Cigar Snob Magazine July August 2022

JULY / AUGUST 2022

Interview JEOPARDY! CHAMP

Destination PALM SPRINGS

Guide INFLATION BUSTER CIGARS

4 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

5

6 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

7

editorials JULY / AUGUST 2022

22 MANCAVE ESSENTIALS We’re all about outfitting that special space, and we’ve stumbled onto a fine addition. It’s quiet, hangs upside down, and installs easily.

24 SUMMER GIFT GUIDE

30 PERFECT PAIRINGS REDWOOD EMPIRE LOST MONARCH / AGING ROOM RARE COLLECTION

32 PERFECT PAIRINGS ANDALUSIA WHISKY CO. STRYKER / LA FLOR DOMINICANA DOUBLE LIGERO

35 TRAVEL PALM SPRINGS The Desert Southwest is a land of mystery and warmth. We take a journey there to plumb this landscape of creosote, Joshua trees and cacti and come up with a royal flush in the form of luxe digs, some fine food and a perfectly placed cigar lounge.

40 FIRST CIGAR – BRAD RUTTER The Jeopardy! master shows us why he dominates the game show terrain and gives us a tour of his life so far, which includes winning two Camaros (at once!), Hollywood acting auditions, and going incognito as a trivia ringer.

70 INFLATION BUSTER

74 PCA ROUNDUP The annual trade show brought out the best and the brightest in a tribute to the spirit of the leaves and a sign that this cigar renaissance is nowhere close to peaking. Take the trek to The Show with us.

8 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

9

features JULY / AUGUST 2022

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

42 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB FINER THINGS FEATURING JOYA DE NICARAGUA

55 RATINGS

80 TWITTER SCOREBOARD

82 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

84 EVENTS 84 LIGA PRIVADA IN BROOKLYN 86 SMOKE INN’S 25TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY PARTY

88 TEXAS CIGAR FESTIVAL 90 RED MEAT LOVERS WITH FERIO TEGO 91 RED MEAT LOVERS

WITH DUNBARTON TOBACCO

92 SABOR HAVANA DINNER FEATURING PLASENCIA

94 DAVIDOFF AT THE PREAKNESS 96 EL PAMA EXECUTIVE CLUB 98 ROCKY PATEL CIGARS AT HOUSE OF CIGAR

10 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

11

JULY / AUGUST 2022

VO L . 1 4 IS SU E 4 www.cigarsnob.com PUBLISHER & EDITOR Erik Calviño SENIOR EDITOR Steve Miller COPY EDITOR Michael LaRocca SALES & OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Oscar M. Calviño PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Ivan Ocampo ART DIRECTOR Andy Astencio ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jamilet Calviño DIGITAL RETOUCHING SPECIALIST Ramón Santana DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGEMENT Gianni D’Alerta Natalia Marie García CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR Florin Safner

Prepare for power outages today

WITH A HOME STANDBY GENERATOR

$0 MONEY DOWN + LOW MONTHLY PAYMENT OPTIONS Contact a Generac dealer for full terms and conditions

REQUEST A FREE QUOTE

CALL NOW BEFORE THE NEXT POWER OUTAGE

(866) 597-1272

FREE

7-Year Extended Warranty* – A $695 Value!

*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.

12 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio Daniel Lennox Jerome Berry EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Tyler Pico Abdallah Mobaideen Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Juliana Adorno Cigar Snob is published bi-monthly

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

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

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

I used to love Ray Bradbury’s short stories when I was young; I particularly loved the ones that involved technology gone wrong.

When I was growing up, my father was a computer programmer and I learned basic programing at a young age through the books in his office.

That probably had something to do with my affinity for those specific short stories where tech went horribly wrong like Marionettes, Inc. and The Veldt; the latter terrified and fascinated me.

We’re living in a world that’s not too distant from where most of those classic science fiction stories start. In those tales the tech itself gains a technological singularity and makes decisions to the demise of the humans but the reality that we are living in today is almost as bad. The people behind the tech are making decisions for the sake of profit or power and are using the convenience, security, or entertainment value of the technology to erode our privacy and potentially our freedoms.

In a recent statement, Amazon, who among other things owns Ring, noted that it had turned over footage from its smart doorbell cameras to law enforcement 11 times this year without the Ring owner’s consent.

The company claims that it turned over the footage in emergency situations but failed to clarify what constitutes such an emergency, instead saying that it made a “good-faith determination.” You may be thinking, “What’s the big deal? I’m a law-abiding citizen, they can look at my cameras all they want,” but that’s the problem. Once we normalize that level of surveillance, the next step becomes a stretch until eventually that becomes acceptable and normalized until our kids and grandkids live in a real life 1984. We walk around with a device in our pocket that hears and sees most of what we say and do.

We have smart devices in our homes that do the same for the sake of convenience and comfort. So let’s tally that up. Your phone has you when you’re out and about, your doorbell has you when you’re within view of your home, and your in-home smart devices have you when you are in the “privacy” of your own home. And regardless of whether you give consent to the tech giant or not, your data in all of its forms can be handed over to authorities without a court order? I may be going a bit too far with this but what happens in a state like California that is chomping at the bit to eliminate tobacco use? Here’s how it goes down in the sci-fi novel that’s playing out in my head: I’m smoking a cigar on my front porch on a beautiful San Diego evening with my wife having a glass of wine by my side. The kids are playing basketball on the driveway. A couple of neighborhood girls roll by on their bikes and the younger of the two rings her handlebar bell.

It’s an idyllic setting. I’m just past the first third of the cigar when law enforcement agents pull up with guns drawn. I’ll spare you the crappy, amateurish movie dialogue that’s going on in my head but you get the idea.

For what it’s worth, I do not own a Ring doorbell or any of those smart home devices but they have me pretty much nailed with my phone.

That thing hardly ever leaves my side. There’s probably a Ray Bradbury short story for that too…

14 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

This issue is much more fun and cheerful than that techno-horror thriller I just dropped on you. My sister Jamy and I attended the Premium Cigar Association’s annual trade show in Las Vegas and loved spending time with our friends in the business. Our coverage of The Show starts on p. 74. Keeping things out West, we sent our senior editor Steve Miller out to the Palm Springs area to check out the beautiful and plush Pivat Cigar Lounge inside of the Agua Caliente Casino.

His story, title Desert Enclave, is on p. 35. Steve also talked cigars and game shows with Jeopardy! champ Brad Rutter on p. 40. Brad may be the smartest cigar smoker we’ve ever interviewed! The photo shoot titled Finer Things features one of our favorite new smokes, the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT. As usual our team went above and beyond to make this happen but I want to give a special shout out to Ramon Adato for lending us his vast collection of vinyl records. Check out the shoot starting on p. 42 and the one vinyl record shot that survived the vicious cutting room on p. 50. There’s a bunch of other good stuff in this issue including a three-page gift guide, a mancave essentials plus a ton of ratings and events from all over.

Thank you as always for making Cigar Snob part of your cigar-smoking journey. If you have something to say, send us an email at feedback@ cigarsnobmag.com. If you want to hear the sound of our voices, listen to the Cigar Snob Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. Until next time, remember to always be cool to one another, help those in need, salute our troops, and smoke great cigars.

Keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

CIGAR BOB VILA Good Morning Snobs. I just recently discovered the Cigar Snob Podcasts and have been bingeing ever since. You’re a great source of information. In the early segment of your May 21, 2021 podcast, you were discussing cutting torpedo cigars, and the risk of cutting too much.

You described the glue used on the head of the wrapper as being sugar based. Interesting. This got me thinking. I have a couple of puros that have cracks halfway down the wrappers, I’m somewhat new to cigar smoking, and I’m now understanding that much of the experience is lost if you attempt to smoke a stick with cracks in the wrapper. My question to you folks is, do you think I could use a DIY sugar glue to patch up the wrapper cracks? These sticks cost me about $15 each (which converts to about $2 million Canadian) and I’m reluctant to chuck them out.

Ray B. Canada Via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com Hey Ray, you better believe we’re pulling out all the stops to salvage a good cigar. Especially a $2 million dollar one! Short of using stucco anything goes. However the reality is that there’s more to it. If the cracks are topical and limited to the wrapper you have a chance to save it with some cigar glue also known as pectin (the one we use is called PerfecRepair - www.theperfecsmoke.com). Aside from pectin, repairing a cigar requires patience, a steady hand, and a little luck. If you’re in an overly dry climate, it’s going to be tough but find the part of your house that holds the most humidity and set up shop there. Gently lift the wrapper and apply a thin coat of the glue under the wrapper and seal it back up.

Resist the temptation to overuse the glue; there is such a thing as too much. Replace the repaired cigar back in the humidor and let the glue set at least overnight. After the glued area is no longer sticky, fire that puppy up and it should hold. As you’ve learned by now, smoking cigars is all about enjoyment. So could you prop up a broken down cigar? Yes of course, but if after your best efforts you’re still not enjoying it, cut your losses and find something that you will enjoy. Thanks for listening and good luck!

MORE THAN ONE TOUGH HOMBRE It was a pleasure meeting Cigar Snob at the 2022 Great Smoke / Last Luau hosted by Smoke Inn. Thank you for taking the pictures of the Cigar Hombres cigar club. We hope we can make it into the magazine.

You have a great publication.

Continued success in the future.

Hombre Charlie H Florida Via feedback@cigarsnobmag.com Charlie, meeting the Cigar Hombres was an honor and a pleasure – truly one of the great cigar clubs in Florida and one of, if not the best, club name around. We appreciate your support and look forward to meeting up with you guys soon.

