Cigar Snob Magazine March April 2025

MARCH / APRIL 2025

Location ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH / LA FLOR DOMINICANA / ORLANDO "EL DUQUE" HERNÁNDEZ / CIGAR FESTIVALS / RATINGS

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editorials MARCH / APRIL 2025

25 5 TO TRY ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH Peated whisky's smoky, briny allure drives fans to the Islay region of Scotland. Here's a primer on some of the top expressions along with a suggested cigar accompaniment.

26 LAGAVULIN 16 /

FUENTE THE OPUS X SOCIETY

BY MANNY IRIARTE

27 ARDBEG AN OA /

UNDERCROWN 10

28 LAPHROAIG 10 /

COHIBA RIVIERA

30 PORT CHARLOTTE 10 HEAVILY PEATED / THE WISE MAN MADURO

32 GORDON & MACPHAIL DISCOVERY CAOL ILA 13 YEAR / HVC PAN CALIENTE

35 LA FLOR DOMINICANA Litto Gómez has an authentic, inspiring rags-toriches story that starts with a derailed career as a teenaged soccer star, which leads to an illustrious run as a dishwasher, a night club owner and a jeweler before he landed at the top of the cigar industry.

68 EL DUQUE Orlando Hernández won 90 games with four Major League teams and ended his career with four World Series rings. And that's not even the most exciting thing he's done in his life. We talk cigars with the ex-Yankee.

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features MARCH / APRIL 2025

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

40 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB ON LOCATION

A LOOK BACK AT SOME OF OUR MOST STRIKING ON-LOCATION PHOTO SHOOTS IN RECENT HISTORY.

53 RATINGS

72 X SCOREBOARD

74 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

76 EVENTS 76 PURO SABOR FESTIVAL 82 PROCIGAR FESTIVAL 90 THE GREAT SMOKE 92 AGING ROOM LA BOHEME LAUNCH PARTY 94 THE DAVIDOFF DIFFERENCE AT COCO CIGARS 96 NEPTUNE CIGARS GRAND OPENING 98 CIGAR CIRCUS GRAND OPENING

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MARCH / APRIL 2025

VO L . 1 7 IS SU E 2 www.cigarsnob.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erik Calviño SENIOR EDITOR Steve Miller COPY EDITOR Michael LaRocca SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Oscar M. Calviño

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ivan Ocampo ART DIRECTOR Andy Astencio ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jamilet Calviño DIGITAL RETOUCHING SPECIALIST Ramón Santana DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGEMENT Gianni D’Alerta Diana Rita Cabrera CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ivan Ocampo CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Natalia Aguilera Christian Schneeweihs Ramón Adato EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Mencia Films Carlos Hernández Ludwing Siezar Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Allie Leggett Cigar Snob is published bi-monthly

by Lockstock Publications, Inc. 1421-1 SW 107th Ave., #253 Miami, FL 33174-2509 Tel: 1 (786) 423-1015 Cigar Snob is a registered trademark of Lockstock Publications, Inc., all rights reserved. Reproduction in part or full without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. Cigar Snob is printed in the U.S. Contents copyright 2006, Lockstock Publications, Inc. To subscribe, visit www.cigarsnob.com

(SUBSCRIBE TODAY) - Only $18 for one year (six issues) of -

- Magazine delivered to you Visit: www.cigarsnob.com or write: subscribe@cigarsnobmag.com 12 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

As we approach our 20th year publishing this magazine, we’ve spent a lot of time looking back at our favorite content from past years. We’ve spotted trends and tendencies in every section of the magazine, and we’ve set out to highlight some of the more interesting and eye-catching examples. In this first look back, we’ve put together a compilation of on-location photo shoots from the last five years. As we looked deeper, it became clear that many of the best photo shoots in our history have taken place in the American West. Maybe it’s because the landscapes are so striking and different from our home base in South Florida. Or it could be the talent out west, which is undeniable.

We’ve always tried to meet our readers where they are; it’s been an underlying tenet of Cigar Snob. Meeting them where they are in terms of what cigars they can legally purchase and afford meant we decided not to rate Cuban cigars from the outset. It also meant not including limited edition blends in our Top 25 list since most smokers would not be able to enjoy the highly ranked smoke. And as overseas travel became more and more costly, we decided that we would focus primarily on locations in the United States for our photo shoots. That didn’t mean we wouldn’t travel overseas for a shoot if the sponsor wanted it, but all things being equal, we would choose a domestic location over any other.

There’s a fine line between aspirational content and rubbing wealth and privilege in people’s face, and we work diligently to straddle that line as much as possible. Do we get it right every time? Of course not, especially with the enviable access to cigars, cigar makers, and their lives that we are blessed to enjoy. We hope that more often than not we are adding value, insight, and pleasure to your cigar smoking journey.

We aim to keep bringing you the type of content, be it in print, web, podcast, or social media, that piques your interest and expands your cigar smoking horizons for the next 20+ years.

The shot that we chose for this cover was from the September/October 2020 photo shoot. It was the first time any of us had traveled in the post-COVID era. It also challenged us physically like no other shoot, with our crew hiking for hours, carrying equipment up and down trails to the perfect spot.

Most men will tell you they are in awe of their wives after childbirth.

What they are saying at that moment is that they are certain that not a single child would be born if it depended on him. After that Utah shoot, I was similarly humbled by our fashion team and especially their leader, Ivan Ocampo. He is an unconventional leader to be sure, but one who by his singular mix of charm, resourcefulness, and sheer will executes the vision he has for the art. So, as we highlight these on-location shoots starting on pg. 40, I tip my hat to Mr. Ocampo. If this wasn’t a cigar magazine and therefore taboo in many circles, he would have won multiple awards for his work on our pages. When the person I’m talking about is someone whose lifelong friendship makes him more like a brother than a friend, it gives me tremendous pride.

Also in this issue, our senior editor Steve Miller spoke with the

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incomparable Litto Gómez of La Flor Dominicana for a piece on pg.

35. The Litto Gómez story is one of real-life grit, ingenuity, and a style all his own but above all, it’s a story about family. LFD is what a family business aspires to be. While Litto and his oldest son Tony run the factory and farm in the Dominican Republic, his wife Inés and their youngest son Litto Jr. run the sales and distribution operation in Coral Gables. Will their daughter join the family business after college? If I was a betting man, I’d put money on it.

Lastly, earlier this year we were blessed to attend the Nicaraguan and Dominican cigar festivals, and my sister Jamilet wrote her first-person account of the experience. Seeing her in action in these activities is always a joy for me. I’m thankful for her enthusiasm to attend every year and to the organizers of these events for having us there.

There’s more in the issue, like a Q&A with ex-Yankee Orlando “El Duque” Hernández, a rundown of some of our favorite Islay single malts, and of course, our ratings. We hope you enjoy this issue and all the content we produce with your favorite cigar.

Keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

OPINIONS APLENTY Dear Snob, Love your magazine! I've been enjoying it for years and I've finally gotten around to writing this letter.

First of all, the ladies. Absolutely beautiful, but they never look like they're having fun. They always look like they're working. How about some photos of them actually enjoying themselves? Maybe out with friends enjoying the nightlife, frolicking at the beach, etc.

Parings. There are a couple of drinks I enjoy with my cigars that aren't spirits. One is Doc's Draft made in Warwick N.Y. This is a hard cider made with champagne yeast. The other is Samuel Smith's Organic Chocolate Stout.

Cigar ratings. I imagine there are a lot of cigars that don't make the list.

Maybe some are cigars that are enjoyed by your readers that don't cut it.

Is there a chance of seeing those cigar ratings? Or maybe a service where we could send you cigars (naked and numbered) that you could rate and then we the readers could then comment on which cigars we sent.

Lastly, cigars under $10. Sancho Panza and St. Luis Rey Reserva Especial. I think these two cigars consistently fly under the radar. What do you think of them?

Thanks!

Mike H. Via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com Been saving them for all these years, eh? This might be one of the most multi-faceted feedback letters we’ve ever received - and we appreciate it!

All right, let's handle this one by one: Model fun - Why would you think they’re not having fun? Frolicking at the beach? They frolic all the time in our shoots. Think of it this way, what woman doesn’t enjoy being pampered by professional hair and make-up artists, dressed in the latest styles, while being the center of attention all day

in beautiful locations? And they get to smoke excellent cigars with none other than us. How bad does that sound? Next!

Pairings - We love stouts. We’ve done plenty of pairings throughout the years with different stouts and we love Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout.

So why haven’t we done that pairing? I don’t know but we’ll get our crack staff of beer and cigar tasters on it ASAP. As for the hard cider, that’s gross, do you kiss your mother with that mouth? Just kidding, we’re on it!

Ratings - You are 100% correct. Plenty of the cigars we rate do not make it to the page on account of their low scores. The limited real estate on the page requires us to focus on the highscoring blends. That doesn’t mean that the low-scoring cigars are necessarily bad; only that the others outperformed them. However, the reality is that even if we could publish all the low scores, it wouldn’t be terribly beneficial. If you enjoy a cigar and it scored poorly with our panel, would that change how you feel about it? If you enjoy it, keep smoking it.

Having said that, we are always looking to improve the way we do things, and we are currently considering an expansion of the ratings section in a way that could meet you halfway in your request.

Watch these pages.

Cigars under $10 - No matter how snobby your cigar-buying habits are, you need some affordable stogie options.

Both the Sancho Panza and the St. Luis Rey have been rated in previous issues but it has been quite some time since those specific lines have made it to our pages; see answer three.

Something you should keep an eye out for is our “Inflation Buster” feature where we highlight some of our highestrated cigars at certain price points. In the latest installment, which ran in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue, the highest rated cigars in the $7 to $10 range were the Aladino Classic, La Aroma De Cuba Mi Amor, and Plasencia Reserva Original.

At that price point, those are can’t-miss smokes.

Thank you again for the thoughtful feedback!

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MY FATHER CIGARS INTRODUCES MY FATHER BLUE, A HONDURAN DEBUT My Father announces Blue, featuring a Connecticut Broadleaf Rosado wrapper and Honduran binder and filler.

The packaging design pays homage to the blue hues of the Honduran flag, while the Roman numerals on the secondary band mark 2025. It is offered in four box-pressed sizes: 4 ½ x 50 Petit Robusto, 5 ¼ x 52 Robusto, 6 x 54 Toro, and 6 x 60 Toro Gordo.

WILD BILL’S TOBACCO HOSTS GREAT LAKES CIGAR FEST Wild Bill’s Tobacco will host the Great Lakes Cigar Fest, the first in what is hoped to be an annual event. The date is July 26 at M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Mich. The event will feature spirits and pairing, live music, a VIP meet-and-greet and food and drink.

“The Great Lakes Cigar Fest is more than just an event—it’s a new tradition for those who appreciate the craftsmanship and culture of premium cigars,” Jon Welzel, chief marketing officer for Wild Bill’s Tobacco, said in a press release. “We’re bringing together an incredible lineup of brands, entertainment, and experiences to make this year’s festival unforgettable.”

Tickets for the Great Lakes Cigar Fest are available now, with VIP, general admission, and social options available.

"Since its first release, Serie M has exemplified the highest level of cigar craftsmanship, and Reserva Azul is no exception," Cohiba Brand Ambassador Sean Williams said in a press release. "The exquisite tobacco, the exceptional construction, and the attention to detail that goes into every cigar reflects the passion and skill of the artisans at El Titan de Bronze."

The Reserva features Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan Jalapa Viso and Ligero, Nicaraguan Estelí, and Dominican Piloto Cubano filler.

The first three iterations of this line were known as Serie M, while 2024’s Serie M Reserva Roja introduced an updated blend and new packaging.

ROCKY PATEL YEAR OF THE SNAKE TORO, EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE IN GERMANY Rocky Patel continues its Zodiac Series with the Year of the Snake Toro, a special highlight for the German market. It will be available later in the U.S. The Year of the Snake Toro features a Nicaraguan H-2000 wrapper with filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras.

It is produced at the Tavicusa factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

ALTADIS ADDS AGING ROOM QUATTRO NICARAGUA CONCERTO TO QUATTRO FAMILY

COHIBA ADDS RESERVA AZUL TO THE SERIE M COLLECTION

Altadis U.S.A. introduces Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto, the third release in the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua family. The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto is available in six sizes and boxes of 20, except in the case of the Impromptu, which is available in boxes of 10, and the Maestro, which is available in boxes of 10 and 20. Retail ranges from $14.84 to $17.08.

Cohiba is expanding its Serie M collection with the introduction of Reserva Azul, produced at El Titan de Bronze in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami. This latest addition to the Serie M lineup, a 6 x 52 Toro ($29.99), features a Dominican Corojo wrapper, setting it apart from previous Serie M releases.

