Humo Latino Global july 2024 by humolatinomagazine

SPECIAL Innovation, La Aurora’s

Key to success

STORIES

Friend’s Cigars

A Blend of Values and Tobacco

Dream Builder

Ismael Rodríguez Oliván...

From July 17 to 21

Smokey party in Chicago

From July 17 to 21, the city of Chicago will host the third edition of Chicago Cigar Week (CCW) an initiative created with the purpose of introducing cigar enthusiasts from other locations around the world into Chicago’s cigar lifestyle. By doing so, the organization have incorporated several cigar events at various locations throughout the Chicagoland area so that visitors can gain a new awareness and appreciation of the cigar lifestyle in the Windy City.

For the first day, they have programmed the Chi-Town Kickoff at 6:00 p.m. at Casa de Puros, 1117 S 1st Ave Maywood, IL; then, on Thursday July 18, attendees are invited to the CCW Golf Outing & Day Party at The Odyssey Golf Course, 19110 South Ridgeland Ave Tinley Park, IL.

tastings, Food Tuck, DJ and Raffles event and an Outdoor Big Screen for Tyson Fight.

On Friday July 19, the Cigars & Coffee, & Tea Pairing is reserved for VIP members at The Embassy Cigar Lounge, 1615 Vollmer Rd Flossmoor, IL; and for all interested attendees, the Cigars Under the Stars BLACK OUT EDITION, at Pinstripes, 7 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook IL, with a live band, Djs and Featured Cigar Brand in an Indoor/Outdoor event; and the Midnight Burn, Smoke Session at the White Smoke & Ash, 2301 Plainfield Rd Crest Hill IL, with a Cut & Light, Spirit tastings, Food Tuck, DJ and Raffles event.

And The Finale Day Party - “Cigars Sundresses & Comedy” featuring Comedian Mojobrookzz on Sunday July 21, at The Drake Hotel, 2301 York Road, Oakbrook, IL; and the Chi-Town Shutdown Smoke Session, at Platinum Smokes Cigar Lounge, 22230 Governors Hwy. Richton Park. IL.

For more information, feel free to visit the CCW website: https://www. chicagocigarweek.com/

In New Orleans...

Smoking Allowed during PCA25

For the first time since 2015, the annual Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show will be held in New Orleans. This change has created excitement and raised several questions, including the often-asked question, “Will smoking be allowed at next year’s trade show?”

AS ALWAYS, SMOKING WILL BE ALLOWED IN NEW ORLEANS AND AT THE 2025 PCA TRADE SHOW.

The PCA surveyed its members on desired locations for future trade shows. New Orleans, the site of the IPCPR 2015, was named as a top location for consideration. Other member sited cities–such as Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Nashville–were also considered. Each of those locations had one or more limitations to hold the trade show. Tampa, for example, has limited exhibit space to host the premium tobacco industry’s leading trade show. Miami and Nashville have various regulations that would prevent smoking and make for a lackluster trade show experience for all involved. This was, however, not the case with New Orleans, which was willing to work with the PCA to ensure its members feel welcomed in the Big Easy.

PCA TRADE SHOW SMOKING RULES

Through the PCA’s ongoing advocacy efforts, New Orleans became an excellent host city for the annual trade show. In the summer of 2023, Louisiana Governor John Bell Edwards signed H.B. 11 into law, legislation that extended tax-exempt status for cigars and pipe tobacco sampled at the trade show.

New Orleans & Company, the former New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau, testified in support of the bill, noting that the PCA trade show would have an estimated economic impact of $13.9 million on the state and city.

“PCA was pleased to endorse this legislation and extends its appreciation to Representative (Jason) Hughes and the Governor for their support. The bipartisan nature of this action and the margins of its passage in the House and Senate clearly depict how New Orleans and the State of Louisiana welcome the industry,” stated Glynn Loope, PCA’s Director of State Advocacy.

In addition to the tax exemption, the city has been working closely with the PCA to ensure those attending the trade show will have a memorable, fun experience at PCA25 as they have had in previous years. One of the significant changes to the city’s smoking ordinance that was changed for the trade show can be read in New Orleans’ LA Code of Ordinances. In summary of that ordinance, you will be able to smoke on the trade show floor and during the seminars as you have in past years.

What about in those hours after the trade show ends? Per the updated New Orleans/LA Code of Ordinances, smoking will be allowed at all tobacco businesses, all cigar bars, designated smoking sections of outdoor, serving areas, and courtyards of bars, and restaurants, sidewalks, streets, and balconies along Bourbon Street from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue.

Lisa Cox, Senior Director of Trade Show and Events, notes, “The city of New Orleans values our industry, our members, and the value we bring by hosting our trade show. As your association, we are also working with local partners to ensure a centralized location for those attending next year’s trade show to congregate and smoke –both in the French Quarter and in the Warehouse District near our host hotels and the convention center.”

The PCA is working closely with the city of New Orleans to ensure there are plenty of places–and opportunities–for PCA trade show attendees to light up and enjoy their favorite cigars and pipes. As the trade show gets closer, the PCA will share more information on where to smoke and different special events attendees can light up during PCA25.

Eric Spurlock, from Warfighter Tobacco and retailers at the PCA 2024 Opening

“The moment PCA24 was over we were getting questions about next year’s show. The earlier timing and change in location has members even more excited about what’s to come,” adds Lisa Sigler, director of membership development.

“Our team is building the 2025 Trade Show into a sensory experience centered around premium cigars. The City of New Orleans has been great to work with and the affordability and value it provides is giving us new opportunities for higher quality networking and social events throughout the trade show,” says Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of the PCA. Registration for the PCA25 trade show will open this Fall in conjunction with 2025 membership renewals. The PCA25 will be held in New Orleans, April 11-14, 2025. For updates and details on the show, visit pcashow.org.

Opening Reception.

Maddie Peterson, from HC Mobile Cigar Lounge.

PHOTO_ ARIELLE LEWIS STUDIO-PCA

What’s

What’s new?

in alphabetical order

Broncano The Vintage Toro (20 years aged)

Wrapper: San Andrés México

Binder: Corojo Ecuador

Filler: Criollo 98 Dominicana and Corojo Domincana

Sizes: Toro (6 x 54)

Diab Ellan Abuelo Sucio Oscura

Wrapper: Oscuro Dominicana

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Dominicana

Sizes: Doble Corona (7 1/2 x 50)

Fortaleza y Libre Intimidador

Wrapper: San Andrés México

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Dominicana y Nicaragua

Sizes: Toro (6 x 50) and Corona (5 1/4 x 44)

GTO Pain Killer (5 years aged)

Wrapper: Dominicana

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Dominicana

Sizes: Parejo (6 x 54), Box Press (6 x 54), 6 x 60 and 7 x 70

Hiram & Solomon Heart & Soul Limited Edition

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Seco and Ligero Dominicana

Sizes: Toro (6 x 52)

Karen Berger K-Fire Mega

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Sizes: Mega (6 x 60)

Monte de León Duos Gradus

Wrapper: Habano and Connecticut

Binder: Nicaragua

Filler: Nicaragua

Sizes: Churchill (7 x 48)

Nomos Homecoming 2025 Marine & Navy 250 Anniversary

Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua

Binder: Criollo 98 Dominicana

Filler: Dominicana and Pennsylvania

Sizes: Toro (6 x 54)

P La Cangri Big Boss

Wrapper: Habano Nicaragua (4 years aged)

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua

Sizes: Big Boss (6 x 60)

Serafín de Cuba Juan de Fuca

Wrapper: Cameroon África

Binder: Dominicana

Filler: Condega, Jalapa and Estelí

Sizes: Toro Cubano (6 x 52)

Ismael Rodríguez Oliván...