WRITE US AT FEEDBACK@CIGARSNOBMAG.COM 16 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

MYFATHERCIGARS.COM

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

17

JUDGE RULES AGAINST FDA IN REGULATION LAWSUIT The U.S. Food and Drug Administration must provide solid reasoning as to why it should regulate premium cigars, a federal judge said in a ruling on a six-year-old lawsuit from industry groups.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta in Washington, D.C. in a 19-page decision said the FDA has failed in some cases to recognize studies that find premium cigar smoking does not represent a substantial health risk to the small number of adults who smoke them.

“The agency ignores or overlooks” evidence backing the claims of Cigar Rights of America and other trade groups challenging a 2016 decision by the FDA to regulate premium cigars.

The plaintiffs, which also include the Premium Cigar Association and the Cigar Association of America, provided two studies as part of their argument as to why the FDA should not regulate premium cigars as it does other tobacco products, including convenience store cigars.

Both showed negligible effects of premium cigars on users and that young smokers rarely used them.

The FDA, though, ignored the data provided and instead alleged there was no data available for it to consider, the judge wrote. “…Instead of addressing the relevant data before it, the agency resorted to a common refrain to obscure the issue: ‘[T]here were no data provided…’” Mehta, an Obama appointee, wrote in his decision.

Parties will now present briefs to the court on whether the FDA’s decision to regulate premiums should be vacated or if the question of regulation should be sent back to the agency for its reconsideration.

“The family-owned manufacturers and retailers that make and sell premium cigars have long believed the FDA mishandled its decision to regulate premium cigars,” Michael Edney of Steptoe & Johnson, the lead attorney handling the case, said in a press release. “We are grateful for the Court’s decision and the opportunity for further proceedings in this matter.”

In a press release, Drew Newman, general

18 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

counsel of J.C. Newman Cigar Co., said the ruling “is a vindication of the premium cigar industry’s long and relentless campaign to show that there is not a scientific basis for regulating premium cigars like cigarettes.”

DREW ESTATE INTRODUCES LIGA PRIVADA H99 CONNECTICUT COROJO ROBUSTO Drew Estate is adding a new vitola to its Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo portfolio.

The Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Robusto debuted at the Pennsylvania Barn Smoker DE25 pre-party in July and will be available as a regular allocation to qualifying Drew Diplomat Program members beginning in September.

The Liga Privada H99 (“H” stands for hybrid) showcases a dark, air-cured hybrid capa derived from the marriage of Stalk-Cut Habano and Corojo seeds. Grown exclusively for Drew Estate by a farmer in the Connecticut River Valley, the H99 capa combines elements of the Habano and Corojo seed varieties.

Available in 24-count boxes, Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Robusto cigars will retail at $358.80/ box or $14.95/cigar.

“The infamous wrapper leaves of the Connecticut River Valley are clearly the star in every Liga Privada blend,” Drew Estate Founder and President Jonathan Drew said in a press release. “This is especially true of Liga H99.

This sexy beast expresses the intricacies of the terroir from the farm where H99 Connecticut Corojo is grown. Believe me when I say that I’m especially proud of Liga H99 Robusto.

It’s dope as hell.”

STG ACQUIRES ROOM101 CIGARS, RETAINS MATT BOOTH AS CREATIVE DIRECTOR Scandinavian Tobacco Group has acquired the Room101 cigar brand from Matt Booth and has retained Booth as creative director.

The acquisition is limited to Room101 cigars and accessories and does not include any of Booth’s other Room101 entities.

“Our acquisition of Room101 Cigars is a stra-

tegic move for both STG and Matt Booth, and underpins our collective drive to shake up the category,” Régis Broersma, president of STG’s North America and Rest of World divisions, said in a press release. “The Room101 cigar portfolio represents a blue ocean of blends and taste profiles we haven’t been playing in.

So this acquisition gives us an even deeper opportunity to innovate and unlock the brand’s potential.”

Room101, which came to the market in 2009, brings to STG a portfolio that includes Payback, 10th Annv, Doomsayer, Farce, Hit and Run, and The T, as well as Snake Shake, a limited edition release.

Room101 will be represented exclusively by STG’s Forged Cigar Company.

TATUAJE CIGARS - TUXTLA Tatuaje Cigars announces the Tuxtla, a new line named after the Mexican municipality in the country’s southern region that has for years been the center of its tobacco production.

The Tuxtla features a San Andres Oscuro wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler.

The Tatuaje 7th Tuxtla is a 5 5/8 x 46 corona ($9.50), the T110 Tuxtla is a 4 3/8 x 52 petit robusto ($10) and the Avion 13 Tuxtla is a 6 7/8 x 52 perfecto ($12.50).

Tuxtla is the largest city in the Los Tuxtlas region, founded after an eruption of the San Martín volcano pushed people into the valley during the early colonial period. Since the 19th century, the area has been the hub of Mexico’s production of tobacco, mostly used in the making of cigars.

FOUNDATION CIGARS INTRODUCES OLMEC Foundation Cigars ships its new core line, the Olmec, in early fall. The cigar, which comes in five sizes, is named after an early civilization in the tropical lowlands of Mexico. It is also where some of the finest San Andrès Negro wrapper tobacco is grown.

Olmec cigars come in 12-count boxes and two wrapper shades, San Andrés Maduro and Claro. The sizes are the 5.5 x 48 Corona Gorda ($12.50), the 5 x 50 Robusto ($13.50), the 6 x

52 Toro ($14.50), the 6 x 60 Grande ($15.50) and the 7 x 52 DB Corona ($16).

Olmec cigars include Nicaraguan filler that are bale-aged for three years after arriving on the production floor.

“I have admired the Olmec civilization since I first traveled to San Andrès to purchase tobacco back in 2006,” Foundation Master Blender Nicholas Melillo said in a press release. “This brand is unique on every level, from the blend to the packaging, and is a great addition to our portfolio.”

NICARAGUA’S PURO SABOR FESTIVAL RETURNS TO ESTELI The Puro Sabor Festival in Nicaragua is on for next year, the first since 2020. The festival begins in the colonial city of Granada on January 23 and moves to Esteli for guided tours and visits to farms and factories of some of the most popular cigar brands in the world.

20 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

“After being absent for three years, we are very excited to announce that we are once again opening the doors of our industry to receive our guests,” Manuel Rubio Centeno, president of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Tobacco, host of the festival, said in a press release.

The festival was canceled in 2018 due to civil unrest in the country. It was held in 2020, but has been canceled the past two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On June 16, the country’s Ministry of Health eliminated the requirement of a negative Covid test to enter the country. With this resolution, Nicaragua joins the rest of Central and North American countries in eliminating this requirement.

DION GIOLITO COLLABORATES ON EXCALIBUR BLEND Excalibur teams up with Dion Giolito for the Illusione of Excalibur, a limited-edition blend

that marks the brand’s first cigar to be made in Nicaragua.

The Illusione of Excalibur is a puro blended by Giolito and STG’s Justin Andrews, featuring a Nicaraguan Corojo 1999 wrapper from Jalapa, a 2012 Nicaraguan Corojo binder from Jalapa, and a blend of Criollo and Corojo tobaccos from 1998, 1999 and 2006 grown in Esteli.

In a nod to the legendary sword of King Arthur that inspired its name, Excalibur Illusione comes in royal blue lacquered boxes with gold detailing, each containing ten of the 7.25 x 54 cigars ($19.99), which will be available starting July 4.

“In college, the Excalibur #1 Maduro was my go-to when I could afford them on a college budget,” Giolito said in a press release. “I wanted to make a cigar in the spirit of Excalibur with a bold character and packaging that pays homage to the brand’s origins. I believe this blend really hits the mark.”

ESSENtIALS any of us are veterans in the air purifier sector, whether we are using them in the mancave or scoping out the industrial strength hoovers at the local lounge. For the home smoke den, the new Rabbit Air A3 is just what you need to ensure no one grouses about the smell of smoke in your smoking enclave, on your clothes or in your hair. The new A3 is the latest of the Rabbit Air products, covering up to 1,070 square feet, over 200 square feet more than its already-formidable MinusA2.

The A3 filters the air within 30 minutes of being turned on, but its major selling point is the fact that in addition to floor or shelf use, it can be hung on the wall, and

Rabbit A3 Ultra Quiet Air Air Purifier

with more ease than that 75-inch LG OLED set permanently on ESPN. Just use the enclosed wall mount guide that will help outline where exactly to place the brackets, drill, and hang (the YouTube video practically hangs it for you). Elevation allows the A3 to catch more of the smoke, which rises, and it can be hung upside down so the controls are still simple to maneuver. Like most things, there’s an app for that, and the A3’s app allows you to control it remotely or adjust it without lifting yourself off the couch. The last talking point, and it’s no minor issue, is the hushed purr of the A3 - no thrum or hum. According to Rabbit Air, it’s quieter than a library or a whisper. Comes in black, white, or choose from some pre-printed options. We’re sold.

rabbitair.com / $769.95

22 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

23

r e mm Su

SUMMER IS IN FULL EFFECT, AND YOU NEED THE TOOLS TO MAKE IT WORTHWHILE. THAT’S WHERE WE COME IN, AS PURVEYORS OF LIFE-CHANGING DEVICES REACH OUT TO US, KNOWING THAT WE WILL PASS THE WORD ON TO YOU. THINK OF US AS A SHARPER IMAGE WITH BETTER DESCRIPTIONS, OR SKYMALL WITHOUT THE PIVOTHEAD CAMERA GLASSES AND SERENITY CAT POD. WE HIT YOU WITH SOME IDEAS THAT WILL MAKE SUMMER ACTIVITIES SIMPLER AND MORE ENJOYABLE, INCLUDING GRILLING, CAMPING, OFF-ROADING, GOLFING, AND OF COURSE SMOKING.