"The Concerto, inspired by classical music compositions, represents a harmonious collaboration between a solo instrument and orchestral accompaniment," Rafael Nodal, creator and co-owner of Aging Room Cigars, said in a press release. "In this blend, the 'solo instrument' is the exclusive hybrid wrapper from one of

M1 Concourse is located at 1 Concourse Dr in Pontiac.

To secure your tickets, visit GreatLakesCigarFest.com.

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AJ Fernandez’s most exclusive farms, Finca La Lilia, and the selected extra-aged tobaccos represent the accompaniment to create a Concerto of flavors.”

ROMEO Y JULIETA CELEBRATES 150 YEARS Romeo y Julieta is celebrating 150 years as a brand in 2025, and will mark the milestone throughout the year.

In April , the full Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary cigar lineup will make its national debut at the Premium Cigar Association trade show in New Orleans. The collection will be showcased with the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Humidor. It follows a party at the Procigar Festival in February.

“Celebrating 150 years is a moment of immense pride for all of us,” Davide Moro, CEO of Altadis U.S.A., said in a press release. “This milestone honors the generations of individuals who have contributed to this journey—from farmers and rollers to retailers and our loyal consumers. It also marks the beginning of an exciting year-long celebration for this iconic brand.”

The 150th line features the 5 x 50 Prologue ($25), the 6 x 54 Balconet ($27) and the 7 x 50 Crescendo ($28).

HOLLYWOOD ICON MARTIN KOVE PARTNERS WITH PAUL DISILVIO OF LA CASA GRANDE CIGARS FOR THE PRODIGAL SON Actor Martin Kove, best known for portraying John Kreese in "The Karate Kid," has partnered with La Casa Grande Cigars for The Prodigal Son. The blend of the 6 x 52 is not disclosed. It is scheduled to be released in the fall and will launch through La Casa Grande Cigars, Sanj’s Smoke Shop, and Smoke Inn.

MACANUDO RETURNS TO EUROPE WITH EMISSARY FRANCE Macanudo is expanding its Emissary lineup with the four-size Emissary France featuring an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, U.S. Broadleaf binder and a filler blend composed of Dominican Piloto, U.S. Broadleaf, Brazilian Arapiraca and French, a rare tobacco grown near Bordeaux,

France.

The Emissary series was created to showcase rare and distinctive European tobaccos.

“After the success of Emissary España, we knew we had high expectations to meet," Matt Wilson, senior brand manager for Macanudo, said in a press release. "Going to France, with its incredible flavors and deep-rooted tradition of sophistication, felt like a natural next step. We were inspired by the richness and refinement that define French craftsmanship and set out to create a cigar that embodies those same qualities. Emissary France is the perfect expression of that vision, delivering an experience that is both refined and unforgettable.”

Macanudo Emissary France comes in 16-count boxes and is now shipping.

J.C. NEWMAN LAUNCHES NEW TAMPA SMOKERS CIGARS J.C. Newman announces Tampa Smokers, which comes in a 6 x 52 and a 7-inch baseball bat. It features an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper,

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Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America.

The cigar is a tribute to baseball and is shipping to 200 premium cigar retailers in the 30 Major League Baseball cities, including Newman's hometown of Tampa.

Tampa’s first baseball team was named the Tampa Smokers and several eventual major leaguers played on the team, including Al Lopez, a Hall of Famer and the son of cigar workers.

“Baseball and cigars are two of America’s historic pastimes,” fourth-generation owner Drew Newman said in a press release. “It is only fitting to celebrate the new baseball season with a special cigar that honors Tampa’s first professional baseball team, the Tampa Smokers.”

MONTECRISTO WHITE SERIES DIADEMA SHIPPING Altadis U.S.A. is releasing the Montecristo White Series Diadema ($22.50), a 6 x 52 cigar that features an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Dominican

and Nicaraguan filler.

The cigar comes in 10 and 20-count boxes.

“We are very pleased to introduce the Montecristo White Series Diadema as a new size offering,” Marina Tuntes, brand manager, said in a press release. “This release allows us to further showcase the range of Montecristo, a brand that continues to set the standard for consistency, quality and craftsmanship in the premium cigar world.”

MAYA SELVA CIGARS PRESENTS THE VZ DANLÍ Maya Selva Cigars is expanding its Villa Zamorano line with the VZ Danlí. It is a Honduran puro and is now available on the German market through M. K. & Söhne.

The VZ Danlí comes in a 6 x 56 Toro and a 5 x 50 Robusto and features a Carmelita wrapper, grown exclusively for this line, with binder from the Trojes region and filler from the Jamastran Valley and Azacualpa. All tobaccos undergo a triple fermentation process.

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ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH IF SCOTLAND’S WHISKY REGIONS WERE A FAMILY, ISLAY WOULD BE THE BOLD, REBELLIOUS, AND STUBBORN UNCLE. THIS ISLAND OFF SCOTLAND’S WESTERN COAST PRODUCES SOME OF THE MOST RECOGNIZABLE AND SOUGHT-AFTER SINGLE MALTS IN THE WORLD, CHARACTERIZED BY THEIR MEDICINAL, PEATY, AND MARITIME PROFILES. ISLAY’S NINE ACTIVE DISTILLERIES HARNESS CENTURIES-OLD TRADITIONS, LOCAL PEAT BOGS, AND THE SALTY SEA AIR TO CREATE WHISKIES THAT CHALLENGE AND DELIGHT THE PALATE. HERE ARE FIVE EXCEPTIONAL ISLAY EXPRESSIONS AND THE CIGARS THAT STAND UP TO THEIR POWERFUL PERSONALITIES.

by Erik Calviño

LAGAVULIN 16 homes and cook food. Unlike wood, which was often limited on windswept islands like Islay, peat was abundant and renewable, albeit slowly (peat forms at approximately 1mm per year). In addition, the smoke it produced was used to preserve food; the smoke would permeate meat and fish, extending their shelf life considerably.

When dairy farmers have excess milk, they preserve it as cheese. Barley farmers preserve their grain in the wondrous form of whisky. To make whisky, barley grains are soaked in water to fool it into thinking it’s time to germinate – a process that cranks up the grain’s sugar content in preparation to sprout a new plant. Those sugars will become alcohol during the fermentation process but before that, the germination must be halted at the precise moment that the sugar content is highest.

Whisky distilleries use heat to halt the germination, though the methods and heat sources differ greatly by region.

Naturally, Islay distillers traditionally used peat to dry their barley, and the same phenolic compounds that preserved meat and fish in their homes infused the drying barley with the distinctive character that comes through in the distilled spirit. Other distillers, those less stubborn than these islanders, changed with the times and evolved to other, more practical heat sources to dry their barley as these fuels became available.

We’re thankful the people of Islay did not.

least not at the outset, and likely a significant reason for its success.

The most visible impact came after the season six episode “Two Parties” in 2014, when Ron visits the Lagavulin distillery. In an emotional scene that resonated with viewers, he sits silently by the shore sipping whisky with tears of joy flowing down his cheeks. Retailers reported noticeable spikes in demand following the episode’s airing, particularly for the flagship Lagavulin 16-year expression.

TASTING NOTES Ideally, you should pour the Lagavulin 16 into a Glencairn or other nosing glass and let it rest for a couple of minutes. The nose offers complex and intense aromas of salty sea air, rounded smokiness, dried fruit, and a sweetness akin to grilled pineapples. The palate is full and viscose despite having a 43% alcohol content. The flavors are elegant, mouthwatering, and impeccably balanced with notes of oak, smokiness, iodine, vanilla, and a wonderful salty sweetness on the finish.

Fuente The Opus X Society

by Manny Iriarte

THE RON SWANSON EFFECT

AGED 16 YEARS ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 43% ABV

THE ISLE OF ISLAY (PRONOUNCED “EYE-LUH”) You can’t begin a journey down the smoky and delicious rabbit hole of Islay whisky without first laying down a foundation of peat. Peat, the dense layers of decomposed vegetation accumulating over thousands of years, is the secret to the distinctive flavor that have made Islay’s single malts among the most desirable in the spirit world.

When harvested and dried, peat was at one time used primarily as a domestic fuel source. The islanders used peat from nearby bogs to heat their

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Products and brands appear in pop culture regularly. It’s called product placement and depending on the circumstance, companies pay handsomely for premium positions. But rarely has a product’s integration into a television show been so effective and its impact so long lasting as Lagavulin’s placement into NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.”

Ron Swanson, portrayed by Nick Offerman, was a supporting character on the show who quickly became one of its most popular and iconic characters. His libertarian political views, stoic demeanor, love of woodworking, meat, whisky, and general disdain for government (despite working for it) created a perfect comedic foil to the main character’s enthusiastic belief in government’s potential to improve people’s lives.

The inclusion of Lagavulin as Ron Swanson’s favorite whisky was an organic creative decision made by the show’s writers and Nick Offerman himself, who was a genuine fan of the Islay single malt. It was one of those rare cases where the product placement wasn’t financially driven, at

PAIRING NOTES FUENTE THE OPUS X SOCIETY BY MANNY IRIARTE IS AN IMPECCABLY CRAFTED SMOKE THAT FEELS LIKE A HEAVILY MODIFIED OPUS X BLEND, IN A GOOD WAY. FANS OF FUENTE FUENTE OPUS X WILL RECOGNIZE CLASSIC OPUS X NOTES ACCOMPANIED BY NEW FLAVORS THAT PAIR PERFECTLY WITH THE LAGAVULIN 16. THE WHISKY SHOULD BE POURED EITHER NEAT OR WITH A DROP OF SPRING WATER. THEN DRAW IN THE SMOKE FROM THE CIGAR AND FOLLOW IT WITH A SIP OF THE WHISKY. THE CIGAR TONES DOWN THE SMOKINESS OF THE LAGAVULIN 16 AND REPLACES IT WITH A RICH, VISCOSE CARAMEL. FOR LOVERS OF THE INTENSE FLAVORS OF THE WHISKY, FEAR NOT, BY THE TIME YOU TAKE THE SECOND SIP, THE PEAT SMOKE IS RIGHT BACK UP TO LEVEL.

ARDBEG AN OA during turbulent times, invaders.

THE RESURRECTION OF ARDBEG Ardbeg’s history is marked by near-death experiences and triumphant revivals. Officially established in 1815, though illicit distilling had been taking place on the site for decades prior, Ardbeg stood as one of Islay’s most revered distilleries throughout the 19th century. However, the 20th century brought challenges that nearly spelled the end for this peat-smoke powerhouse.

After changing hands multiple times and suffering through a global whisky downturn, Ardbeg was mothballed in 1981, reopened in 1989, then closed again in 1996. The distillery’s equipment sat silent. What was once a cornerstone of the Islay whisky scene seemed destined to become another footnote in the island’s distilling history.

In 1997, The Glenmorangie Company (now part of LVMH) saw the potential in the dormant operation and acquired it, investing heavily in renovations and revitalization. Under the guidance of Dr. Bill Lumsden, director of distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, and distillery manager Mickey Heads (who has since retired in 2020, passing the torch to Colin Gordon), Ardbeg experienced a renaissance that has elevated it from near-extinction to cult status among peat-heads.

THE MAGIC OF GATHERING

ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 46.6% ABV

THE GATHERING PLACE This expression of Ardbeg, named after the Mull of Oa, a rocky peninsula on Islay’s southwestern coast, An Oa (pronounced “an oh”) pays homage to one of the island’s most wild and exposed landscapes. The Mull of Oa serves as a protective barrier against the fierce Atlantic storms that batter Islay’s coastline, creating a microclimate that affects everything from the local vegetation to the air in the distillery’s warehouses. The Mull of Oa historically served as a gathering place for Islay’s communities, offering protection from both the elements and,

What sets An Oa apart from other expressions in Ardbeg’s core range is its unique maturation process. While traditional Ardbeg offerings like the 10-Year-Old and Uigeadail (pronounced “Ooga-dal”) are primarily aged in specific cask types, An Oa represents a more complex approach to whisky aging.

At the heart of An Oa’s creation is the Gathering Vat, a large French oak vessel housed in Ardbeg’s Gathering Room. This custom-built marrying vat serves as a meeting point for whiskies matured in several different cask types: bourbon barrels, Pedro Ximénez sherry casks, and virgin oak. The spirit rests in this vat, allowing the varied influences to harmonize before bottling.

The Gathering Vat concept draws inspiration from traditional whisky-making techniques that had fallen out of favor in an age of efficiency.

By reviving this method, Ardbeg has created a whisky that balances the distillery’s signature peat smoke with a rounded smoothness that makes it more approachable than some of its more intense siblings.

THE CHARACTER OF PEAT While most Islay whiskies share a reputation for peatiness, each distillery employs this ancient fuel source in its own way. Ardbeg’s approach to peat is defined by its intensity—the barley used in production is peated to approximately 50-55 phenol parts per million (ppm), making it among the most heavily peated malts on the island.

