Cigar Snob Magazine January February 2018

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editorials JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

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PERFECT PAIRINGS MY FATHER LA OPULENCIA / GODIVA CHOCOLATE LIQUEUR With boozy liquid Godiva chocolate and the latest release from My Father cigars, you couldn’t mess this up if you tried.

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PERFECT PAIRINGS ESPINOSA LARANJA RESERVA CAIXA / SAMUEL ADAMS THIRTEENTH HOUR After tasting the original Samuel Adams Thirteenth Hour in Boston five years ago, a chance encounter brought it back to the forefront.

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BOSTON: LIKE A LOCAL

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TRIBUTE TO GILBERTO OLIVA, SR.

Follow along as we eat and drink our way through Boston. Friends and family help us find our way as we seek out a place to smoke a cigar in one of the country’s most cigar-unfriendly cities.

He was the driving force behind the scenes of the Oliva Cigar Company. See what his family, friends, and colleagues had to say about this master tobacco man.

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TOP 25 CIGARS OF 2017

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TRIBUTE TO JOSÉ ORLANDO PADRÓN

We re-examined and re-smoked the highest rated cigars of 2017 to come up with the 25 best cigars of the year. Take a look at our ranking and let us know what you think of our pick for Cigar of the Year!

See what some of his closest peers and friends had to say about the founder and patriarch of one of the world’s great cigar companies.

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features JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

16 18 22 68

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

81 94

RATINGS

96 100

FEEDBACK WHAT’S BURNIN’ SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB OPPOSITES ATTRACT

TWITTER SCOREBOARD CRA UPDATE EVENT COVERAGE 100 CIGARS UNDER THE STARS AT SABOR HAVANA 102 SABOR HAVANA’S SMOKE THIS 2017 104 DAVIDOFF LOUNGE GRAND OPENING AT SMOKE INN

106 RAY LEWIS & GARY SHEFFIELD AT BURN 108 LA ZONA PALOOZA 110 CASA DE MONTECRISTO BY PRIME 7TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY

112 YAYABO CIGARS AT SMOKE ON THE WATER 114 CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL 116 FESTUVA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL 118 ATLANTA CIGAR WEEK 120 CASA CUEVAS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT MASTER CIGARS

122 EPC CIGAR TASTING SEMINAR BY JOSÉ BLANCO

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A Good Day, Starts with...

M AC C H I ATO C

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C A P P U C C IN O C

Distributed Exclusively by Oliva Cigars

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nub.café

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

VO L . 1 0 IS SU E 1 www.cigarsnobmag.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erik Calviño SENIOR EDITOR Nicolás Antonio Jiménez COPY EDITOR Michael LaRocca SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Oscar M. Calviño PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ivan Ocampo ART DIRECTOR Andy Astencio DIGITAL RETOUCHING SPECIALISTS Ramón Santana CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Glynn Loope CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Manny Iriarte EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Ramon Santana Jerome Berry Leonard Herring Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Karina Gubanova Cigar Snob is published bi-monthly

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

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

- Magazine delivered to you Visit: www.cigarsnobmag.com or write: subscribe@cigarsnobmag.com

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C I G A R S O F C H A R AC T E R

MU LTI- L AYE R E D B LEN DS AS CO M P LE X AS T H E M A N H I M S E L F

COM P L EX MAN · CO MP LE X B LENDS TO REFLECT SIR WINSTON’S LIFELONG PURSUIT OF TASTING THE WIDER WORLD, DAVIDOFF’S MASTER BLENDER CRAFTED FASCINATING BLENDS OF AGED NICARAGUAN, ECUADORIAN, MEXICAN AND DOMINICAN TOBACCOS. SO INTRIGUING. ON SO MANY LEVELS.

AVAILABLE AT AUTHORIZED DAVIDOFF DEALERS NATIONWIDE & DAVIDOFF OF GENEVA LOCATIONS MADISON AVE • 6TH AVE • BROOKFIELD • BUCKHEAD • HOUSTON • TAMPA • LAS VEGAS

DAVIDOFFGENEVA.COM

In the span of about 10 days in December 2017, the cigar world lost two legendary figures. José Orlando Padrón and Gilberto Oliva, Sr.’s life’s work on the business of growing tobacco and manufacturing premium cigars helped pave the way for what is arguably the hottest tobacco growing region in the world. They were visionaries who saw the future of Nicaraguan tobacco well before most.

Over the years, I spent a fair amount of time with Orlando Padrón and I cherish those moments when it was just him and me and a cigar. But my relationship with Don Gilberto Oliva, Sr. goes much further back. In fact, this publication would not exist if not for him. After all, it was his son José Oliva who in 1995 handed me a Gilberto Oliva cigar and gave me a quick lesson on how to cut and light it. It was my first cigar and I was smoking it mostly to appease my friend who was proud of his dad’s new brand. That mild Nicaraguan cigar covered with an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper started my love affair with cigars, which continues to this day.

Don Gilberto was a humble, quiet, but confident man. From the first time I met him in the mid-90s until just a couple of years ago, he spent most of his time in Nicaragua tending to the family business. He did not take vacations; didn’t believe in them. He did not see the value in taking time away from work to “go around acting foolish and doing things you don’t normally do.” At that age, I didn’t know if the man was serious, joking or completely out of his mind. It was a shock to my system; since my father worked for Eastern Airlines for most of my childhood, I was a traveling fool. And in his eyes I was quite a fool, wasting all that time messing around in airports and visiting other places instead of getting down to the business of making a life for myself.

He seldom came home due to his disdain for taking time off. But when he did, we’d enjoy a cigar on the Olivas’ modest terrace in Hialeah and talk mostly about tobacco or business. Or rather, he’d listen to José and me talk, interjecting to make corrections when he thought we were off base. I was a young adult with a passion for databases and programming, but I loved the terrace topics. Little did I know that, 10 years later, my dad and I would launch this magazine and I would subconsciously apply many of the lessons I learned about the cigar business on that terrace.

As I get older and my hard drive is forced to archive memories in harder-to-reach places, I find myself in a race against time to hold on to those rare moments with Don Gilberto. It’s an interesting catch 22; if he hadn’t been so intense and disciplined about

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working and never taking time off, I’d have more memories of him from those days. But had he been more lackadaisical about work and been home more often, I probably would not have been so keen to listen when he spoke.

Seeing the Oliva and Padrón families express their love for the men that led them to this point painted an instant snapshot of each man’s life. They were business leaders, but more importantly, they were patriarchs who left behind united, caring families with an overwhelming sense of love and pride for their clan.

Rest in peace,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

E XCE P T IONA L QUA L I T Y C OM E S W I T H AGE

Balmoral AĂąejo XO cigars are the result of an intensive blending process with exceptionally aged tobaccos: an AĂąejo blend crowned with a sungrown Arapiraca wrapper.

After blending the cigar, it took another 6 months of aging to marry all its flavors. Let yourself be seduced by notes of cedar wood, cacao, spices and an underlying sweetness.

Torpedo Mk52 | Gran Toro | Rothschild Masivo | Corona | Petit Robusto FT

www.balmoralcigars.com

CORRECTION In the November/December 2017 issue, on p. 72, we regrettably goofed up the information on one of the cigars we rated. Here’s the correct info: Battleground The Widow’s Son Vitola: Toro Size: 6x56 Country of origin: Dominican Republic Wrapper: USA/Connecticut Binder: Dominican Republic Filler: Dominican Republic Price: $9.95 Rating: 89 Apologies to the folks at Battleground for letting that one get by us.

THE THIRST IS REAL. What is the name of the model from the September/October 2017 Sports Issue?

Robert J.

VIA FEEDBACK@CIGARSNOBMAG.COM Her name is Julieta Miquelarena. You can find her on Instagram at @ julietamiquelarena.

THE DIGITAL NANNIES ARE COMING. Why am I having so much trouble getting the magazine on Apple Newsstand? Is there an alternative for those of us who prefer to read a digital version?

Tom T. Little Rock

VIA FEEDBACK@CIGARSNOBMAG.COM It’s not just you, Tom. Unfortunately, the folks at Apple have decided not to play nice with anybody whose main focus is cigars — not on the Newsstand, not on the Apple Store, not on any of their platforms. We see the same kind of thing in some aspects of Facebook, for instance.

We wish our magazine were welcome and treated the same as others on Apple platforms. But, since that’s not the case, we’ve begun the process of moving the digital version of magazine to Issuu. You can access that content by searching for Cigar Snob on issuu.com. Take a look, subscribe, and let us know how that works out for you!

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CASA DE MONTECRISTO ACQUIRES TAMPA HUMIDOR Casa de Montecristo announced its acquisition of Tampa Humidor, which readers of the magazine might recognize as the cigar retailer that hosts the annual Tampa Cigar Bash. With a second Tampa Humidor location under construction, these will be the eighteenth and nineteenth brick-and-mortar lounges for Casa de Montecristo since the program began in 2008. Tampa Humidor owner Mike Howe is set to join the Casa de Montecristo team.

DAVIDOFF CIGARS TURNS 50

back at start of the next calendar year.

focuses on warning labels.

TABAQUERO BY HAMLET SHIPS IN CULEBRA

According to Halfwheel, “... the Texas complaint argues that the warning label requirements – and the process FDA went about deciding said requirements – is a violation of various laws including the first amendment and the Administrative Procedure Act, a law which requires the government to go through certain steps before introducing new laws.”

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars announced that its Tabaquero by Hamlet Paredes brand would begin shipping a culebra in January 2018. The traditional format interlocks three long, thin cigars in a shape that looks something like a braid.

Other lawsuits filed by cigar industry players have made broader complaints that include first-amendment rights violations, among others.

CUELLAR BROUGHT UNDER THE VILLIGER BRAND UMBRELLA

Tabaquero made appearances in a culebra format last year, though it was limited to event and promotional use. Hamlet also made “giant culebras” at promotional events when he first joined the Rocky Patel stable in 2015.

Davidoff Cigars is celebrating its 50th birthday with a series of events and specially commissioned cigars and accessories.

“This is a very special year for us,” said Oettinger Davidoff AG’s senior VP and CMO Charles Awad. “We look back with pride on 50 years of creating exceptional, original cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we look forward with a great sense of exhilaration to new, unknown horizons that will bring exciting, undiscovered experiences for those who love cigars.”

Five Davidoff cigars will be released with commemorative 50th anniversary white bands, though the blends will remain unchanged. Those five cigars, available in the first quarter of 2018, are the Davidoff Signature No. 2, Davidoff Signature 2000, Davidoff Aniversario Special R, Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 and Davidoff Aniversario Entreacto.

Those cigars will all get their original bands

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“I would roll a three-foot giant culebra,” said Hamlet in a press release. “We would raffle off the giant cigar, but it was not meant to be smoked. [It] was meant to display in your man cave.”

The new Tabaquero Culebra, which is made at Rocky Patel’s TaviCusa factory in Estelí, is 8 inches long – about 2 inches more than a typical culebra – and is packaged in red coffins. Each cigar will retail for $36.

TEXAS TOBACCONISTS SUE THE FDA Halfwheel.com reported that Dallas retailer En Fuego Tobacco Shop, League City-based El Cubano Cigars, and the Texas Cigar Merchants Association filed a lawsuit against the FDA over premium cigar regulation. Specifically, the suit relates to the FDA’s requirements on warning labels for cigar packaging.

Unlike the already existing lawsuit filed by three national cigar trade groups, this lawsuit

Cuellar has always been part of the Villiger Cigars portfolio, but there wasn’t any indication of that on the brand’s packaging. The cigar will now be known as Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme. The move is part of a broader effort at Villiger to streamline its branding.

In a press release, Villiger North America president René Castañeda said of the Cuellar brand, “Its extremely creamy profile, combined with just a hint of spiciness, has made the brand a hit with consumers. This small change of adding the ‘Villiger’ name on band and packaging will help consumers better identify it as a Villiger brand.”

Made at Tabacalera Palma in the Dominican Republic, the Villiger Cuellar Connecticut Kreme features a Connecticut shade wrapper and is available in four vitolas ranging in price from $6.00 to $7.00.

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THE GREAT SMOKE On February 8, SmokeInn will kick off its 12th annual The Great Smoke event. In 2015, the event moved to a new location to accommodate a growing crowd. In 2017, the event expanded by a day. Already, the event has gotten so popular that SmokeInn is adding yet another day to the event calendar (now four total) and moving the “main event” to the South Florida Fairgrounds.

A ticket gets you a bag of premium cigars, accessories, and access to that main event at the fairgrounds, which will feature more than 40 cigar brands and be attended by some of their owners, blenders and reps.

The rest of the weekend is loaded with parties at SmokeInn, steakhouse dinners, a night at a strip club and a brunch. Visit thegreatsmoke.com for more info.

AGIO OPENS U.S.A. CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS A press release issued by Drew Estate at the tail end of 2017 announced the opening of the Royal Agio Cigars U.S.A. headquarters in Bradenton, Florida. The two companies entered into a partnership in 2014, with Drew Estate handling Agio distribution in the U.S. and Agio taking on Drew Estate distribution in Europe.

But now, as Agio looks to deepen its foothold in the U.S. market, Agio has set up its own American headquarters on Florida’s gulf coast and that U.S. distribution agreement ended December 18, 2017 (though the distribution partnership in Europe will continue).