GIFT GUIDE

DISSIM INVERTED DUAL TORCH LIGHTER dissim.com

$118 Dissim’s Executive Platinum Inverted Dual Torch Lighter has an angled flame that makes the flame push away from your mug a little. This torch, as its name notes, has an inverted capability that makes it adaptable to a pipe, so if you are ambidextrous in a tobacco way, you can pivot as needed.

The welcome whoosh of a solid lighter is also a touch more pronounced, making this a good addition to your accessory stable.

THE OX SOCIETY LEATHER WALLET YELLOW & BLUE COLLECTION theoxsociety.com

$468 Getting a wallet for a present used to be like getting socks or something. But getting something like this from the Ox Society is a real, finer things gift. Handmade of Chèvre leather from France – that’s goatskin to you – and cut just right, you can choose from a wallet, passport holder or credit card holder, all sized small enough to carry, embossed with the OXS label and available in two color combos.

S.T. DUPONT DEFI MILLENIUM En.st-dupont.com

$295 to $395 “Don’t forget to write” was something we said to departing pals eons ago. Now we can say it again, with a better reason: it gives them a chance to check out some of the fine writing instruments out there, like the Defi Millenium. It’s for followers of the S.T. Dupont brand and delivers slender, precise instruments. These come in three types – fountain pen, roller ball and ball pen, and five finishes, including a cool chrome and matte red lacquer.

24 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

LE FINES LAMES LE PETIT – FLAG – USA CIGAR CUTTER lesfineslames.com

$159 Independence Day lives in this cutter by French accessory maker Le Fines Lames. The Star Spangled banner LE PETIT is about 4 1/2 inches long with a 2 1/2 inch non-lockable stainless steel blade that can trim up to a 70 gauge smoke. The red, white and blue handle keeps the flag flying long after the fireworks are over.

The Art, Tradition, and Style of Cuba.

MYFATHERCIGARS.COM

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

25

r e mm u S

GIFT GUIDE

INSTINCT 2 SOLAR GPS SMART WATCH garmin.com

$449.99 CHAR-GRILLER® GRAVITY FED 980 CHARCOAL GRILL chargriller.com

$799.99 Gravity meets tech with this grilling and smoking machine. The Gravity 980 smokes, BBQs, grills, bakes, broils and sears using a digital temp control and a triple-lined charcoal hopper. Contrary to what you might read, (char)coal is not dead when the Gravity 980 shows up, it’s just more modern. The gravity part is the feeding of the coal underneath the grill, allowing the temperature to be adjusted to whatever you want to cook. You can control this grill with an app, so fire it up and go wherever you want. Meat probe included.

CAN-AM OUTLANDER Can-am.brp.com

$10,499.00 starting The Can-Am Outlander looks brutal, like a bulldog ready to dig into a thigh. Its top-ofthe-line engine is 91 horses and can tow a bass boat, and it’s a good bet that the needs of a rancher or rescuer are similar to yours for hunting, mudding or exploring the back 40. One of the tags is “everything you need to rule outdoors.” We DO want to rule outdoors, so thank you.

26 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Track every adventure and live connected is Garmin’s way of saying it’s staying in touch with technology after that directional thing went south. The Instinct® 2 Solar GPS smart watch is a fine way to stay in favor, just on looks alone. So much tougher looking than those watches made by that California outfit. Track your training, your health data, your place on the map and the weather, all on the back of your wrist with this customizable gem, which has options for sizes, colors and bands, among other things.

The solar version has a lens that converts the sun’s rays to extend battery life.

FIRE & FLAVOR PREMIUM ALL NATURAL HARDWOOD LUMP CHARCOAL Fireandflavor.com

$22.95 20lb bag Folks say this charcoal burns long and hot, like a steamy, bodice-ripping paperback only better for the environment.

At least it says, “clean burning,” and we’re inclined to believe them. Produced from North American hardwoods, Fire & Flavor’s Hardwood Lump Charcoal is a mesquite-flavored hot burning way to cook the meats. It comes in 20-lb and 8-lb packages and promises lump charcoal between two and four inches.

MOONSHADE moonfab.com

$350 The campsite is your sanctuary when you’re getting back to nature or have run out of free nights at the Hampton. The Moonshade is a light awning that attaches to your vehicle or camper and keeps things shaded and protected from the elements. If you don’t have a roof rack to attach it to, adapters are available. It covers a 9-foot by 7-foot area, weighs in at eight pounds, and folds up tight for storage. Breakfast buffet not included.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

27

r e mm u S

GIFT GUIDE

FOOTJOY PREMIERE SERIES – SUMMER CLASSICS PACKARD footjoy.com

$219.99 150 GOLF COURSES YOU NEED TO VISIT BEFORE YOU DIE BY STEFANIE WALDEK lannoopublishers.com

A day of golf goes easier with some decent kicks. The Summer Classics Packard golf shoe from FootJoy’s Premier Series is a simple, smooth way to keep your feet in line. It is crafted out of fullgrain leather and features sheepskin linings, with patented, low-profile spikes that provide traction in rain, wind and, if you’re unlucky, snow. Plus, the Summer Classics Packard is fully waterproof.

$32.49 The intro tells us that “Golf, more than any other sport, has an intimate relationship with place because it is inextricably tied to the landscape.” True that, and this 250-page guide makes the case by taking readers around the world, from the Dominican Republic to Death Valley, from Austria to Australia. The author keeps the narratives of each course to a tidy 150 or so words, with accompanying photos of the courses. The seed is planted now – can you hit them all in this lifetime?

PXG BATTLE READY DAGGER+ PUTTER pxg.com

$289 A lot of us treat golf like the war that it is. So PXG’s Battle Ready Putter series is part of any warrior’s arsenal, with a club head and configuration to suit any stroke. Even the names of this series make your pecs bulge – the Battle Ready Raptor, the Battle Ready Hercules, and the Battle Ready Dagger. All three are 100% milled, bi-material constructed with highdensity tungsten inserts. They also feature PXG’s pyramid face pattern technology, aimed at making sure your aim is true. Let the battle begin.

PING HOOFER LITE GOLF BAG Ping.com

GHOST GOLF BELT Ghostgolf.com

$245

$60

It’s almost impossible to find a graceful golf bag – lumpy, heavy things that flop easy and flip easier.

Ping’s Hoofer Lite is a meager five pounds, though, with padded straps and a back puck, and offers a selection of 11 colors. It comes with full-length dividers in each slot, apparel pocket with full zipper and added storage within, and a zippered rangefinder pocket.

If you want a belt that makes a statement on the links, Ghost Golf’s Rory is the place to be. Its slim profile, navy blue/white color scheme, steel buckle and black leather tail make you look like you belong in the under-par club. It stretches, too, so it grows with you both on and off the course.

28 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

ANYTIME, ANYWHERE, DEFINE YOUR PREFERIDO.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB LA A U R|O29 RA.COM

Redwood Empire Lost Monarch Aging Room Rare Collection The team at Cigar Snob is not above being swept up in a binge-worthy series and Alone is one of those that hits all the buttons. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a reality adventure show where contestants are dropped into the wilderness with a bunch of cameras and only 10 items that they can bring along. The series, which originally airs on the History Channel, documents the day-to-day struggles of the contestants as they compete for a prize of $500,000. The last person to tap out wins but the contestants have no knowledge of how the others are faring.

Most people watch these series wrapped up in a throw blanket on their couch with a mug of hot cocoa, but not us. We sit in the backyard with whiskey and cigars. So when the latest season of Alone showed up on our feed, we had the perfect whiskey to binge watch it with. Redwood Empire is a Sonoma-based distiller and blender of whiskeys that is single-handedly bringing California distilling back into the mainstream. Their core lines are all named after famous trees in the Redwood Forest and the bottle sports the GPS coordinates of the tree so you can visit it. The company partnered with the non-profit Trees for the Future to plant one tree for every bottle sold.

The whiskey delivers a world-class nose of butterscotch, vanilla, citrus, and wood with a smoky grain note in the background. The palate offers a combination of sweet and spicy characteristics with flavors of caramel, cinnamon, and vanilla balanced by dry notes of smoke, oak, and tannins.

This whiskey is quite complex and interesting with a long, spicy finish.

THE PAIRING The Aging Room Rare Collection opens with a flavorful blend of pepper, oak, and salty earth complemented by subtle touches of coffee and cream. Once you introduce the Redwood Empire Lost Monarch after drawing in the smoke, the whiskey’s viscosity is cranked up and so is the sweetness. The oak and smoke momentarily take a backseat but re-emerge on the finish. The cigar also takes on an element of heavy sweet cream as the earth and pepper recede.

The pairing is perfectly complementary.

30 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

W W W . M A D - A G E N C Y. N E T

Welcome to our house

www.casademontecristo.com CASA DE MONTECRISTO LOCATIONS Austin, TX / Boca Raton, FL / Dallas, TX / Houston, TX / Mooresville, NC Nashville (The Gulch), TN / New York City, NY / Paramus, NJ Southfield, MI / Tampa (SoHo), FL / Washington, DC / Whippany, NJ

PARTNERS Casa de Montecristo by Sm oke Inn, Boynton Bea ch, FL Casa de Montecristo, Countr yside, IL Casa de Montecristo by Churchill’s, Ph oenix, AZ M o n te c ri s to C i g a r B a r, Ca e s a rs Pa l a ce , L a s Ve g a s , NV Ca s a d e M o n te c ri s to, O l d S a n J u a n , PR JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB | 31

Andalusia Whiskey Co. Stryker La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero The Texas whiskey scene has been growing steadily since 2006 when Garrison Brothers Distillery was founded. In fact it was the first to obtain a distiller’s permit for bourbon outside of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Year after year the number of distilleries has continued to grow. According to the Texas Whiskey Association website, there are currently 26 distillery members spread throughout the state. Like any whiskey region worth its malted barley, there is a Texas Whiskey Trail to help whiskey-lovers discover the Lone Star State’s best distilleries. Not surprisingly with such a large state, the trail is broken up into regions, the North Texas, Hill Country, South Texas, and Gulf Coast trails.