Dream Builder

With a career spanning nearly five decades in martial arts, three of which were in the military system and the last years in the construction and tobacco industries, Ismael Rodríguez Oliván is a citizen of the world, possessing a mind as restless as it is creative and powerful.

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 3, JUL 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

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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.

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Editorial

Do we need another tobacco association?

César Salinas Chávez

The premium cigar industry and its consumers are engaged in a frontal war against multiple international bodies led by the World Health Organization (WHO), which practically seek to eliminate our right to smoke and have imposed multiple guidelines on governments to ban tobacco consumption worldwide.

It’s a battle that makes no distinction between different types of tobacco products. It fails to differentiate between an artisanal and completely natural product like the premium cigar, versus an industrialized product laden with chemicals designed to induce addiction. One fact suffices to illustrate this: cigarette paper is laced with phosphorus so that it never extinguishes, burns quickly, and requires lighting another.

Over two decades ago, in 1988, the WHO Assembly adopted resolution WHA42.19, establishing May 31st as World No Tobacco Day. It was a declaration of war without distinctions, pushing year after year for increasingly aggressive regulations on the industry at large.

But as Litto Gómez, CEO of La Flor Dominicana and current president of ProCigar, states: “there is no serious study proving or discovering that a premium cigar is harmful to health, and I promise that if it is ever shown that I am harming people, I will shut down my factory” (the full interview is included in this edition and available on our YouTube channel).

It’s precisely to defend the industry that organizations like the Cigar Association of America, the Cigar Rights of America, and the Premium Cigar Association were born.

They have achieved significant advances in distancing premium cigars and pipe tobacco from other tobacco products, advocating against the same taxes and regulations that stifle the growth of an industry whose products are handmade and additive-free.

Therefore, it begs the question: Do we need more organizations in the Tobacco World? And the answer is undoubtedly yes... as many as necessary, because these groups seek to improve and expand the rights and opportunities of a sector unfairly stigmatized alongside cigarettes.

That’s why we celebrate the birth of the Tobacco Products Association (TPA), an organization founded by Ismael Oliván, featured on this month’s cover; Ron Pecorini, founder of the Great Cigar & Pipe Show Podcast; Dr. Óscar Rodríguez, CEO of GTO Cigars; and Ken Dorrbecker, owner of KJD Cigars. What does this nascent association aim to achieve? To unite, promote, and advance all facets of this industry.

Its core principles include education, advocacy, innovation, and providing services to a diverse community of cigar brands, manufacturers, retailers, pipe tobacco enthusiasts, and consumers. It’s a support network that empowers its members to thrive in a dynamic market, uniting their factories, exporters, and importers, and pooling their knowledge and experiences to create something that didn’t exist before, as Ismael himself tells us.

Welcome TPA... welcome to all organizations seeking to make the premium tobacco world a better sector for producers and consumers alike.

Ismael Rodríguez Oliván...

Dream Builder

Raúl Melo

Guided by Asian philosophy emphasizing the value of work and perseverance, and possessing a palate educated by the wide diversity of tobaccos worldwide, he boasts an impressive catalog of blends and cigar formats grouped under nearly a hundred private brands, including his own. Among these, B.A.M.F. stands out, a brand that reflects his personality and discipline in prioritizing quality over quantity.

FISTS AND WEAPONS

Ismael Rodríguez Oliván was born 52 years ago in Bilbao, Spain, and has resided in the United States since 1999, with intermittent periods and diverse journeys around the world throughout his life. His accumulated experiences and knowledge have shaped him uniquely, allowing him to develop his own style in every endeavor he undertakes.

Born to a hardworking mother—until her marriage—and a Merchant Marine father, Ismael was a restless child who grew up on both sides of the Nervión River—a defining feature of the Basque Country— between his grandmother and neighbors, educated by Lasallian friars.

From a very young age, his “amona,” as a grandmother is called in Euskera, decided to channel all of Ismael’s energy into Karate Do, noticing his early passion for martial arts thanks to Bruce Lee movies. This training forged in him a disciplined personality that characterizes him today.

At the age of 14, as a gift from his father, who was often absent due to work, Ismael received a small motorcycle that he used to travel from his home to the gym to continue training day after day, eventually becoming an instructor in exchange for free facility use.

His martial arts training continued under the guidance of Osamu Aoki, a sensei with whom he perfected his Karate technique before venturing into Full Contact, Kick Boxing, Thai boxing, and other disciplines, from which he derived the foundations to create his own style.

Around his 20s, military life beckoned, a mandatory rite of passage for every young Spaniard at the time, unless they were Conscientious Objectors or Jehovah’s Witnesses. Ismael, neither one or another, tried to avoid conscription but ended up finding a way to continue pursuing martial arts within the armed forces.

“I didn’t want to be there, and I tried to get out by claiming to be a Conscientious Objector, a person against all forms of violence. But to my misfortune, which has always been bad, the Colonel of the barracks, who had been my student, recognized me and called me sensei. That’s when my pacifist facade fell apart.”

As the expert he had become, Ismael found a place in the Army as a guard for two different Generals, and after the mandatory three months, he became an instructor for officers. Thus, what he thought would be a low point in his life turned into a career as a private contractor, a role he continues today, following eleven years in the military and serving in an Anti-terrorism unit.

Then came another agency that sought him out for his expertise in martial arts, driving, and weapons, where he became an international instructor for both the military and police forces, a role he still performs in semi-retirement, requiring him to work 40 days a year in any of the 167 countries where its influence extends.

SMOKING AROUND THE WORLD

For Ismael, life as a military contractor has been neither entirely good nor bad. It’s a profession that involves traveling the world but is also fraught with violence. “But if you signed a contract, you do it without complaining,” he asserts.

The adrenaline and pay motivate him to take on missions, but he also values the opportunity to travel to different corners of the globe and the benefits that come with it, such as experiencing tobaccos from diverse places like Africa.