“We have been honored to be part of the Drew Estate family,” said Royal Agio U.S.A. president George Margioukla. “We are grateful for the enthusiastic support and significant contributions made on behalf of the Drew Estate organization that have helped improve distribution and awareness for our premium cigar brands over the past three and a half years. Thanks in large part to these efforts, Royal Agio Cigars is now in a position to strengthen our U.S. presence and enhance direct support for our highly-valued trade partners and consumers.”

CIGAR SNOB LAUNCHES A PODCAST It’s not often that we use this section of the magazine to talk about ourselves, but we have something special going on and figured it was as good a time as any to make an exception.

Not too long ago, we launched a podcast. That’s right… it’s all the fun of reading Cigar Snob, but for your ears!

The podcasts put out new episodes about every week. They include interviews with cigar makers, and other special content you won’t get here, but will love if you enjoy this magazine. That’s talk of cigars, booze, travel, gadgets, music, art, and culture.

Just search for “Cigar Snob Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music or Soundcloud. You can also listen from your browser at cigarsnobmag.com/podcast.

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My Father La Opulencia Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur

We love it when a good pairing comes together accidentally and knocks your socks off. Every year during the holidays, the García family of My Father Cigars graciously sends our staff two boxes of their newest releases. This year, they sent a box of the My Father La Opulencia, an extension to the highly sought after My Father line, and a box of Vegas Cubanas, one of the Garcías’ original brands from their days making cigars in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood, which they resurrected in 2017. We promptly split the cigars amongst our editorial and creative teams and everyone was happy, except accounting. In similar fashion, our printer sends presents every year, but their gifts are of the boozy variety. Never before had both gifts arrived on the same day.

Not ones to interfere with fate, we agreed that we would enjoy the My Father cigars with whatever booze was in the gift basket from the printer.

Usually, it’s red wine but this year they threw us a curveball and sent a bottle of Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur. What happened next derailed any possible chances of a productive day at Cigar Snob HQ. Everyone opted for the My Father La Opulencia (in Toro) and fired them up while we chilled the liqueur. By the time the Godiva was ready, we were halfway through the cigars.

THE PAIRING The cigar is ultra-flavorful with notes of roasted almonds, cocoa, and earth along a strong pepper backbone. Immediately, the Godiva Milk Chocolate Liqueur coats your palate with a silky, slightly boozy chocolate that binds to the smoke, knocking the pepper and earth into next week. This brings out the roasted almonds to mingle with the chocolate and booze in beautiful ways. The liqueur is rich and sweet, so a little goes a long way. We were halfway through our cigars when we introduced the liqueur into the mix. Unless you have an insatiable sweet tooth, we recommend you do the same.

LOCATION: Neme Verde,Gastro Waterfront Bar, Miami Dining(nemegastrobar.com) and Bar at Perez Art Museum Miami (pamm.org/dining) JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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Espinosa Laranja reserva Caixa Samuel Adams Thirteenth Hour

This was a pairing that grew from when we first tasted this special brew from Samuel Adams’ Barrel Room Collection in late 2012. It star ted when our publisher visited the Samuel Adams brewery in Boston that year. He brought back a couple of the beers that were not available in our home state of Florida to enjoy at the office.

We drank them without thinking about pairings since these beers were only being sold in the New England and Denver markets. The thinking at the time was, “ Why would we use them in the magazine if only a small number of readers will be able to duplicate the pairing?”

But we loved the unique flavors of the Samuel Adams Thir teenth Hour; it had a complex profile combining chocolate, espresso, and heavy malt flavors with dark fruit, and cherry nuances.

Fast forward to mid-2017 and, while in search of beers at our local liquor store, there it was. It turns out that Samuel Adams released some of their Barrel Room Collection beers to many more markets and Florida was one of them! We knew what had to be done, and after sitting on those tasting notes since 2012, we knew exactly what cigar would bring out the best in this beer.

THE PAIRING The Espinosa Laranja Reserva Caixa is the perfect blend of pepper, earth, and cedar to balance out the fruit flavors.

This leaves the cigar’s nut, cream, and cinnamon to take center stage along with the beer’s chocolate and coffee flavors. The result was a match made in heaven that has become a staple on Fridays at the office.

LOCATION: Neme Ponte Gastro VecchioBar, Ristorante Miami (nemegastrobar.com) e Pizzeria (pontevecchiomiami.com) JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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Revolutionary history, incredible food, and Beantown’s beatdown of its own cigar scene Massachusetts State House

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The view from one corner of Boston Common; the basement bar at Stoddard’s; a Cape Cod Mule; the Stoddard’s French Dip sandwich with onion rings

s you walk through the Boston Common, the unmistakable smell of weed rears its head. This might bother you. It might not.

But if you’re a cigar smoker mulling over the idea that it’s easier to consume pot on your visit to Boston than to enjoy a cigar — even in the isolation of a cigar shop — something about that smell gnaws at you. Light your cigar in Boston Common, after all, and you have hefty fines to worry about.

ther our art director Andy Astencio nor I had ever been, so we had a whole lot of ground to cover, and we’d need to look farther outside the cigar world than usual for help. Luckily, we have plenty of friends in town.

BOSTON COMMON

What Boston lacks in cigars it more than makes up for in history. Few American cities are as loaded with it as Beantown. Maybe it’s fitting that cigars be so restricted here.

Isn’t this, increasingly, where the country is headed? We’re at a point in our history where cigars are up against the ropes, and I haven’t yet visited a city that made for a better avatar of that trend than Boston.

After landing in Boston, we headed into Beacon Hill to drop our luggage off before getting the day started in earnest. Beacon Hill is a picturesque neighborhood covering about a sixth of a square mile on the Charles River between the Boston Common and the West End neighborhood. The area made for a perfect home base throughout the trip, and it was great to end each day coming back to such a central location that includes landmarks like the Massachusetts State House and the Granary Burial Ground — where you’ll find the graves of Paul Revere, Crispus Attucks, Sam Adams, John Hancock, and a slew of other patriots.

Still, there’s a lot to love about this place. Nei-

Having arrived on a connecting flight, we knew

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we’d need to refuel — especially considering we were working up the nerve to do a whole lot of walking in frigid temperatures and light rain. So we crossed the Boston Common to Stoddard’s Fine Food & Ale , which friends had recommended for lunch. Stoddard’s is itself of some historical significance. The building it occupies is among the oldest in the city, since its granite construction enabled it to survive the Great Fire of 1872. That fire destroyed 800 structures between the Boston Common and the waterfront. Stoddard’s takes its name from a previous occupant of this location, Stoddard’s Bait and Tackle, which was the fourth business to incorporate in the United States. I know all of this to be true because I read it in what I trust is a very accurate historical account on the back of the Stoddard’s menu.

Speaking of the menu, we were glad to find that our friends hadn’t steered us wrong for the first meal of our trip. Andy had the Stoddard’s

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: L.J. Peretti, the one and only cigar shop in Boston; the dining room and stage at The Beehive; Poe out for a stroll; Freedom Trail marker; Shakshuka at Milkweed Burger; I went with the French Dip Sandwich, which was loaded with perfectly cooked beef and served with onion rings. All of that was washed down with a Cape Cod Mule, which is a Moscow Mule with some cranberry tacked onto the typical recipe.

Staff at Stoddard’s recommended we check out Caffe Nero to get our coffee fix. The Northeastern coffee chain has several Boston locations, including the one we stopped into on Washington Street.

From there, we headed to the south end of the Boston Common. The park is separated from the Boston Public Garden by Charles Street, and both public spaces have Boylston as their southern border. Where Charles and Boylston intersect, you’ll find L.J. Peretti Co. , the last remaining full-fledged tobacconist in the city of Boston (there are others in the metro area).

It’s also one of the country’s oldest tobacconists, having been in business 145 years (even operating as a cigar factory for a long stretch)

and existing in its current location 78 years.

After we had a look around the front of the store and picked up a few of the house blend cigars, owner and president Stephen Willett led us to the back of the shop, where he was personally working on prepping pipe tobacco blends.

The selection here is great, and it’s excellent to have a knowledgeable tobacconist right on the Boston Common. But — especially when it’s too cold out to even entertain the idea of risking fines by smoking on the sidewalk or in a public park — it’s deflating to be told at a shop with this much expertise and history about just how limited the smoking options are for travelers here. The only place to smoke indoors, Stephen said, is Stanza dei Sigari, a lounge in Boston’s heavily Italian North End neighborhood. We’d heard a lot about Stanza, and we would hear that name over and over throughout the rest of our trip.

After packing up our cigars and saying our

goodbyes, it was time to go about the business of being professional tourists. And no touristy walk around the Boston Common is complete without a visit to one of the most iconic bars in America: Cheers .

This bar — back when it was still called Bull & Finch Pub — inspired the timeless NBC sitcom Cheers, which featured one of the best ensemble casts in TV comedy, and launched the spinoff series Frasier. The entrance from the curb on Beacon Street, near the Northwest corner of the Boston Common, will be instantly recognizable to anyone who knows the show. Once you’re inside, though, you’ll realize that not only does everyone not know your name, but you don’t quite know this bar.

The real-life pub is much smaller than what you saw on TV, with the bar sitting against one side of a long, narrow room. Barstools along one side, booths on the other. All kinds of knick-knacks adorn the walls, including some obligatory photos and artwork related to the

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The view from the Fort Point channel; Our Lady of Perpetual Help; a brew at the real Cheers bar; salmon at The Beehive show that made this place famous. What will feel familiar is the mix of people in the pub.

You’ll find tourists and locals of all ages and backgrounds flock here for beers and bar food, and the fact that the space is small actually forces a communal feel that has been lost in the more modern bar scene.

After taking a breather and showering back at our hotel room, we headed to dinner at The Beehive on the recommendation of my cousin, a dental student who’s been living in and exploring the area for a while now and was excited to accept dinner and a drink at one of his favorite Boston restaurants as a consulting fee. Situated on Tremont Street about a 20-minute walk south of Boston Common, The Beehive is a great place to enjoy a leisurely dinner followed by prolonged drinks and conversation. You’ll want to linger, not only for the great cocktails, but also for the live music. Local and touring jazz acts take the stage here in a venue that is tailor made for dinner and a

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band. The dining room strikes a great balance between being large and intimate, so you feel like you’re right there in the show but still able to share in conversation with whomever else is at your table (or with you at the bar).

The food here is also probably heartier than you might expect at a jazz club and cocktail bar. We went with ribs, braised lamb neck, pan seared salmon, and a bone-in ribeye that was approximately the size of a volleyball. (I kid.

Kind of.) We followed our waitress’ lead on the cocktail front and ended up trying a variety of well-executed drinks while enjoying the music of a small band led by a Berklee College of Music alumna from Barcelona. It was a great way to end the night — and it also kept us out of the rain, as we discovered when we went back out on the street to hail a cab home.

FENWAY AND BREWERIES Ordinarily, must-visit cigar shops and lounges

dictate which neighborhoods we explore in any city we visit. Alas, that’s not the kind of planning one can do in Boston. So instead, we figured we’d check out a landmark neither Andy nor I had ever seen in person: Fenway Park.

First, we had to fuel up. This morning’s breakfast spot, Milkweed , came highly recommended by friends living in the area. It’s about a mile and a half south of the ballpark. This great little hipster diner served satisfying breakfasts, and none is more substantial than the shakshuka.

Having not had much experience with Middle Eastern cuisine, I was unfamiliar with the dish, but I’ll be ordering this every time I find it on a menu from here on out. Milkweed’s take (I don’t want to assume this was standard, given it’s still my only shakshuka) is homemade meatballs, pickled peppers, feta and two eggs in a bowl of chunky tomato sauce

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Heading into downtown Boston from Cambridge; Fenway Park; the courtyard at the Gardner Museum; Sam Adams’ tombstone at Granary Burying Ground

that’s just spicy enough to keep you sweating a bit, but not so spicy that you need to take breaks. Perfect for a long walk on a cold day — especially the long walk part. When you’re done with your morning shakshuka, you’re not gonna want to stay in one place for too long.

As we stepped out of Milkweed, Andy and I noticed an impressive, imposing structure right across the street. As we approached, we learned it was Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church . We were having trouble finding cigars in this town, so as a good Catholic I decided to head inside and see whether we could get any of that help.

The Virgin Mary didn’t give us any answers on the cigars, but we did get to see an absolutely stunning basilica. If you choose to enter the church, make sure you walk up to the front where, just left of the main altar, there’s an elaborate shrine to Our Lady of Perpetual Help flanked by crutches, braces, and other de-

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vices that the faithful started leaving here to commemorate healings and answered prayers in the late 1800s.

We walked north toward a stunning building of an entirely different kind. Andy being the art buff that he is (our art director studied fine art in Cuba and does some painting when he’s not designing this magazine), I figured we should stop into one of Boston’s many museums. In many ways, the most unique among them is the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum . The museum was opened in 1903 by its namesake, the daughter of a well-to-do New York linen merchant. She dedicated her life to being an art patron, and the museum she created for people to enjoy her collection in well after she was gone is itself an architectural marvel, emulating a 15th-century Venetian palace and taking particular cues from Palazzo Barbaro.

I don’t know art very well, and even I knew walking through here that Isabella’s collection

was completely insane. Titian, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, Manet, Degas, Matisse … the list goes on — and that’s just a sampling of the European artists represented here, to say nothing of the works from the rest of the world. It’s all presented as if you were walking through someone’s home, except even the furniture is priceless. There’s an intimacy to touring this museum that makes it engaging in a way that instantly sucks in even the relatively uncultured (like me). Andy, needless to say, had to be dragged out of the building.