It won’t take you long to find Andalusia Whiskey Co. if you explore the Hill Country Trail, it’s stop number one.

Started by Tommy Erwin and Ty Phelps in 2010, the co-workers-turned-friends knew they were starting a distillery but didn’t have a name for it. They came across some old property papers that showed that the land they were building on was once called Andalusia Ranches.

They looked around and noticed that the Texas Hill Country did in fact look like the rolling hills of Andalucia in southern Spain. Just like that they had their name.

Stryker Texas Smoked Single Malt Whiskey is a unique product in that it builds on the Scottish tradition of smoking the malted barley, most notably in Islay Scotch, where they burn peat to dry the grain. But this is Texas BBQ country, so Andalusia replaces the peat with oak, mesquite, and apple woods to give this whiskey a singular and complex profile with tons of cinnamon, cedar, and dark chocolate enveloped in a pillow of BBQ smoke.

THE PAIRING The La Flor Dominicana Double Ligero has been the standard for full-bodied cigars since its launch in 2003.

The cigar’s strength and intense pepper are balanced by a sweet, almond cream characteristic; without it the cigar is just a pepper bomb. A sip of the Stryker followed by a draw from the Double Ligero introduces a unique grassy spearmint note that dials back with subsequent puffs. Typically pairings accentuate notes that were barely perceptible but in this case the spearmint blindsides your palate and momentarily but interestingly modifies the complexion of the cigar entirely.

32 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

33

INTRODUCING CAO BX3

Three times the Brazilian tobacco for three times the intense Brazilian flavor.

SURGEON GENERAL WARNING: Cigar Smoking Can Cause Lung Cancer And Heart Disease.

34 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022 ©2022 General Cigar Co., Inc

CAOCIGARS.COM

by Steve Miller

©wollertz/Adobe Stock

THE PARCHED HEAT OF THE SOUTHWEST? FORGET IT. THIS COOL PALM SPRINGS HAVEN DELIVERS A SMOKING OASIS, LOFTY DINING AND GAMING AMID THE ARID ENVIRONS OF THE COACHELLA VALLEY.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

35

The pool at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage

alm Springs, California – You go down Bob Hope Drive to Dinah Shore Drive to Gene Autry Trail.

Unless you’re a World War II veteran – thanks for your service and congrats on nearing the century mark – or a Hollywood history buff, this sprawling desert enclave is a confusing slice of time travel.

Even at the Palm Springs airport, the old days are on parade – a Muzak rendition of “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and other classics are the house music. After reading of the self-guided Sinatra tours, hearing of the bevy of Hollywood elite who landed here in the '60s and seeing the midcentury modern architecture around the town, it’s all too much of a time machine.

But a little east of downtown off of Interstate 10, the Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage, a 16-floor slab of contemporary concrete, sits on a sandy, arid piece of land owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla

36 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Indians, part of the tribe’s 6,700 acres in Palm Springs city limits and one of three casinos it owns and operates.

But the Rancho Mirage version is special.

Inside, along with the incumbent attractions that have been part of casinos for as long as any of us can recall – food, live entertainment, sports bar, high and low stakes games, slot machines and booze – is a tribute to both the days of Sinatra and today.

The Pivat Cigar Lounge, with simple electric lemon-colored lettering on a deceptively and likewise simple storefront, is tucked into a hall around the corner from The Steakhouse, the casino’s celebrated eatery, and just off the elevator bank. And it has touches of both the then and now.

“We took that old-school cigar lounge, with dark material, dim lighting, leather furniture, and blended it with new, trending, modern touches, so it has that current essence along with the feel of a man cave,” says Sandy

Josephson, vp of food and beverage at the Agua Caliente Casinos.

For sure, the stone countertops, recessed lighting and wood floors are a nod to today, as are the array of 75-inch TVs that are fixed on sports. A wall of video gaming machines and a couple of live blackjack tables are separated by banks of stuffed leather seating and a marble-topped table adorned with ash trays, cutters and – did they know we were coming? – issues of Cigar Snob Magazine.

The 3,000-square-foot, 90-person capacity lounge opened in 2018 after casino managers and personnel noticed that among the considerable traffic at its outdoor smoking areas were those indulging in premium smokes.

It was named Pivat (pronounced Pee-vaht) by the Agua Caliente tribal council, which is Cahuilla for “smoking tobacco.” Josephson says that several cigar brands have approached the casinos in hopes of attaching their name to the lounge,

but “it won’t happen. This is our brand, and it is very close to our heart. We are happy to sell all cigars in our lounge, but it will remain our lounge.”

He noted that the lounge has relied largely on word-of-mouth – a casino with a cigar lounge? Unthinkable in anti-smoke California.

"One cigar smoker hears of it, tells another and then another," Josephson says. Indeed, we had a smoke at a friend's Los Angeles backyard three days before, a Hollywood honcho who has smoked for years. His troupe occasionally goes to Agua Caliente's other casinos, ending up in the parking lot for a cigar. Not anymore.

"I'm going to have to check out that casino rather than the rated "G" one we've been hitting," the friend emailed us after hearing of Pivat.

We relay the message to Josephson.

"And that's been working for us since we opened," he says.

The humidor features 400 facings

and 15,000 cigars, from the familiar favorites including Davidoff, Oliva, and Montecristo, to a small sampling of boutiques. Lockers run $1,500 a year and membership means cigar discounts.

Street view of the French Quarter

The bar sits across the room from the humidor, with some gaming at the bar itself and an array of whiskey, single malt scotch, bourbon, and white liquors behind it. Pivat has its own Makers Mark brand, used in several of its smoked cocktails. If you want to have a steak with your smoke, you can order off The Steakhouse menu and have it brought to you.

The sizable outdoor area features palm trees with the circumference of a linebacker, planted as part of the landscaping, an impressive use of the tropical foliage. It’s a true outdoor lounging area, with upscale patio furniture around more TVs, and room to walk around. On our evening visit, the patio was empty – 104 degrees and windy will do that – but it’s clear the place is comfortable once the temps drop in the fall. Some people lament the summer heat, but when fall comes and every day is dry/sunny/80s, they forget. Timing your visit, if the heat bothers you, is important.

If you want to split your smoke and feed, you can walk the 30 feet and sit down in The Steakhouse, which is suitably dark and cool, with plenty of hard wood, purple carpet streaked with strands of red and black, and cushy leather booths.

The menu is advanced steakhouse, with seven selections of steak cuts, Prime Chateaubriand, Wagyu New York Strip, and a bone-in bison ribeye in case you aren’t feeling the cow.

The seafood choices include lobster tail, scallops, crab legs and a catch of the day.

Appetizers run to the fish side, including sashimi, burgundy escargot and some well put together crab cakes, which come with a remoulade but needed nothing but lemon.

With the temps outside, a heavy main dish just didn’t seem right – we opted for catch of the day, some sea bass that was nicely grilled.

The wine list is comprehensive, catering obligatorily to red lovers, and the Bonaccorsi Family Pinot Noir, not too dry, set off things nicely.

Pivat Cigar Lounge features 400 facings and over 15,000 cigars

Later in the evening, after walking the grounds and before calling it a night, we returned to Pivat for a last look, given we had less than 24 hours in the place.

We ordered a vodka martini straight up and dry – simple and easy, and appropriately Rat Packish, given the location. It was excellent, and as we sat, sipping and smoking, we were reminded of the old nightclub joke about the bar that "made martinis so dry they were finding dust in the men’s room." Again, appropriate given the location.

in calm dreams and steady drinking, eyes fastened on the screens for a blip or score in whatever contest has money on the line. The 360 offers 2,300 square feet of TV screens, with a huge wall as the centerpiece.

It's visually impressive and while sports betting isn't legal in California – what is? – it’s a comfortable and roomy place to settle when the casino sounds get to be too much.

Coincidentally, state voters in November will weigh in on a couple measures to legalize various forms of sports betting – expect a typically West Coast hullabaloo no matter the

results. Meantime – we have that app.

Agua Caliente’s hotel has 340 rooms, and you’ll want one of the 58 rooms with a balcony overlooking the San Jacinto Mountains, which our 10th floor quarters had, with a view to the west and the sizable swimming pool below. It’s an intoxicating delight to watch the shade of the rocks turn from mauve to tan and into shades of yellow as the sun rises and drops.

Internet posters on travel sites appear reluctant to fire up a cigar on their balcony, fearful of local

If we needed to hear jokes, though, there’s a good chance that Agua Caliente’s 2,000-and-change capacity entertainment venue, The Show, will have something along those lines and more. On our visit, the upcoming comedy slate included Jim Gaffigan and Jim Jefferies, both high on our laugh list. Past performers include Brian Reagan and Jerry Seinfeld, so they are booking the A-list. We also noted Tom Jones on the schedule – is that possible?

That seems particularly part of the long-gone era, again coming back to life in Palm Springs.

The Agua’s sports bar, 360 Sports, is nearby, and like so many other sports joints in casinos, is a study

Just south of Palm Springs is colorful and unique Salvation Mountain

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

37

restrictions – it’s “California law!”

– but enforcing that would be entrapment. Sometimes you just have to bend the rules. And not get caught.

We had a wonderful Montecristo White Series Gordo that we bought at Pivat and with that, we watched the mountains bathed in moonlight and the headlights on the interstate that appeared as tiny dots as traffic shuttled east to Phoenix and west to L.A.

vibrant old west and well worth seeing. Salvation Mountain, a hill covered in colorful hues of acrylic paint, is outside Calipatria and a beacon in the desert.

