge’s culture, creating a welcoming, safe, and connected atmosphere.
To every lounge owner and general manager:
Embrace your Social Role! Realize that your influence goes far beyond cigars. You have the power to build a sense of belonging, drive local economic growth, and enhance community well-being. By seeing yourselves as community leaders, not just business owners, you can help create stronger, more connected neighborhoods where people feel part of a larger, welcoming family. Your efforts and vision can contribute to a legacy of local development, one cigar at a time.
Premium Philanthropy and Camaraderie
Based on Kimoni Jackson’s vision of the need for the city of Dallas, Texas, to host an event dedicated to the pleasure of smoking cigars, nine tobacco enthusiasts took on the mission of creating Dallas Smokefest, an annual celebration that shares the tradition and community culture.
For five days, cigar lovers from around the world experience a journey where luxury meets heritage, pleasure harmonizes with philanthropy, and camaraderie flourishes. It is a high-level event, previously unthinkable in the region, that sets a new standard of excellence in the field of national cigar conventions.
The organizers take their philanthropic responsibilities very seriously, supporting the Wounded Warrior Project, the Jimmy V Foundation, and disadvantaged youth from the Dallas Independent School District. Through fundraising and promoting these charitable organizations, the goal is to make a significant impact on the community, fostering support and awareness beyond the event itself.
For five days, cigar lovers from around the world experience a journey where luxury meets heritage, pleasure harmonizes with philanthropy, and camaraderie flourishes. A high-level event that sets a new standard of excellence among national cigar conventions.
Kimoni Jackson.
– Can you introduce yourselves and talk about your perspective on organizing Dallas Smokefest?
Nikki Morris: As a Dallas native and owner of Absolute Cigars LLC, a mobile concierge cigar service, my focus on organizing this event is to unite the community and share our rich cigar culture.
Tommie Black: I am the owner of Cu’Noma Cigar Lounge, a venue with a traditional or classic focus where a firstclass smoking experience is provided. What I bring to this effort is the question: Are we leaving a lasting impression on the participants? I run my business with that philosophy in mind, and this event is an extension of the lounge.
Chére Wright: Now known as Chére Smith, I am a co-owner of Dallas Leaf LLC, and my focus is to unify and create camaraderie among the cigar community in Dallas. After attending various tobacco events, I felt inspired and honored to receive the invitation to join the TEAM, which for me means: Together Everyone Advances More.
Nikki Morris.
– What is the story behind the event?
Tommie: I had long desired an event like this for Dallas, and three years ago, I wrote a first draft of what I thought it should be. However, when Kimoni Jackson approached me with a concept of unity, I was positively impressed. He said a brand owner he knew had given him the idea, and I thought working together could be amazing. Then I remembered an old African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”... and I committed to contributing to Dallas Smokefest what I had conceptualized, along with something of myself.
Kimoni: Definition Cigars owner Jamond Hackley asked me to bring something similar to what happens in Houston to Dallas. After thinking it over, I emailed people I considered influential in the tobacco community, and although two declined, seven accepted. I thought collaborating in teams would be key to bringing this vision to life and unifying our culture. Tommy and I met with Mr. Skip Cheatam –the biggest radio personality in Dallas– to support the initiative, which he thought was brilliant. He then asked if he could be part of the executive board, and he joined the team.
Tommie Black.
– What motivated you to be part of the organizing committee?
Nikki: When I had the opportunity to sit at the table with some of the greatest leaders in the cigar industry in Dallas, their passion and sense of community inspired me to get involved and help create something truly special. My role is to liaise with vendors and handle some administrative tasks.
Tommie: Once again, the idea of us coming together was the main motivator. As a businessman with many years of experience, the team has given me the responsibility of negotiating with venue owners and drafting and finalizing contracts. I also provide marketing materials such as presentations and brochures, which help showcase a high level of professionalism to potential corporate partners and sponsors.