When we finally made it to Fenway (walking through the Back Bay Fens, which seemed like it would have been a decent place to sneak a short cigar in warmer weather), we were pretty underwhelmed. Nobody’d told us that there’s really not much to see from outside the park the way there is with other iconic Major League stadiums. Still, we couldn’t help but feel more than satisfied with what we’d seen

LIGHT UP THE SCENE You earned it.

Perfected over 152 years, yours to enjoy now.

#LightUpYourSoul

PlasenciaCigars.com JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Sanders Theater at Harvard; Tea Party Ships & Museum; The Barking Crab; Pinball at Down the Road Beer Co.; South Station, just south of the Financial District and east of Chinatown. today on a whim. Maybe Our Lady had sent some of that perpetual help of hers our way after all.

We hailed an Uber and crossed over to the east side of the city to take in some more of the city’s history at the Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum . Sure, the museum and restored 18th-century ships feel a bit tourist trappy, but there’s something charming about the fact that Boston — for all its hard-edged reputation — has retained a warm sense of history and nostalgia for the American Revolution. At the museum, tours take you on the restored ships, where you get an opportunity to toss some tea into the water of the Fort Point Channel. This is also a good stop for some Revolution-themed mementos to bring back home. For instance, whenever I travel for Cigar Snob, I pick up a couple of cheesy refrigerator magnets for my kitchen at home.

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My wife and I are now the proud owners of a tiny boat and a teapot. Pretty sure there weren’t any of those getting tossed around at the Tea Party, but whatever.

As a cigar lover and cigar journalist, one juxtaposition leapt out at me: a city that identifies so closely with the struggle against government overreach and tyrannical taxation is far and away the most repressed American cigar city I’ve ever visited.

On the other hand, if there’s one thing that seems like it will never disappear from this town, it’s seafood. So Andy and I walked over to The Barking Crab , a casual shack (openair when it’s warm) that serves the simple, crustacean-forward fare you crave from the moment you land in Beantown. Figuring that you don’t need me to help you figure out that the straight lobster options are a good idea, I went with the lobster mac and cheese (ex-

cellent) and Andy, for whose shellfish allergies I was showing absolutely no regard in my spearheading restaurant selection, had fish tacos. Surprisingly, this popular restaurant was ill-prepared for shellfish allergies. For instance, fries are all cooked in the same oil as the seafood. But the kitchen got creative and hooked us up. Still, something to be mindful of if you’re with a group and someone in there has an allergy.

We walked off our dinner a bit and headed back to our hotel to drop off most of our gear.

We planned to end our night in a manner unsafe for people handling expensive electronics.

After reading in social media that we would be visiting his town, my friend Eugenio got in touch and offered to be our brewery tour guide for a night. Difficult though it was, we found a way to work this idea into our trip

agenda.

The beer tour comprised stops at two breweries in Everett and one in Chelsea — both industrial areas just north of Boston, across the Mystic River. We started at Down the Road Beer Co. , which Eugenio, who is an architect, had a hand in designing. The 2,500-square-foot taproom features a bar stocked with all manner of beer vessel (a sign the people running this place are beer nerds, which you want in a brewer) and a wall lined with about a dozen vintage pinball machines. Most of the taproom’s tables had board or card games on them. That is to say, this brewery was set up with fun in mind. No pretense, just great beer and a good time. We tried several beers and were most impressed by a seasonal porter and Pukwudgie, one of the brewery’s core products.

Next up was Mystic Brewery , in Chelsea. The taproom here has a totally different feel from Down the Road’s. This one is smaller, more intimate, closer to a neighborhood bar vibe. We struck up a conversation with another guy at the bar who seemed way too interested in our cameras and ordered a handful of beers, including The Hum (porter) and D.D.H. Amperage (Belgian IPA). Dogs are allowed here, so you can still make new friends if you’re not great with people, and you can order from nearby Ciao Pizza & Pasta. We didn’t get to try it for ourselves, but it’s reviewed absurdly well everywhere from local media to Yelp to Zagat.

The brewery tour swung back to Everett for its last stop at Night Shift Brewing . Just a tad darker and louder, this place feels closer to a club than the other two. Better for a group looking for a party atmosphere, whereas the others have a more laid-back vibe to them. In any case, I was blown away by Night Shift’s Bennington, an oatmeal stout brewed with cocoa and maple syrup. This is a limited-production beer that only makes occasional appearances, but I suggest you look for this first if you’re stopping through.

With all this drinking, it seemed like the responsible thing to do was to get some food in us before hitting the hay. On our way back to Beacon Hill, we made a pit stop at Jade Garden , a Chinese restaurant serving heaping helpings of all the standard fare less than a block from the Chinatown Gate just southeast of the Boston Common.

Our bellies full of delicious beer and sticky rice, we thanked Eugenio for the tour and called it a night. After all, we were heading to Cambridge the next morning and we would need a good night’s rest if we wanted to look smart in front of all those Harvard and MIT people.

CAMBRIDGE We’d used the subway a bit, but it wasn’t until this last full day, when we used it to cover a whole hell of a lot more ground, that we realized just how practical and intuitive Boston’s train system is. On the suggestion of an old elementary school friend living in Boston, we started by venturing to North Cambridge (about 20 minutes on the train) for breakfast at a little coffee house and restaurant called NOCA Provisions . We both went with the classic breakfast — two sunny side up eggs, bacon, cheddar, braised escarole — and lattes.

After walking back to Davis Station, we caught a promising sign that read “ Robbins Tobacco .” Could it be? Had we found one of the city’s elusive cigar shops?

Truth be told, we were a tad let down as soon as we walked in. This is more “tobacco shop” than “cigar shop.” You know the place. Plenty of cigarettes, maybe some hookahs and pipes, and a cashier who barely knows what cigars are in the humidor, let alone what to recommend to you.

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Leavitt & Pierce; The John Harvard statue; Christmas Carolers; MIT; a plaque at Liberty Park near Tufts; sculpture at MIT

Still, the place had a walk-in humidor and the selection wasn’t bad for a smoke shop in a cigar desert. Plenty of selection from General and Altadis, and then some products from Oliva, Ventura, Fuente, Drew Estate, Rocky Patel, Nat Sherman and Alec Bradley.

knives, shaving equipment, flasks, and tobacco jars. Everywhere you look, you’ll find reminders of the shop’s history, which is more than a century long and is necessarily intertwined with that of the elite university across the street.

I scooped some cigars up for the sake of supporting a local cigar business, though I was sure we would never find a place to get out of the cold and smoke them. We went on our way, cigars in tow, to stroll through the neighborhood and check out the Tufts University campus before heading south to Harvard.

Unfortunately, the staff here couldn’t offer us any suggestions for nearby places to smoke (even outdoors).

When we asked locals about cigars in Cambridge, only one name came up: Leavitt & Pierce . The shop sits on Massachusetts Ave., just across from the south side of Harvard Yard . The store is well-stocked, albeit somewhat unconventionally; the humidor is a glass display case not unlike what you might expect to see at a bakery or butcher shop, with staff helping you navigate from behind the counter.

In addition to cigars, Leavitt & Pierce sells a variety of other items, including board games,

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When you’re done shopping at Leavitt & Pierce, consider checking out some of the museums on the Harvard campus, like the Museum of Comparative Zoology, the Harvard Museum of Natural History, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology, and the Harvard Art Museums.

We got back on the train and headed to MIT , where we quickly realized there wasn’t much to see or do other than the MIT Museum, which is worth a visit if you’re into science.

Back onto the train and across the Charles River to Boston we went.

With a little time to kill before dinner, we

ticked off a few of the historical landmark boxes we’d made for ourselves ahead of the trip. The Old South Meeting House , for instance, is the building where Bostonians used to … well … meet and decide stuff early on.

For instance, “Should we save any of the tea for ourselves, or dump it all in the water?”, “Should we be wearing only Indian costumes or cover all of the Village People?”, and “All in favor of pronouncing A-R as A-H-H-H?” There’s also the Old State House , which was the original seat of colonial government here and served as the state capitol (now it’s the larger building with the golden dome on Boston Common). Paul Revere’s house is worth checking out, as is King’s Chapel — one of the country’s oldest churches, which still uses a bell that cracked and was recast by Paul Revere in 1816. Revere, you might remember, was usually silversmithing when he wasn’t busy riding around on his horse and yelling at the neighbors.

And all this is in just one little corner of the city, northeast of the Boston Common. Keep

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The lounge at Stanza dei Sigari in the North End; nighttime traffic; fresh mozzarella and prosciutto at Bricco; Stanza’s sign on Hanover Street moving north and you’ll eventually find yourself in Boston’s North End neighborhood, which is best known for its Italian-American population and great Italian eateries. We met with my elementary school friend Amanda, who I hadn’t seen since high school and who now lives in the Boston area, at Bricco Ristorante & Enoteca . It’s located on Hanover Street, the North End’s main dining and shopping drag. Amanda brought a few friends along, including Sam Mallikarjunan, a Tampa guy who some smokers on the Gulf Coast might remember from his days hosting CigaRobbie Radio. As it happens, he’s now a colleague of my friend Amanda’s.

Our group was guided through a bit of a tasting by a flamboyant Brazilian-Italian waiter who brought us pappardelle with wild boar, agrodolce Chilean sea bass, Pollo alla Valdostana (chicken stuffed with fontina cheese and prosciutto), and a truffle risotto. The only thing I can say to knock the experience was that we all had to sit and wait for Andy to take pictures of the dishes before digging in.

Finally, at the very end of our stay in Bos-

ton, it was time to check out the cigar bar we had heard so much about. The one and only place you can apparently smoke indoors in the entire Boston area: Stanza Dei Sigari .

Just a block nor th of Bricco, Stanza (most people seem to be on a first-name basis with the place) is a basement-level cigar bar that draws a mix of tourists, professionals, college students and seasoned cigar smokers. The cigar menu’s got all the staples you might expect. Of course, this being a cigar bar menu rather than a retail tobacconist, it’s natural that the prices are a bit higher than MSRP. But what doesn’t quite make sense is the way that markup varies from cigar to cigar. If you do a lot of cigar shopping, you’ll be a bit confused by how the prices compare to one another (some cigars that you’re used to seeing as the most affordable in a humidor are among the most expensive on this list and vice versa). And, for whatever reason, OpusX is “Market Price.” Also note that there’s a $10 cutting fee for bringing your own cigars, so buying ahead of time won’t do you much good unless you have your hear t set so much on

a specific stick that you’re willing to tack $10 onto the price rather than just enjoy it another time. Also, the selection of beers, wines and spirits here is solid. You’ll have no trouble finding a great pairing. People in our group smoked Padrón, Ashton, and La Flor Dominicana — with Amanda even trying her first ever cigar.

And just like that, our Boston experience was over. We saw more history and smoked fewer cigars than on any other Cigar Snob travel story excursion, but it was a great experience all around. We just hope that, sometime soon, Bostonians get back to their city’s anti-nanny roots and allow cigar smokers who just want a private place to enjoy their stogies to have those spaces without the state getting in the way. It’s no wonder so many smokers actually recommended we drive into another state for a good cigar lounge! Until things change here, visit Boston for the great food, rich history, and oldworld architecture… but leave your travel humidor at home.

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Ask for it by name, In fine cigar stores near you 46 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

GILBERTO OLIVA, SR. 1933 - 2017

FRIENDS, FAMILY AND TOBACCO MEN REFLECT ON THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST CELEBRATED FAMILY OWNED PREMIUM CIGAR BRANDS. JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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JOSÉ OLIVA Oliva Cigars My father traveled his whole life; when he was getting home, there was always that great anticipation. I can picture the cab he arrived in. There’s also the memories of the days he had to leave. My sister and I would hide his shoes to thwart him.

He was never not on his job, whether it was being a dad or the job of being in business, which obviously made a big impression on me. My dad was always ready to say something to you that was simple, yet stayed with you for a long time. When I was a child, he’d talk about the importance of saving money. “If you ever feel like you’re losing the value of a dollar, change it into pennies and get the weight of a hundred pennies in your hand.” It never left me that we can look at a thing as if it has no value, but if you transform it into something else, you get a better perspective.

As I got a little bit older, I was taken aback by how many struggles he had been through. This is a man whose childhood ended at about 7 or 8 years old. He was barefoot outside and got a staph infection that almost cost him his leg from the knee down. He spent months in a hospital in Havana, which was two hours from his home, by himself. His father, my grandfather, would come and see him only on Sundays because he had to work and it wasn’t easy for a poor farmer to get all the way to the capital.

Then obviously what happened to not just him, but all the families of Cuba with the revolution.

And what happened in Nicaragua with the revolution there. Time and again, he had struggles that would have given anybody the excuse to not succeed. And I would tell him, “You must have felt terrible.” He had no time to think about how terrible it was. He would say, “You don’t pay attention to those types of things. You put your faith in God and move on.” And that was a major saying of his entire life. Any time that there was a difficult situation, what he would tell you is, “A eso no se le hace caso.” You don’t pay any mind to that.

As a younger person, you thought, “That’s not an answer.” But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see the wisdom of “What is without remedy should be without regard.”

One time I asked him, “Dad, don’t you ever laugh?”

And he said, “Of course I laugh. Everybody laughs.” And I said, “No, I mean like really laugh.

One of those uncontrollable type belly laughs.”

And he looked at me and said, “Well, a man can’t go around all day laughing like an idiot.” I thought it was hilarious and it’s ironic that it’s made me laugh a thousand times every time I think about it.