We’ve been to this part of the southern Mojave desert with a pathological obsession since the '90s, most recently a couple years ago, noting in a Cigar Snob story in fall 2020 our visit to Joshua Tree National Park, previously namedropping Pivat and Fame Cigars and Wine as go-tos.

Take a jog south off I-10 and it takes you toward the Imperial Valley, with its groves of citrus and dates, lettuce trucks and roadside stands for date shakes. The towns are bedraggled Americana agricultural outposts, and they warrant the 45-minute drive. The towns that scatter over the landscape – Brawley, Niland, Westmorland – are remnants of a

Mount San Jacinto

111B

Agua Caliente Indian Reservation

For the a.m., the Waters Café is the first option. While the service is a little curt for solo diners, the square horseshoe bar is interesting if only for its stab at Hard Rock-ish musical décor – and while guitars signed

by Adam Levine and '70s pop band America along with Jimmy Buffett’s microphone don’t exactly scream cutting edge, they make sense in the benign setting. A drumhead signed by Mark and Bob Mothersbaugh of Devo was suitably weird in this context.

He attended the Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas this summer and met with reps from Alec Bradley and Espinosa, among others, so expect some additional offerings from them in the coming months.

111

10 10

PALM SPRINGS

1

Ramon Rd

Cr ist

op

111

he rC

olu

m

N Calle Encilia

111

E Andreas Rd

Rd

S Calle

Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument

Adams St

Encilia

Indian Canyon Dr

N Palm Canyon Dr

10

111

3

Ave 48

El

111

P aseo

San Pablo Ave

Fred Waring Dr

Magnesia Falls Dr

Fred Waring Dr

PALM DESERT

El Paseo

Larkspur Ln

Monterey Ave

111 BORREGO SPRINGS

38 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

l Hw ay

10

86

PALM SPRINGS AREA

FOOD

HOTEL

233 E Palm Canyon Dr www.mrlyonsps.com

6. Mr. Lyons

DRINK

2. Mirage Cigar Lounge RANCHO MIRAGE

79

n ta

1. Agua Caliente Resort 111 Casino Spa Rancho Mirage 7. John's Restaurant 32-250 Bob Hope Dr 900 N Palm Canyon Dr aguacalientecasinos.com johnsrestaurantpalmsprings.com

2

76

sc on tin e

111

CIGARS 79

Tr an

Dinah Shore Dr

Rd

S Palm P.C. Dr

N Belardo Rd

86

74

E Tahquitz Canyon Way

E Arena

W Arena Rd

111

bu s

Dune Palms

4

“If the demand is there, we’ll find a way to do it,” he said.

pe Dr Ho

111B 5

With the new stuff coming in and a lounge that has already doubled in size in just four years, is there room to grow?

Josephson, Agua Caliente’s food and bev vp, was an occasional smoker before he began to curate the humidor at Pivat, “for golf, and

b Bo

8

74

Pivat is also expanding its accessory line, which was part of the PCA visit as well.

Monterey Ave

213

6

it turned into something I truly enjoy now,” he says. “I compare it to wine, with the flavor ranges of mild and medium and beyond.”

9

7

111

There are a number of other smoking options in Palm Springs, but Pivat gave us what we wanted. So, we missed the Mirage Cigar Lounge and its popular Thursday night poker and upscale private membership club, and the Hydeaway Cigar

Club, both within 15 minutes of Agua Caliente. Next time stops, for sure, as the interest in cigars in this area continues to blossom.

8. The Tonga Hut Sea and Tiki Bar 71800 CA-111 ste b-110 Salton Restaurant cigarsranchomirage.com 254 N Palm Canyon Dr tongahut.com 3. Hydeaway Cigar Club 79305 CA-111 STE 6, La Quinta

9. Paul Bar/Food

4. Fame Cigars and Wine 86 155 S Palm Canyon Dr STE A3 famelounge-ps.com

3700 E Vista Chino thepaulbarps.com

Sonny ATTRACTIONS

111

Bono

5. Tinder Box

Salton Sea 10. Salvation Mountain

200 N Palm Canyon Dr tinderboxpalmsprings.com

Beal Rd, Calipatria WildlifeRefuge salvationmountain.us

National

10

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

39

40 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Brad Rutter

BY STEVE MILLER Answer:

This 61-mile-long tributary of the Susquehanna River runs through the heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Question:

“What is the Conestoga River?” t takes all of five minutes in a conversation with Brad Rutter to discover why he has the jam to make millions of dollars as a Jeopardy! champion.

“Did you know the term ‘stogie’ comes from the Conestoga River?” Rutter says of the river flowing through his hometown. “In the early 1900s, it was the biggest cigar-producing part of the country.”

Now that’s a Jeopardy! king.

The 44-year-old Rutter grew up the older of two brothers, the son of a stockbroker and homemaker, and has won $5.1 million since 2000 playing the iconic television quiz show.

His trade is knowledge, and he deals in it with great abundance, most recently as a host on ABC’s The Chase, a game in which contestants match wits with one of several accomplished know-it-alls, including Rutter, for big money.

The gift of curiosity came early to Rutter, who watched Jeopardy! with his parents starting at the age of six. That curiosity – and a developing taste for the finer things – escalated to premium cigars at the age of 18 in 1996, about the time of the first cigar boom in the U.S. “My first cigar was either an Onyx or a Montesino. I recall thinking ‘this tastes like chocolate,’ which was amazing to me. I got the point immediately.”

And he scored many more points as he grew up, becoming a serial game show contestant and racking up victories.

Rutter talked with Cigar Snob about navigating the world of Hollywood sets, cigars and his life.

Getting schooled My parents had watched the old Jeopardy! with Art Fleming as host, and so when it came back with Alex Trebek, I was watching with them. I’ve been watching it ever since. I think I learned a lot of things by osmosis, and I’ve always enjoyed knowing stuff. By the time I got to high school I found myself knowing all the answers [on the show]. In high school I was on our Quiz Bowl team and once we started to be ranked nationally, I knew I was pretty good, and a lot of that came from watching Jeopardy!. In college, we sat around and watched Jeopardy! and I would know 90 % of the answers and my friends would say, “you need to get on that show.” I said, “I know.” I was doing better from the couch than the contestants, although that’s easier than actually playing up there because of the pressure. I went to the test for the show, which is just a TV audition. They want to see if you are good at taking direction and other things that are basic to television. And if you come across as your normal self and not nervous, that’s key to getting selected. I am one of those weird people who never had a fear of public speaking, though. I wouldn’t say I’m smarter than anyone who has done well, I just handle pressure better.

The first time I won $55,000 in five episodes, and they were all shot on the same day, a week’s worth of episodes, on a Monday. I had come in on a Friday and they shot that day but I didn’t get on. The nerves were incredible, I don’t know that I would have won if I had played the first day. But I had time to watch and see how it was done.

PHOTO BY: DANIEL LENNOX

LOCATION: HOLLYWOOD SMOKE SANTA MONICA, CA

I won the [money] and two cars, choosing from Chevrolets. One of the choices was a Corvette, which I wanted but they were out. The choice came down to a Suburban or Camaros and I took the Camaros. I gave one to my brother, who is two years younger than me. The cars came about two weeks after I filled out the paperwork and we went to the local dealership to pick them up. The money came in a check that I received three months later. At the time, I was 22 and had quit college [Johns Hopkins University] and was living with my parents and working at a CD store. It was a very Gen X thing. I went and rented an apartment in Lancaster with two bedrooms. That was my idea of living it up. I grew up in a home in which investing was encouraged, so I was smart with my money.

How he learns I’m an autodidact. I have always learned better discovering stuff on my own. I did well in high school but I’m always learning things from reading or watching documentaries. I learn better when I am interested in something, but I’ve always been interested in a lot of things.

I read books, at least 10 to 12 a year, usually something I hear about or get a recommendation for. I go online to learn more about current events. On The Chase, we have a lot of questions on pop culture, so I make an effort to go to Spotify and check out the top 50.

On one of The Chase episodes, I had been reading up on Camila Cabello, and the question was what group was she in before she went solo. I missed it, though; it was Fifth Harmony.

He does sneak into your local trivia contest…

One of my friends talked me into it, just recently. I was in Philadelphia and a couple of friends said, ‘We should go to quiz night.’ It was at a local bar and yes, we won. I huddled in a corner so I didn’t get recognized. Part of the subterfuge was that I’m not the one taking the answer sheet up.

He's also an actor I had an audition for [Apple TV+’s] Morning Show as Jennifer Aniston’s dad in a flashback scene. I didn’t get the role and I don’t think they ever used that scene. I enjoy auditions, you get to play someone, which is great. A wise person said ‘as an actor, your job is auditioning, not shooting.’ It helped that I didn’t get into acting and auditions until I was in my late 20s and had been on Jeopardy!. I had Jeopardy! money in the bank and didn’t have to beg off a shift waiting tables to go to the audition. I can’t imagine growing up and wanting to be an actor and going through all the rejection, because you get rejected more than you get accepted.

Cigars came early It was the 90s and the whole lounge revival thing was going on and cigars were part of that. We were the only 18-year-olds going to cigar lounges and enjoying it and knowing cigars. I still go to the shops when I go back to Lancaster to visit, which I do four times a year. In Los Angeles, where I live, I go to Cigar Warehouse in the Valley. The weather here is so good I can smoke outside, I like to go in the backyard, put in some earbuds, smoke and listen to a podcast. I also like going to the lounge to watch a football game. My cigar trivia game isn’t all that good, but I know what I like. I have about an 80-count humidor, and I keep it stocked. My favorite is the Montecristo No. 2, which is my special occasion cigar. Whenever I am in Canada or Europe, I pick up a Cuban version. What is a special occasion? Winning a big Jeopardy! tournament or the birth of a niece or nephew.