In late 1994, military life took him to the war in Angola, where he spent nearly three years. There, he encountered the aroma of locally grown tobacco and handmade cigars: “I saw the locals rolling their own leaves and asked to try some. It was incredibly satisfying,” he recalls.

Thailand, Romania, Peru, and Ireland were among the other 69 countries where his work allowed him to discover new aromas and flavors, developing— unbeknownst to him—a specialized palate and unique creativity for blending. “I would taste tobacco from here and there, and imagine that mixing a bit of this with a bit of that would yield something good.”

SPAIN AND TOBACCO

Ismael’s journey with tobacco began at the age of 12 or 13, initially with cigarettes, a common topic among Spanish youth. “My brother and I were caught smoking by our mother, who decided that before we started smoking anything on the street, she would buy us cigarettes,” he remembers.

Upon returning from one of his trips as a Merchant Marine, his father discovered his son smoking and decided to teach him a life lesson. “Let’s see if you’re a real man,” he said, offering him a Farias, a strong Spanish cigar, accompanied by a Sol y Sombra, a cocktail of cognac and anise.

During a Zoom interview, Ismael recounts feeling green around the gills from the nicotine hit, as he was unaware that cigar smoke isn’t meant to be inhaled. This was his first experience with a pure tobacco cigar, “and being as stubborn as I am,” he continues, “I kept smoking milder cigars from then on, now to enjoy them properly.”

Ismael upholds a tobacco tradition in Spain that transformed tobacco consumption as it’s known today, twisted like a blend of leaves in the filler, bound by a binder, and adorned with a wrapper.

“Indeed, in pre-Columbian times, peoples like the Tainos smoked tobacco leaves, but it was simply taking a plant and smoking it; whereas in Spain, the idea of blending began and was taken to manufacturing in Cuba, for example,” he explains.

Ismael has 122 military jumps and 6,998 professional jumps, holding several state, national, continental, intercontinental, and world records, all recognized by the United States Parachute Association (USPA). He holds licenses: A, B, C, D, Coach, Master Tandem Instructor, and Pro Rating license.

DREAM BUILDER

Painting houses to earn some money, he encountered a man reviewing blueprints, and as a trained engineer and curious person, he took a look and found several errors. It was the project manager who was with the owner of Inkeepers USA, a company dedicated to hotel construction and remodeling, and Ismael’s fresh perspective helped correct the work. For four years, he participated in the development of more than twenty projects.

Rolling tobacco is common among Spaniards, who often twist their own cigars and even forge cigarettes. By 2003, Ismael was already creating his first blends for personal use, while engaging in conversations with Óscar Arias, through phone calls to the Dominican Republic.

Until then, the tobacco business was unfamiliar to him, but having made some money by blending for a couple of private clients, he took advantage of the new tobacco boom in the United States in 2015 and dove headfirst into the industry.

That year, he joined forces with Clint Scherb, a former Marine based in Palm Beach, Florida, and a member of the local SWAT team, whom Ismael had met through his wife’s professional relationship with Clint’s father.

Tobacco was a common denominator between them, and after a year of sharing smokes, the idea to create a brand emerged. Due to their military and police backgrounds, they had connections with individuals in these fields, leading to the registration of the brand as B.A.M.F. (Bad Ass Mother Fuckers), a term that describes fearless individuals in the parlance of “first responders”: paramedics, police officers, and firefighters, among others.

A neighbor then offered to manufacture the brand in the Dominican Republic, claiming ownership of the factory. They traveled to the island, and although the individual turned out to be a scammer, Ismael heard Óscar’s familiar voice advising him: “Don’t pay any attention to this man; I rent the factory, and he pretends it’s his.” Nevertheless, this initiation allowed him to enter the Tobacco World, and over time, Rodríguez Oliván Cigars Factory (ROCF) established three factories in the Dominican Republic and a sister factory in Zimbabwe.

proprietary brand and a few private clients, now totaling 98 different companies. All this, intertwined with construction business, international missions, and training of security forces.

“The name was agreed upon one night, and the next day it was registered. We were just two military and police officers tired of smoking what others made, knowing we were already blending for others but had nothing of our own,” he recalls.

In 2018, Clint’s personal and professional commitments led him to sell his shares to Ismael, who continued the venture solo. “It was something I never thought I’d do because I was content making blends for others. Thank God everything turned out well.”

As of today, B.A.M.F. maintains a presence in over 200 distribution points, alongside online sales through the website https:// bamfcigars.com. With five years of experience as an importer, a new status acquired to gain more control over the administrative process of cigar sales. “We sought independence. Now we have it and use it to help others too,” he asserts.

EXPERIENCE AND CREATIVITY

With a range of 74 blends under the B.A.M.F. line, 22 as Don Oliván, nine in the K9 line, and over 500 private blends registered with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the U.S.), Ismael boasts a creative mind, attributing some of these creations to the need for problem-solving and making the most of what’s available.

One of his standout blends is Intercontinental, a cigar that blends tobaccos from four continents and seven countries, including Nicaragua, Cuba, and Italy. It has been recognized among specialized podcasts as Cigar of the Year in two consecutive editions.

He also recalls Inside Out, created one evening when the craving for a good smoke coincided with a shortage of materials: “On the table, I only had three wrappers, one binder, and one filler.” Inspired by the movie “One Night at the Roxbury” – featuring the song “What is Love” – and its approach to solving a particular problem, he used the wrappers as filler, turned the binder into a wrapper, and the filler into a binder. Adorned with a reversed band, he describes it as “a cigar that wasn’t supposed to exist but ended up having a spectacular flavor and sold 10,000 units in a day.”

The brand’s catalog includes classic formats like Toro, Gordo, or Robusto, as well as other shapes such as Torpedo and Salomón, alongside innovations like the Double Torpedo with dual binder for cutting the cigar in half and smoking two pieces, or the M.O.A.C. (The Mother of all Cigars), a 12-inch, 110-ring gauge cigar.

Special mention goes to his Salomones licensed by Marvel and DC, adorned with logos of characters like The Punisher, Spiderman, Batman, and Superman. Ismael is the world’s only producer with this permission, under the condition of making them ephemeral, where the logo on the band disappears once the cigar is consumed.

Also, the BTC, entirely manufactured with Negro Cubano tobacco legally imported to the Dominican Republic, where it’s rolled and then exported to the U.S. for sale, distinguishes them as the sole sellers of legally Cuban tobacco in the U.S., an issue discussed and approved by the FDA.

BOUTIQUE VISION

According to Ismael, when a brand starts with limited production – characteristic of boutique markets – the worst move is placing the cigars in stores where they compete against major brands dominating the market. Worse still, if priced high, they’re compared with more renowned products for just a few dollars more. “We live in a consumerist country (the U.S.), where if someone sees you smoking a $35 cigar, they want the $40 one, regardless of quality.”