That’s who he was. He never had a humidor. He didn’t have time for things like that. Whatever cigars he was smoking were in his pocket or on

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José Oliva (left) remembers his father, the late Gilberto Oliva, Sr., as always being “on the job,” whether as a father or a tobacco man.

the table. People gave him cutters and lighters.

He was very quickly frustrated with the fact that a lot of these things quickly end up not working.

He was more than happy with a Bic lighter that he knew he could count on.

The very last conversation I remember having with him, it was still him, still teaching, still saying, “Keep your eye out for this, be aware of these types of things” … Constantly. This was his major function. There’s a certain solace in the fact that he wouldn’t necessarily look fondly on someone becoming consumed by his absence. He used to always say to me as he was getting near his end, “This is life and everything passes. Tomorrow I won’t be here, but those cars on that street will still be driving back and forth. And that’s life.”

Even in mourning him, he was helpful that way.

I don’t think that he would look too kindly on me being sunken in a chair coming to pieces about it.

That’s just the kind of man that he was and hopefully the kind of father that I’ll be to my kids.

Another memory that always stays with me is the first time he asked me if I wanted a cigar and a beer. Mind you, this didn’t happen until a couple of years after I was already in the cigar business. I was engaged. It’s almost like a rite of passage. You feel like, “OK, at least that part of the teaching is done. Now he sees you as his son who he can sit down and have a beer and a cigar with.”

Constantly, almost daily, he would mention to you that his tobaccos were well cured. He could not

speak about a cigar without pointing out to you that the reason they were good is that the tobaccos were well cured. You could get him to go into some detail, but more often than not, figuring that the people he was talking to knew what he was talking about, he would look at it, and then he’d point to you and say, “These are well cured tobaccos.”

ERNESTO PÉREZ-CARRILLO EPC Cigars You could say Gilberto was an introvert, but when he was around friends, he was open. He had a mind that was incredible. I don’t want to name names, but you had known manufacturers and growers coming into his home on Saturday and Sunday in Nicaragua, sitting with him and picking his brain.

I’ll always be grateful to Gilberto and his kids.

When I started in 2009, I didn’t have any tobacco.

They gave me a hand and sold me some. They had a binder there from Jalapa that was five years old and they said to me, “Ernesto, if you want this, we’re saving it for something special, but you take it and use it for your lines.” At that time, we came up with the Inaugural 2009. And that was basically their tobacco. As a matter of fact, I would say that even today, one of my main suppliers in Nicaragua is the Oliva family.

What I admire about Gilberto is he was such a master at fermenting and aging tobacco. Again, I buy tobaccos from other people, but he had a

ALL PHOTOS: Manny Iriarte

special way of doing it that was really very unique to that family. And, you know, that was his work and his legacy, to grow tobacco and be special, like I said before, especially at the fermenting and the aging aspect of it. I would say he was the top dog there in Nicaragua. Even though he wasn’t as well known as some other people, he was a pillar in Nicaraguan cigars and tobacco.

NESTOR PLASENCIA Plasencia Cigars I knew Gilberto Oliva, Sr. about 50 years. I first met him in the ‘60s when he was the general manager of a farm in Jalapa and we were, at that time, starting our farming operation in Nicaragua. I graduated from college in ‘69 and started going to Jalapa, and that was when I had the pleasure of meeting Gilberto. We were all there through the end of the ‘70s, when all the problems with the revolution began, at which point we went to Honduras. We spent many years getting to know him, and I considered Gilberto to be like a big brother.

that story.

MARÍA JOSÉ MORALES Oliva Cigar Gilberto, Sr. was a special person for everyone here at Tabolisa in Nicaragua. He would say hello to everyone who worked in packaging and production every day.

A year ago, we were watching the Super Bowl.

I’m a Pats fan. We were talking and he said, “You know why I’m still working? For my kids.” He was 86 years old. What kept him going was his family.

His kids. He might forget everything — even what day it was. But he would never forget his grandkids’ names. He might forget about me, but never his grandkids’ names. (Editor’s note: in the last years of his life, Gilberto’s memory had begun to fade.)

He knew everything about tobacco. To sit with him and enjoy a cigar was an experience. He loved Victoria beer, but hated Toña beer. He loved wine. He loved conversation. He loved Cuba.

Back then, making phone calls and other communication wasn’t easy. Gilberto would call his house in Miami once or twice a week to see how the kids were, and he would always call collect.

He would just not allow for a personal call to be charged to the company. It wouldn’t have been an issue. But that little detail says something very important about how honorable Gilberto was.

I miss him. We all do. People at the factory will remember him as hardworking, an example for everyone. He used to say that he hated trees that don’t have fruits, that all trees should give something. A tree with no fruits is worthless. You have to give. I think that’s who he was.

Toward the end, we saw him every week. I would visit him on Saturdays at about 7 or 8 in the morning for morning coffee and we would talk about tobacco. His death has been a real loss for us.

We feel his absence deeply.

Arturo Fuente Cigars

MANOLÍN BUSTO Lifelong friend I’m 93. I’m one of the few people alive who knew Melanio Oliva, after whom a great cigar is named.

Melanio was a real tobacco man, which was part of why Gilberto was one of his favorite grandchildren. Gilberto learned from him and developed a love for the industry in Cuba.

When Melanio was a young man, maybe not even 18 years old, he joined the armed forces to fight in the war for Cuba’s independence from Spain.

When the war was over, the first Cuban government did a census to give a pension to the war veterans. When they went to see Melanio, he got upset. He said, “I didn’t go fight for a pension. I went to war for my land’s freedom. I don’t want your money. Leave me be; what I want is to grow tobacco.” And he sent them away.

Gilberto adored his grandfather and loved telling

CARLITO FUENTE Back in the ‘70s, when I was 19 years old traveling to Nicaragua, Gilberto Oliva, or Olivita, as everybody affectionately called him, used to go home every evening about the same time that I did and he always got out of his Jeep, smiled, asked how I was doing and always had words of encouragement. I looked at him back then as the sweetest man. He was the nicest man and I always had respect and admiration for him.

Through the years, as his children entered the business, the respect only grew because I saw what he was able to pass on to the next generation. His children were very successful and followed their father’s footsteps of integrity and ethics and being loyal to their tradition. Of endless hard work and building a brand that’s one of the great brands in the world today. For that I take my hat off. All the testimony of everything in his life was in his work, and it lives in what he left behind.

DAVID PÉREZ ASP Tobacco I met Gilberto on one of my first trips to Honduras. He was working in a facility in Morocelí and

lived in the factory. He had a little room on the second floor in the back and he would always invite you to have a coffee. You could spend over an hour just discussing life and tobacco there.

I saw Gilbertico, as I used to call him, 10 times a year from ‘92 to ‘98 or ‘99 and learned quite a bit from him, from sorting regular tobacco to me and him learning together how to sort Broadleaf tobacco.

In the early 2000s, he had established a company with his family and he would always tell me, “David, ¿no tienes algunas tripitas que me puedas vender para yo poder defenderme?” David, don’t you have any filler or something you can sell me? He loved the deal. He always tried to make — as I put it — his 25 cents, because it wasn’t really about the money in the deal, but about making that deal and being able to make something. That made him happy. Until the end he would always say, “You don’t have something you can sell me?” We would always try to make him happy and sell him a couple of bales and he just loved that.

He knew tobacco from the field to the processing to the actual manufacture of cigars. He was a very well-rounded tobacco man.

JORGE PADRÓN Padrón Cigars When I first met him, I was in my 20s … I’ll never forget this … He and my dad were friends and my dad bought all these little humidors he had that were in the shape of wine barrels. I remember we took possession of like a thousand of these barrels and I unloaded them all into our office in Miami. I used to call Gilberto “El Barrilito” (The Little Barrel). I’d go, “Oh my God, here comes Barrilito.”

I used to joke with Gilberto all the time and he would laugh.

He and my father were about the same age. That generation of Cubans are very special. They’re unique in how they look at things and how they relate within their families. I have nothing but great respect for the Oliva family and for all of his kids who have worked very hard to help their father and who basically stayed by his side to the end. That’s the way we were raised and obviously Gilberto did the same with his family.

From the day I met Gilberto until the day he died, he never changed. He was always the same person. That’s what I admire the most about that generation of Cubans. No matter how successful they are, they’re still the same people.

THIS TEXT WAS EDITED FOR LENGTH, BUT YOU CAN HEAR THE UNCUT VERSIONS OF ALL THESE STORIES AND REFLECTIONS ON OUR PODCAST AT CIGARSNOBMAG.COM/PODCAST

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CIGAR SNOB

THE BEST CIGARS OF 2017 JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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t’s that time again! At the start of each year, Cigar Snob puts out its ranking of the best 25 cigars we’ve rated over the previous year. So how is the list created? We reviewed all the cigars we rated 91 or higher in the 2017 calendar year, then had our panel smoke and rate them all over again.

This year’s list is led by two cigars from families that — despite their cigar making chops — are probably better known as growers of great raw material than as manufacturers of premium cigars. Each family created a cigar that not only highlights its tobacco prowess, but also serves as a reminder that the competition underestimates their manufacturing abilities at its own peril.

A large chunk of this list — especially cigars 4 to 15 — is dominated by Nicaraguan-made products or cigars that make heavy use of Nicaraguan tobaccos. Of the two cigars in this group that were not made in Nicaragua, one is a Nicaraguan puro and the other features tobaccos aged in Nicaraguan rum barrels. Clearly, cigar makers are still responding, innovating and making great products to meet smokers’ continuing fascination with Nicaragua.

Of the last 10 cigars that round out this list, nine are making their first ever appearance in our ranking. There are still new, exciting things happening in the cigar world, even if smokers and cigar makers alike face bigger hurdles on their way to finding each other every day.

Let us know your thoughts by writing to us at feedback@cigarsnobmag.com; we might just publish your letter in an upcoming issue of the print magazine.

Nº 1 Plasencia Alma Fuerte

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Nestor IV PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/4 x 54 MSRP: $ 20.00 RATING: 94

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Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua

As one of Central America’s preeminent tobacco growers, the Plasencia family’s fingerprints are on a great many of the cigars you come across in practically any American tobacconist’s humidor. But — for whatever reason — it wasn’t until 2017 that this powerhouse family went all-in on producing elite-level cigars with their own name on the bands. So while they’re not the new kids on the block, there is something new about Plasencia Alma Fuerte. The Plasencias didn’t just enter the discussion of the best cigars of the year; they beat the damn door down with a cigar that’s everything you want out of a quintessentially Nicaraguan smoke. What’s more, they have the experience, resources, and stockpiled tobacco to ensure they’re not leaving this discussion a moment sooner than they want to.

Nº 2 Casa Fernandez Miami Aniversario Serie 2015

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Voleur PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 1/2 x 40 MSRP: $ 12.50 RATING: 94

Nobody in cigars has an ace in the hole quite like Casa Fernandez’s. The Fernandez family, another major tobacco grower, can always lean on its Aganorsa tobacco, which takes the cigars into which it’s blended to a whole other level and gives Casa Fernandez (as well as the other brands lucky enough to score the stuff for their own blends) an unmistakable signature.

That Aganorsa tobacco shines especially brightly as a wrapper on this 7 1/2 x 40 Voleur format. Every smoker, but especially any smoker who loves lanceros, should seek these out ASAP.

Nº 3 Fuente Fuente Opus X Angel’s Share

WRAPPER: Dominican Republic BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic VITOLA: Reserva D Chateau PHYSICAL SIZE: 7 x 48 MSRP: $ 26.66 RATING: 94

Casa Fernández Factory in Miami

Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia in the Dominican Republic

Angel’s Share, which took the top spot in our 2014 list in Corona Gorda, is many of the things you love about the core Opus X line, but toned down a bit on the full strength that’s an Opus X hallmark. This brand continues to be a favorite of ours, and we knew as soon as we got feedback from our panel on the Reserva D Chateau that it would occupy one of the top spots. This doesn’t factor into our ranking, but the brand also has a compelling backstory. It’s an allusion to a fire that destroyed two Fuente family tobacco warehouses in 2011. Carlos Fuente, Sr., the story goes, took solace in the idea that his ancestors (his angels) were smoking his best tobacco.

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Nº 4 Tatuaje TAA 2016

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

My Father Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua

TAA special editions are available only for limited periods and only at TAA (Tobacconists Association of America) member stores. This cigar will become increasingly hard to come by (only 80,000 of these were made), and should therefore be a high priority for anyone who collects cigars or just enjoys trying rare cigars.

VITOLA: Toro PHYSICAL SIZE: 6 1/4 x 50 MSRP: $ 11.95

Pete Johnson and the Garcías created something truly special in this rich, Connecticut Broadleaf-wrapped cigar that brings the heft and strength that are Tatuaje calling cards while still achieving great balance.

RATING: 93

Nº 5 AJ Fernandez Enclave Broadleaf

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua VITOLA: Robusto PHYSICAL SIZE: 5 1/4 x 54 MSRP: $ 7.78 RATING: 93

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Tabacalera Fernandez S.A. in Nicaragua

Anyone in the know will tell you: this is the year of A.J. Fernández. The man is everywhere in retail humidors thanks to his own excellent portfolio and collaborations with companies large and small.

This Top 25 features two cigars that bear his name. Several more were rated highly enough to be considered for inclusion here. In the end, though, the Enclave Broadleaf — a great illustration of A.J.’s earthy, peppery signature — performed exceptionally well to round out our top five.