Peat from Islay is different from mainland peat.

Formed from compacted layers of sphagnum moss, heather, and maritime vegetation over thousands of years, Islay peat carries the essence of the sea. When this peat is burned to dry malted barley, it imparts not just smokiness but also briny, medicinal, and earthy qualities that have become the signature of Islay malts.

TASTING NOTES Ardbeg An Oa should be enjoyed neat, but at 46.6% ABV, a drop or two of water won’t diminish it. In this whisky, Ardbeg have deliberately tempered the peat character by employing a variation of casks during maturation. The marriage of intense smoke with sweeter notes from sherry casks and spice from virgin oak makes An Oa a gateway for those new to Ardbeg’s intense profile, while still offering the complexity that has made Ardbeg famous.

Undercrown 10

PAIRING NOTES ENJOYED AFTER A PUFF OF THE UNDERCROWN 10 FROM DREW ESTATE, THE ARDBEG AN OA TEMPORARILY TURNS INTO A SMOKY DESSERT SPIRIT. THE CANDIED SWEETNESS AND BUTTERSCOTCH TAKE CENTER STAGE FOR A MOMENT BEFORE SETTLING BACK DOWN AND RETURNING TO BALANCE. THE UNDERCROWN 10 BENEFITS FROM THE MOUTHWATERING EFFECTS OF THE WHISKY AND THE FLAVORS TURN TO A CRANKED UP DARK CHOCOLATE. IT TASTES LIKE THE CIGAR VERSION OF A RASPBERRY DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE. A WONDERFUL PAIRING.

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LAPHROAIG 10 tains around 1,000 acres of peatlands, ensuring complete control over this crucial element of their whisky’s character. Peat cutting is still done the traditional way, harvested from specific depths to maintain the exact profile of smokiness that has defined Laphroaig for over two centuries.

THE FLOOR MALTING TRADITION In an age where industrialization has streamlined whisky production across Scotland, Laphroaig stands as one of the few remaining distilleries that still maintains its own floor malting operation. While this traditional process only supplies about 20% of the distillery’s malted barley needs (the rest coming from commercial maltsters to Laphroaig’s specifications), it represents a vital link to the distillery’s past and contributes to its distinctive character.

In the malting floors, barley is spread out and turned by hand to control the germination process. When the barley reaches the desired modification, it is transferred to the kiln where it is dried over a peat fire. What sets Laphroaig’s malting process apart is not just the use of their own peat, but also the inclusion of dried seaweed in the peat fire. This addition is said to contribute to the distinctive iodine and medicinal notes that are Laphroaig’s signature.

THE CONTROVERSIAL DRAM

ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 43% ABV

LAND AND LEGACY Laphroaig—pronounced “La-froyg”—sits on the southern coast of Islay, directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, the distillery’s location was not chosen by accident. The proximity to Islay’s abundant peat bogs provides the essential fuel for drying the malted barley, while the distillery’s own water source, the Kilbride Stream, flows over beds of peat before being collected for whisky production.

What distinguishes Laphroaig from its Islay neighbors is its ownership of land. The distillery main-

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Few whiskies provoke such polarized reactions as Laphroaig 10. The company embraces this divisive character with its “Opinions Welcome” marketing campaign, which celebrates the extraordinary descriptions people have offered upon first tasting their whisky. From “like kissing a mermaid who had just eaten barbecue” to “taking a sip of the Atlantic Ocean during a storm,” these colorful characterizations acknowledge what the distillery proudly calls “the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies.”

The love-it-or-hate-it nature of Laphroaig has created one of the most passionate followings in the whisky world. The Friends of Laphroaig program, established in 1994, grants each member a square foot of land on Islay near the distillery.

Members are entitled to collect “rent” in the form of a dram of Laphroaig when they visit, cementing a personal connection to both the whisky and the land from which it springs.

MEDICINE IN A BOTTLE Perhaps the most fascinating chapter in Laphroaig’s history came during America’s Prohibition era (1920-1933). While most distilleries

were forced to close or significantly reduce production, Laphroaig was granted a special dispensation to continue exporting to the United States.

The whisky’s intensely medicinal character was deemed so pronounced that it was classified as a medicinal spirit, available only by prescription for those suffering from various ailments.

This medicinal quality stems from Laphroaig’s high phenol content, with the 10-Year-Old expression typically measuring around 40-45 phenol parts per million (ppm). These phenolic compounds, which include chemicals like creosote and cresols, are responsible for the antiseptic, bandagelike aromas that many detect in Laphroaig. What was once a practical preservation method—heavily smoking barley to extend its usable life in Islay’s damp climate—has become the defining characteristic that sets this iconic whisky apart from all others.

TASTING NOTES A smoky assault on the nose. At the risk of sounding repetitive, you will either love this or it may make you swear off whisky altogether. But if you’re into it, hang in there and keep nosing the whisky. As your senses acclimate to the peat smoke, iodine, and seaweed aroma, you’ll start to uncover a delightful floral fruitiness with a touch of vanilla. The palate reinforces most of what was present on the nose but with a light-bodied freshness that makes this dram very easy to drink.

Cohiba Riviera

PAIRING NOTES THE COHIBA RIVIERA IN THE PERFECTO FORMAT IS A WELL-MADE, BOX-PRESSED FIGURADO WITH A BALANCED, MEDIUMBODIED PROFILE OF CEDAR, COCOA, AND TONS OF SWEET SPICE. AFTER A SIP OF LAPHROAIG, EVERYTHING IN THE PROFILE GETS CRANKED UP BUT THE SWEET SPICE GOES OFF THE CHARTS. IT MAKES FOR AN INTERESTING PAIRING BECAUSE THE CHANGE IS SO INTENSE AND NOTICEABLE.

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PORT CHARLOTTE 10 HEAVILY PEATED at Bruichladdich, Port Charlotte maintains a distinct identity through its heavily peated character, offering a stark contrast to Bruichladdich’s unpeated flagship whiskies.

THE PEAT PERSPECTIVE Port Charlotte 10 is peated to approximately 40 phenol parts per million (ppm), placing it firmly in the “heavily peated” category but still somewhat below the extreme levels found in its sibling brand Octomore (which can exceed 100 ppm).

What distinguishes Port Charlotte’s peatiness from other Islay malts is not just its intensity but its character.

The peat used for Port Charlotte is predominantly from the mainland rather than Islay, offering a slightly different profile than traditional Islay peat. While Islay peat often imparts maritime, medicinal qualities due to its coastal formation, mainland peat tends to contribute more earthy, smoky notes. This mainland peat is used to smoke the barley at the Port Ellen Maltings, creating a distinctive spirit that carries intense smokiness without overpowering the subtle complexities that develop during maturation.

SLOW DISTILLATION, PATIENT MATURATION

ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 50% ABV

PORT CHARLOTTE DISTILLERY? Port Charlotte isn’t a distillery but rather a brand born from the creative minds at Bruichladdich Distillery. Named after the neighboring village just two miles south of Bruichladdich on Islay’s western shore, Port Charlotte whisky pays homage to the long-closed Lochindaal Distillery, which operated there from the 1800s until its closure in 1929. When Bruichladdich was resurrected in 2001 by a group of private investors led by Mark Reynier, Jim McEwan, and Simon Coughlin, they made it their mission not only to revive Bruichladdich but also to honor Islay’s distilling heritage.

The Port Charlotte range represents what Lochindaal might be producing today had it survived the downturn that claimed so many distilleries in the early 20th century. Though produced

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Port Charlotte’s character is shaped as much by how it’s distilled as by its peated malt. Bruichladdich maintains some of the slowest distillation rates in Scotland, allowing extended copper contact that produces a remarkably clean spirit despite the high phenol levels. The tall, narrownecked stills further encourage reflux, creating a more refined distillate that retains the essential peat character while eliminating harsher elements.

For the Port Charlotte 10, this carefully crafted spirit is predominantly matured in first-fill American whiskey casks, with approximately 25% of the whisky aged in second-fill French wine casks. This combination allows the intense peat smoke to integrate with vanilla and caramel notes from bourbon barrels, while the wine casks add subtle fruit complexity and structural elements to the final dram.

TERROIR AND AUTHENTICITY Perhaps the most revolutionary aspect of Port Charlotte’s approach is its emphasis on terroir— the idea that whisky, like wine, should express the place it comes from. While the concept of terroir has been accepted in wine for centu-

ries, it remained controversial in whisky until Bruichladdich began championing the cause.

For Port Charlotte, this means using Scottish barley when possible (with increasing amounts grown on Islay itself), Islay spring water, and traditional production methods. Every bottle of Port Charlotte 10 is also bottled at the distillery rather than being shipped to the mainland for packaging—a practice uncommon among larger distilleries. The whisky is never chill-filtered or colored with caramel, allowing the natural oils and proteins to remain in the spirit, contributing to its rich mouthfeel and authentic character.

This commitment to place extends to the workforce as well. Bruichladdich employs over 80 people on an island with a population of 3,000, making it the largest private employer on Islay.

As expressed in the distillery’s motto, “We believe that Islay whisky should have an Islay accent.”

TASTING NOTES The Port Charlotte 10 has a honey-gold color in the glass with notes of smoky vanilla, lemon zest, ginger, and oak. The palate is oily and full of flavor with a good amount of oak, stone fruit, ginger, subtle caramel, and grilled meats with tons of smooth smokiness on the finish. A drop or two of spring water makes the flavors slightly more accessible.

The Wise Man Maduro

PAIRING NOTES THE WHISKY IS ULTRA-FLAVORFUL ON ITS OWN BUT COMBINED WITH THE WISEMAN MADURO, IT TAKES ON ELEVATED VISCOSITY AND THE CARAMEL GOES FROM A SUBTLE FLAVOR NOTE TO THE DOMINANT ONE. WHILE THE CIGAR INCREASES THE CREAMINESS AND SWEETNESS OF THE PORT CHARLOTTE 10, THE CIGAR TURNS INTO AN ALL-OUT SPICE BOMB FOR A COUPLE OF PUFFS BEFORE RETURNING TO ITS WELL-BALANCED COMBINATION OF MOCHA, SMOOTH PEPPER AND EARTH COMPLEMENTED BY RICH CREAMINESS.

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GORDON & MACPHAIL DISCOVERY CAOL ILA 13 YEAR For over 125 years, Gordon & MacPhail has remained a family-owned enterprise, with the fourth generation of the Urquhart family currently at the helm. This continuity has allowed the company to pioneer practices that have become industry standards. When most whisky was sold as blends in the early 20th century, Gordon & MacPhail was among the first to champion single malts, bottling expressions from distilleries that had never officially released their own malts to the public.

The Discovery series, which includes this Caol Ila 13 Year expression, represents Gordon & MacPhail’s effort to guide whisky enthusiasts through the diverse flavor profiles of Scotland’s distilleries, categorizing them as either “Smoky,” “Sherry,” or “Bourbon” to highlight their predominant characteristics.

THE HIDDEN DISTILLERY Caol Ila (pronounced “cull-eela”), Gaelic for “Sound of Islay,” takes its name from the strait between Islay and Jura where the distillery has stood since 1846. Despite being Islay’s largest distillery by production volume, Caol Ila has historically maintained a low profile compared to its more famous island neighbors, with much of its production designated for blends, particularly Johnnie Walker.

Tucked away in a remote cove accessible only by a single-track road, the distillery’s dramatic setting offers panoramic views across the sound to the Paps of Jura. While the original buildings were completely demolished and rebuilt in the early 1970s, the location’s isolation has remained unchanged, contributing to the mystique that surrounds this workhorse.

ISLAY SINGLE MALT SCOTCH WHISKY 43% ABV

THE INDEPENDENT ICON Gordon & MacPhail stands among the most respected independent bottlers in the whisky world, with a heritage dating to 1895 when James Gordon and John Alexander MacPhail established a grocery business in the heart of Speyside. What began as a purveyor of fine foods, teas, wines, and spirits evolved into a whisky institution when John Urquhart joined the firm in 1895 as an apprentice. Urquhart’s vision for maturing and bottling single malts would transform both the company and Scotch whisky itself.

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The relative obscurity of Caol Ila presents a unique opportunity for independent bottlers like Gordon & MacPhail. While the distillery’s official releases were limited until Diageo’s “Classic Malts” initiative in the 2000s, independent bottlings like this 13 Year expression have long provided whisky enthusiasts with access to this distinctive Islay malt, often at different ages and maturations than those offered by the distillery itself.

SUBTLE SMOKE, MARITIME CHARACTER What sets Caol Ila apart from other Islay malts is its balance of peat smoke and elegance. While others emphasize intense peat character, Caol Ila offers a more restrained approach to Islay’s signature style. Peated to approximately 30-35 phenol parts per million (ppm), Caol Ila sits at a moderate level of peatiness that allows other el-

ements of its character to shine through.