His advice is straightforward: “Start with low prices that cover production costs and traditional formats. Even if you make less, it’s better to earn 12 cents per piece on a thousand units than to aim for a dollar and sell nothing.”

Out of the 110 brands ever produced by ROCF, 98 survive, following the philosophy of prioritizing production over profits, available online or in dedicated boutique stores. “More than being in this business for money –sometimes I spend more than I earn – it’s about making a presence and contacts. It’s not about getting rich in five days but accumulating and maintaining clientele,” he says.

THE PATH

As a martial artist, Ismael has gained diverse knowledge of Asian culture, particularly their ways of thinking and acting, emphasizing the need to stay active. He describes himself as someone with a restless mind, always thinking ahead and setting short-term goals; achievable milestones to reach one after the other. “Having a single goal is boring; it’s better to have a new one every four months or every couple of years.”

Consequently, he doesn’t have a “final goal” but a series of steps or objectives to pursue, one after another. The idea is to evolve one business after another, without neglecting them, as he has done with construction, cigar factories, B.A.M.F. itself, or the TPA (Tobacco Products Association); a recently created group focused on utilizing his skills and knowledge for all links in the tobacco production and consumption chain: producers, traders, and final consumers alike.

He also enjoys seeing people enjoy his cigars, expanding from “first responders” to general consumers. In this evolution, B.A.M.F. is making headway in markets across China, Italy, Spain, Canada, the U.S. (in 38 of 50 states), England, Japan, Germany, and Austria, offering experiences as diverse as its formats and blends.

Additionally, with active plantations in Zimbabwe, the company’s expansion includes the possibility, by 2025, of growing tobacco in the Dominican Republic, thus completing the circle of production and controlling processes from seed to worldwide marketing.

Friend’s Cigars...

A Blend of and Tobacco

Cigars... Values Tobacco

THE BLENDS OF THIS BRAND EVOKE MEMORIES OF YOUTHFUL FLAVORS AND AROMAS, CARIBBEAN CULTURE, AND THE EFFORTS OF FACTORY WORKERS.

From a soccer field to tobacco farms, the friendship between Corey Sneed and Edwin Debiew was built on a mixture of cherished values and tobacco leaves produced in Mexico, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

The blends of this brand evoke memories of youthful flavors and aromas, Caribbean culture, and the efforts of factory workers and over 300 people involved in creating a product entirely handmade.

With five house blends and seven signature premium blends, Friend’s Cigars aims to establish itself in the US and global markets, aiming to create and strengthen friendships, just as they have done over time, conversation by conversation and puff by puff.

THE BEGINNING OF A FRIENDSHIP

Almost 20 years ago, Corey Sneed and Edwin Debiew led very different lives, where tobacco played a social and personal enjoyment role. Their friendship started through their daughters, who became friends and brought them together on a soccer field, leading to conversations and sharing.

Corey, a Texan engineer with 30 years of experience in the materials and scientific equipment industry, spent much of his life installing technological equipment for analyzing various types of samples, biological and geological among them.

His work often involved technical support for companies around the world, exposing him to smoking and sharing cigars of various brands with people from diverse cultures. These experiences introduced him to cigars as a subject of study and learning, while experiencing social interaction.

Corey’s passion for cigars began with his grandfather, a Baptist minister who used to smoke them. The scent of tobacco became a powerful childhood memory, later joined by his first Cohiba cigar, a fabulous experience filled with captivating aromas and flavors he sought to recreate when founding his own brand.

Meanwhile, Edwin was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, and now resides in DeSoto, Texas, after retiring following a career with the US government.

In retirement, Edwin finds it essential to keep his mind and body active, turning to golf and developing a taste for cigars: “Part of the game is conversation, smoking cigars, and enjoying spirits,” he says.

Their daughters’ friendship naturally brought Corey and Edwin together. Over time, they bonded over school gatherings, birthday parties, and shared reflections on life and business advice, particularly their shared love for tobacco.

Throughout the years, integrity and brotherhood have formed the foundation of their enduring relationship, which has now also become a business partnership. In the cigar business, consistency is key: “Throughout all this time, we’ve remained the same people who met on the soccer field. If anything has changed, it’s that we’ve helped each other grow to become better individuals,” Corey affirms.

Throughout all this time, we’ve remained the same people who met on the soccer field. If anything has changed, it’s that we’ve helped each other grow to become better individuals”.

Corey Sneed.

THE CHALLENGE

Under the motto “There is a sense of unity when smoking quality cigars with friends”, smoking cigars in their backyard or at a Cigar Lounge with friends such as Rod-Liv, Al, Stan, Efrem, Thomas, Ryan and Tiger, became a regular activity for Corey and Edwin in DeSoto, Texas. Any place was ideal for sharing the good smokes, which led them to meet a guy who had experience in the tobacco industry and its outcomes.

Edwin explains that their interactions with him sparked curiosity about learning more about the tobacco industry and the origins of the cigars they enjoyed. “He presented an outlook on the industry, a challenge worth facing.”

After that conversation, Corey and Edwin decided to give it a try. Within 24 hours, they agreed to embark on this adventure. They obtained the necessary licenses and began their journey to establish a tobacco business in the United States, guided by Roman Kinder, Carlos Fernández Alcántara, and others in Villa González, Santiago Province, Dominican Republic.

Their journey began with visits to M. J. Frías Cigar Co. and Continental Cigars Factory, where they received guidance in every aspect of cigar production.

Their initial exposure to the industry fascinated them with its rich history and culture, involving extensive knowledge about tobacco leaf cultivation, harvesting, curing, aging, and classification into wrapper, binder, seco, viso, ligero, and volado, originating from countries like Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic.

THE TORTOISE AND THE HARE

For Corey and Edwin, their foray into the tobacco industry resembles the fable of The Tortoise and the Hare, where they are like the tortoise, steadily advancing on the path to success through thoughtful, methodical, and strategic decisions as a team, aiming to offer customers the best smoking experiences.

They believe that “success” holds different meanings for everyone. While some quantify it with money or possessions, at Friend’s Cigars, it’s measured by the growth of friendships, enjoyable moments, and conversations that attract more people to their circle. They aim for their company to spread and become known in markets as a business born from a small town.

THE BRAND

In 2021, alongside M. J. Frías Cigar Co., armed with enhanced knowledge of premium tobacco, the need for their own brand grew. From this desire came King Cake, a Toro cigar measuring 6 inches with a 54 ring gauge, flavored with chocolate, and a Robusto measuring 5 inches with a 50 ring gauge, flavored with vanilla. Both feature a Negro San Andrés México wrapper and Dominican and Nicaraguan binder and filler, adorned with a band in purple and yellow tones reminiscent of New Orleans and its local culture, featuring a lion, emblematic of the Debiew family.

These cigars were their initial products, marking their entry into the tobacco industry. Seeking to establish themselves as a quality brand, they later expanded into a premium line.