I have recently gotten into Micallef, because my girlfriend is doing social media work for them.

What’s next It would be great if The Chase is renewed [for a 4th season]. But I’m going to do some traveling this year, internationally, I have a landmark birthday coming up and I won’t say which one (Ed note: we will – No.45 in January) and I always wanted to get to Australia.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

41

antano ct

BOTTOM AMBI THE BRAND TOP GLIMPSE MIAMI BOUTIQUE SWIMSUIT BOTTOM DOLCE & GABBANA JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

DRESS SAINT LAURENT JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

LINGERIE LA PERLA SHOES TOM FORD BELT JOY ROLON JEWELRY SAINT LAURENT

LINGERIE DOLCE & GABBANA SHOES SAINT LAURENT JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

LINGERIE LA PERLA JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

DRESS ALICE+OLIVIA SHOES TOM FORD JEWELRY SAINT LAUREN

LINGERIE LISE CHARMEL SHOES TOM FORD JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

SWIMSUIT DOLCE & GABBANA BOOTS JOY ROLON JEWELRY SAINT LAURENT

BRA SAINT LAURENT SHOES & SKIRT TOM FORD JEWELRY ROBERTO COIN

MODEL JULIANA ADORNO ELITE MODELS PHOTOGRAPHY LIMITED EDITION limitededitionmanagement.com PRODUCTION IVAN OCAMPO iocampo@cigarsnobmag.com PRODUCTION ASSISTANT JAMILET CALVIÑO jcalvino@cigarsnobmag.com WARDROBE STYLIST CRISTINA CELLINI limitededitionmanagement.com HAIR AND MAKEUP STYLIST MADELINE ROUGE skinvasbeauty.com

CIGAR

JOYA DE NICARAGUA ANTAÑO CT joyacigars.com

SWIMSUIT DOLCE & GABBANA EARRINGS ROBERTO COIN BRACKET AND NECKLACE SAINT LAURENT

48 CIGARS

LANCERO Herrera Esteli Habano Limited Edition

92

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

$ 12.95 Lancero 7 38 Ecuador Honduras Nicaragua

Luciano

Creamy and smooth with a well-balanced core of cedar, toasted almond, deep pepper, and earth accompanied by a touch of butterscotch.

Draws and burns impeccably well while producing an excellent output of thick and highly aromatic smoke. Medium strength.

$ 15.00

91

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

The Dreamer 7 1/2 38 Ecuador Nicaragua Peru & Nicaragua

My Father La Promesa

N I CA R AG UA A creamy and well-balanced blend highlighted by notes of smooth pepper, cedar, and light coffee accompanied by a touch of caramel sweetness on the finish. This medium strength lancero draws and burns well while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 10.60

91

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

Lancero 7 1/2 38 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Aladino Vintage Selection

90 89

N I CA R AG UA Consistently produces an excellent output of aromatic, medium plus strength smoke with notes of sweet cocoa, baking spices, earth, and pepper accompanied by a rich aroma of tanned leather. Draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, gray ash.

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

Elegante 7 38 Honduras Honduras Honduras

Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Corojo

H O N D UR AS An ultra-flavorful lancero covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with minimal veins and a velvet feel. Consistently produces an output of medium strength smoke with a profile of sweet cedar, salted nuts, baking spices, and vanilla cream with a touch of earthiness.

$ 13.75 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Lancero 7 1/2 40 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Warped Flor del Valle

N I CA R AG UA A flawlessly pressed lancero finished with an attractive, reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This medium to full strength blend produces an excellent output of rich, aromatic smoke with notes of black pepper, cashews, cocoa powder, and a hint of cream.

$ 16.00

88 56 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

N I CA R AG UA

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

Sky Flower 7 40 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a slightly mottled wrapper with several thick veins visible, this medium plus bodied smoke offers a combination of pepper, subtle cedar, nuts, and a touch of cream. Provides a firm draw while leaving behind a solid, dark gray ash.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

57

GRAN TORO Oliva Serie V

$ 11.5 8

91

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

Double Toro 6 60 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

My Father La Opulencia

Covered with an attractive, milk chocolate colored wrapper with excellent sheen, this medium plus strength gran toro delivers a core of smooth pepper, cocoa, subtle oak, and coffee complemented by a note of tea on the finish.

$ 13.1 4

91

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

Super Toro 6 60 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

Canimao King George Edición Limitada 2016

90

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

Majestic 6 60 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Matilde Oscura

N I CA R AG UA A thick, box-pressed blend covered with a dark brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Draws and burns exceptionally well while producing a medium plus bodied smoke output with notes of earth, smooth pepper, roasted nuts, and cocoa powder complemented by hints of oak and tanned leather.

$ 10.50

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a smooth core of mocha, red pepper, cedar, and a touch of dark fruit sweetness along a good output of medium strength smoke. This large, dark gran toro is covered with a toothy wrapper and provides a slow burn leaving behind a dark gray ash.

$ 9.00

90

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

Grande 6 60 Mexico Indonesia Dominican Republic, Nicaragua & USA

Perdomo 20th Anniversary

90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A slow-burning blend finished with a reddish brown wrapper with slight veins showing. This medium strength gran toro provides a firm draw and leaves behind a solid, white ash while delivering a profile of roasted nuts, soft spice, tanned leather, and sweet cream.

$ 10.75 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Gordo 6 60 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Perla del Mar Maduro

N I CA R AG UA A large, pressed gran toro covered with a dark brown wrapper with a coarse feel. Produces a good smoke output along a perfect draw and wavy burn while delivering a core of smooth pepper, bittersweet chocolate, and strong espresso joined by notes of earth and roasted almonds.

$ 7.60

89 58 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

N I CA R AG UA

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

Double Toro 6 60 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA A large, box-pressed gran toro covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel.

Opens with flavors of cocoa powder, black pepper, clove, and a touch of dark roast coffee. Medium strength.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

59

TORPEDO My Father Le Bijou 1922

$ 12.10

93

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

Torpedo 6 1/8 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series

92

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

Torpedo 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

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

Chisel 6 1/2 58 Brazil USA Dominican Republic

A classic-looking torpedo that consistently delivers a core of smooth, well-balanced notes of dark chocolate, earth, and deep pepper complemented by subtle hints of cedar, coffee, and leather on the nose. Draws and burns exceptionally while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

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

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A thick, soft-pressed figurado covered with a dark, oily, and aromatic wrapper and finished with a flattened head. The smoke is heavy and complex with a profile of sweet roasted nuts, smooth pepper, currant, and a touch of whiskey barrel complemented by a touch of caramel. Full bodied.

$ 9.94 Poderoso 6 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Fratello Bianco

N I CA R AG UA A powerful torpedo with a core of smooth black pepper, espresso, currant, and charred oak barrel complemented by subtle hints of bittersweet cocoa and licorice. Consistently well constructed, this full strength blend draws and burns perfectly while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 11.40

90

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

The Boxer 6 1/4 52 Mexico Dominican Republic Peru, Nicaragua & USA

PIO Resurrection Box Pressed LE

89 60 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

N I CA R AG UA

$ 1 4.00

Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Dark Corojo

90

A beautifully constructed, pressed torpedo covered with a neatly applied, dark brown wrapper with sheen. Delivers a complex and balanced core of espresso, sweet cedar, roasted nuts, and cream accompanied by smooth pepper in the background. Medium plus strength.

$ 18.30

La Flor Dominicana Chapter One

91

N I CA R AG UA

N I CA R AG UA A beautifully box-pressed maduro with a flavorful and smooth profile highlighted by notes of earth, dark chocolate, roasted almonds, sweet pepper, and currant balanced by a rich creaminess. Draws perfectly while leaving behind a solid, white ash. Medium plus strength.

$ 10.90 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Torpedo 6 52 Mexico Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

N I CA R AG UA A box-pressed torpedo covered with a dark, toothy wrapper with a coarse feel. Draws and burns well while producing an excellent smoke output with a core of earth, oak, and dark chocolate accompanied by a touch of smooth pepper. Medium strength.

d o O w D a e d

NEw!

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

love is for suckers - cigars are for lovers love is for suckers - cigars are for lovers l

WElc0Me to deaDwoOd

61

TORO H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez

93

$ 9.30 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 54 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Davidoff Nicaragua Box-Pressed

92

A flawlessly constructed and flavorful blend covered with a clean, light brown wrapper showing minimal veins. Delivers a well-balanced profile of pepper, sweet cedar, cocoa, and roasted nuts complemented by a rich, vanilla cream on the finish. Medium plus strength.

$ 20.30 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 5 1/2 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Rocky Patel Hamlet 2020

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A strikingly beautiful toro covered with an impeccable wrapper and showing off a neat boxpress. Draws and burns consistently well while producing an output of medium strength smoke with notes of pepper, earth, and roasted nuts accompanied by a touch of caramel creaminess.

$ 12.10

91

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

Toro 6 1/2 52 Ecuador Honduras Honduras & Nicaragua

1502 Aniversario 10

N I CA R AG UA A well-balanced blend with a flavorful core of sweet pepper, roasted nuts, and cocoa accompanied by notes of leather and cinnamon on the nose. Consistently well-made and covered with a clean, reddish brown wrapper with excellent sheen. Medium strength.

$ 1 4.00

91

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

Toro 6 50 Ecuador Mexico Nicaragua

La Aurora Especiales

N I CA R AG UA An expertly made toro covered with a clean, reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel and finished with a partly covered foot. Draws and burns perfectly while producing a blend of white pepper, roasted nuts, and cinnamon accompanied by a touch of spiciness.