The distillery’s six large stills, with their unique upward sloping lyne arms, produce a lighter, more refined spirit than might be expected from an Islay distillery. This distinctive still shape encourages reflux during distillation, resulting in greater copper contact and a cleaner spirit that retains essential oils while eliminating harsher elements. The result is a whisky that displays the classic Islay maritime character and smoke but with a remarkable softness and complexity.

TASTING NOTES With a pale, golden straw color in the glass, the Gordon & MacPhail Discovery Caol Ila 13 Year shows off its clean, unadulterated nature proudly. In other words, no coloring agent is added to the whisky for aesthetic purposes, and we applaud that practice. The nose is full of citrus, caramel, nuts, and a touch of smoke. Flavors of light peat smoke and citrus are joined by vanilla, apple, and sweet spice along a refreshing light weighted mouthfeel.

HVC Pan Caliente

PAIRING NOTES THE FIRST PUFF AFTER A SIP OF THE WHISKY WIPES OUT MOST OF THE SWEETNESS IN THE HVC PAN CALIENTE, BUT SUBSEQUENT PUFFS BRING IN COMPLEX FLAVORS OF FLORAL AND A SWEET OAK SPICE THAT INCREASES WITH EVERY DRAW. THE WHISKY, ON THE OTHER HAND, LOSES ALMOST ALL OF ITS CITRUS NOTES AND THE CARAMEL AND NUTS JUMP INTO THE FOREFRONT.

EDITOR’S NOTE WE PARTNERED WITH TOTAL WINE & MORE (TOTALWINE.COM) TO PUT THIS FEATURE TOGETHER AND PABLO ESTADES WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN MAKING IT HAPPEN. THANKS, PABLO.

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LA FLOR DOMINICANA IN FULL BLOOM

FROM BUDDING SOCCER STAR IN FÚTBOL-CRAZED URUGUAY, TO PAWN SHOPS AND NIGHTCLUBS IN MIAMI, LITTO GÓMEZ FOUND A HOME IN THE CIGAR INDUSTRY. AFTER 31 YEARS IN THE GAME, HIS PASSION FOR HIS FAMILY BUSINESS AND THE CIGARS THEY CREATE IS ONLY GETTING STRONGER.

BY STEVE MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATALIA AGUILERA

he bootstrapping of Litto Gómez starts ominously with socking a soccer official when he was a young man. Over the next 25 years, the founder and CEO of La Flor Dominicana followed a trail of discomfort that took him through pawn shops, nightclubs and liquor stores until he found his true calling in the cigar industry.

It started with some misguided teenage mayhem.

“I had it all figured out, I thought,” says Gómez, 71 years old, who founded La Flor in 1994. Born in Spain, his family migrated to Uruguay when he was a year old, and he discovered soccer. It would be a career, he decided.

“I was going to be a soccer star,” says Gómez, the youngest of three children.

He quit school at 16, endeavoring to be the greatest in a sport that would yield him riches and fame. He had poor grades and saw little hope in the vocational future his school counselors suggested for him.

Soccer was next to religion in Uruguay as he grew up, with 10 stadiums that held over 10,000 fans in a country that at the time, the 70s, had a mere 2.8 million people.

He was already getting paid as a professional and things were proceeding well.

“I punched out a referee” Then: “I punched out a referee,” he says.

He makes no excuses for his youthful loss of restraint. But it halted his fledgling career path on the spot. Ostracized and ousted from soccer, Gómez realized he’d have to rethink his future.

The first step was a move to a more industrialized country.

Of course, he set his sights on the U.S. “If you’re a poor kid in the third world and want to emigrate, you want to go

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La Flor Dominicana’s booth at the RTDA (Retail Tobacco Dealers of America) trade show in 1998.

to the U.S.,” he says. He applied for a tourist Visa to the U.S. It was 1973 and a wily immigrant could use that to get in and never leave. But he had no family in the U.S. and even in those more permissive days, a teenager from Uruguay was unlikely to have the resources to vacation in America.

THE FIRST CIGAR

He was denied.

“My first step was to be the best dishwasher who ever worked there,” he says. The manager noticed, and Gómez asked to be promoted to haul the dirty dishes rather than wash them.

Second best was Canada, which required no Visa.

“A couple guys from my neighborhood had gone to Toronto, and it was the only city I knew in Canada, so that’s where I ended up,” he says.

Gómez rented a room in a house, landed a job in a cabinet making factory and commuted three hours a day – two buses and a subway leg, 90 minutes each way – in the icy northern climate. The average winter temperature in Uruguay is 57 degrees Fahrenheit; in Toronto, it is 28.

“I had to get very tough in a very short time,” he says. He moved to a job as a dishwasher at an Italian restaurant closer to his apartment.

Gómez’s whirlwind upheaval, from fledgling soccer star to immigrant dishwasher, moved forward. His ambition was enough to ensure he wouldn’t wash dishes for long. He was promoted to busboy within two weeks.

“He moved me to busboy on a Friday and on Monday I came in with a shirt and tie on and now I am a gentleman,” Gómez says.

On the floor, he noticed that waiters were making good tips – the restaurant was fine dining and people paid good money to eat there.

Gómez wanted to be a waiter.

said that you could become a waiter, and two waiters called in sick tonight.

So tonight, you are a waiter.’”

At the end of the night, sitting at the bar, the restaurant closed, the manager congratulated him on his first night, a success.

To celebrate, as Gómez walked out the door, the manager pulled out a Montecristo No. 2 and gave it to Gómez.

“He told me that night how to smoke a cigar,” Gómez says. “And that night I walked home in a very calm snow, no wind, and this was the happiest day of my life, enjoying this walk and this cigar and the accomplishment and the snow. And my life changed right there.

Every time I smoke a cigar, it takes me to that night.”

COMING TO AMERICA

He told the manager, who asked that he wait until a position was available.

Weather-weary Gómez came to Miami in 1979, 25 years old, ready to start a business.

That happened almost immediately.

“I had saved my money,” he says.

“The manager calls me in and says ‘I

His brother José was in Miami after

working on cruise ships for a while.

They pooled their resources and opened a liquor store in Little Havana.

Litto had acquired an understanding of the market working in the restaurant business, while José had some hospitality smarts.

“The extent of my knowledge was serving,” Gómez says. But Delta Liquors was a success. While many of his patrons didn’t speak English, Gómez, a native Spanish speaker and more than proficient in English, couldn’t find anyone who spoke English. He struggled with the local Spanish dialect.

“I learned to speak ‘Cuban,’” he says.

Gómez also found a haven for cigars.

“I didn’t know when I came to Miami that it was a community of cigars,” he says.

“I understood that it was a tradition and there were a lot of cigar factories in Ha-

vana. But I didn’t know the whole story.

I just kept enjoying my cigars.”

The store was a success, which led to another store, then a nightclub. At the height of the cocaine trade in Miami, it was an eye opener for Gómez.

“I had no idea what the nightclub business was like,” he says. “I had been a waiter, but it was a nightmare dealing with people drinking. And with this in the middle of Miami with drugs, music, dancing and it was a whole different ballgame.”

The Gómez brothers went on to buy a pawn shop, which dealt in valuable jewelry. Gómez, always curious, learned the trade and became a gemologist.

But the valuable jewels were a beacon to street criminals.

“We were closing the shop one night and two guys came in and one of them

put a gun to my head,” Gómez says.

They took him and several other employees into the back, tied them up, and taped their mouths shut.

“I promised that if I got out of that alive, I would be out of the business,” he says.

Gómez had no idea what he would do, but it would be a step above bars, clubs and pawn shops.

He lived. And La Flor Dominicana was born.

WELCOME TO CIGARS Gómez had met Inés, today his wife, in the late 80s. Both were entrepreneurial, and with a new lease on life, Gómez was an open book.

As they say, ‘do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’

But what was that?

A social acquaintance suggested cigars, which had grown in importance to Gómez. They were ubiquitous in South Florida, and he was enjoying them almost daily.

“It was ridiculous,” he says of the suggestion. “It didn’t make any sense to compete with people who had been there for generations.”

But it stuck in his head as he and Inés considered their options. Finally, they took the plunge in 1994.

“Maybe because of what that first cigar had meant to me is why this idea stuck in my head. But I finally said ‘ok, this is it.’”

The early years were rocky. They recruited four Nicaraguan cigar rollers, found a tobacco supplier, and rented a small space. The first 45,000 cigars they made were “unsmokable,” he says. “I knew as a consumer that they

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 37

were bad cigars, but I just didn’t know how to make them good.”

But soon, they started becoming smokable, some even better. The couple opened a factory in the Dominican Republic, and while Inés handled distribution in Miami, Gómez would go to the Caribbean every Monday and return home on Friday.

They started producing righteous cigars just in time for the cigar boom of the 90s.

La Flor’s first hit was the 2000 series, released in 1997, featuring a Cameroon wrapper over a Dominican binder and filler. Demand surged. It went from three sizes to nine in a year. Gómez had, in three short years, arrived at a blend that launched La Flor into the spotlight. He was becoming a blender.

The sudden demand for premium cigars put La Flor in a coveted spot.

“The older brands didn’t have enough tobacco, and as a new brand, we’d already been lining up suppliers,” he says. “We had cigars when everyone wanted them, while the others didn’t.”

It turned a 5% callback rate from retailers into a 100% rate.

“Every time we got a new customer, we celebrated,” Gómez says.

EXPANSION By 1998, La Flor Dominicana was an established brand, a success story that separated itself from a pack of newcomers that flocked to cash in on the cigar boom demand and, in the process, delivered inferior cigars.

“My name as a cigar maker started to grow and tobacco suppliers that would not take my call before were starting to take them,” he says.

Gómez, with Inés and their growing number of employees, had in four years developed a considered, thoughtful menu of cigars. They bought land in the Dominican Republic, a factory, then a 120-acre farm.

“The farm was the best thing we ever did, it gave us this guarantee of consistency,” Gómez says. “It gave our brand a flavor profile you could not find anywhere else.”

The business was helped by the political and social stability in the country,

38 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

which allowed them to grow with ease.

“The Dominican Republic made it easy for investors, no impediments,” he says.

Then there was the growth.

An interview asked Inés in 2000 if La Flor was content to continue as a boutique brand.

“Well, we do need to grow right now,” she said.

And innovate.

Gómez created a new cigar size, the Chisel, in the early 2000s. It was an accident.

“I was in the factory and noticed that I was chewing on a cigar and it felt very comfortable,” he says. He pulled the cigar from his mouth and it was more flattened than a usual cigar.

“I looked at it and wondered what would happen if I made a cigar like this, it felt so natural,” he says. He went straight to the rolling room and took a regular cigar and cut the sides, then handed it to a roller.

“Put a wrapper on this,” he instructed.

It looked great and smoked better.

Within a year, the La Flor Dominicana Chisel hit the market and Gómez had another hit. Not long ago, he saw a chart itemizing various cigar sizes.

Included on the chart was the Chisel.

“We’ve become part of history,” he says. “I never thought about seeing this shape out there like that. This is something we did. It was so great.”

SATISFACTION Two of the four Gómez children have joined the family business. Litto Jr. works in sales while Tony is in the Dominican Republic working in packaging, factory management and anything else that needs guidance.

“I don’t believe in pushing someone into being part of something unless they are passionate about it,” Gómez says. “We are lucky enough that Tony and Litto got very excited about it.”

A daughter, now 18, is headed to college, and while he isn’t insisting on anything, “hopefully she would be a great help in distribution.”

Every day Gómez gets to work his passion, and as a refrain, he is not really working. More expansion is coming. La Flor needs more cigars, more space, enhanced production.

“It implies a lot of things that need to happen before we bring in more rollers to increase production,” he says.

More managers, more hiring decisions, more delegation – “and it freaks me out,” Gómez says. “It hasn’t happened yet, and it needs to be done slowly. But we do have a back order situation. It’s something that happens every couple of years.”

When the stress looms, Gómez grabs a cigar and thinks of that snowy walk home in Toronto 50 years ago.

He hasn’t been back. La Flor Dominicana sells its cigars in Toronto and, he thinks, some day he has to relive that moment that changed his life.

“That cigar,” he says. “I became a man, an adult there. I went through a lot of hard work, but yes, someday, I would like to go back to visit.”

"But not in the winter.”

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Location

By Ivan Ocampo Photography by Limited Edition

VALLEY GIRL & THE REAL McCOY SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Featured brand: Casa Cuba Location: Southern Utah Models: Allie Leggett & Abigail Zientek

In one of our most epic and demanding assignments, our crew ventured into the rugged terrains of southern Utah with Casa Cuba cigars to capture pure magic across two separate but equally stunning shoots, one titled Valley Girl and the other The Real McCoy. We picked locations with slot canyons, sandstone formations, hoodoos, and natural bridges that weren’t in heavily trafficked tourist areas. To get to these spots we rode Jeeps and ATVs, hiked trails, and lugged gear through the most challenging terrain. For a detailed rundown of all the jaw-dropping locations we shot at, check out "The Back Story" on page 60 of the Sept/Oct 2020 issue.