While King Cake catered more to Edwin’s family, tastes, and origins, the premium line was heavily influenced by Corey, drawing on his memories of his first Cohiba cigar and aiming for a blend more aligned with Cuban aromas and flavors.

Continental Cigars Factory took on the challenge of creating four new cigars:

- Altitud: Maduro wrapper, HVA binder, and Habana, Corojo, and Criollo filler.

- Actitud: Cuban wrapper, Cuban binder, and Cuban, Dominican, and Pennsylvania filler.

- Friends 1888: Habana wrapper, Cuban binder, and Cuban, Dominican, and Pennsylvania filler.

- Habana Anniversary Toro: Habano Ecuador wrapper, Olor Dominicano binder, and Cuba-Dominican and Pennsylvania filler.

These cigars are medium to full-bodied, offering a good burn, excellent ash, and a smooth draw to deliver a quality experience to the end consumer and foster networking opportunities, making friends over a cigar made by friends.

THE GOAL

During their journey, Corey and Edwin had the opportunity to meet Nick Perdomo Jr., who inspired them with stories of his father’s life in Cuba during the revolution, his journey to the United States, and his mission to continue his family’s legacy. “Listening to that passion further motivated us to carve out a place in the market,” Edwin affirms.

For the partners, Friend’s Cigars is a name gaining recognition in their country, aiming for global recognition and aspiring to leave a legacy like that of major companies in the industry, each with its unique story. “We want to be recognized as two friends who started this business years ago and now appear among the most important ratings,” they detail.

Looking to the near future, Corey and Edwin consider adding new blends and formats to their catalog, exploring opportunities to launch a Box Pressed, Salomón, or Salomoncito cigar, always accompanied by educating the final consumer through discussions on pairing, tips for identifying their palate, or how to cut and light a cigar.

Ultimately, when asked how to turn a good idea into reality, their answer is straightforward: “We’re still at it, but along the way, we were fortunate to connect with great people who made it easy for us to work on achieving the blends we envisioned. Once we had the product and brought it to different lounges and events in the United States, we focused on discussing the cigars, sharing the story behind each blend, and with that information, the marketing practically took care of itself.”

Friend’s Cigars are available for purchase on their website https:// friendscigars.net/ and at select tobacconists: Cu Noma and Hillside in Cedar Hill, Texas; West “Jax” and Pendulum in Fort Worth, Texas; Lakeside Liquor Store, Grand Prairie, Texas; and Legacy Cigar Lounge, West Reading, Pennsylvania.

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! More information at: sotlglobalmovement.com #sotlglobalmovement #welovecigarworld #webreakthestereotypes

Brown Leaf Cigar…

Good Smokes and Community

With over four thousand members across Facebook and Instagram groups, a cigar shop, an annual event called The Brown Leaf Cigar Meet and Greet, and their own brand set to launch soon, Derrell and Chereese Brown extend their passion for premium cigars beyond their home and personal lives to share this pleasure with the world.

Their initial goal was to learn and share knowledge about cigars and arrange in-person smoking sessions. To achieve this, they created The Brown Leaf Cigars Facebook group in September 2018, now boasting over four thousand members, also active on Instagram.

Through this initiative embracing and promoting the culture and love surrounding premium cigars, they pay homage to the memory of Samuel Brown Jr., Derrell’s grandfather who ignited his passion for this industry.

By the summer of 2019, the group’s success was undeniable, and the need for in-person connections became urgent. Thus, they launched The Brown Leaf Cigar Meet and Greet, an event to bring together as many members of their virtual community as possible.

“We spend so much time on our phones that the ability to have a face-to-face conversation is being lost. That’s why we thought about gathering the group at an event where we could meet in person,” recalls Chereese.

On July 6, 2019, the Union Craft Brewing Company in Baltimore hosted thirty cigar enthusiasts who enjoyed cigars and drinks while the Browns ensured they spoke with each attendee.

Since its inception, the event has evolved through trial and error, initially rotating venues among different cigar lounges and debating whether to keep it free or sell tickets.

These experiences have refined The Brown Leaf Cigar Meet and Greet, now hosted in spacious green areas capable of accommodating the annual crowd, with an entrance fee that enriches the experience with tailored attractions chosen based on attendee preferences.

BROWN LEAF CIGAR

Beyond event organization, knowledge dissemination, and passion sharing, the Browns aimed to create a comprehensive footprint in the industry. Inspired by their experiences in various Cigar Lounges, they decided to open their own space.

Here, they explain, the traditional Meet and Greet expands into a weekend-long event from Friday to Sunday, featuring live music and appearances by both established and emerging figures in the community, offering attendees the opportunity to smoke and socialize.

They detail that the upcoming edition, scheduled for August 17 at The Farm in Woodstock, Maryland, will also mark the launch of the Brown Leaf Cigar brand, accompanied by the debut of their commercial website: www. brownleafcigar.com. Here, enthusiasts can purchase event tickets, apparel, accessories, and delve into the family’s history, complemented by a gallery and testimonials from past events.

For the Browns, it’s crucial that enthusiasts have a space that transcends a mere cigar shop, providing an ideal environment for smoking and fostering genuine relationships among individuals and communities.

Derrell and Chereese have enjoyed a twelve-year marriage, where their personal relationship remains paramount yet has never hindered their ability to build this solid and enjoyable business partnership, uniting a community of over four thousand members that continues to grow.

An Indonesian Aficionada

Rinny Tri Mulyawati…

As one of the few known aficionadas in Indonesia, Rinny Tri Mulyawati shares her passion for cigars alongside motorcycle journeys, conversations, and her bakery business, leading her own pastry company, forging social connections, and strengthening cigar culture among women in her country.

She is a single mother with two children, residing in a country she describes as unique, with many languages and cultures, where vast landscapes beckon motorcycle rides.

One of her favorite weekend activities is cruising the roads and stopping to enjoy a cigar: “Indonesia has many beautiful places I haven’t visited yet, so some Sundays I make time to travel near Jakarta,” she shares.

As an entrepreneur, she began producing bread under the D’Rins Patisserie brand, supplying various hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the area. Her venture expanded to Kblenger Burger, a slang word derived from “blenger,” meaning “very full.” Under this brand, she markets burger and hot dog buns: “The burgers are so good that they fill you up and leave a good memory, prompting you to come back next time.”

Being an entrepreneur in Indonesia isn’t easy, as the market demands innovation and consistency, keywords she also finds within the world of premium cigars.

In 2022, when the trend of smoking cigars grew more popular in Indonesia, she connected with a close group of friends who often gathered to enjoy locally crafted cigars. “It’s been a great experience, and now I appreciate cigars much more because I’ve also met several female aficionadas who share the same interest.”