Nº 6 Oliva Serie V Melanio

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Tabacalera Oliva S.A. in Nicaragua

Double Toro 6 x 60 $ 15.06 93

Nº 7 Herrera Esteli

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Lonsdale Deluxe 6 x 44 $ 9.28 93

Nº 8 Padrón 1926 Serie maduro

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Willy Herrera’s calling-card “Cubaneque” profile is at its very finest in this Lonsdale Deluxe vitola. Herrera Estelí has made appearances on this list in the past (in this same vitola). Nutty, creamy and soft pepper notes come together to form a timeless blend that’s unlike anything else in the Drew Estate lineup.

Tabacos Cubanica S.A. in Nicaragua

No. 47 5 1/2 x 50 $ 18.00 93

Nº 9 Villiger San’Doro Colorado

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

The Melanio is so consistently excellent, it’s hard to imagine the crown jewel of the Oliva portfolio not being a part of a Top 25 discussion. The late Gilberto Oliva, Sr. has left behind an incredible legacy in this and other blends that highlight the well-aged tobaccos in which Gilberto took so much pride.

What can we say about the 1926 that hasn’t been said countless times? If you’ve never had one, you’re just doing it wrong. We’ve lost José Orlando Padrón, but his full-flavored, expertly aged signature is a legacy that will bring his name into the Top 25 debate for as long as his family keeps up his great work.

Joya de Nicaragua S.A. in Nicaragua

Robusto 5 x 50 $ 8.00 92

Once known almost exclusively as a machine-made cigar company, Villiger created the San’Doro brand as a way to better stake out a position in the premium market.

The Colorado makes it clear: Villiger has the handmade chops to compete with the best around.

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Nº 10 My Father The Judge

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

My Father Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua

560 5 x 60 $ 12.40 92

Nº 11 Hamlet 25th Year

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: USA FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Robusto 5 1/2 x 50 $ 8.75 92

Nº 12 Camacho Nicaragua Barrel-Aged

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

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Robusto 5 x 50 $ 10.00 92

Nº 13 Monte by Montecristo AJ Fernandez

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

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It’s an imposing name from a father-son duo known for imposing flavor, but The Judge is actually far more elegant, balanced, and measured in its approach than you might imagine. The Garcías find some way to wow us every year, and this time around, they’ve done it with an understated, judicious smoke. All rise!

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Toro 6 x 55 $ 11.00 92

The story of Hamlet Paredes’ career in cigars and how he ended up in the Rocky Patel camp is incredible. This cigar — milder than Tabaquero, his first release with Rocky — is a celebration of his quarter century in the industry, and we were thrilled on lighting it up that Hamlet had created such a fitting product to mark the milestone.

Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A. in Honduras

It seems that, in barrel aging, Davidoff’s bold brand has found a new strength. The Nicaraguan Barrel-Aged blend makes use of tobaccos finished in rum barrels, and the result is a smoke that threads the needle — novel enough to get your attention, but not so far removed from tradition that it feels like a gimmick.

Tabacalera Fernandez S.A. in Nicaragua

A.J. is at the top of his game right now, and this Monte shows that he can hit it out of the park even when he blends outside of the powerful pepper-forward profile that people know him for. The cigar brings excellent balance and superb construction to earn the best rating we’ve ever awarded an Altadis product.

Nº 14

Sindicato Miami Edition

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Casa Fernández Factory in Miami

Perfecto 6 7/8 x 52 $ 12.95 92

Nº 15 San Isidro by HVC

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Geniales 6 x 52 $ 10.82 92

Nº 16 CAO Amazon Anaconda

WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Brazil, Colombia & Dominican Republic

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

When we first tasted this cigar from Reinier Lorenzo’s boutique brand, it was immediately obvious that he had forced himself into the Top-25 debate. This is also a win for Casa Fernandez, who make San Isidro at their Nicaraguan factory, making this their third appearance on this list (2, 14, 15).

STG Estelí in Nicaragua

Toro 6 x 52 $ 10.49 92

Nº 17 Murcielago

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Sindicato is a cigar brand owned by a group of some of the country’s best tobacconists. With the Miami Edition, the brand is bringing consumers a top-tier smoke made at Casa Fernandez’s Miami factory. With this much cred behind the cigar, you know you’re talking about a winner.

It’s an imposing-looking cigar, with its dark, oily wrapper and a tail that wraps around the cigar from the cap like the snake that gives it its name. In fact, while this cigar is big on flavor, it delivers rich, sweet, citrus notes that stops just short of knocking you on your butt while still reeling you back in for more.

La Zona Cigar Factory in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Noir 5 x 52 $ 8.50 92

Espinosa has repackaged this product since we first rated it, but the blend remains the same. It’s a good thing, too, because we were floored when we first smoked it. Longtime fans of Erik Espinosa’s work might remember the first iteration of Murcielago; they’d be wise to come back around and stock up on this latest take.

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Nº 18 La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

DL-600 5 1/4 x 52 $ 8.10 92

Nº 19 Doña Nieves Sentimiento

Tabacalera La Flor S.A. in the Dominican Republic

A tried-and-true classic, Double Ligero is a go-to for smokers in the know. It’s a fullstrength cigar, but it delivers that strength with a smoothness that’s tough to beat.

Litto Gómez and his team at LFD have an impeccable reputation for consistency, and the year-in-year-out excellence of this blend is a big reason why.

El Galan Cigars S.A. in Nicaragua

Ternura 6 x 54 $ 7.00 92

Felix Mesa rose into the consciousness of American smokers relatively quickly over the last few years. This extension of the Doña Nieves brand Felix created to honor his grandmother is some of his best work yet, delivering pepper, coffee, nut and a creamy caramel that won El Galán its second appearance in our annual ranking.

Nº 20 Winston Churchill The Late Hour

Davidoff Cigars in the Dominican Republic

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

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

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Robusto 5 x 52 $ 17.50 92

Nº 21 Sobremesa

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: USA & Nicaragua

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This makes two Davidoff products made with barrel-aged tobaccos in the blend on our Top 25 list. The Late Hour includes filler leaves finished in Speyside Scotch barrels, adding a sweet, oaky dimension to the Winston Churchill profile. Consider smoking it while watching “Darkest Hour” for the full Churchill immersion.

Joya de Nicaragua S.A. in Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Cervantes Fino 6 1/4 x 46 $ 11.25 92

With a reputation like Steve Saka’s, you know you can count on his brands for quality and consistency. Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust made waves in the industry before its cigars even hit the market, and Sobremesa (DT&T’s first) was confirmation that the cigars would live up to the hype.

Nº 22 Undercrown Sun grown

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Nº 23

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Nicaragua

Gran Toro 6 x 52 $ 9.02 92

La Galera 1936 Box-Pressed

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Tabacalera Palma in the Dominican Republic

Chaveta 5 x 50 $ 5.48 92

Nº 24 La Aurora Preferidos Broadleaf

WRAPPER: USA BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Brazil, Cameroon & Dominican Republic

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

Robusto 5 x 50 $ 9.00 92

Nº 25 Cornelius & Anthony - Cornelius

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua

VITOLA: PHYSICAL SIZE: MSRP: RATING:

The folks at Drew Estate seem to always be up to something new. It’s a high-energy company that — despite all the new releases and exciting projects they announce — never seems to fatigue. And it’s a good thing, because we want them in peak form as long as that means cigars like this.

Corona Gorda 5 1/2 x 46 $ 12.00 92

After making award-winning cigars for other companies, Tabacalera Palma stepped way out of its comfort zone and launched La Galera Cigars in late 2015. They were immediately well-received by retailers and consumers. But it was this beautifully box-pressed blend that forced its way onto our list.

La Aurora Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic

La Aurora’s flagship line made the cut this year with its excellent Broadleaf-wrapped variant. This ranking makes Preferidos Broadleaf part of a distinguished group of cigars that have made our list multiple years in different vitolas. The Preferidos Diamond, a double perfecto, came in at No. 20 in our list of best cigars of 2014.

El Titan de Bronze in Miami

This Corona Gorda from Cornelius & Anthony’s debut line has been a smash hit with our panel. Impeccably made at Little Havana’s El Titan de Bronze cigar factory, this homage to the brand owner’s great-great-grandfather, Cornelius Bailey, is a beautifully balanced, medium-bodied blend with a rich, creamy texture.

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JOSÉ ORLANDO PADRÓN 1926 - 2017

THE ICONIC PADRÓN CIGAR FAMILY PATRIARCH AND NICARAGUAN CIGAR PIONEER IS REMEMBERED BY SOME OF THOSE WHO KNEW HIM BEST. JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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JORGE PADRÓN Padrón Cigars Back in the early ‘60s when he had started the company, my father was selling a bundle of 25 cigars, long filler, for $6 a bundle. That was a corona size. This gentleman came to him and said that he would buy 10,000 cigars and pay $10 a bundle. My father, who didn’t have two nickels to rub together, would say, “What the hell? How is it possible that this guy is willing to pay me $10 for a bundle?” And what (this man) said was, “I want you to sell them to me without bands and without cellophane. I have a lot of boxes of Cuban H. Upmanns that are the same size cigar. What I want is to buy your cigars and put these bands on them.”

My dad said, “My name is worth a lot more than that. And this cigar is going to be better than those cigars. So I’m not willing to take that deal.” And he refused it.

It’s easy to think about that now and reject the idea because you don’t need it. But it’s a lot different to do it at that moment when you don’t have a dime and you’re trying to establish a business. He could have sold him the cigars and that would have been the end of it. But the principle behind it wasn’t the right one for him and he refused it. That was my father.

He always quoted a phrase from José Martí that said men are created into two groups: those that love and create and those that hate and destroy. My father was definitely in the group of those who loved and created.

It’s incredible to think of what he accomplished in his life. And now we have this tremendous family that’s all here. Our job now is to continue what he started, live his legacy, and live on in the way he would have wanted us to live, which is to have a united family and to focus on the important things.

He always used to say that he made cigars for himself to smoke, and the ones that he couldn’t smoke, he sold. He said that to me once and I started laughing and I was like, “Damn. That is so true.” So our philosophy has always been to make cigars that we like to smoke. That’s how it’s been and that’s how he put it in play.

We were all lucky to have him as long as we did. He died at 91, but he died a happy man surrounded by his family. I always thought that, “Shit, when I die I want to be like that. I want to be able to put my head on that pillow and say, ‘I’ve done everything I can, I’ve done it the right way, I helped everyone I can, and my conscience is clear.’” And his conscience was totally clear.

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Jorge Padrón (left) says his father José Orlando taught him all he knows. Now, he says, the family is tasked with continuing José Orlando’s work.

CRAIG CASS Tinder Box Cigars I consider the Padróns some of my closest relationships in the business. Somewhere in the mid-’90s, I was invited to Nicaragua with some other retailers — mostly guys who were Jorge’s vintage, all younger guys. I had done trips to other factories and there was always a sense of formality.

With the Padróns, we were included as family and ended up in their home. One of my fondest memories of Orlando was him telling stories in Spanish. Jorge would laugh uncontrollably throughout, and at the end of a story, Jorge would say, ‘Dad, I can’t tell these guys that.’; Jorge would retell the stories and we would all laugh until we cried.

The experience has been top of mind and made me realize I’m not just selling a product; I’m selling a lifestyle, I’m selling honesty, I’m selling integrity, I’m selling consistency. And I’m selling people that work to make a great product year after year.

ABE DABABNEH Smoke Inn I was blessed with a close relationship with Mr. Padrón. He referred to me as the “Gordo of West Palm Beach.” Over 20 years of going to Miami and interacting with the Padrón family, they always welcomed me. While he will be remembered for

decades for building one of the greatest cigar brands, I will remember him for something else.

I had 20 aunts and uncles, and I will always have a deep admiration for my grandparents, who raised and provided for 10 children each, overcoming great obstacles. What I most admire about José Orlando Padrón is the family he built. Many men find success in business. Few achieve such success in building great families, though.

He instilled in his family the ethic and fortitude to continue what he started. Being able to witness the family grow with the business has to be amazing. I hope I’m fortunate enough to experience that with my family.

To my dear friend, as you watch us from above, may your glass always be filled with Dimple Pinch, and may your Padrón cigar never ash.

JORGE VALDÉS Sabor Havana About 1995, I decided to get into the cigar business. Orlando advised me on how. I kept going there and became very close to the family. Over the years I saw the kids grow. They helped me immensely. He would ask me, in his unforgettable tone, “¿Cómo están las ventas?” How are the sales? When I had four stores he sat me down and told me, “You need to focus. Make one thing better and worry about everything else after.

You’re trying to do too much.” After years of making mistakes, we consolidated everything to one store. It took us a couple of years, and it worked

ALL PHOTOS: Manny Iriarte

out just like he said it would.

He was a great man who always knew what he wanted to do and how he wanted to do it. You can see by the cigar boxes that it was all about the cigar. I mentioned one time that the Millenium box was like a shoebox. He said, “The box doesn’t matter, son; what matters is what’s inside.”

JONATHAN DREW Drew Estate I remember going to a meeting in Managua when they were just establishing zona franca, which is free trade zone, for Nicaragua. There was quite a debate going on and I remember being in an auditorium with maybe 50 cigar guys from different places. Orlando was there. Watching how the government would listen to him and how people would respond to his advice was incredible.

So he went up, knocked on the guy’s door, the guy opens the door and he was shocked that Padrón was there. Six hundred dollars was a lot of money at that time, but when you take into account that you drive up that far and everything, was it really worth it?

her feast day, he just waited a very gentlemanlike 20 minutes.