Do This: If you wish to re-enact our shots on your iPhone, consider a professional tour guide like Nicholas Smith at Seldom Seen Adventures.

PACIFIC PARADISE MAY/JUNE 2021

Featured Cigar: Oliva Serie V Melanio Location: Big Sur, CA Model: Bianca Richards

We flew into Monterey Regional Airport on a cold but sunny spring day in 2021 and headed straight to California's iconic Big Sur for an ambitious shoot featuring Australian bombshell Bianca Richards enjoying the Oliva Serie V Melanio. Big Sur is a mountainous stretch of coastline between Carmel and San Simeon. The hallowed Pebble Beach Golf Links sits at the top of the area, making this my favorite spot on earth.

The adventure started from the first shot of the day. Our fearless producer, yours truly, decided to skip the photography permits, figuring Big Sur’s vastness would keep us under the radar. Turns out, many of the prime spots are heavily monitored and demand permits. Long story short, our first look of the day involved a little “toplessness” (as seen on this page), which ended with us being booted from the park.

Did that stop us? Not a chance. We pressed on, found other spots, and the results were spectacular. Shoutout to the crew for believing in me and trusting we wouldn’t get arrested.

Do This: In the wooded portion of the Pacific Coast Highway north of Pfeiffer Beach, we stopped at the Restaurant at Big Sur River Inn for a much-needed breather, and a beer. The restaurant overlooks the Big Sur River, where they have set out Adirondack chairs in the water. The sun was setting, I had a cigar in one hand, a beer in the other, and my feet in the water. I’d be holding back if I didn’t tell you that I often dream of getting back there again.

OUTLAW

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 Featured Cigar: Deadwood Tobacco Co. by Drew Estate Location: Tombstone, AZ. Model: Bailey McCrackin

We rode into historic Tombstone, Ariz., for a repeat of the Day of the Dead-themed shoot we had done with Deadwood Tobacco Co. for the Sept/Oct 2019 issue. That had been a studio shoot with Mishel Gerzig and Bonnie Janina playing the roles of Sweet Jane and Fat Bottom Betty in a controlled setting. This time we amped up the stakes by taking the Day of the Dead theme on location in this legendary Old West town. The site of the infamous O.K. Corral gunfight provided the perfect backdrop, transporting us to the days of Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp, and some lady called Big Nose Kate—who luckily wasn’t the model on this day. We were fortunate to be working with the beautiful and talented Bailey McCrackin, who embodied the role of Leather Rose.

Stay Here: If you haven't made your way to Tombstone, we recommend you round up the family and check it out. We stayed at the Tombstone Monument Ranch, which is part guest ranch, part working cattle farm. We loved it so much that we made it part of the shoot.

FUEL AND FIRE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023

Featured Cigar: Blackened M81 by Drew Estate Location: Big Bear, CA Model: Kamila Davies

When it was decided that we would be doing a Metallica-themed shoot featuring Blackened M81 by Drew Estate and Blackened Whiskey, we set our sights on Big Bear, California. While Big Bear is known for its ski slopes, the autumn season provided us with the ideal mix of mountains, lakes, and old California vibes.

Besides our rock star crew that made everything possible, we secured two essential props that complemented the theme: a sleek, black A-frame lakefront home and a classic '67 Camaro SS. The muscle car, which was driven up from Los Angeles, faced its own challenge; the high elevation affecting its carburetor, putting the shoot at risk. Eventually we heard the big block V8’s low growl as it turned onto our street, and we were in business. The rest was about Kamila Davies’ confident sexiness, the glamour team’s talent, and photographer David Benoliel’s artistry.

Drink Here: Whiskey Dave’s on Village Drive in Downtown Big Bear became our spot for the trip. There’s live music, food, pool tables, and an outside terrace where our cigars did not attract bad looks. Bonus: The Metallica pinball machine seen in the full photo shoot in the Sep/Oct 2023 issue is inside Whiskey Dave’s.

WHEREVER I MAY ROAM SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2024

Featured Cigar: Blackened M81 and S84 by Drew Estate Location: Sedona, AZ Model: Sinclair Slazinski

We must’ve done something right in Big Bear because when the second Blackened line, S84, was released, Drew Estate asked us to do it again. We chose Sedona, Ariz.

This place blew us away. Cruising north from Phoenix, the shift from desert basin to grasslands and juniper forests, and finally red rock formations was striking. Sedona's otherworldly scenery and cool, sunny weather set the stage for an unforgettable session with model Sinclair Slazinski and both the Blackened M81 and S84.

Sedona, you've got a special place in our hearts and a special thanks to our dear friend Bill Neiderer, who rode his Harley Davidson up from Scottsdale. It’s his bike you see throughout the photo shoot.

Drink Here: After a successful day shooting in and around Sedona, which thankfully only involved one short hike, we hit up Mooney's Irish Pub—the only place open past 9 p.m. and the only place we could enjoy a cigar and a cold beverage.

The people of Sedona, and specifically those who frequent Mooney’s, are some of the most interesting, laid back, spiritual, and social beings we’ve ever shared a cigar with.

`

48 CIGARS

CHURCHILL Olmec Claro

$ 16.50

92

VITOLA: Double Corona LENGTH: 7 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Davidoff Year of the Dragon

91

VITOLA: Double Corona LENGTH: 7 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Mexico, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with an attractive, neatly applied wrapper and finished with an uncovered foot. This long Churchill opens with a powerful combination of wood, salted nuts, and earth later joined by cream and roasted almonds. Delivers tons of aromatic smoke with a medium plus strength.

$ 12.40 VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Perdomo Lot 23

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A flawlessly constructed Churchill covered with a medium brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke with notes of cedar, white pepper, and vanilla cream complemented by a hint of tea.

$ 8.00

90

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Romeo y Julieta 1875 Vintage Lote Limited Edition

89

VITOLA: Double Corona LENGTH: 6 3/4 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: USA FILLER: Dominican Republic & USA

Partagas Heritage

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a balanced combination of wood, pepper, and earth accompanied by notes of cream and a hint of mint. This medium strength blend produces an excellent smoke output while leaving behind a solid, light gray ash.

$ 15.00

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Consistently well-constructed, this medium strength blend combines notes of nuts and cedar with smooth earthiness and deep pepper.

Produces a solid, compact, light gray ash along a good draw and a wavy burn.

$ 1 4.7 9

89 54 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

Delivers a balanced and flavorful combination of earth, sweet pepper, lightly toasted nuts, and cocoa joined by a touch of creaminess on the finish. This impeccably pressed blend produces an excellent smoke output and a compact ash.

Medium plus strength.

$ 59.00

Ferio Tego Timeless Prestige

91

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 49 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Mexico, Honduras & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a reddish-brown wrapper with a bumpy look, this Churchill delivers a core of prominent wood, slightly sharp pepper, sweet spice, and a hint of cream. Draws well and produces a good output of mild to medium strength smoke.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 55

GRAN TORO Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

93

$ 19.20 VITOLA: Double Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 60 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Curivari Buenaventura Maduro

92

A beautifully box-pressed gran toro finished with a dark brown wrapper with a velvety feel. Draws and burns well while producing an excellent output of flavorful, medium strength smoke with notes of cocoa powder, sweet cedar, and smooth pepper joined by a touch of mocha and nutmeg.

$ 9.50 VITOLA: BV 600 LENGTH: 6 RING: 60 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Aurora 107 Ecuador

N I CA R AG UA Consistently well-made and finished with a nearly flawless dark brown wrapper. Delivers tons of chocolate, smooth pepper, and earth accompanied by roasted nuts and a hint of cream. Produces an excellent output of medium strength smoke.

$ 12.00

91

VITOLA: Gran Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 58 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Peru, Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Camacho Triple Maduro

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a sweet combination of wood, cinnamon, and lightly roasted nuts accompanied by a subtle touch of cayenne pepper. This thick, wellmade gran toro provides an easy draw with mild to medium strength smoke while leaving behind a solid, light gray ash.

$ 13.20

91

VITOLA: Gordo LENGTH: 6 RING: 60 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Brazil, Honduras & Dominican Republic

E.P. Carrillo Essence Sumatra

90 89

H O N D UR AS A slow-burning gran toro covered with a nearly flawless, exceedingly dark wrapper. Produces a flavorful core of dark chocolate, smooth earth, and chicory accompanied by a hint of sweetness on the finish. Medium to full strength.

$ 10.75 VITOLA: Gordo LENGTH: 6 RING: 60 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras & Nicaragua FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

H. Upmann The Banker Daytrader

56 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

N I CA R AG UA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A thick blend with a somewhat rustic appearance. Provides an easy draw and even burn while delivering a core of earth, smooth pepper, cedar, and subtle caramel accompanied by a touch of dried fruit sweetness. Medium strength.

$ 1 4.19 VITOLA: Whale LENGTH: 6 RING: 60 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a subdued core of earth, black American coffee, smooth pepper, and a hint of cream. Produces a good output of medium strength smoke along an excellent draw and even burn.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 57

TORO Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut Box-Pressed

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

San Cristobal Elegancia

N I CA R AG UA Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with a supple feel.

Delivers a medium plus strength core of cedar, nuts, and cinnamon balanced by smooth pepper in the background. Draws and burns flawlessly with a clean finish.

$ 8.75

92

VITOLA: Imperial LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Flor Dominicana Ligero Natural

91

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a flavorful core of baking spice, cedar, walnut, and vanilla bean balanced by rich, sweet creaminess on the finish. This medium strength toro is consistently well-constructed, producing an excellent output of aromatic smoke along a flawless draw and burn.

$ 8.40 VITOLA: L-300 LENGTH: 5 3/4 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Matilde Serena

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a supple, light brown wrapper with excellent sheen, this well-made toro has balanced flavors of cedar, vanilla, hazelnut, and rich, sweet cream accompanied by notes of earth and pepper. Draws flawlessly and produces an abundant output of medium plus strength smoke.

$ 9.99

91

VITOLA: Bravo LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Leaf by Oscar Connecticut

90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a flavorful profile of cedar, nuts, and cream balanced by sweet spice and a hint of black pepper. This mild to medium strength toro is covered with a supple, light brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Draws and burns well while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 10.50 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

La Galera Connecticut

H O N D UR AS Beautifully constructed and covered with a clean, shade grown wrapper. This mild to medium strength toro delivers a balanced combination of lightly roasted nuts, sweet spice, and almond cream complemented by a touch of earth.

Provides an excellent draw and burn.

$ 9.00

89 58 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

$ 16.50

VITOLA: El Lector LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Delivers a combination of wood and sharp pepper accompanied by subtle notes of sweet cream and cinnamon. Consistently draws well and burns evenly while leaving behind a compact, light gray ash.

TORO Tatuaje PCA 2023

$ 15.00

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 3/8 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Warped New Day

Impeccably built and finished with a covered foot, this medium to full strength toro delivers a flavorful and complex combination of roasted nuts, red pepper, and cedar complemented by sweet cream and a hint of milk chocolate. Produces an abundant smoke output.

$ 1 4.75

91

VITOLA: Cañonazo LENGTH: 5 7/8 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Joya de Nicaragua Clasico Medio Siglo

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Villiger Limited Release No. 049

90 89

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Consistently well-made and finished with an impeccable, reddish-brown wrapper. Delivers a medium strength combination of sweet spice, oak, and a touch of cream balanced by subtle earth and pepper notes. This toro provides a firm draw with a somewhat thin smoke output.

$ 9.25

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a profile of earth, smooth pepper, and sweet cedar with a creamy texture throughout.

This medium strength toro is consistently wellconstructed and finished with a medium brown wrapper with slight veins showing. Provides a good draw and a bit of a wavy burn.

$ 20.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua

El Rey del Mundo King of the World LE VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

CAO Amazon Basin

N I CA R AG UA A well-constructed toro covered with an oily, dark reddish-brown wrapper with excellent sheen. Delivers a flavorful combination of red pepper, roasted nuts, and oak spice balanced by earth and a rich, creamy sweetness on the finish.

Medium plus strength.

$ 9.99

H O N D UR AS Opens with a blast of spice that settles to incorporate notes of wood, cocoa, and a hint of caramel complemented by a note of leather in the aroma. Well-made and finished with a reddishbrown wrapper with a coarse feel, this medium plus strength toro provides an excellent draw.