Within this group, Rinny finds inspiration in the fact that in Indonesia, everyone seems to find their own enjoyment in cigars and the perfect blend they create during gatherings with drinks, tobacco, enriching conversations, and even contacts that would otherwise be harder to attain.

She notes that the Cigar World is undergoing a process of destigmatization, with millennials adopting this hobby away from its elitist roots, drawn to its craftsmanship and the trend seen on social media platforms like Instagram.

She explains that this popularity makes the product more accessible and part of a hobby that offers the opportunity to socialize and relax, as “millennials prioritize experiences above all else, and cigars align perfectly with this generation’s values.”

Regarding her perspective on cigars, Rinny highlights that women are making strong strides in this predominantly male-dominated industry, bringing a fresh perspective that contributes to diversity and innovation: “As women succeed in various roles, we are getting closer to gender equality becoming the norm.”

Furthermore, she emphasizes that for women entering male-dominated fields like the cigar business, it’s crucial to believe in themselves and their abilities, disregarding perceived gender-based limitations.

She recommends building collaborative networks that open doors for the future, embracing setbacks as learning opportunities, educating oneself about the industry they aim to enter, and relying on authenticity to overcome any obstacles standing between them and their goals.

Regarding the Global SOTL Movement, she acknowledges the courage of those involved, whether enthusiasts, industry figures, or personalities, urging them to continue celebrating diversity and redefining what it means to be a cigar lover.

Guillermo León: Every product

product is a challenge and celebration of our legacy...

Innovation, La Aurora’s Key to Success

Third generation of the family leading the business, Guillermo León Herbert has held the Presidency of La Aurora since 2011, the first cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, established in 1903 by his grandfather Eduardo León Jimenes. Although his tenure in company leadership, alongside his father Fernando León Asensio, spans nearly three decades, another should be added considering his involvement in these activities.

In context, it suffices to mention that La Aurora is a world-class company, a national leader with a presence in 70 international markets, thanks to the production of a thousand different references and brands.

Demonstrating his simplicity and kindness, Guillermo León welcomed the Humo Latino team to his factory in the Tamboril Free Zone, where they shared moments together. As he currently prefers not to conduct interviews, we agreed in advance to send the following questionnaire, answered promptly and presented with the appropriate editorial adjustments:

The tobacco industry faces multiple restrictions internationally, but it thrives in the Dominican Republic. A testament to this is the Declaration of tobacco and cigars as Cultural Heritage, along with various government policies in their favor.

- What is your opinion of the current situation in the country, given these supports and encouragement?

Guillermo León Herbert.

- We are grateful for the Executive Branch’s initiative to declare tobacco and cigars as Cultural Heritage, and the commitment it entails to their cultivation and preservation. We are experiencing an ideal moment for this industry, as such support not only strengthens domestic production but also opens doors to increase our presence in international markets.

- A company with over 120 years of history has been a protagonist in much of the tobacco history worldwide. During your management over nearly three decades, what significant changes do you consider the industry has experienced?

- Among the most important is the innovation in production processes. We have integrated advanced technology to enhance the efficiency and quality of our products, while preserving the artisanal essence and tradition that characterize our cigars.

Another crucial change has been the diversification of our offerings. Over these years, we have worked diligently to expand our international presence, entering new markets and consolidating our position in those where we already operate, always considering the needs and expectations of consumers in countries with unique and differentiated cultures. These factors have been fundamental to the growth and sustainability of the company.

Unlike other Central American and Caribbean producing countries, the domestic market in the Dominican Republic is significant and continues to grow, supported by new generations and the emergence of smoking venues, festivals, and other events.

- In addition to your perspective on this, what role has La Aurora played and what role does it seek to play in the domestic market?

- For us, the domestic market is as important as the international one. We take pride in being a national brand and are committed to our people, our identity, and local consumers. We aim to remain a benchmark of excellence and tradition, ensuring that new generations value and enjoy our products as much as previous ones have.

In the Dominican Republic, La Aurora has been a pioneer in everything. Previously, as part of the León Jimenes Group, but since 2011 - under its Presidency - it has carved its own path.

- What new fields does the company’s diversification contemplate, now encompassing a rum brand, a coffee brand, and even a watch in collaboration with Jacob & Co?

- Innovation has always been one of our pillars and a key to success since our inception. It’s an opportunity to make unique proposals, with a commitment to quality and excellence that has accompanied us throughout our trajectory.

Guillermo

Each product is a challenge and a way to celebrate our legacy, passion, and dedication in everything we do. With the E. León Jimenes 110th Anniversary rum, we wanted to commemorate that special year emblematically, launching a Dominican product that is the ideal pairing for cigars; a unique and premium rum that represents La Aurora’s excellence.

On the other hand, with Kora coffee, we seek to expand our portfolio, recognizing the market’s need and the Dominican culture’s mass consumption of coffee. Regarding our collaboration with Jacob & Co, it was a natural encounter between two brands that value excellence, quality, and craftsmanship. There was a mutual desire to merge La Aurora’s artisanal mastery in cigar production with Jacob & Co’s watchmaking excellence.

- Until 2023, your distribution in the US was handled by Miami Cigar Company, but you have once again become independent with La Aurora US assuming that task. What has this initiative allowed you in the most important market in our continent?

- The independence with La Aurora USA was completed in April of last year, to work more emphatically with that market. Ed McKenna joins us as CEO, leading a new team, and we are working together to ensure sustained relevance, vitality, and success.

It’s an opportunity to implement more specific Marketing and sales strategies aligned with our values and objectives, allowing us to connect more directly and effectively with consumers.

Guillermo León, with the GHL República Dominicana business associates.

Recently, ProCigar elected Litto Gómez as President, and Hendrik Kelner as President Ad-Vitam, in recognition of their careers.

- What are your comments regarding Hendrik Kelner’s legacy? And what do you expect from the future actions of the Association?

- Hendrik Kelner has been a key figure in the tobacco industry. His legacy is immense, characterized by his tireless dedication to quality, innovation, and the promotion of Dominican cigars. He has left an indelible mark, elevating production standards and consolidating the reputation of our cigars in international markets, so his appointment as ProCigar’s President AdVitam is a well-deserved recognition of his work and exceptional achievements.

With Litto Gómez as the new President, we trust that the Association will continue its valuable work of promoting excellence and unity within the Dominican tobacco industry. We hope that ProCigar will remain a reference in the Dominican Republic and beyond, working closely with all members of the tobacco community to address present and future challenges.

- How would you characterize your management at La Aurora, and how is the company preparing internally for the generational change amid an “uncertain” future regarding increasing anti-tobacco policies?

Packages containing bundles or andullos of tobacco.

- Our legacy has been a relay race of knowledge and experiences passed down through generations, starting with my grandfather Antonio Gavino León, who was a tobacco grower.