$ 13.00

90

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

Toro 5 3/4 54 Ecuador Dominican Republic USA

Hiram & Solomon Entered Apprentice

87 62 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

N I CA R AG UA

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

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Firmly packed and covered with a milk chocolate colored, toothy wrapper, this medium strength toro opens with a combination of sweet red pepper, cedar, cinnamon, and subtle earth complemented by a rich creaminess on the finish. Draws firm and leaves behind a solid, dark gray ash.

$ 11.03 Toro 6 52 Honduras Honduras Nicaragua, Paraguay & USA

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a blast of bitter citrus, wood, and pepper, which later settles to incorporate a touch of sweet creaminess. This attractive toro is covered with a neatly applied, light brown wrapper with sheen. Mild to medium strength.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

63

TORO Villiger TAA Exclusive 2022

92

$ 10.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

Tatuaje La Riqueza

Impeccably constructed and finished with a clean, dark brown wrapper with beautiful oils. Produces an abundance of medium plus strength smoke with a well-balanced profile of hazelnut, dark chocolate, oak, and pepper accompanied by a hint of cream.

$ 12.00

92

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

SE 5 5/8 54 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 2

91 91

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

Toro 6 54 Brazil Nicaragua Brazil & Nicaragua

A square-pressed blend covered with a somewhat coarse, reddish brown wrapper and finished with a covered foot. Opens with a sweet creaminess that is soon accompanied by notes of smooth pepper, raw almonds, slightly salty earth, cinnamon, and a hint of floral.

N I CA R AG UA A dark and toothy toro featuring excellent construction finished with a neatly rounded head.

Intense flavors of black pepper, roasted nuts, and strong espresso are complemented by more subtle notes of dark fruit and cinnamon. Leaves behind a perfect, compact ash.

$ 9.30 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Protocol Eliot Ness Maduro

90

N I CA R AG UA

$ 10.15

Padilla Finest Hour Sungrown

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a dark, toothy wrapper with excellent oils, this well-made blend delivers a profile highlighted by notes of earth, smooth pepper, and oak joined by dark roast coffee and bittersweet cocoa. Draws and burns well producing an excellent output of medium bodied smoke.

$ 11.95 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Toro 6 52 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

ATL Cigar Co. Black

N I CA R AG UA A soft-pressed toro finished with a dark, toothy wrapper with sheen. This medium to full bodied blend delivers flavors of dark roast coffee, black pepper, and oak complemented by a note of leather in the aroma. Draws and burns perfectly while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 13.20

89 64 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

N I CA R AG UA

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

Gran Toro 6 1/2 56 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a core of earth and oak complemented by subtle notes of cocoa, raisins, and red pepper. This medium strength blend is finished with a dark, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils.

M

C W

ESPINOSA PREMIUM

CIGARS

CMW

Presented by Espinosa Cigars - Releasing at PCA 2022 JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

65

ROBUSTO Atabey

$ 26.00

92

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

Brujos 4 7/8 52 Ecuador Undisclosed Undisclosed

D’Crossier Golden Blend Reserva

91

Beautifully produced and covered with a nearly flawless, golden-colored wrapper with a supple feel. Delivers an excellent output of thick, aromatic smoke with a profile of sweet pepper, wood, and baking spice complemented by a touch of vanilla and cream on the finish.

$ 22.00 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Taino 5 1/2 54 Ecuador Nicaragua & D. Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

7-20-4 WK Connecticut

C O STA R I CA An impeccably constructed blend covered with a clean, neatly applied wrapper with excellent oils.

Finishes clean on the palate while delivering a balanced core of cedar, smooth spice, and roasted nuts complemented by a touch of cream. Leaves behind a solid, compact ash. Medium strength.

$ 9.19

91

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

Robusto 5 50 Ecuador Honduras Nicaragua & Honduras

León Jimenes Connecticut

90

H O N D UR AS Delivers a mild to medium bodied profile with notes of smooth pepper, nuts, cedar, and subtle earth accompanied by a rich, creamy texture on the finish. This well-made robusto has a good draw and produces an excellent smoke output.

$ 7.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Robusto 5 50 Ecuador Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Perla del Mar Shade

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a supple, golden colored wrapper with a velvet feel, this mild robusto delivers a profile of spice, citrus, and wood complemented by nuts and vanilla cream on the finish. Consistently well-constructed providing a superb draw and burn leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 6.45

89

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

Robusto 4 3/4 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

Blackbird Jackdaw

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a soft and supple shade-grown wrapper with a golden hue. This medium bodied blend opens with flavors of earth and pepper accompanied by notes of almond and cream.

Consistently provides an easy draw while producing an excellent smoke output.

$ 8.25

89 66 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

C O STA R I CA

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

Robusto 5 50 Ecuador Indonesia Dominican Republic & USA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a smooth core of wood, salted peanuts, and cream accompanied by a touch of cinnamon. This mild robusto provides an easy draw and an even burn while producing an excellent smoke output.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

67

ROBUSTO Aladino Classic

$ 8.60

92

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

Robusto 5 50 Honduras Honduras Honduras

Arturo Fuente Magnum R

An impeccably constructed robusto covered with a clean, milk chocolate colored wrapper with minimal veins. This medium strength blend draws and burns perfectly while producing an excellent smoke output with balanced notes of salted nuts, cedar, cinnamon, and a touch of earth.

$ 9.70

91

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

R 52 5 52 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

Ferio Tego Timeless Supreme

91 90

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A beautifully constructed, medium bodied robusto finished with a supple, reddish brown wrapper with minimal veins. The blend delivers a profile of cedar, soft spice, nuts, and a touch of cinnamon complemented by a creamy texture to the smoke.

$ 10.50 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

554 5 54 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

Partagas Añejo Limited Edition

N I CA R AG UA A stout, box-pressed robusto covered with an oily, reddish brown wrapper with a beautiful sheen. Delivers a flavorful profile highlighted by sweet pepper, cashews, cinnamon, cedar, and a touch of cocoa with a long, creamy finish. Medium to full strength.

$ 6.99 VITOLA: LENGTH: RING: WRAPPER: BINDER: FILLER:

Petit Robusto 4 1/2 49 USA/Connecticut & Cameroon Dominican Republic Mexico & Dominican Republic

Gurkha Revenant Corojo

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A short robusto finished with a barber pole wrapper. Opens with an intense black pepper that settles to incorporate notes of sweet cedar, cinnamon, and earth accompanied by a touch of butterscotch. Produces a medium strength smoke while leaving behind a clean, white ash.

$ 7.50

90

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

Robusto 5 50 Honduras Cameroon Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Casa Magna Liga F

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a beautiful, light reddish brown wrapper with only minimal veins, this medium strength blend delivers a core of wood, spice, and earth complemented by a sweet, nutty creaminess on the finish. Provides an open draw and an even burn while delivering an excellent smoke output.

$ 9.00

89 68 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

H O N D UR AS

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

Robusto 5 54 Ecuador Dominican Republic Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Smooth and flavorful with a core of roasted nuts, cedar, and vanilla cream accompanied by a touch of earthiness on the finish. This medium strength blend is consistently well-constructed and covered with a clean, milk chocolate colored wrapper. Draws and burns perfectly.

ROBUSTO Umbagog

$ 9.25

N I CAR AGUA A complex and ultra-flavorful robusto with a medium plus strength core of sweet earth, black pepper, roasted almonds, currants, and heavy cream with a long finish. Consistently well made and covered with a dark and oily wrapper with a toothy feel.

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

Robusto Plus 5 52 USA/Connecticut Nicaragua Nicaragua

91 Aganorsa Leaf Maduro

$ 9.99

USA Opens with a blast of sweet pepper and cedar, which quickly settles to incorporate notes of earth, dark chocolate, and ripe fruit along an excellent output of aromatic smoke. This dark, boxpressed cigar is covered with a toothy wrapper topped with a triple cap. Medium to full strength.

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

Robusto Extra 5 54 Mexico Nicaragua Nicaragua

91 Tatuaje Fausto

$ 8.50

N I CAR AGUA A dark and imposing-looking robusto covered with a neatly applied wrapper with excellent oils.

Draws well and produces a slow burn delivering an excellent output of intense, earthy smoke complemented by notes of bittersweet chocolate, black coffee, and pepper.

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

FT140 5 1/2 52 Ecuador Nicaragua Nicaragua

90 Diamond Crown Maximus

$ 13.70

D OM I NI CA N REPUBLIC A consistently well-constructed blend delivering an excellent output of thick, medium plus strength smoke featuring notes of cedar, espresso, and dark chocolate accompanied by a nuanced touch of almond cream. Draws and burns exceptionally well leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

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

No. 6 5 56 Ecuador Dominican Republic Dominican Republic

90 CAO Flathead

$ 8.19

N I CAR AGUA A uniquely shaped blend with a flat head and a covered foot. This dark, short robusto provides an excellent draw and an even burn leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Delivers a profile heavily focused on notes of earth, smooth pepper, and a touch of oak.

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

V450 Spark Plug 4 1/2 50 USA/Connecticut USA/Connecticut Nicaragua

89 Curivari Buenaventura

$ 5.90

N I CAR AGUA Featuring the slightest of presses, this medium bodied robusto is covered with a somewhat mottled wrapper with a coarse feel. Produces an abundance of smoke along a perfect draw with notes of pepper and earth complemented by a hint of sweetness in the background.