$ 1 4.50

88 60 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Brazil

N I CA R AG UA Covered with an oily, dark brown wrapper, this medium plus strength toro delivers tons of earth and sweet pepper accompanied by notes of dark cherry and molasses. Provides a good draw along a slightly wavy burn while leaving behind a somewhat flaky, dark gray ash.

TORO Red Meat Lovers

$ 15.45

N I CAR AGUA Finished with a tight, small pigtail, this pressed toro is covered with a dark brown wrapper with excellent oils. Produces a razor-sharp burn along a firm draw while delivering a balanced profile of sweet pepper, earth, molasses, and charred oak joined by a raisin note on the finish.

VITOLA: Ribeye LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Flor de las Antillas Maduro

$ 9.80

N I CAR AGUA Opens with a combination of bittersweet cocoa and black pepper joined by subtle earth, oak, and cardamom. Impeccably constructed, this box-pressed blend produces tons of medium plus strength smoke along an excellent draw and burn.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Opens with a combination of bittersweet cocoa and black pepper joined by subtle earth, oak, and cardamom. Impeccably well-constructed, this box-pressed blend produces tons of medium plus strength smoke along an excellent draw and burn.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua

Neatly box-pressed and covered with a dark reddish-brown wrapper. Consistently draws and burns well producing flavors of wood, molasses, and earth complemented by a note of currant. Mild to medium strength.

91 Artista Midnight Habano Maduro BX

$ 10.40

D OM I NI CA N REPUBLIC

92 AJ Fernandez Bellas Artes Maduro

$ 11.00

N I CAR AGUA

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Dominican Republic, Nicaragua & USA

90 1502 Black Gold

$ 10.90

N I CAR AGUA Delivers a spicy combination of bittersweet cocoa, earth, and molasses accompanied by a bit of oak. Box-pressed and finished with a partially covered foot, this medium plus strength toro draws well and produces an abundant smoke output.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

90 La Palina Classic Maduro

$ 8.50

H O ND U R AS A flavorful toro covered with a clean, dark brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This medium strength blend produces a core of earth, cedar, and espresso complemented by pepper and a touch of sweetness while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras, Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

89 MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 61

ROBUSTO Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich Habano

92

VITOLA: Robusto-J LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender

91

VITOLA: Matatan LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

VITOLA: Expressivo LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Viva La Vida

Impeccably constructed and covered with a flawless, light, reddish brown wrapper. Delivers a medium to full strength combination of roasted nuts, black pepper, and earth complemented by a touch of sweet cream on the finish.

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a core of cedar and sweet spice joined by notes of honey, cream, and salted nuts. This medium plus strength robusto draws and burns exceptionally while leaving behind a slightly flaky, light gray ash.

$ 13.02

N I CA R AG UA Beautifully box-pressed and covered with a nearly flawless, dark reddish-brown wrapper.

This medium plus strength robusto draws and burns well while producing an excellent smoke output with a core of cocoa powder, smooth pepper, earth, and roasted nuts.

$ 11.00

91

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

CLE Habano

N I CA R AG UA A powerful robusto covered with a flavorful brown wrapper with sheen. Delivers a combination of smooth pepper, sweet cream, oak, and cocoa. This medium plus strength blend is firmly packed and consistently draws and burns well while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 10.16

90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Crowned Heads La Vereda

89 62 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

N I CA R AG UA

$ 9.20

Aging Room Quattro Sonata Nicaragua

91

$ 1 4.00

H O N D UR AS Consistently well-constructed and finished with a somewhat coarse, reddish-brown wrapper, this medium strength blend delivers a core of roasted nuts, smooth pepper, and sweet earthiness joined by a hint of cream. Draws and burns well leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 18.40 VITOLA: No. 50 LENGTH: 5 3/8 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a spicy combination of oak, chili pepper, and earth complemented by a note of tanned leather. Covered with a light brown wrapper, this medium strength robusto provides an easy draw and a thin smoke output along a wavy burn line.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 63

ROBUSTO Trinidad Espiritu Series No.2

92

$ 11.13 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Brazil & Nicaragua

Rocky Patel Emerald

Firmly packed and finished with a toothy, dark brown wrapper. This medium plus strength robusto has a balanced profile of smooth pepper, dark chocolate, subtle earth, and roasted almonds joined by a touch of ripe fruit sweetness.

Leaves behind a compact, light gray ash.

$ 11.75

91

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico & Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Gurkha The Classic Havana Blend

91

N I CA R AG UA An intensely flavored robusto with a core of earth, black pepper, bittersweet cocoa, and black coffee complemented by a ripe fruit sweetness on the finish. Produces an excellent output of medium to full strength smoke along a good draw and a wavy burn.

$ 8.99 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Liga Privada No. 9

N I CA R AG UA Box-pressed and covered with a dark brown, toothy wrapper. This medium strength robusto delivers a flavorful core of earth and dark chocolate complemented by smooth pepper and a touch of molasses. Draws effortlessly and burns well while leaving behind a solid, dark gray ash.

$ 16.50

90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Brazil FILLER: Honduras & Dominican Republic

West Tampa Circle of Life

90 90

N I CA R AG UA Consistently well-made and finished with a dark, oily wrapper with some tooth. This medium strength robusto produces a flavorful combination of dark chocolate, espresso, and molasses joined by a touch of sweet earthiness. Provides an abundant smoke output.

$ 12.99 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Black Label Trading Co. Orthodox

64 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

N I CA R AG UA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a dark, oily wrapper with a toothy feel, this medium to full strength blend has a powerful combination of earth, spice, and roasted coffee joined by a sweet note of raisins on the finish. Draws easily while producing an excellent output of aromatic smoke along a wavy burn line.

$ 12.50 VITOLA: Short Robusto LENGTH: 4 1/2 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Finished with a dark brown wrapper with sheen and topped with a cropped pigtail. This medium plus strength short robusto opens with a blast of bitter coffee that settles to incorporate notes of chili pepper, sweet anise, and earth leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 65

CORONA HVC 500 Years Anniversary

92

$ 11.10 VITOLA: Selectos LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Tatuaje La Riqueza SE 2024

92

A balanced and complex blend of smooth spice, sweet cedar, and puffed wheat joined by subtle hints of caramel and lightly roasted nuts. Consistently well-made, this medium plus strength corona produces an abundant output of aromatic smoke along a good draw and wavy burn.

$ 11.00 VITOLA: Cazadores Tuxtla LENGTH: 6 3/8 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

New World Dorado

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a balanced profile of roasted nuts, sweet spice, and smooth pepper complemented by a rich and creamy note of caramel. This medium to full strength blend is covered with a clean, medium brown wrapper finished with a neat triple cap.

$ 10.00

91

VITOLA: Corona LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Herrera Esteli Habano

N I CA R AG UA Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a clean wrapper with a coarse feel. Provides a perfect draw and burn while producing tons of medium to full strength smoke with a core of sweet pepper, earth, and oak spice complemented by a touch of honey in the background.

$ 10.95

91

VITOLA: Lonsdale Deluxe LENGTH: 6 RING: 44 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

A. Fuente Flor Fina 8-5-8 Rosado Sun Grown

90

VITOLA: Corona Grande LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 47 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

La Aroma de Cuba Pasion

90 66 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA Well-balanced and flavorful, this medium strength corona delivers tons of cedar, nuts, and pepper accompanied by subtle earth and rich cream on the finish. Firmly packed and covered with a clean, reddish-brown wrapper. Draws well and burns even while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 10.30

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a core of cedar, cinnamon, earth, and spice accompanied by a note of butterscotch on the finish. Consistently well-made and covered with a good-looking, milk chocolate colored wrapper, this medium strength corona draws and burns flawlessly.

$ 10.75 VITOLA: Corona Gorda LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a reddish-brown wrapper showing prominent veins, this corona gorda delivers a flavorful combination of pepper and earth balanced by cedar, raw almond, and a subtle touch of cream. Produces a good output of medium plus strength smoke.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 67

68 | CIGAR SNOB | MAR / APR 2025

INTERVIEW BY IVAN OCAMPO

We’ve known each other for several years now from another sport you play very well—golf—and I always describe you as a true gentleman. You remind me of my father. Like you he was an athlete who never drank; to this day he has no vices. Also like you, however, he enjoys good cigars. You've taken this affinity for cigars and have recently started your own cigar brand. Before we talk about your line, tell me about your earliest memories of cigars.

My first cigar memory comes from Cuba. You know, in Cuba, most of the older people smoked cigars. But above all, it reminds me of my grandfather. My grandfather loved smoking cigars, and he also loved his pipe—packing it with tobacco. It's a very fond memory, and later, I started following in his footsteps. At first, I smoked small cigarettes, but then I entered the world of cigars, and honestly, I haven't stopped since.

Where in Cuba did you grow up?

I grew up in Wajay—it’s a rural area, a small country neighborhood in Havana, in the municipality of Boyeros. It was quite humble—not to call it poor, because I don't think anyone is poor if they have God. But in material terms, we didn’t have an abundance, just enough to get by. My grandmother Antolina Cruz, my grandfather Juan Antonio Pedroso, and my mother María Julia Pedroso provided us with enough to be happy.

When did you know you had the talent to become an athlete? Did you play other sports?

Yes, I played many sports—even field hockey. But my inclination was always toward baseball. My father played, and my uncle also played in the national series, Cuba’s national baseball league. My uncle was Juan Antonio Pedroso, and my father was Arnaldo Antonio de Eulalio Hernández Montero. Yes, he had three names. That’s where “El Duque” comes from—my father was the original “Duke” because of his elegant way of dressing, always polished shoes, always clean.

So that makes you “Duque Junior.”

No, that would be my older brother, may he rest in peace, who also played in the national series for the Metropolitano team. He was the older “Duque,” and I was the younger one. But since I made it to the national series first, they started calling me “El Duque,” and the name stuck.

You played for Industriales in Havana, and you were also an Olympian—and won at every level.

Yes, thanks to God. I have all the amateur titles you can win, and all the Pan-American titles.

Let’s jump ahead—you decide to leave Cuba. That means leaving your home, along with your friends and family, to start a new life. That must have been a very difficult decision.

Yes it was.

You moved to the U.S. to play pro ball, built a successful career, and continued to win championships. Did the celebrations always involve cigars?

Here in the U.S. they always involved cigars.

Since you also had success in Cuba, were cigars part of the celebrations there too?

I don’t recall it being that way. No, I think that tradition started later, maybe after it became common in the U.S. —Cuba tends to follow trends. Maybe now it's done there too.

But for me, I started celebrating with cigars here, even though I already smoked cigars

PHOTO BY: CHRISTIAN SCHNEEWEIHS

LOCATION: MAD ABOUT CIGARS DORAL, FL

Orlando “El Duque” Hernández in Cuba. The Cuban national team gave me cigars as a kind of bonus when I played.

You can’t deny Cuban cigars are very good. Or at least, they used to be. Nowadays, some people say they’re importing tobacco from outside Cuba.

And now you have Orlando “El Duque” Hernández cigars by Cigars Todo Bien. Where does the name “Cigars Todo Bien” come from?

"Todo bien" is my catchphrase. Anyone who knows me knows I always say, “todo bien.”

Even Derek Jeter picked it up from me. When we would see each other I would say to him “todo bien?” and he would respond “todo bien.” You have to understand when I first arrived in the U.S., I didn’t speak any English whatsoever—not even “yes” or “no.” So “todo bien” became my universal way of communicating. That phrase came from my uncle—he always said it, and it stuck with me.

In Cigars Todo Bien, you partnered with Manuel Medina, a cigar lifer who cut his teeth at the Partagas factory in Cuba for 29 years before coming to the US. How did you and Medina meet?

Well, we knew of each other back in Cuba because he was also in the baseball world.

But we didn’t have the kind of relationship we later had here. In 1998, he was living in Chicago, and he came to the clubhouse. When I saw him, I was like, "Wow, Medina!" and we hit it off. From that moment, we've stayed close.

Since that time, he always insisted, "We need to make our own cigar!" But back then, I didn’t have time for that. I just wanted to smoke cigars, not make them. He would give me cigars as gifts, and I would smoke them. But right before the pandemic, I finally gave in. I told him, “Okay, let’s do it, but make sure it's something good.” And that’s how we started working on the perfect blend.

Tell me a little about the cigar.

Yes, we partnered with My Father Cigars to make them for us. We are friends with the Garcías, and they do a great job. This is a medium-bodied cigar. If you want something stronger, we have options. If you find it with a Connecticut wrapper, it will be milder.

If it has a Habano wrapper, it will be a bit stronger than Connecticut. If it’s Maduro, that’s the strongest.

What are your goals for the brand?

For me it’s about enjoying cigars with my friends. Of course, I’d love for the brand to go far, but just having my own cigar brand is very meaningful. I’ve loved cigars since I was young. At the end of the day, I just want to enjoy cigars and share them with good people. And only God knows how far we’ll take this.