We have been and continue to be a family passionate about tobacco, and as a member of this family, my commitment and responsibility are to uphold it. Moreover, to be an inspiration for those who will continue to write this story. We will continue to produce and market products of the highest quality, always true to the values and principles that represent our family; honoring, furthermore, the unwavering commitment to contribute to the development of our society.

The market in decades to consolidate

Litto Gómez:

In the General Assembly of ProCigar members, on April 30th, Litto Gómez was elected

Gómez: Asia will take consolidate

elected President of the organization, replacing Hendrik Kelner.

The handmade cigar market in Asia has and will maintain significant growth “but it won’t be a frenzy,” affirms Litto Gómez, CEO of La Flor Dominicana, adding: “Tobacco people in China are striving to create a market and starting to manufacture, but it will take years and even decades for them to establish a reputation.”

However, in the Asian market, especially in China, things are taken seriously and when they set a goal, they achieve it. “They are going to create a market, and they are going to manufacture cigars, but it will be in a manageable manner for everyone, we can grow together,” he adds during an interview with Humo Latino at his offices in Tamboril.

Despite this growth, the tobacco culture continues to expand worldwide, but he does not believe the situation could represent a crisis in the future, as it did during the boom of the nineties. Litto Gómez recalls that everyone wanted to smoke “because it was fashionable,” consumption soared, and traditional factories couldn’t meet the demand.

Established brands had suppliers who couldn’t sell them more than agreed upon, and companies like La Flor Dominicana were stuck in production, with no opportunities for growth due to material shortages. “It wasn’t because we didn’t want to produce more, but because the tobacco for my blends wasn’t available and I wasn’t going to alter them.”

Instead, he explains, dozens of producers took advantage by hiring labor and opening nearly a hundred factories, most in Tamboril, where they processed low-quality tobacco abundant in that oversaturated market. However, by the end of 1998, the trend ended, tobacco availability improved, and many of those new brands disappeared.

Litto Gómez, new president of ProCigar and CEO of La Flor Dominicana.

For Litto Gómez, these three decades in the industry have been the most fascinating years of his life, growing at his own pace and with steady progress. The company started in a small space that expanded over time, now including distribution offices in Miami, Florida, USA, managed by his wife and ally, Inés Lorenzo. “What we had at the beginning represents five percent of what this factory is today, and we don’t know what it will be like in a few more years.”

“IF THEY PROVE THAT PREMIUM CIGARS ARE HARMFUL, I’LL CLOSE THE FACTORY”

Litto Gómez is proud to be a cigar manufacturer, and as such, he has had to explain countless times the differences between cigarettes and cigars, noting that the former are laced with harmful chemicals to make them addictive, while the latter is a natural product from which chemicals are even removed during the aging process.

“There is no serious study proving or discovering that a premium cigar is harmful to health, and I promise that if someday it is proven that I am harming people, I will close the factory... I say this sincerely, from the heart,” he asserts.

He then gestures toward a wall honoring members of the Cigar Aficionado Hall of Fame. Among those figures are the first five, “old timers,” who lived to be over 91 years old, smoking more than ten cigars a day. “There’s your study,” he affirms.

“I WILL END COUNTERFEITING”

With three decades in the industry and executive experience at ProCigar, Litto Gómez was elected by the General Assembly members as their President. Alongside the new Vice President, Ciro Cascella, who heads Tabacalera Arturo Fuente, he will lead the organization until 2026.

He explains that to belong to ProCigar, the requirements are simple but not easy: you must be a manufacturer and owner of an internationally recognized brand, and that is why since his beginnings in the industry in 1994, he knew that hard work was necessary to sit at the table with those whom he admired as an aficionado.

Litto started with no prior knowledge beyond enjoying a good cigar, and during those early years, he received invaluable advice from those who would later mostly become his friends. “There is a lot of cooperation, and that’s what made me fall in love with the industry, the camaraderie among Dominican manufacturers.”

A decade later, with a consolidated company that survived both golden and dark times, he received an invitation to join ProCigar. A moment he describes as “one of the most beautiful,” as it reflected the success of La Flor Dominicana and the opportunity to “be part of a group of people you admire and where you can contribute ideas... what an honor!”

Now, after his experience as Vice President of the organization, Litto Gómez succeeds Hendrik Kelner as President, who decided to retire after 32 years leading ProCigar, a position that entails great commitment and responsibility, which he faces with enthusiasm and hard work. Regarding expressions of support, “being told all those things flatters and strengthens me,” he emphasizes. “It reassures me to know that I haven’t come to solve problems, because there aren’t any, but to contribute ideas and continue to grow.”

He affirms that both the direction and goals are clear: promoting education in the fields and rolling tables; strengthening the image of the Dominican Republic through tobacco and cigars, as the country’s Cultural Heritage; and waging a frontal battle against counterfeiting and other ills that affect the industry and its prestige.

“I am going to end counterfeiting, that is a goal I have, and it has to happen, and I am going to make sure it happens. It’s the perfect opportunity to protect this heritage,” he concludes with a light tap on the marble block that serves as his desk. “Confiscation operations will start soon. We must end this evil, and I am going to ensure it happens,” he reiterates.

LaFumarosa

The Burn Down

Cigars and Conversations

Down Podcast...

Conversations

La Fumarosa

Founded by Eric Josefson and Justin Heisig, The Burn Down Podcast is a platform that aims to bring people from all walks of life together through the shared experience of enjoying a cigar. From athletes and artists to musicians, comedians, and industry experts, they invite guests to engage in meaningful dialogues that illuminate enriching conversations surrounding cigars.

Beyond tobacco culture, its creators seek to foster human connections and create a space where guests feel empowered to share their stories. Through their podcast, the idea is to inspire, uplift, and add value to the lives of their audience while celebrating the camaraderie that a good cigar encourages.

– How did Burn Down Podcast begin?

– Originally, in 2018, we were working to establish a subscription service. Living in New York, where there are many tobacco restrictions, we decided to start a lowadvertisement cigar magazine to keep its focus on content. Despite our popular Instagram pages and offering many reviews, we soon realized that magazines are a thing of the past and without ads, it’s difficult to make money.

Justin Heisig and Eric Josefson, founders of The Burn Down Podcast.

Then we noticed that some of our family members enjoyed watching and listening to podcasts before they really exploded, and we decided to combine our minds to start one that would bring people together around a cigar, which we often do in Cigar Lounges. Why not bring that atmosphere and those conversations to an online audience? we thought, and in July 2019, The Burn Down Podcast was born.

– What do you enjoy most about hosting a podcast about premium tobacco and interacting with the cigar community listeners?

– One of our greatest joys is the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. It’s truly inspiring to meet people with such varied backgrounds and experiences. Each person brings a perspective shaped by their own story, and we love hearing about their challenges overcome, triumphs celebrated, and unexpected twists in their lives.