He said, “Ernesto, it’s a question of principle. And that’s something that he had to understand — with Padrón, with my name, with my principles, you can’t play.” And that was basically Padrón.

Orlando and my father were different, but had so much in common. Their work ethic, integrity, commitment to their craft. Most importantly, commitment to their families. I see so many similarities in Orlando and my father. Orlando was like a father to me in the sense that he was an example for strength and what a man’s man is.

ALBERT HERNÁNDEZ The Bastards I truly loved José Orlando Padrón. He reminded me a lot of my father. He was simple, humble, and smart. I’ll miss going to the factory and listening to his amazing anecdotes. But most of all I’ll miss laughing with him. We used to tell each other jokes and laugh like dummies.

After I moved to Nicaragua, we became friends.

Orlando Padrón is the one who gave me the name “gringo loco.” Those experiences with Orlando Padrón were fun and he was always trying to be in the mix and relevant in Estelí. Everybody loved him. He was part of the scenery of Estelí.

He was part of the movement. He was one of the old timers who were the original fabric of the pioneers of Nicaraguan tobacco.

The Bastards are a secret society and he was hip to it. I think he really enjoyed the fact that we were all so united and we would have a reunion in the factory once a year. He loved sitting with us and playing dominoes. He was such a humble guy, he didn’t realize that we were just enjoying the best cigars on earth and enjoying his company, because he was just a treat to be with.

ROCKY PATEL

FR. WILLIE GARCÍA-TUÑÓN, S.J.

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars

Belén Jesuit Preparatory School

José Orlando Padrón was a pioneer and visionary. He worked through many challenges to make Padrón a legendary, monumental company.

As the Padrón family’s priest, I had opportunities to share on a very intimate level with the family. As a Catholic, José Orlando had a very strong devotion to one particular saint, which was St. Barbara. It’s a devotion that he carried with him for many many years, ever since he was in Cuba.

I never had a father in the industry, and he truly was like a father figure to me. Most impressive about the man was the family that he created around him — employing, working with and mentoring not only his two sons, but all the grandkids, cousins, aunts, uncles, relatives in that family.

What I remember most about him is when we were fighting so hard to defeat the FDA, he would always come, pat me on the back and say, “Just keep up the good work. The Padrón family has your back.” He cared about the industry, he cared about the future, he wanted to fight for the premium cigar industry.

ERNESTO PÉREZ-CARRILLO EPC Cigars When he was starting in Miami, Orlando used to have a salesperson up in New Jersey or New York. He sent him cigars and he kept waiting for the guy to pay. It was $600. So after a few months, he says, “I’m going to drive up there and I’m going to collect my money.”

My favorite cigar is the Padrón 1926 Serie No. 4.

I love the size and the taste and all of it is great.

I was unaware of the fact that it was named the No. 4 after St. Barbara because her feast day is celebrated on the fourth of December.

A couple of days before he passed away, he called me to go visit him. So I dropped everything and I went. He asked everybody to leave the hospital room. Only I was in the room with Jorge, his son, and the day was December the third. He asked me to pray so that the Lord would grant him the opportunity to die on the feast day of St. Barbara. I told him, “Listen, it’s up to the Lord to take you whenever he feels you’re ready.

But I’ll ask Him, if it’s possible, for it to be on the fourth.”

Interestingly enough, he actually died December the fifth, the day after, but he missed the day only by 20 minutes. I’m convinced he had such a strong devotion to St. Barbara that in order to not take away any of the importance or focus on

CARLITO FUENTE Arturo Fuente Cigars

He was a man who — like my father — had some of the biggest balls, if I can say that. Courage.

I remember a day or two after the fire burned both our factories down in the ‘70s, Orlando was in Costa Rica speaking to the newspaper Diario Las Américas, standing up to Somoza. He stood up for what he believed in. And I think that one of his greatest accomplishments was that he set the foundation for the next generation. That’s the greatest accomplishment of any human being.

JOSÉ OLIVA Oliva Cigars When I was a small child, we lived in Hialeah.

Whenever my dad was in town, he would tell me early on a Saturday morning, “Vamos a Miami.”

We were going into Miami, which was at the time a big thing. And we would go by Five Vegas, we would go see Pedro Martin if he was in town, we’d go see Rolando Reyes if he was in town, Benny Gomez at Intercontinental we would go see. And we’d go by and see Padrón. What a different time.

You paid people visits! This was a thing. You’d literally go and pay someone a visit, and no one would ever wonder, “What are you doing here?”

There you were. You were just coming by. As a kid I would play around with the molds and they would be talking for an hour and a half smoking their cigars and my dad would say, “Come on, we’re going.” We’d spend all Saturday visiting people, and Padrón was one of them.

What strikes me still today is the fact that they all had respect and deference for one another.

I mean, you go and you visit someone and you spend time talking to them. There’s a real respect. What can you say about Padrón? He was the pioneer of Nicaraguan cigars. He kept that torch lit during a time when it had mostly gone out. And I think it’s altogether fitting that he had the position that he had in the cigar world and in Nicaraguan cigars as a whole because of his massive contribution to it.

THIS TEXT WAS EDITED FOR LENGTH, BUT YOU CAN HEAR THE UNCUT VERSIONS OF ALL THESE STORIES AND REFLECTIONS ON OUR PODCAST AT CIGARSNOBMAG.COM/PODCAST

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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Featuring

Villiger Cigars La Vencedora

La Meridiana

LINGERIE LA PERLA SHOES LANVIN Encore Plus FUR LBP COLLECTIONS

LINGERIE LA PERLA

LINGERIE LA PERLA

REDIFINING “SIMPLE PLEASURES”

TOP STYLIST COLLECTION BOTTOM HANKY PANKY

TOP MINIMALE ANIMALE PANTS LA PERLA

LINGERIE LA PERLA

BODYSUIT LA PERLA

LINGERIE CONTEMPO CASUALS FUR LBP COLLECTIONS

BLAZER AND BOTTOM LA PERLA SHOES LANVIN Encore Plus

“Making a cigar is a precise craft.

Composing its flavor is an art.

Both craft and artistry are our tradition since 1888.�

- Heinrich Villiger

MODEL

KARINA GUBANOVA FRONT MANAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY

LIMITED EDITION www.limitededitionmanagement.com PRODUCTION

IVAN OCAMPO iocampo@cigarsnobmag.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

JAMILET CALVIÑO jcalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

BODYSUIT LE MYSTERE

CIGAR VILLIGER LA VENCEDORA www.villigercigars.com

SHOES SAINT LAURANT Encore Plus

MODEL

JESSICA NAZ WILHELMINA MIAMI WARDROBE STYLIST

JENNA DEBRINO www.limitededitionmanagement.com ASSISTANT WARDROBE STYLIST

AMANDA MILLER HAIR AND MAKE-UP ARTIST

EDDY MUNSTER www.limitededitionmanagement.com LOCATION

THE LITTLE FARM HOUSE www.miamifarmhouse.com

TOP ON GOSSAMER PANTY AND GARTER LA PERLA SHOES MANOLO BLAHNIK

CIGAR VILLIGER LA MERIDIANA www.villigercigars.com

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CHURCHILL

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San Lotano Requiem Habano

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92

$ 7.10

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Churchill 7 54 Brazil Nicaragua Nicaragua & Honduras

Illusione Fume D’Amour

$ 10.50

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91

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

Clementes 6 1/2 48 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

La Aurora Cameroon

Exceptional balance with a profile of cedar, cocoa, and soft spice complemented by a hint of cashew. Impeccably constructed and covered with a clean, neatly applied wrapper. This medium strength blend draws perfectly and provides an even burn.

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$ 6.00

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90

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Churchill 7 47 Cameroon Ecuador Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

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Nat Sherman Timeless Nicaragua

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90

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89

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A rich and creamy profile with notes of cedar, soft spice, and cocoa complemented by a hint of toffee. This mild to medium bodied blend is covered with a beautiful, milk chocolate colored wrapper. Provides a firm draw and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

N I CA R AG UA VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

749 7 49 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a nearly flawless, reddish brown wrapper. This medium plus strength blend has a core of earth, pepper, and cocoa with a long, slightly sweet finish.

$ 8.55

H O N D UR AS VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Centuria 7 49 Cameroon Cameroon Honduras & Nicaragua

La Gloria Cubana Colección Reserva

)

88

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

$ 10.00

Alec Bradley Tempus Natural

82 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Beautifully balanced with a core of soft pepper, earth, and oak joined by rich notes of cream, milk chocolate, and roasted almonds. The superb construction consistently delivers a flawless draw and burn with an excellent smoke output. Medium plus strength.

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

A consistently well-constructed Churchill covered with a dark brown wrapper with a somewhat coarse texture. This medium plus strength blend is loaded with earth and charred oak complemented by a touch of bittersweet chocolate.

$ 8.59

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Churchill 7 1/2 54 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

A flavorful blend with tons of wood and spice accompanied by roasted nuts and leather on the nose. This rustic-looking Churchill is finished with a somewhat mottled, reddish brown wrapper. Provides an easy draw with a medium bodied smoke.

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

83

GRAN TORO Quesada Oktoberfest

$ 9.20

)

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

)

92

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

Uber 6 65 Dominican Republic Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Cuey

$ 12.00

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

91

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

Cuey 6 1/2 58 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

La Palina LP01

A core of earth and smooth pepper is complemented by dark roast coffee, oak, and a touch of sweetness. This medium plus strength blend is impeccably constructed, providing a firm draw and leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 11.00

)

H O N D UR AS

)

91

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

Gordo 6 60 Ecuador Costa Rica Nicaragua & Honduras

)

Flor de Selva Colecciรณn Aniversario No. 20

)

91

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

Tempo Natural 6 60 Honduras Honduras Honduras

)

AVO Syncro South America Ritmo

)

90

A balanced blend with notes of cedar, cinnamon, soft pepper, and a touch of cream on the finish. This medium strength cigar is covered with a rich, milk chocolate colored wrapper and produces an excellent output of thick, aromatic smoke.

$ 1 4.50

H O N D UR AS Well-constructed and balanced, this medium strength blend is rich and creamy with notes of almond, leather, and soft pepper. Produces an excellent smoke output and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 12.90 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Special Toro 6 60 Ecuador Mexico Brazil, Honduras, Peru & Nicaragua

Gurkha Warlord

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Thick and beautifully box-pressed. This wellconstructed blend consistently delivers a profile of cedar and pepper complemented by notes of cinnamon and a touch of caramel. Provides an easy draw and leaves behind a solid ash. Medium strength.

$ 10.36

)

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

)

88

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Smooth and flavorful, this thick cigar consistently delivers a profile of nuts, leather, and cedar complemented by a rich, cinnamon flavored creaminess on the finish. Consistently well constructed, providing an excellent draw and burn.

Medium strength.

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

Super Toro 6 3/4 60 Nicaragua Dominican Republic Nicaragua

A large and somewhat rustic-looking cigar finished with a medium brown colored wrapper with prominent veins. This medium strength cigar has flavors of wood, soft pepper, and cinnamon complemented by a leather aroma.

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

85

TORO Mombacho Liga Maestro

)

$ 10.98

)

92

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

N I CA R AG UA Novillo 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Camacho Ecuador BXP

)

$ 8.25

)

92

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

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Brazil USA, Honduras & Dominican Republic

)

Don Pepin Garcia Vegas Cubanas

)

91

H O N D UR AS Impeccably box-pressed and finished with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with thin veins.

Core flavors of cedar, earth, and pepper are accompanied by sweet cream and roasted almonds. Consistently draws well and produces an abundance of thick, aromatic smoke.

$ 7.4 8

N I CA R AG UA VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Generosos 6 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Casa Cuevas Habano

Ultra-flavorful and consistently well made. Delivers a profile with tons of earth, cedar, and black pepper complemented by a creamy, chocolate note on the finish. This medium plus strength smoke draws perfectly.

$ 7.60

)

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

)

91

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

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Colombia & Nicaragua

)

Rocky Patel Legends Ray Lewis

)

90

Beautifully constructed and covered with a silky, smooth light brown wrapper with minimal veins. Flavors of wood, cinnamon, and pepper complemented by a hint of almond. Draws and burns perfectly and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 13.15

H O N D UR AS VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 1/2 52 Ecuador Brazil & Mexico Honduras & Nicaragua

Big Papi by David Ortiz

Flavorful and highly aromatic with notes of leather, soft pepper, earth, and cedar complemented by a rich, milk chocolate flavor on the finish. This impeccably box-pressed cigar draws perfectly and produces an excellent smoke output.

)

$ 11.50

)

90

86 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Rich and flavorful with a balanced profile of cedar, cinnamon, and cream complemented by soft pepper and a touch of earth. Excellent construction with a perfect draw and an even burn. Medium to full strength.

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

Toro 6 54 Ecuador Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with notes of cedar, soft spice, and roasted nuts joined by a creamy, leather note on the finish. Consistently well constructed and covered with a silky smooth, reddish brown wrapper. This medium strength blend produces an excellent smoke output.

TORO Villiger La Vencedora

$ 9.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AGUA Robusto Grande 5 1/2 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

91

)

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

)

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Reserva

$ 9.90

Dark brown and beautifully box-pressed, this medium to full strength blend delivers a core of charred oak, cinnamon, and earth complemented by a dark cherry sweetness on the finish.

Consistently draws and burns flawlessly.