Describe your perfect day. Is it on a golf course with a cigar?

My perfect day wouldn’t even involve golf—which I absolutely love. My perfect day is sitting down to play dominoes with my good friends Tico Valdés, Andy Morales, and Michael Tejera. We sit and play for six, seven, eight hours. It gets intense, but that would be my perfect day. We usually play at my friend Tony Álvarez’s place—who we call the “commissioner.” Playing dominoes in Miami, with arroz congri, roast pork, fried plantains—it’s something special.

What do you miss most about Cuba?

The streets and my friends are what I miss most. And if you ask me what I would like for Cuba, I’d say I want to see my people free. I have never returned to Cuba, and I won’t return while the dictatorship exists—or rather, I won’t return until my people are free. I want to return to Cuba and smoke a good cigar on the streets of Havana.

MAR / APR 2025 | CIGAR SNOB | 69

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SCOREBOARD We started paying attention to the platform formerly known as Twitter in our March/April 2010 issue when we had our friend and co-founder of Stogie Review Walt White write a story about Twitter’s impact on the cigar world. The following issue was the first to run a Twitter Scoreboard and ever since we’ve been keeping tabs on the Twitter accounts of cigar companies, personalities, retailers, and more. We have transitioned from calling it the Twitter Scoreboard to the odd-sounding X Scoreboard. We’ve also traded the powder blue and bird for the minimalistic, modern X on a black background but as always, if you believe you have the numbers to be on this page, let us know via @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ...............................................

Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar ....................................

CAO International @CAOCigars ................................................

Padron Cigar @PadronCigars ..................................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @AlecBradley ...........................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

E. Perez-Carillo @EPCarrillo ....................................................

Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrewArt .........................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

La Gloria Cubana @lagloriacubana ..........................................

JC Newman Cigar @JCNewmanCigars .......................................

Oliva Cigar Company @OlivaCigar .............................................

Davidoff Cigars @Davidoff_Cigars ...........................................

Pete Johnson @TatuajeCigars ..................................................

Xikar Inc @XIKARinc ...............................................................

Nick Perdomo @PerdomoCigars ..............................................

Punch Cigars @punchcigars ....................................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Ernesto Padilla @PadillaCigars ................................................

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

43518 43360 30708 28606 27364 21569 19935 18027 17102 16922 16454 16052 16044 15441 15353 15168 13785 13569 13235 12888

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Famous Smoke Shop @FamousSmokeShop .............................

Slippery Rock Cigars @SlipperyRockCig ...................................

JR Cigars @JRCigars ..............................................................

Mulberry St. Cigars @MulberryStCigar ....................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ....................................................

Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @CoronaCigarCo................

Cigar Row @CigarRow ............................................................

Best Cigar Prices @BestCigarPrices ........................................

Michael Herklots @MichaelHerklots ........................................

Lindsay Siddiqi @TheCigarChick ..............................................

23026 16245 12766 12133 9925 8233 6882 6409 5913 4652

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 15223 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 10654 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4123

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10140 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2040 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2019

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

@tunachenchen An experience for a lifetime #cigar #procigar2025

TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES Cigar News @CigaRSS ............................................................

Cigar Events @CigarEvents .....................................................

Cigar Dojo @CigarDojo ............................................................

Blind Man’s Puff @BlindMansPuff ............................................

Robusto Cigar Babe @RobustoBabe ........................................

Cigar Federation @CigarFederation .........................................

Stephen LaPre, Sr. @CigarChairman .........................................

CigarHustler.com @CigarHustler .............................................

Cigar Vixen @CigarVixen .........................................................

Stogie Boys @StogieBoys .......................................................

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131461 21105 15859 14552 14226 12686 11062 10322 9950 8502

@afri_cionado Tabaco y Ron

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INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD Since its launch in October of 2010, the cigar world has become enamored with Instagram. Today the ‘Gram is unquestionably the most popular platform on which to share snaps of what you’re smoking and drinking. This scoreboard is sorted by number of followers and broken into groups: Top 20 Cigar & Cigar Accessory Companies, Top 10 Retailers & Reps, Top 10 Cigar Influencers, Top 3 Cigar Organizations, and Top 3 Cigar Radio accounts. If you have the numbers and belong in one of these groups, stand up and be counted! Set us straight via Instagram @cigarsnobmag.

TOP CIGAR & ACCESSORY COMPANIES ( sorted by Instagram followers ) Padron Cigar @padroncigars ...................................................

Davidoff Cigars @davidoffcigars .............................................

Drew Estate Cigars @drewestatecigar .....................................

Arturo Fuente @arturofuentecigars .........................................

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars @rockypatelcigar ........................

Raquel Quesada @raquelquesadaofficial .................................

Oliva Cigar Co. @olivacigar .....................................................

Boveda @BovedaInc ...............................................................

My Father Cigars @myfathercigars ..........................................

Epic Cigars @epiccigars .........................................................

La Flor Dominicana @LFDCigars ..............................................

Gurkha Cigars @gurkhacigars .................................................

Xikar Inc @xikar .....................................................................

Camacho Cigars @camachocigars ...........................................

Plasencia Cigars @plasenciacigars .........................................

Nick Perdomo @Perdomocigars ..............................................

AJ Fernandez @ajfcigars .........................................................

Ashton Cigars @ashtoncigar ...................................................

Alec Bradley Cigars @alecbradleycigar ...................................

E.P. CarrilloCigars @epcarrillo_cigars ......................................

172658 165471 149018 126040 116958 101066 92369 89154 84224 81870 81412 81099 78123 77052 75253 71330 71064 67151 66427 60155

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Havana Phil’s Cigar Company @havanaphils .............................

Famous Smoke Shop @famoussmokeshop ...............................

Mulberry St. Cigars @mulberrystcigars ...................................

Michael Herklots @michaelherklots .........................................

Master Sensei @cigardojo ......................................................

Cigar Hustler @cigarhustler ....................................................

The Cigar Culture @thecigarculture .........................................

Jeff Borysiewicz – Corona Cigar Co @coronacigarco ................

Angela Yue @angela_yue .........................................................

La Casa Cigars & Lounge Vegas @lacasavegas ........................

81645 57189 44373 33620 29238 28215 26781 26232 24686 24674

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 27119 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 11100 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 7246

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3560 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1595 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast .............................. 1592

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

@condesa_bencomo Uma honra poder participar novamente del Puro Sabor Nicarágua. @purosaborcigarfest

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ......................................................

Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................

Delicia-Creator-Influencer @cigarvixen ...................................

Whiskey Girl Josie @whiskeygirl_josie .....................................

Angela, CCST & IACS CCS @cigarsmokingchick .......................

Cigar Social Club @cigarsocialclub ..........................................

Eric Kim @scotchandtime ........................................................

Nikki @cigarpassionista ..........................................................

Melanie Sisco @lilsiscokidd21 .................................................

Cigars / Smoke.Laugh.Live @world.of.cigars ............................

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112247 96588 89353 87958 83559 68637 64285 40404 38233 34091

@purosaborcigarfest

Disfrutando de un K-FIRE de @karenberger_ en Granada Nicaragua @ purosaborcigarfest 2025

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puro sabor Festival 2025

by Jamilet Calviño

he 2025 edition of Puro Sabor in January brought together fans of Nicaraguan tobacco from all over the globe. Consumers, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers visited tobacco fields and cigar factories as well as enjoying cultural experiences and, in the evening, incredible parties. The Nicaraguan Chamber of Tobacco, the organization that hosts the event, is made up of member companies that include Padrón, Oliva, Plasencia, AJ Fernandez, Drew Estate, My Father, Joya de Nicaragua, PENSA, Victor Calvo, and Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Every year, we select tours that will highlight the best of the festival while giving you an insider’s view of the action. Festival attendees land in Managua, spend a day in Granada, then head north to Estelí, tobacco country.

Day 1 We arrived in Granada, registered and secured our luxe swag bag filled with top notch goodies. The bag itself was leather, made by Ortez Design. Inside were festival-exclusive cigars, premium accessories, a white guayabera, and a bottle of Flor de Caña rum.

Julián Cuevas, Ahmed Carus and Hiram Díaz

We set out on a boat tour of Lake Nicaragua, weaving through the lush islets while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife, mostly monkeys. The heat was stifling but ice-cold Toña beer kept us refreshed and in excellent spirits. Lunch on an islet featured a traditional dish of vigorón, followed by cigars from Karen Berger, Villiger, and RomaCraft. Back on land, we headed to the Convento de San Francisco for dinner, where Granada’s mayor, Gladys Medina, welcomed the international group. Cigars in hand—Don Pepín García and CAO Fasa—we enjoyed a folkloric performance. The Flor de Caña straight from the barrel was a nice touch.

Gladys Medina, Mayor of Granada and Alejandro Martínez Cuenca

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Danny Valen and Christopher Alonso

Lorena Gámez, Suyapa Roque and Jennifer Velázquez

Victor and Victor Calvo Jr.

Bernie Prett, Jenny Lynn, Melvin Griffin and Jesse Saglio

Day 2 On Wednesday morning, we departed Granada, Estelíbound. Upon arrival, we were hosted for lunch by Victor Calvo, who paired his cigars with a spread of traditional Nicaraguan fare. Next, we visited Tabolisa 1, Oliva Cigars’ principal factory, where father and son Guido and Fred Vandermarliere welcomed us in their stunning VIP lounge before leading a tour through this facet of their operation. The evening took us to J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory for dinner, where we were welcomed by the mayor of Estelí, Francisco Ramon Valenzuela Blandon and JC Newman’s Eric Newman.

Fireworks, live music, and a surprise performance from Don Pepín García himself made for a memorable night.

Tabolisa 1 Rolling Floor (Oliva Cigars)

Pedro Ramos, Walter Saes, Indiana Ortez and Eduardo Díaz

Ernesto Milanés and Jaime García

Fred Vandermarliere and Juán Martínez

Evelyn Moncada

Dennis Carter, Reno Eiranova, Jordan García and Trey Oliva

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Néstor Plasencia Sr. and Néstor A. Plasencia

Abby and Mathew Wilson

Day 3

Thursday was all about getting into the roots of Nicaraguan tobacco— literally. At Plasencia’s factory, we were welcomed by staff and children from Plasencia’s school, who handed out handmade souvenirs. We toured the company’s San Benito farm, witnessing each step of the tobacco growing process, from composting, to seedling, to full-grown tobacco plants. At La Caridad, we explored a top-secret aging room where past harvests are stored and in the afternoon we toured AJ Fernandez’s Estelí cigar factory. Factory manager Mario Ruiz walked us through the massive facilities and Altadis’ Rafael Nodal joined us, sharing insights into the Montecristo M’s 20-year-aged wrapper. The Montecristo M is manufactured at AJ Fernandez. The night ended with the famous White Party at El Fumador, part of Oliva’s Las Mesitas facility, where we celebrated with live music and cigars from Drew Estate, Oliva, Cuban Rounds, and Perdomo.

Seth Pippin

Jorge Luis Padrón, AJ Martínez, Daniela and Jorge Padrón

Manuel Rubio, Nick and Janine Perdomo and Nelson Cuba

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Ahmed Carus and Denia Pedreira

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Jandy, Jaime, María and Pepín García

Day 4

The final day began with a visit to My Father Cigars.

Watching the Garcías in action—three generations working together—was a highlight. Maria, Pepín García’s wife, made the group feel at home with her homemade croquettes and macaroni salad. We snacked away as we learned about the company’s traditional Cuban-style production process. We also got a sneak peek at their upcoming Honduran project as it was prepared for its debut at PCA 2025. We lunched at AJ Fernandez’s San Diego farm, with AJ welcoming all and emphasizing how much this industry supports its workforce. A Flor de Caña rum tasting added a perfect touch, with live music by Mario Sacasa’s band setting the vibe.

Jadilah and AJ Fernández

Some of us spent the afternoon squeezing cigars into already overstuffed luggage, while others took in the last bit of Estelí before heading to the grand gala. With 700 attendees dressed to the nines, we celebrated the closing of another successful Puro Sabor Festival. Vice Mayor Melania Peralta gave closing remarks, and Eduardo Sandino of Oliva Cigars was announced as the new president of the Nicaraguan Tobacco Chamber. The night, filled with live music from Macollá and plenty of cigars, was the perfect way to wrap up an incredible week. Until next year, Nicaragua!

Pierre Jebian, Catharina Trierenberg, Gabriel González and Starky Arias

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Procigar Festival 2025 by Jamilet Calviño

id-February each year means it is time for the ProCigar Festival–a weeklong celebration where the art of cigar making, the camaraderie of cigar lovers, and the warm hospitality of the Dominican people come together.