These encounters not only broaden our own horizons but also showcase the incredible richness and diversity of the human experience. It’s a constant reminder that the world is much bigger than our own personal bubble, and there’s so much to learn from others’ experiences.

– How do you select guests and topics to keep the content fresh and appealing to your audience?

– Firstly, participants must enjoy cigars. We find our guests in various ways: we reach out to people whom we believe our audience will enjoy, such as professional athletes, entrepreneurs, comedians, actors, cigar makers, etc. Additionally, we expand possibilities through our previous guests, who recommend other interesting people that enrich the program, and finally, there are those who find us through social networks.

– What are the biggest challenges you face as hosts of a cigar podcast and how do you overcome them?

– Among the challenges we face is finding new, engaging, and relevant topics when we don’t have a guest; when we do have one, it’s all about that person’s story. Another challenge is marketing, as our podcast relates to cigars and social media platforms are not very receptive to tobacco-related content, limiting our reach by not allowing paid advertisements. Lastly, time management is a challenge, as we both work eighthour days and live an hour apart, making it difficult to find the necessary time to record and produce the show.

– Do you remember a memorable or funny moment for both of you in one of your podcasts?

– One day we were recording an episode during an electrical storm and lightning struck the studio, cutting the power.

Fortunately, we had a generator to finish the program, but it was very shocking when all the equipment shut down.

On another occasion, before we had video cameras, we used to record with our iPhones, and at the end of the episode, we were cleaning just outside the studio when Eric dropped his phone into the pool. He immediately jumped into the water fully dressed to retrieve it, but it was too late because the recording was lost.

The interview with Ed Reed, a member of the NFL Hall of Fame, was also memorable. He started off by saying, “Man, I’m a big fan, I watch you guys all the time.” A surreal moment since we both grew up watching his games on TV. And finally, when we secured an advertising deal for the show and used the revenue from these ads to fund our first cigar project: The Blueprint.

– What advice would you give to aspiring podcasters interested in starting a program, especially in the cigar niche?

– Just hit record... Your first episode will be bad, but the tenth might be a little better. Eventually, if you’re consistent and diligent, you’ll find your voice and things will fall into place.

– How do you interact with the audience and build a sense of community around your program, both on-air and through social media?

– We’ve built a social media community not just by posting for the past seven years, but more importantly, by interacting with every direct message and comment as if we were talking to them in person. This July marks the fifth year of The Burn Down Podcast and we continue to interact.

On our show, we simply be ourselves, and people can feel the authenticity, which is why we believe people keep watching and listening to our content.

– What qualities or skills are most important or necessary to be a successful host of a cigar podcast?

– Authenticity. People can smell deceit from miles away. So you need to be passionate about what you’re doing, persevere through the obstacles you’ll face, and not get discouraged when you receive minimal interaction in your early episodes. Lastly, provide value to your listeners and viewers. You need to stand out because there are now more than 5 million podcasts.

burndownpodcast.com @burndownpodcast The Burn Down Podcast

The Original Wheated Bourbon

Michel Texier

CLASSIFICATION: Straight Bourbon.

COMPANY: Sazerac Company Inc.

DISTILLERY: Buffalo Trace.

ABV: 45% (90 proof).

AGE: NAS (No Age Statement).

MASHBILL: Unknown (developed from Buffalo Trace’s “wheated” mashbill, consisting of Wheat, Corn, and Malted Barley).

COLOR: Medium-intensity caramel.

W.L. Weller Special Reserve is a bourbon that incorporates wheat as a secondary grain in an undisclosed proportion, originally created by the Stitzel-Weller Distilling Company. The brand is named after William Larue Weller, who is credited by some as the first to use wheat as a secondary grain in straight bourbon, instead of the more commonly used rye.

Anecdotally, William Larue Weller hired Julian Van Winkle, later known as Pappy Van Winkle, who began his career working for Weller. Weller passed away in 1899, and coincidentally, his company, W.L. Weller & Sons, later merged with A. Ph. Stitzel Distillery, owned by his former employee Julian Pappy Van Winkle. During Prohibition, the companies operated together under a medicinal license and eventually became the StitzelWeller Distilling Company in 1935.

NOSE: Sweet notes dominate, with aromas of caramel, vanilla, and honey blending seamlessly. In the background, floral notes and oak provide a distinctive character to W.L. Weller’s core range.

PALATE: The sweetness from the nose carries over to the palate, accompanied by subtle fruity notes and mild spice. The wheat in the mashbill gives it a very approachable character on the palate, complementing the chosen ABV presentation for this bourbon.

FINISH: The wood becomes more pronounced, along with a warm and sweet sensation that is delicate yet complete. The finish is long and very satisfying.

COMMENTS: W.L. Weller brand products are highly sought after by bourbon enthusiasts worldwide, as they share production characteristics with its perhaps more famous and expensive counterpart, Pappy Van Winkle, except for the price. Indeed, while there may not be recognizable differences in their tasting profiles, the basic expressions from both brands can differ significantly in price. A bottle from the least expensive line of Pappy can be up to ten times more expensive than its W.L. Weller counterpart.

*The author would like to thank Daniel

from which the review was made.

Matzkin and Mauricio Walder for the gift of the bottles

A Rum With a Woman Scent

Diego Urdaneta

Barrica rum is made in Venezuela in CILCCA, a distillery that makes products for many other brands. In the case of Barrica, it’s one of the rums owned by the master blender and made under the Central de Licores Unidos de Venezuela C.A. name. Following their tendency to put the months of aging and not the years, Barrica 120 claims to be a 10 year old rum. In reality, the blend is up to 10 years old, but as young as two.

There isn’t much information on what type of alcohol is in the bottle, but since CILCCA only has column distilling, that is already an indication. No clue about the blend, but it’s bottled at 40% ABV.

▶Made by: Central de Licores Unidos de Venezuela C.A.

▶Name of the rum: 120 Don Sulbarán.

▶Brand: Barrica.

▶Origin: Venezuela.

▶Age: 2 to 10 years.

▶Price: $40.

Nose: For a 10-year-old rum, Barrica 120 feels very aromatic. The brand itself says it’s a rum made for women. It has tons of flowery scents, but also some gooseberry, eucalyptus, mint, and synthetic grape. At the end of the scents there is some oak as well.

Palate: Much less frank and complex than I was hoping for. There’s a sweet coconut hint, but also a lot of vanilla, caramel and amaretto.

Retrohale/Finish: Strong caramel and a bit of coconut.

Rating: 6.5 on the t8ke scale

Conclusion: Barrica 120 is one of those rums I could have at home, but would only drink a few sips per year. From my friends who drink rum, the opinions are very polarized. Some like it, some hate it. I don’t feel as extreme about it, but it certainly doesn’t feel like a 10-year-old rum, but more like a 4 to 6 year old, thanks to the intense flavors of caramel. I think there are better options for better prices, but I wouldn’t discard this one.