92

)

Flavorful and balanced, this consistently wellmade smoke produces tons of thick, aromatic smoke with notes of mocha, tanned leather, cedar, and soft pepper. This medium to full strength blend is finished with a neatly applied, dark brown wrapper.

)

N I CA R AGUA

Mi Querida

$ 9.45 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Ancho Largo 6 52 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AGUA Toro 6 52 USA Nicaragua Ecuador & Nicaragua

90

)

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

)

Southern Draw Jacob’s Ladder

$ 10.4 4 A medium to full strength blend covered with an opaque, dark brown wrapper finished with a covered foot. This consistently well-constructed toro has a profile of bittersweet chocolate and espresso accompanied by wood and a touch of earth.

91

)

Covered with a neatly applied, dark, toothy wrapper with excellent oils. This flavorful blend has a core of dark chocolate, smooth pepper, and black coffee complemented by a touch of raisin and a creamy texture. Medium to full strength.

)

N I CA R AGUA

EP Carrillo Elenco Elites 6 54 Brazil Ecuador Nicaragua

La Flor Dominicana TAA Exclusivo 49

$ 9.90

D OM I NI CAN REPUBLIC VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 54 Mexico Cameroon Dominican Republic

89

)

A beautifully box-pressed toro covered with an oily and toothy, dark reddish brown wrapper.

This powerhouse, full-strength smoke has notes of wood, red pepper, and dried fruit and plenty of spice on the palate. Burns slowly and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

89

)

A smooth and aromatic smoke finished with a dark brown wrapper with prominent veins. This medium plus strength blend has a flavor profile of wood, cinnamon, and espresso accompanied by an aroma of smoked meats and pepper.

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

)

D OM I NI CAN REPUBLIC

)

$ 9.00

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

87

TORO My Father Connecticut

$ 8.20

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

91

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

Toro 6 1/2 54 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

El Galan Connecticut

$ 6.80

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

91

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

Apuestos 5 3/4 54 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

New World Connecticut

Smooth and balanced, this flavorful blend has a core of soft pepper, wood, and coffee accompanied by a touch of vanilla cream on the finish. Covered with a good-looking, golden brown wrapper with sheen.

$ 6.35

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

90

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

Toro 6 52 USA/Connecticut Mexico Brazil & Nicaragua

Caldwell Hit & Run

A beautifully crafted cigar covered with a silky smooth, golden colored wrapper with sheen.

Core flavors of pepper, wood, and earth are accompanied by leather and a touch of cream on the finish. Medium strength.

$ 12.50

)

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

)

90

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

Super Toro 6 54 Ecuador Indonesia Dominican Republic

Mbombay Kesara

A well constructed, medium bodied blend with notes of cedar, almonds, and cinnamon complemented by soft pepper and a touch of cream. This flavorful smoke is finished with a light brown wrapper with minimal veins.

)

$ 16.00

)

89

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

C O STA R I CA Toro 6 52 Ecuador Ecuador Peru & Dominican Republic

Epic La Rubia

Opens with flavors of wood and earth, later accompanied by soft pepper and cinnamon. Consistently well-constructed and covered with a beautiful, golden brown wrapper that leaves three quarters of an inch of filler protruding from the foot.

)

$ 9.00

)

87

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Covered with a nearly flawless, golden colored wrapper with a velvet feel. This mild to medium strength toro delivers a profile of sweet cedar, vanilla cream, and light coffee balanced by soft pepper and a touch of leather on the nose.

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

Toro 6 1/2 54 Ecuador Mexico Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a light brown wrapper with only minimal veins. This mild to medium bodied blend has a core of wood, earth, and pepper with a touch of spice on the tongue.

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

89

ROBUSTO

)

Cornelius & Anthony Meridian

)

92

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

Robusto 5 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

)

Camacho Diploma Special Selection

)

91

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

H O N D UR AS Robusto Extra 5 54 Ecuador Honduras Honduras

)

Covered with a clean wrapper with a velvet feel, this full strength blend has a core of oak, earth, and pepper accompanied by notes of cinnamon and dried fruit. This well-constructed robusto draws perfectly, leaving behind a beautiful, compact ash.

$ 12.08

N I CA R AG UA

)

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

Robusto 5 50 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Buena Cosecha

A beautifully box-pressed robusto with sharp edges and a neatly applied, milk chocolate colored wrapper. This medium to full strength blend has a profile of wood, pepper, and nuts complemented by a rich leather aroma.

$ 7.00

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

91

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

Robusto 5 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Flor de Selva Maduro

A well-balanced offering finished with a rich and flavorful, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils. This medium plus strength blend delivers a sticky sweet core of cedar, molasses, spice, and a touch of cocoa.

$ 8.10

)

H O N D UR AS

)

90

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

Robusto 4 3/4 50 Honduras Honduras Honduras

ToraĂąo Vault P-044

Covered with a dark brown, toothy wrapper, this medium plus strength robusto has a core of espresso, wood, and bittersweet chocolate joined by a sweet touch of toffee. Draws and burns well, leaving behind a solid ash.

$ 5.50

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

88

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Wood, sweet spice, leather, and espresso complemented by a rich, creamy texture.

This medium strength blend is well-made and covered with a supple wrapper with minimal veins. Delivers an abundance of highly aromatic smoke.

$ 20.00

Yayabo Series 04 The Admiral

91

N I CA R AG UA

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

Robusto 5 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Flavorful and intense, this medium to full bodied blend has a profile of earth, sharp pepper, and espresso. Covered with a dark brown wrapper with good oils, this cigar consistently provides a slow burn and leaves behind a solid ash.

ROBUSTO N I CA R AGUA VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 52 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

92

)

An impeccably box-pressed robusto with a flavorful and well-balanced blend delivering loads of cocoa, espresso, and soft pepper complemented by a rich almond cream note on the finish. Medium strength with a perfect draw.

)

Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

$ 10.22

Padrón 50 Years Maduro

$ 25.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

91

)

Covered with a dark brown wrapper with beautiful oils, this medium plus strength smoke has a core of dark chocolate, pepper, and earth balanced by a smooth, oaky note. This boxpressed robusto produces a superb smoke output and leaves behind a compact ash.

)

N I CA R AGUA

Tatuaje Fausto

$ 8.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

FT127 5 54 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AGUA Robusto 5 52 Mexico USA Nicaragua

90

)

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

)

Cornelius & Anthony Señor Esugars

$ 9.75 Loaded with flavors of espresso, dark chocolate, and earth accompanied by a touch of cream. This cigar is consistently well made, providing a good draw and an even burn. Covered with a dark, neatly applied wrapper with sheen.

91

)

Powerful and intense with a full-bodied profile of pepper and earth complemented by black coffee, charred oak, and a touch of bittersweet chocolate. This slow-burning robusto has a flawless draw and leaves behind a compact ash.

)

N I CA R AGUA

Blanco Nine

$ 7.40 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Robusto 5 52 Nicaragua Honduras & Nicaragua Nicaragua

88

)

This thick, solidly packed robusto is covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with sheen. Medium to full strength with a core of earth, pepper, and black coffee complemented by a hint of leather on the nose.

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

)

Alec Bradley Black Market Esteli

$ 7.55

N I CA R AGUA

89

)

A core of earth, wood, and pepper is accompanied by cocoa powder and a touch of licorice. This medium to full strength blend is covered with a somewhat rustic-looking, dark brown wrapper. Draws well and leaves behind a flaky, dark gray ash.

)

N I CA R AGUA

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

91

ROBUSTO Debonaire Habano

)

$ 13.00

)

91

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

Robusto 5 1/4 50 Nicaragua Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

A. Fuente Magnum R

Balanced and complex, this medium plus strength blend delivers a core of oak, nuts, vanilla, and cream complemented by the aroma of smoked meat. This well-made cigar provides a firm draw and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 8.50

)

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

)

91

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

R 52 5 52 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Villiger 1888

Sweet cedar and cinnamon flavors are accompanied by smooth pepper, coffee, and a hint of almond cream. This well-constructed smoke is covered with a clean, thin wrapper with a velvet feel. Produces an excellent smoke output.

)

$ 7.80

)

90

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

Robusto 4 7/8 50 Ecuador Mexico Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Joya Red

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Impeccably constructed and covered with a nearly flawless, light brown wrapper with a supple feel. Mild to medium strength with a profile of light spice, wood, and cocoa powder balanced by a hint of sweetness.

$ 7.1 7

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

90

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

Coronazo 5 1/2 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

EP Carrillo Capa de Sol

Creamy and smooth with flavors of pepper, nuts, and a touch of spice. Consistently wellconstructed, this robusto is covered with a good-looking, light brown wrapper with minimal veins. Leaves behind a solid, compact ash. Medium strength.

$ 8.10

)

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

)

89

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

Robusto Royal 5 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Casa Magna Jalapa Claro

Consistently well constructed and finished with a clean, reddish brown wrapper with sheen. Draws well and delivers an excellent smoke output with notes of cedar, light pepper, and a hint of caramel sweetness. Medium plus strength.

$ 6.65

)

N I CA R AG UA

)

89

92 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

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

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

Toro 5 1/2 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Smooth and balanced with a somewhat muted profile of nuts, soft spice, and cedar. This medium strength blend is covered with a goodlooking, light brown wrapper with a reddish hue. Provides a firm draw and an even burn.

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

93

The cigar world is on Twitter and we aim to keep track of who’s leading who. The following is a scoreboard of the cigar world’s most relevant Tweeples. The list is sorted by number of followers and broken into groups: Top 20 Twitter Cigar Companies & Reps, Top 10 Twitter Retailers, Top 10 Online Cigar Tweeps, Top 3 Twitter Cigar Organizations, and Top 3 Cigar Radio Twitter accounts. If you have the numbers and belong in one of these groups, stand up and be counted! Set us straight via Twitter @cigarsnobmag.

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

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

Padron Cigar @PADRONCIGAR.........................................

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

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

Jonathan Drew @JonathanDrew1.....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

Miami Cigar Co @miamicigar.............................................

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

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

Nat Sherman Intl. @Nat42nd.............................................

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

La Palina Cigars @La PalinaCigars....................................

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

Ezra Zion Cigars @EzraZionCigars.....................................

29870 28990 24877 23980 21730 18798 18320 18034 16607 16253 14308 13846 13611 13157 13048 12463 12100 11800 11775 11125

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS CRA @cigarrights............................................................. 13997 IPCPR Staff @theIPCPR.................................................. 7527 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU............................. 4651

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow................................. 11567 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio...................................... 6520 Smooth Draws @SmoothDraws....................................... 4432

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

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Mulberry St. Cigars @MulberryStCigar.............................

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

Famous Smoke Shop @FamousSmokeShop......................

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

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

Cigar Inn @CIGARINN.......................................................

Michael Herklots–Nat Sherman @MichaelHerklots............

Cheap Humidors @cheaphumidors...................................

Palm Desert Tobacco @palmdsrttobacco.........................

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

14478 12547 11825 9060 7187 6976 6951 6111 5728 5560

@domina09 via Instagram I’m an official Cigar Snob subscriber. #cigars #womenwhosmoke #cigarsnob #cigarsnobmag

TOP ONLINE CIGAR TWEEPLES David Voth–Sex, Cigars, & Booze @SexCigarsBooze.........

Cigar News @CigaRSS ....................................................

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

Cigar Evaluations @CigarEvaluation.................................

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

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

Cigar Inspector @CigarInspector .....................................

The Stogie Guys @stogieguys...........................................

Tom Ufer @cigarsmonkingman..........................................

Barry Stein @barry2guys.................................................

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

163335 14847 14423 9967 9953 9510 8674 8568 6884 6199

@almeniajmez via Instagram Soy de quien me habla claro y se queda si oscurece.”

SCORE SOME BLONDIE AND KUBA KUBA FOR YOUR NIGHT TIME RAIDS IN THE CIT Y DRE WE S TATE.COM JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

95

for taking action to protect the small business premium cigar manufacturers and retailers of this country as well as protecting the rights of adult consumers of premium cigars.

But now, in these opening moments of 2018, all of our political attention turns to the United States Senate. Every Cigar Voter in America has two U.S. Senators, and they must each be contacted by the tens of thousands of cigar brethren that span the nation from Salem, Oregon to Salem, New Hampshire.

A Day in Court, and a Battle in the U.S. Senate

The Path for Protecting Cigars in 2018 on Both Ends of Pennsylvania Avenue

he age-old adage that “everyone deserves their day in court” came to be for the cigar industry on December 14, 2017. It is the “third front” of the effort to protect premium handmade cigars from the onerous and overly zealous regulations being advanced by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. This is, as we often state, a war that is being fought on both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, and a courthouse in between.

On December 14, Judge Amit Mehta of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia held a hearing in the joint trade association lawsuit against the FDA “deeming” rule, with counsel for CRA, IPCPR and CAA arguing the case. The litigation is currently focused primarily on the warning requirements of the regulation, with argument before the Court addressing issues such as the size of the warnings, the basis in the record for the warnings, and whether the warning requirements of the rule should be imposed now, when the FDA intends to revisit the extent to which premium cigars should be regulated at all. The Court raised serious questions about the record built by the agency for applying the warnings requirement for premium cigars and whether warnings should be imposed on premium cigars before the FDA completes announced rulemaking proceedings regarding premium cigars.

While the industry awaits the decision of the court, the battle plan advances on those oppo-

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

site ends of Pennsylvania Avenue – The White House and “The People’s House” at the U.S. Capitol.