Attendees can participate in one of two ways. They can start the festival at La Romana, which involves a stay at the Casa de Campo luxury resort, tour Tabacalera de Garcia, the world’s largest premium cigar factory, then head north to Santiago de los Caballeros. The other option is to skip Casa de Campo, its golf courses, the ocean, and Tabacalera de Garcia, and start their festival experience in the country’s cigar capital of Santiago de los Caballeros. We went with the world-class resort, bucket-list golf courses, catamaran cruises, and Tabacalera de Garcia. As they say, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”

Day 1 Day one was a split affair. Erik hit the links at Dye Fore with Francisco Batista (VP of Operations, Scandinavian Tobacco Group).

Jamy boarded a catamaran at Casa de Campo Marina, bound for Isla Catalina. The day’s welcome kit featured a Montecristo White Series, Montecristo Classic Series, and H. Upmann The Banker. On the island, all enjoyed Presidente beer, Brugal 1888 rum, and Romeo y Julieta cigars. Tabacalera de Garcia’s Javier Elmudesi and Pedro Ventura, both members of the operation’s venerable Grupo de Maestros, gave us the lowdown on the brand before handing out samples of Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real. Some of us soaked up the sun, others went for a dip, while yet others continued smoking and relaxing in the shade.

Naksh Choudhry and Mehdi Mirabian

Dirk Alfons Boogmans, Italian Theeuwen, Jamrs Mario, Georges Lenssen and Cornet Jom

As night fell, we gathered at Altos de Chavón, the area’s Mediterranean-themed village,where Tabacalera de García unveiled the Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Cigar. Altadis USA’s Oliver Hyams walked us through this ultra-flavorful five-country blend, which will officially debut at PCA 2025. Dinner, dancing, and a fireworks finale rounded out the evening.

Sean and Theresa Knutsen and Tim Swail

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Alexandra and Rubén González

Nicole Cabuccia, Olivia Saad and Oliver Hyams

Ricardo Nieto, Adín Pérez, Néstor Rodríguez and Pedro Ventura

Day 2 Upon arrival at Tabacalera de García, we were greeted by a dance troupe.

After a quick snack and coffee, we set out to tour the factory. The factory has shifted from a priority on volume to a focus on consistency and high quality, a move spearheaded by Ricardo Nieto and Adín Perez. This change, combined with the expertise of the Grupo de Maestros, sets Tabacalera de García up for a bright future.

After a long but comfortable bus ride to Santiago de los Caballeros, the vibe changed from the relaxed, resort-style environment of Casa de Campo to the buzz and energy of the country’s second biggest city. The organizers of the festival kicked off the party with the Warm Up Welcome, a social gathering on the 8th floor terrace of the newly constructed Residence Inn Santiago, with light bites, live music, drinks, and a pre-loaded five-cigar case. ProCigar President Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana welcomed all to the festival.

Adín Pérez

Dimi Maroudas and John Alexander

Travis Johnson, Ken Hamlin and David Pérez

Robert Glick and Franchesca Reyes

Raquel and Patricia Quesada

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Don Kiko Hernández and Agustín García

Day 3

We took another long ride to Mao, to one of General Cigar’s tobacco farms. Agustín García, Francisco Hernández, Yuri Guillén, and Francisco Batista led a tour of the fields and curing barns. Surprisingly, the barns didn’t have the classic low-to-the-ground Dominican style; they were more like Central American barns, imported from Honduras.

Don Kiko Hernández shared 40-plus years of wisdom on tobacco growing and harvesting amidst the fields of Piloto Cubano, the last field to be harvested.

For lunch, we headed to the farm’s hilltop gazebo with a view of the irrigation lagoon. Some of us took a ride on horses while others played a “closest to the pin” golf contest for a box of El Credito Serie R cigars. The gazebo featured a bar, a classic Dominican shaved ice station, and a roast pig luncheon. It was nearly impossible to pull anyone away from the idyllic spot. That evening, the Welcome Dinner Party at Parque Central de Santiago brought us together again. Most of the ladies showed up in tropical prints, while the men wore the country’s official shirt, the chacabana or guayabera. Every guest received a commemorative box featuring cigars from the festival’s member companies. On stage, Litto Gómez and representatives from all of the ProCigar member companies welcomed all and kicked off the event. From there, the cigars, food, and drinks set the tone for an unforgettable night.

Néstor Miranda and Dee Aguasvivas

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Yuri Guillén, Francisco Batista and Manuel Gil

Ken Hamlin, Travis Johnson, Delvin Fulmore and Dr. Blue

David Fernández

Alex Chervinsky, Jacob Yfrach and Erik Calviño

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Day 4

A short drive east from the city center took us to Licey al Medio, home of Quesada Cigars, and we were greeted with the Dominican breakfast of champions—Presidente beer. Fifth-generation cigar makers Raquel and Patricia Quesada welcomed the group, while their father, Manolo Quesada, joined via video message from Madrid.

After touring the factory, we tasted the recently released Casa Magna Maduro alongside the TAAexclusive box-pressed toro and a limited-edition lancero. Raquel, Patricia, and Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego guided the tasting.

After a lunch of roast pork and cracklings, we paired Ferio Tego Summa with Brugal 1888 rum.

The afternoon featured dominoes and salsa dancing before a blending seminar. Led by Herklots, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo of Casa Carrillo and Siegfried “Fito” Maruschke of Jose Mendez & Co., the seminar dove into maintaining consistency in cigar blends. The White Party at the Monumento a los Héroes de la Restauración is widely considered the cigar industry’s best party. Over 1,000 guests, all elegantly dressed in white, gathered for an evening of food, cigars, and dancing from the platform of the monument overlooking the city.

Raquel Quesada, Carolina Peguero and Patricia Quesada

Inés and Litto Gómez

Rafael and Alina Nodal

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Rossy Estévez, Lisbeth Marie, Maria Berges and Esther Estévez

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. and Ciro Cascella

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Iturbides Zaldivar, Michelle and Guillermo León and Ed McKenna

Day 5

We set out for the final tour of ProCigar 2025 with a trip to La Aurora’s Jacagua farm. On the way, we designed our own cigar boxes via an app—an impressive tech touch from the La Aurora team. Jacagua is home to the tobacco used in the 120th Anniversary blend. Michelle León, 4th generation of the family, greeted us while Leoncio Cruz and Miguel Contreras led the tour. La Aurora’s master blender, Manuel Ynoa, wrapped up the experience with a component tasting seminar, showing us how to blend our own La Aurora cigar.

Afterwards, the team handed us a box with the cigar we blended and our box design from the app. It was a flawlessly executed experience from La Aurora to end the ProCigar tours.

Manuel Ynoa and Leoncio Cruz

For the final evening, the Gala Dinner Party and Auction took place at Santiago’s Centro Español, with Dominican actress and presenter Gabi Desangles opening the show. ProCigar’s newest members, Mel Caribbean and Kelner Cigars, were introduced before the auction, which raised $500,000 for charity. All guests received a collectible cigar box loaded with limited editions and flagship smokes from each member company. The night continued with a Broadway-style show that mesmerized the crowd. As the festival came to a close, it was hard to say goodbye to the festival.

Thankfully we’ll be back next year!

Rafael Colon, John Skoumal and David Lind

Raquel Quesada and Gabi Desangles

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Martin Ntuli and Pierre Jebian

Sheldon Lloyd Smith and Kathryn Mamaid

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EVENTS THE GREAT SMOKE 2025 West Palm Beach

The Great Smoke 2025 drew over 1,200 cigar fans to the South Florida Fairgrounds for a day of smokes, drinks, food, and camaraderie.

Participants flew in from all over the country to attend the 19th installment of the Great Smoke.

They were rewarded with a tote bag containing 32 cigars plus an event-branded hat, shot glass, cigar cutter, ashtray, and lighter. Some of the biggest names in the cigar business including Steve Saka, Erik Espinosa, Rafael Nodal, Pete Johnson, Nish Patel, Nick Perdomo, and Nick Melillo were on hand to meet and greet fans. They were joined by a handful of celebrities, including The Daily Wire’s Michael Knowles, Cobra Kai’s Martin Kove, actor Chazz Palminteri, and ex-NFL Pro Bowl offensive lineman Leon Searcy, all of whom were present to promote their cigar projects.

Paul DeGrocco, Kim Keeney, Abe Dababneh and Michael Herklots

The festivities were capped with a video compilation showing the last 18 years of The Great Smoke.

Michael Herklots and Abe Dababneh

Nimish Desai, Belkys Sánchez and Nish Patel

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Walter Hayes, Q-Mann and Jeffrey Nowak

Juan Del Cerro and Sergio Valdés

Mathew and Abby Wilson

Mike Bounassi and Chris Padovano

Juan López and Pete Johnson

Ivan Ocampo, Scott Swartt and Warren Billy

Angie Canete and David Figueroa

Miguel and Betzaida Schoedel

Thomas LaMalfa, Emily Hooker, Gabriel Díaz, Rafael Nodal, Oliver Hyams and Danilo Cristo

Big Bird, Fat Tony and R-Dickey

Katiria Cuevas and Gilberto Daal

Roy Levine, Bob Papale and Anthony Pisano

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EVENTS LA BOHÈME LAUNCH PARTY Miami, FL

Aging Room brought back La Bohème with a release party at Social 27 in Little Havana, Miami. The brainchild of Rafael Nodal, produced and crafted by AJ Fernandez, the line draws its inspiration from Nodal’s passion for opera, Cuba, and fine tobacco. The launch brought together the Aging Room team along with guests from cigar lounges and retailers from across the southeast.

The Altadis Team

Alina Nodal, Diana Cabrera and Jill Meyers

Luis and Kiki Fortin

David Pérez, Dioulis Nojas, Alex Hidalgo , Rafael Nodal and Kevin Juárez

Elena Artamendi, Ivonne Martínez, Jill Meyers and Mayerling Villar

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Ibis Lu, Luz Holguín and Vanessa Rojas

George González, Jill Meyers and Mohammed Azaiez

Ivan and Janet Rodríguez, Rafael, Alina and Carlos Nodal

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EVENTS THE DAVIDOFF DIFFERENCE AT COCO CIGARS Coconut Grove, FL

Davidoff The Difference Immersive Culinary Experience was hosted by Coco Cigars, where the event kicked off with guests receiving a bag filled with an assortment of premium cigars, including the Signature 2000, Grand Cru Toro, Aniversario Special R, and Millenium Piramides.

Each guest also received a set of gold silverware and a pair of stemless wine glasses, a sophisticated start to the event. Guests were directed to Botanico Gin & Cookhouse, where they were treated to a three-course dinner, each dish paired with wine and cigars. After dinner, the evening continued back at Coco Cigars, where guests enjoyed an after-dinner drink and more cigars.

Kenan Kay, Carlos Escalona and Emer Pars

Fred Schlatter, Brandon Klein and Salvatore Catalina

DanLee Cata, Ysmelys Hernández-Padrón, Janet Gorguis and Rafael Falero

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Luis González, Alfred Menéndez and Raul Fernández

Jason Gilg, Roxana Frontini, Linda and Peter Raphael

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EVENTS NEPTUNE CIGAR GRAND OPENING Miami, FL

Neptune’s Little Havana location celebrated its grand opening, marking a fresh start in a new venue after nearly seven successful years at their previous spot. The space offers more room for more cigars and more people, along with improved parking. The opening event had food, drinks, premium cigars, and live music provided by Neptune’s own talented in-house band. Several cigar manufacturers joined the festivities, offering exclusive deals in honor of the occasion.

Dominico and Ida Di Prieto

Jennifer and Matt Larsh

Erik Calviño, Jaxx Guevarra, Luz Holguín, Susan Georgiou and Rafael Nodal

Izzy Woods, Grace Cabezas and Carlos Escalona

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Jesse and Stephanie Jiménez

Justo, Vivian, Andrea and Ariana Eiroa and Ray Granja

Lianet and John Navarro

Alfredo Cruz, Javi Carranza and Albert Sosa

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EVENTS CIGAR CIRCUS GRAND OPENING Clearwater, FL

Cigar Circus, Clearwater's newest player on the cigar scene, opened its doors with an event that brought together top manufacturers with retailers to entertain a new vision. Founder Ryan Gallimore isn’t new to the game—his experience in retail, distribution, and event planning is fueling the new project, which he hopes will bring a “Midwest feel to the South.”

Aside from a B2B wholesale warehouse, there is a lounge and retail space built for consumers and an e-commerce platform launching in June.

Monique Jones and Charlie Doc Watson

Mike Wilson and Kimberly Tucker

Jessica Brandt, George Hadweh, Kevin Shahan and Brian Motola

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Frank VanHeule, Bobby Newman, Nick Giordano, Chris Szeglowski and John Oliva

Chandra García and José Torres

Tom Lazuka and Mike Denys

José Torres, Marc Chavez, Ryan Gallimore, Joel Fernández, Mike Rosales and Terence Reilly

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