Chére: There were several factors that motivated me. First, the interest from other smokers around the country to host an event in Dallas, and personally, it represented the opportunity to participate in an important movement. Additionally, when I attended our first meeting, I was inspired to find some of the most prominent local enthusiasts, and I am ready to support the unity, growth, and education of our cigar community. My role on the TEAM is as the ambassador liaison and content creator.
Chére Smith.
– What sets Dallas Smokefest apart from other similar events?
Nikki: Dallas Smokefest stands out by offering our guests more than their money’s worth through unique events that truly elevate the experience. We are committed to making every attendee feel part of something special, which is why our VIP passes are limited. This ensures that each person receives the promised comforts, from luxury car service to reserved seating at every major activity and three dinners... just to name a few.
Tommie: The composition of our team. On the Executive Committee, we have two lounge owners, two of the top influencers (Chére and Cigar Rockstar), a former Mayor Pro Tem and Dallas City Councilman (Casey Thomas), and a media legend (Skip Cheatham). If there was ever a dream team... this is it! Also, the strong focus on the VIP experience is personally important to me.
Chére: As an avid attendee of tobacco events and a major sponsor, I’ve been exposed to many different experiences that I’ve taken into account to develop a broader vision of our audience. In my opinion, Dallas Smokefest offers our sponsors an experience they haven’t yet encountered at other events, where class and luxury support that vision.
Unlike other similar events, Dallas Smokefest stands out by offering guests more than
their
money’s
worth
through unique events that truly elevate the experience. Every attendee feels part of something special, which is why their VIP passes are limited.
Roz Stafford-Grady.
– What challenges have you faced?
Nikki: The biggest challenge was balancing my time between celebrating the event, managing my business, and being present for my family. It was a constant juggling act, but I overcame it by prioritizing tasks and setting daily goals. Breaking everything down into manageable steps helped me stay focused and keep moving forward on all fronts.
Tommie: When dealing with people from different life experiences, you inevitably find opposing viewpoints, but vigorous debate in the name of providing a great customer experience should be expected and even required. We began September with a sense of mourning, we could say, over the loss of Vinetti’s, a venue I hoped to showcase to the nation. It was tough, but we already have contract drafts in place to continue and make that night beautiful.
Chére: Like Tommie, I think we encountered some differences due to the varied personal and professional experiences of people, especially regarding their backgrounds in cigar culture. We overcame these challenges by having conversations and voting on the options we felt were best for our audience.
SherJuan Mims.
– Was there anything that excited you particularly about this year’s event?
Nikki: I was excited about the Masked Gala at the Fairmont Hotel.
Tommie: I’m happy to provide a platform for many emerging and established brands to showcase their qualities and passions.
Chére: I was especially excited about our Sunday Funday: A Tribute to Veterans event, sponsored by Dallas Leaf LLC. Its CEO, my husband and business partner, Ron Smith, is also a veteran, and I wanted to honor the four main branches of the armed forces with presentations, tokens, awards, and a special “thank you for your service.” We also arranged for Cigars for Warriors to be present with a generous cigar donation.
– What changes would you like to see the SOTL Global Movement bring to improve the presence of women in the cigar culture?
Nikki: I would love to see more community involvement in organizing events for the local Sisters og the Leaf.
Skip Cheatham.
Tommie: Being present is a special honor, and I’d be grateful if they included Dallas Smokefest on their calendar because it would give the local cigar community a front-row seat in their organization.
Chére: SOTL GM has become an important pillar in the cigar community, and we’d love to see more presence in Dallas. For example, nameing The Smoking Jacket Cigar Lounge as a women-friendly lounge was an incredible start.
Amir King.
Casey Thomas.
In Santiago...
Dominican Cigar Fest 2025
With nearly 40,000 registered attendees during its first two editions, the Dominican Cigar Fest has exceeded all expectations. For its third edition, the members of the Organizing Committee and the Board of Directors of the Dominican Association of Cigars and Tobacco (Adocitab) have decided to move the event to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros and change its dates to the spring of 2025.