It’s not often in this political climate that you can say a house of Congress has ‘done their job,’ but the U.S. House of Representatives indeed has. On September 14, 2017, that chamber adopted language that works to protect premium cigars from federal regulation.

On that day, the United States House of Representatives passed the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018, H.R. 3354.

By a vote of 211-198, the House adopted language that would exempt premium cigars from FDA language by restricting the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) from using any funds to enforce the rule. The specific language included in the bill is the same language that was adopted by the full House Committee on Appropriations on July 12th of last year.

We stated at the time, “passage of this amendment, as included in the Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act of 2018, is a testament to the bi-partisan coalition of co-sponsors that have served as a voice of reason, that premium handmade cigars do not deserve the treatment of draconian regulations as proposed by the FDA, and that the bill further speaks to the original congressional intent of the Tobacco Control Act, while serving as a message to the U.S. Senate, as budget negotiations continue this year.”

CRA commended the House of Representatives

There needs to be one simple message, “Protect the House Language to Exempt Premium Cigars.” We are adults. We enjoy cigars, and do so responsibly. Honestly, our government has higher priorities. To send a message to your U.S. Senators, go to www.CigarRights.org.

And as for the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue, we have our work in 2018 planned there as well.

Soon, the White House will issue what is known as an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making. This will be the next major Public Comment period on how the FDA should treat premium cigars. As opposed to the last set of public comment sessions, this one will not have cigars lumped in with e-cigarettes and other tobacco products.

On December 15, we got a glimpse of what they will be requesting, and it includes: how premium cigars should be defined, health effect issues, and ‘patterns of use.’ Just like with the U.S. Senate, our message will be simple – “Premium Cigars do not deserve to be treated like other tobacco products!”

We will be asking our entire premium cigar community to assist us in conveying messages on this to the federal government, so please stand ready to defend the simple pleasure of enjoying a great cigar.

The enemies to our simple messages are numerous, as the (non-profit) Nanny State is vibrant and organized. There are many who believe they are better able to make your personal choices for you…what you drink, eat, or smoke should be a matter of choice, not government dictate. We have enemies in the private sector as well…enterprises driven by corporate agendas, balance sheets, and control. They are powerful, and they are heard.

We who enjoy premium cigars have something more noble. We have camaraderie, fellowship, passion, and solitude. In 2018, let’s be equally as organized, equally as vocal, and equally as vigilant.

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EVENTS CIGARS UNDER THE STARS AT SABOR HAVANA Doral, Fla.

On the eve of their annual Smoke This! event, Sabor Havana teamed up with Villiger Cigars, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Macallan, and Mega Liquors to put on the Cigars Under the Stars dinner. After enjoying Ruth’s Chris steaks, guests were treated to rare Scotches from The Macallan and a guided tasting of Villiger cigars led by Villiger North America’s President Rene Castañeda.

Robert Singer and René Castañeda

René Castañeda, Manny García, Juan González, Jorge Valdés and Rafael del Monte

Mr. and Mrs. Ferdinand Kurt of the Swiss consulate in U.S.

Gabriel Piñeres, Yerica and Humberto Areas

Julio Morales, Heidi Fuxa, Jeanie Suárez and Juan González

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Barbara and Erik Calviño

Aguiles Legra and Jorge Valdés

Danny Jimenez and Randy Adams

Sonia Castañeda, Luisa Ferrero, Mariana Watcher, María Cristina Arrazola and Bea Schmied

PHOTO CREDIT: Jerome Berry

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

101

EVENTS SABOR HAVANA’S SMOKE THIS! Doral, Fla.

This event, which has grown into one of South Florida’s premiere cigar parties, seems to get better every year. The large crowd enjoyed more cigars, more liquor, more food, and more raffles than ever before. At one point in the action, Doral mayor J.C. Bermudez took the stage and presented Sabor Havana owners Jorge Valdes and Aquiles Legra with a certificate of recognition from the city.

Jorge Valdés, Aquiles Legra and Juan Carlos Bermúdez

Elizabeth Borlado and Erik Espinosa

Carlos Toraño and René Castañeda

Marcela Salazar and Andrew Wilson

Ahmed Fernández and Osmani Díaz

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Joaquín Saladrigas and Richie Rodenhaus

Willy Knapp, Willy Díaz, Arnold Palmer and Mario Knapp

Adrián Acosta and César Rubin

PHOTO CREDIT: Jerome Berry

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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EVENTS DAVIDOFF LOUNGE OPENING AT SMOKE INN West Palm Beach, Fla.

Abe Dababneh has done a stellar job with this new SmokeInn location, expanding the footprint of what was already the dominant name in South Florida’s retail cigar scene.

This event in particular, however, was a celebration of the store’s outdoor Davidoff lounge (the first of its kind for the Swiss company). Add a Macallan tasting, and you’ve got a hell of a night in store.

Carlos Escalona and Danny Jiménez

Thara Moyers, Mike Cook, Dave Zide and Julie Hersey

Charlie Holmes, Ray Murdock and Matt Holmes

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Carlos Escalona, Abe Dababneh, Johan Zwaan and Gaspar González

Susanne Minder, Lana Fraser, Steve Dickinson, Dana Metz and Johan Zwaan

Mike and Janice Arroyo

James Reisigl

Pedro Gómez and José Morel

Lana Fraser, Alberto Rosario, Abe Dababneh and Nick Nanavichit

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EVENTS A NIGHT AT BURN WITH RAY LEWIS AND GARY SHEFFIELD Naples, Fla.

Smokers had a chance to hang with NFL great Ray Lewis and MLB star Gary Sheffield. Each of these athletes has an eponymous cigar made by Rocky Patel, who also owns this Naples, Fla. bar and lounge. Also in attendance were Rocky Patel, Nimish Desai, Nish Patel and Hamlet Paredes (whose Hamlet 25th Year was one of our Top 25 Cigars of 2017).

Simona Recchia and Marisa Vessella

Christopher Mey, Hamlet Paredes and Mark Weissenberger

Hailey Rutta

106 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

Nimish Desai, Ray Lewis, Rocky Patel, Gary Sheffield and Nish Patel

Marilyn Dunn and Nish Patel

Matty Jollie

Mary Kay, Vicki Baker and Beth Sherman

Michael Wasp and Elizabeth Cabello

Mike Weldon, Brett Harrington and Jonathan Hidalgo

Jacky Oser and Dyllan Lyans

Cigar Snob

90 90 Cigar & Spirits

RATING CS2/ROBUSTO

CS/02 Belicoso

Built by Masters. Crafted Through Time.

Inspired by the pioneering architects of mid-century modernist design, the 26 unique blends of rare, vintage tobacco in Case Study pay homage to the architects of flavour, and exemplify the Master Blenders' craft and expertise.

Master Editions

Limited Editions

Factory Occidental Cigar

Factory La Aurora

Factory Occidental Cigar

Factory Occidental Cigar

Factory Plasencia Cigars

Wrapper Ecuador Habano

Wrapper Corojo Ecuador

Wrapper Mexico, San Andres Maduro

Wrapper Ecuador Connecticut

Wrapper Nicaragua Habano

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including tobacco smoke, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.

WARNING: Smoking cigars causes lung cancer, heart disease, and emphysema, and may complicate pregnancy.

#CaseStudyCigars VenturaCigar.com |

JAN Cigar / FEB 2018All Rights CIGAR SNOB Š 2017 Ventura Company.

Reserved.

| 107

EVENTS LA ZONA PALOOZA Hialeah, Fla.

La Zona fans from all over the world converged on La Zona’s Hialeah headquarters to share cigars and a whole slew of other experiences, including visits to some of South Florida’s best tobacconists, haircuts, drinks at area breweries, and a chat with Félix Rodriguez, the CIA agent who spearheaded the effort to bring down Che Guevara in Bolivia. Also in attendance were reps from Cubariqueño, Cornelius & Anthony, and Moya Ruiz.

La Zona family

Steven Bailey and Erik Espinosa

Eric Guttormson and Casey Haugen

Franklin Pauli, Kimberly Flowers, Erik Espinosa, Jr. and Rauf Khoffner

Courtney Smith and Todd Vance

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René Castañeda and Danny Ditkowich

Bob MacDonald, Lee Overley, Chas DeFelice, Tony Anitra and Rob Ciaschini

Peter Johnson, Kevin Keithan, Rosie McKane and Jason Linderman

Rudy Murillo and Maria Jorge

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EVENTS LUCKY 7 CASINO NIGHT AT PRIME Boca Raton, Fla.

Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar, one of Boca Raton, Fla.’s premier tobacconists and cigar bars, celebrated its seventh anniversary with a casino-themed night that featured Montecristo Cigars and Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7. There were also opportunities for guests to win raffle prizes and enjoy food by NYY Steakhouse, Reyka Vodka, Milagro Tequila, and Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey.

Susan Georgiou and Rich Ivancic with some happy smokers.

Ryan Leeds and “The Donald”

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PHOTO CREDIT: Ramon Santana

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EVENTS YAYABO CIGARS AT SMOKE ON THE WATER Weston, Fla.

Yayabo’s founders Diany & Alex — always fun to hang out with — flew into Florida from Nicaragua to attend events, including one at the beautiful cigar bar Smoke on the Water.

The house was packed with smokers who showed up not only for the smokes, but also special deals and paella.

Dan Husley, Charlie Lopez, Diany Pérez and Alex Basulto

Martin Plasencia and Zai Rodríguez

Doug T., Nick Mears, Dan Kissell, Mark Stern and Jerry Rosenthal

Liz López and Marelys Suárez

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Connie and José “Pepito” Martínez

Vanessa Suárez and Chelsea Pacheco

Sabrina Llera and Julio García

Charlie Vázquez and Debbie Massa

Matt Marshall, Sam De La Torre and Branden Marquez

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EVENTS CIGAR HERITAGE FESTIVAL Tampa

Tampa’s marquee annual cigar event is a celebration of cigar culture — and it’s fitting that it happens here, as Tampa is a veritable cigar mecca. Live music came courtesy of a band with one of this magazine’s all-time favorite names: The Black Honkeys. The festivities also included great cigars, cigar rolling demos and food truck fare.

Jay R. Davis, Berta Bravo and James Thomas

Frank Vazquez, Jeff Borysiewicz and Mark Williams

Dan Gallagher and Jeremy Weiner

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Cynthia Fuente-Suárez and Carlitos Fuente

Cigar Mike and Felix Mesa

Steve Jones, Manny García, Marilyn Jones and Ramon Adato

Surelys Unia, La Faraona and Maria Gaban

Ana Sanin, Lisis Otero Buettell and Ashley Howell

Dennis Nottoli, Jamie and Jerry Bevan

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EVENTS 1ST ANNUAL FESTUVA Hialeah, Fla.

This was the inaugural year for this food and wine festival held at Hialeah Park Racing & Casino. Cigars came courtesy of Flor de Gonzalez and food came from a variety of local restaurants. About 1500 guests were able to sample Tequila Revolución as well as dozens of wines. There was also live jazz and an on-location broadcast by local radio DJ Felix Sama.

Michael Peña and Brandi Yurgealitis

Barbie and Eddy González

Carlos and Nancy Hernández and Ivelisse Ocampo

Alejandro, Olga Lidia and Gisenia Correa and Arle Marquez

Miguel Newburry

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Matt Goose Gossett

Torre Pingón, anyone?

Amanda Gómez, Philippe Chaunu, Erik Paradoa, Peter Carballo and Lauren Megan

Elio and Suyen Alfonso, Enaitty Vázquez and Omar Aguilar

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EVENTS

CIGAR CITY CLUB

ATLANTA CIGAR WEEK Atlanta

This event ran Oct. 23-29, comprising four days of great food, cigars and liquor at some of our favorite Atlanta hangouts, like 617 Social Club, Cigar City Club, Davidoff of Geneva since 1911, The League Tavern, and Highland Cigar. There are few towns as cigar-crazy as Atlanta; head over to atlantacigarweek.com and consider keeping your calendar clear for the 2018 event.

DAVIDOFF OF GENEVA BUCKHEAD

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PHOTO CREDIT: Leonard Herring

JAN / FEB 2018 | CIGAR SNOB |

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EVENTS CASA CUEVAS CHRISTMAS PARTY Miami

This Christmas party went from noon to 8 p.m. … After all, you need a good long time to roast a whole pig! The event at Master Cigars also included raffles and special deals on Casa Cuevas cigars — including the option to buy a box and have it personalized with an engraver on the spot.

Armando Breton, Denisse and Luís Cuevas, Gabriel Álvarez and Felipe Sosa

José Herrera

John Mulvihill, Richard Gorrin, Luís Cuevas and Gabriel Álvarez

Carlos and Dulce Pérez

Bringing out the pig!

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Rebeca Trujillo and Emi Sosa

Gerry Pérez

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EVENTS JOSÉ BLANCO SEMINAR AT EPC CIGARS Miami

José Blanco hosted a tasting seminar in the lounge at E.P. Carrillo’s Little Havana headquarters, walking a group of smokers — some tobacconists, others enthusiasts — through the growing, processing and manufacturing processes using a special cigar with five different wrappers on it as illustration as attendees worked their way through each tobacco.

Fred Schwier

David Spirt, Lissette Pérez, Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo III and José Blanco

Elvis Batista

Jerry Gripp, Ernesto Pérez-Carrillo III and Scott Makenzie

CIGAR SNOB PODCAST

LISTEN NOW cigarsnobmag.com/podcast 122 | CIGAR SNOB | JAN / FEB 2018

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