According to Mr. Osvaldo Radhamés Rodríguez, president of the organization and the Organizing Committee, the changes are a response to the event’s success in its first two years and will ensure the attendance of business groups from the United States, Asia, and Europe, as well as cigar enthusiasts and smokers in general, in a city with greater hotel and gastronomic offerings.
“The truth is it’s a shame to move the festival from Tamboril, but at the same time, it’s an achievement and a sign that the event is becoming more important. Tamboril is the World Cigar Capital, and it will simply move for three days to Santiago, due to the need for a more suitable and welcoming space, such as the Gardens of the Gran Teatro del Cibao,” he said.
For 2025, Adocitab has decided to hold the festival on April 25, 26, and 27, aiming not to compete with other international events and to encourage the attendance of all those interested in the Tobacco World. “We are working with great determination and desire to move forward, with the support of all the sectors involved. The idea is for the Dominican Cigar Fest to be more than just an important event, but essential for the sector,” explained Mr. Osvaldo Radhamés Rodríguez.
Intertabac…
A Window to the Tobacco World
The next edition of the Intertabac Trade Fair, scheduled to take place from September 18 to 20, 2025, will provide a new opportunity for visibility to various boutique brands seeking to establish themselves within the global industry.
Unlike other trade shows and tobacco-focused events, Intertabac brings together markets from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa in one place, which is why it is considered by producers from different origins as a window to the Tobacco World.
Access to such a diverse range of markets, as represented by Intertabac, comes with challenges, including the various requirements and regulations that tobacco faces depending on the country or region of interest.
In addition to a shift in the traditional way of doing business at this kind of fairs, Intertabac differs from events like TPE or the PCA Trade Show, more focused on large-scale business. The event fosters interaction among tobacco producers and global distributors, with the work plan centered on post-show interactions, gathering contacts for negotiations that will continue later.
The exposure of boutique brands daring to be part of the event in Germany is a clear growth opportunity, presenting their image in a forum where major industry representatives converge. These brands are seen not so much as competitors, but as focal points for emerging businesses.
The PCA: Two Years in New Orleans
Since its founding in 1933 under the name Retail Tobacco Dealers of America, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has focused on strengthening the industry from the retail sales perspective, combating excessive regulations, and opening up options for product diversification.
According to its organizers, the most recent edition, held in Las Vegas, saw an attendance of 2,200 participants and 120 new retailers, in addition to retaining 70 percent of its membership compared to the previous year.
Thanks to their industry-friendly regulations –particularly more permissive laws for indoor smoking– New Orleans and Las Vegas will be the only host cities for the Trade Show until 2030.
From April 11 to 14, 2025, and April 17 to 20, 2026, the event will be held at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, one of the few venues that can accommodate an event gathering the global tobacco industry.
In 2027, the event will return to Nevada and remain there until 2029, hosted in one of the renovated spaces at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This shift in dates –from early in the year– will prevent the use of the Sand Expo at the Venetian Hotel, where the event was held until 2023.
Procigar Festival 2025
The 2025 edition of the Procigar Festival will take place from February 16 to 21 in the Dominican Republic, offering a truly unique experience for cigar lovers from around the world, celebrating Dominican tobacco culture.
This annual celebration brings together the most prestigious Dominican cigar producers, offering educational experiences and tours of the world-renowned cigar factories, led by legends of Dominican cigars.
Participants can enjoy the festival in many ways, from nightly entertainment to leisure activities, all while savoring a fine cigar as part of a premium gift selection valued at over $450, prepared by the festival organizers.
For more information and to complete your registration, organizers invite you to visit the official website at www.procigar.org or contact the customer service team at (849) 268-3458 or rfernandez@procigar.org.
ABOUT PROCIGAR:
Procigar was founded in 1992 by a group of the most distinguished cigar manufacturers in the Dominican Republic. Establishing a shared standard of excellence that would protect and preserve the reputation and future of our beloved industry, while promoting the rich heritage of our land, the Cigar Country, exporter of the finest premium cigars in the world. Today, the name Cigar Country has been earned through hard work. The tireless pursuit of perfection, innovation, creativity, and beauty demonstrated by our members has earned countless awards and recognition at the highest global levels.
Pisco Bou Legado
Heritage Tradition
CLASIFICATION: Pisco.
COMPANY: Pisco Bou Legado.
DISTILLERY: Bou Legado.
ABV: 40% (80 proof).
AGE: NAS (No Age Statement).
MASHBILL: 10% Moscatel Rosada, 10% Moscatel Italia, 80% Moscatel de Alejandría.
COLOR: Bright amber with slight orange hues.
Michel I. Texier
For this pisco, the grapes are vinified in white and macerated at low temperatures, before being distilled twice in copper pot stills. This process aims to preserve the aromas and flavors of the Moscatel grape varieties. After distillation, the product is aged in new French oak barrels for a minimum of 18 months. Before bottling, it undergoes a cold filtration process through cellulose plates.
NOSE: On the nose, Pisco Bou Legado 40 ABV is characterized by fruity and floral notes, particularly the profile of jasmine in spring, along with a soft touch of fresh herbs, chamomile, lavender, and rosemary.
PALATE: Smooth and balanced, with a distinctive mark of natural sweetness. Its versatility is appreciated, whether consumed neat (with or without ice) or in cocktails. A personal recommendation would be a Negroni, where we swap out the Gin for Bou Legado 40 ABV.
FINISH: The 18 months of aging in new French oak barrels give it a long, delicate, and complex finish, with a slight smoky caramel touch that lingers on the palate for an extended period.
COMMENTS: Pisco Bou Legado 40 ABV is part of a century-old tradition passed down through three generations of viticulturists and distillers based in piscoproducing valleys such as Limarí, Huasco, and Choapa. Today, the Bou family tradition continues in Salamanca, in the Choapa Valley, with the label we present here.
A Balanced and Deep Blend
Jameson Triple Triple
Diego Urdaneta
Being that almost all Irish whiskeys go through triple distillation, you already get the reasoning behind one of the Triples on the label. The second part comes from the use of three type of barrels in its aging: ex-bourbon is one and it’s almost universal. Ex-sherry is another, not as universal but very widely used. The third is ex-Malaga, which is a Spanish wine made in the same area from where they make Moscatel and Pedro Ximenez.
The bottle doesn’t mention if it is finished in the other barrels or if all of the initial aging occurs in the ex-bourbon, and I’m not all that familiarized with the Irish whiskey laws. All I know is that it’s aged at least 3 years and that it’s bottled at 40% ABV.
▶Made by: Midleton Distillery.
▶Name of the whiskey: Triple Triple.
▶Brand: Jameson.
▶Origin: Ireland.
▶Age: NAS.
▶Price: $30.00
Nose: Very fruity and sweet, including caramel, cinnamon, dried peach, fermented strawberries, pear syrup, cotton candy and even some butter.
Palate: Less different from the usual Jameson blend. It’s mildly sweet, but the addition of sherry and Malaga barrels also impart a slightly fruity taste, which includes cranberries, strawberries, toffee, cinnamon and pepper. There’s also a slight metallic and grainy touch.
Retrohale/Finish: Red fruits and barley.
Rating: 7 on the t8ke scale.
Conclusion: When I first saw the 40% alcohol with all this cask mix, I thought it would be a mild blend, but the alcohol level feels quite present. The additional fruity notes feel very balanced and really add depth to an otherwise superficial whiskey that is not bad, and being the nation’s top seller it can’t be. The Triple Triple takes that a step forward and doesn’t seem to make you spend much by having that taste. This Triple Triple isn’t meant to take you away from the Original, but to offer a little extra for more or less the same price.