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

BV 550 5 1/4 50 Nicaragua Nicaragua Nicaragua

88 JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

69

INFLATION BUSTER

9 GREAT CIGARS UNDER $7

he White House can deny it all they want but your bank account balance at the end of the month doesn’t lie. Therefore our Inflation Buster series rolls on with

91 OLIVA SERIE G

$6.56

91 JOYA BLACK

VITOLA: Nocturno LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 46

WRAPPER: Cameroon BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Opens with tons of dark chocolate, earth, and smooth pepper complemented by notes of roasted nuts, cedar, and a rich, leather aroma. This square-pressed torpedo draws and burns impeccably while producing an excellent smoke output. Medium strength.

90 DIESEL SUNDAY GRAVY

$4.99

NICARAGUA VITOLA: San Marzano LENGTH: 6 RING: 54

$6.95

NICARAGUA WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & DR

Well-constructed and flavorful, this medium strength robusto provides a perfect draw producing an abundant smoke output with notes of bitter cocoa, molasses, and earth balanced by a ripe fruit sweetness on the finish.

70 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

VITOLA: Brillantes LENGTH: 5 RING: 50

A well-balanced blend with a flavorful profile of earth, dark chocolate, black cherry, and roasted nuts accompanied by a touch of spice.

Produces an excellent smoke output and leaves behind a beautiful, compact ash.

VITOLA: Rothschild LENGTH: 4 1/2 RING: 50

Delivers a flavorful medium bodied profile with a combination of sweet and savory spices including cayenne pepper, cardamom, and cumin balanced by subtle notes of sweet cedar, molasses, and a touch of dried fruit. Consistently well-constructed delivering a flawless draw and burn.

VITOLA: Jack Brown LENGTH: 5 RING: 56

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

90 CHARTER OAK CONNECTICUT

91 EPC NEW WAVE CONNECTICUT $6.95

$6.10

90 ZINO NICARAGUA

Covered with a thin, light brown wrapper with a velvet feel, this mild to medium bodied robusto provides an easy draw with an excellent smoke output. Delivers a core of earth, smooth pepper, cashew, and a touch of cocoa powder.

$6.99

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Super Toro LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 52

$6.50

HONDURAS

WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Indonesia FILLER: Nicaragua

90 JFR COROJO

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua & DR

Creamy and ultra-flavorful with a profile of white pepper, wood, and caramel accompanied by a rich aroma of leather. This consistently wellconstructed robusto provides a firm draw and leaves behind a light gray ash. Medium bodied.

NICARAGUA

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

90 CROWNED HEADS JUAREZ

$6.70

NICARAGUA

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Torpedo LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 52

a group of smokes that garnered ratings of 90 or higher with an MSRP of $7 or below.

For obvious reasons, state taxes were not taken into account.

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Consistently well constructed, this medium plus bodied blend is covered with velvet smooth wrapper, topped with a tight pigtail, and finished with a covered foot. Delivers flavors of sweet cedar, soft pepper, baking spices, and roasted nuts.

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 54

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Honduras, Nicaragua & DR

Covered with a clean and neatly applied light brown wrapper. This medium bodied robusto delivers notes of red pepper, savory spices, earth, and subtle hazelnut complemented by a sweet almond cream finish.

Impeccably constructed leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

90 HVC PAN CALIENTE

$7.00

HONDURAS VITOLA: Doble Corona LENGTH: 5 5/8 RING: 46

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

A flavorful thick corona with a balanced core of earth, smooth pepper, and roasted nuts complemented by a subtle note of sweet wood. Draws and burns impeccably while producing a generous smoke output and leaving behind a light gray ash.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

71

INFLATION BUSTER 9 EXCELLENT CIGARS UNDER $12 ot all Inflation Busters were created equal. This one is a compilation of 92 and 93 rated cigars with an MSRP of $12 or below. The kicker is that all but 3 of these

94 LARANJA RESERVA ESCURO

$11.45

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52

93 LFD DOUBLE PRESS

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52

Opens with a flavorful core of espresso, dark chocolate, and smooth pepper accompanied by notes of molasses, oak, and subtle vanilla. This impeccably box-pressed toro produces an excellent output of thick, aromatic smoke. Medium plus strength.

$11.30

An impeccably balanced blend covered with a clean, supple wrapper with excellent sheen. This smooth, medium strength robusto delivers a core of cedar, almond, cocoa, and smooth pepper accompanied by notes of caramel and cream on the finish.

92 ROCKY PATEL NUMBER 6

$9.85

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

Creamy and rich with a profile of cedar, cinnamon, roasted almonds, and a touch of smooth pepper. Delivers an excellent output of thick, aromatic smoke with a bright, clean finish. Medium strength.

72 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50

WRAPPER: Cameroon BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Balanced and creamy with a profile of nuts, sweet cedar, and soft spice complemented by a touch of cinnamon. This medium strength robusto draws and burns beautifully while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

93 AGANORSA – RARE LEAF RESERVE $11.50

92 CAVALIER GENÈVE WHITE SERIES $9.25

NICARAGUA

HONDURAS VITOLA: Elegantes LENGTH: 4 1/2 RING: 52

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

A powerful and flavorful robusto with a complex profile of cedar, roasted coffee, cashew, cocoa, and smooth pepper accompanied by a hint of honey on the finish. This slow burning, thick robusto leaves behind a solid, darkish gray ash.

92 GURKHA NICARAGUA SERIES

HONDURAS VITOLA: Corona LENGTH: 6 RING: 44

$10.80

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 1/4 RING: 52

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

93 ARTURO FUENTE DON CARLOS

Impeccably pressed and covered with an oily wrapper with a velvet feel.

This medium bodied toro delivers a profile of nuts, cedar, and sweet cream balanced by notes of smooth pepper and a touch of baking spice.

Draws and burns exceptionally well.

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Cedros LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 52

$10.20

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

WRAPPER: Brazil BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

93 FONSECA BY MY FATHER

blends have appeared in our annual Top 25 list at one point or another in that exact vitola and one of them, the Espinosa Laranja Escuro, was Cigar of the Year.

$9.95

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54

WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

A flavorful blend that opens with smooth pepper and cedar accompanied by notes of cocoa, toasted oak, and a hint of salted nuts. This mediumplus strength toro is finished with a clean wrapper with a velvet feel.

WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Paraguay, Nicaragua & DR

A consistently well-constructed, short robusto covered with a clean, light brown wrapper and finished with a tight pigtail. Produces an excellent smoke output and leaves behind a solid, compact ash while delivering a medium bodied profile of nuts, spice, and cedar with a creamy finish.

92 HERRERA ESTELI NORTEÑO

$10.25

NICARAGUA VITOLA: Toro Especial LENGTH: 6 RING: 50

WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua

Finished with a soft box-press, this flavorful blend is covered with a dark brown wrapper with a slightly toothy feel. Medium bodied with a balanced profile of earth, soft pepper, and wood accompanied by notes of cocoa, roasted nuts, and a hint of coffee.

SPECIAL SELECTION CONNECTICUT

Now Shipping miamicigar.com • 1-800-643-7209 JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

73

PCA 2022

COVERAGE

amount of credit for having the courage to green light that 2021 show in spite of the widespread COVID fears and cancellations leading up to it.

That small but hard-fought victory in 2021 was followed by more wins for the association. In March of this year, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine released the results of a study on premium cigars focusing on the patterns of use, marketing, and health effects. Although the committee assembled was decidedly anti-tobacco, the 521-page report produced a fair assessment of

The Fuente y Padrón Legends project was, without question, the talk of the show. The unveiling ceremony, which took place on July 10 at 3:30 p.m., concentrated all of the energy from the show floor in a way that we’ve never witnessed in 16 years of attending the annual convention. The ceremony was marred by some audio difficulties but the massive crowd, which gathered in the area between the Fuente and Padrón booths, got the gist of what it was about. The emotion, honor, and love for the family patriarchs being honored came through in waves. What

PREMIUM CIGAR ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL CONVENTION & TRADE SHOW

BY ERIK CALVIÑO

In recent years declining attendance and major sponsors opting out have rocked the show. After the 2020 cancellation, the 2021 show was held but most of us who attended felt like we were part of a large-scale science experiment. It was among the first trade shows to take place in Las Vegas “postCOVID” and the attendance reflected it.

The show floor was smaller, the booths were scaled back, and the foot traffic on the show floor was light. But it was unquestionably hailed as a success. The PCA leadership deserves a tremendous

74 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Rocky Patel’s booth was another one with buzz to spare thanks to several newsworthy releases. As we walked into the booth to meet with Rocky, we were greeted by the guys from the Juneteenth Foundation, whom we’d had the pleasure of meeting in Ohio back in May. It turns out they’ve partnered with Rocky Patel to release a Juneteenth cigar, which raises funds for the foundation, which in turn awards scholarships to young black students attending historically black colleges and universities.

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars has had a number of exciting releases over the years but the one constant for the company has been The Edge, and after 20 years the brand is finally getting the star treatment. Unlike every RP Edge that you’ve smoked before, this one will come in a box of 20 with all of the Rocky Patel bells and whistles. Lastly, the Rocky Patel DBS caught our eye as well. The DBS in the name stands for double broadleaf selection, no relation to the famed Aston Martin DB lines.

PHOTOS BY JEROME BERRY & JAMILET CALVIÑO very year since 1934, with the exception of the 2020 cancellation due to COVID, the Premium Cigar Association has put on the largest premium cigar trade show in the United States. The Show, as it has always been called by those in the industry, has been an integral part of the business. Unlike most trade shows and conventions where companies only exhibit their latest products, cigar companies and distributors actively sell to retailers on the show floor. But that’s not the only reason the show has been so critical to the cigar business for all these years.

In addition to the sales, companies host dinners and parties for their best retailers. Then after that many gather in bars and lounges in Vegas, and there’s a healthy mix of camaraderie and networking that goes on after hours, but that’s still not why it is so critical.

The show acts as the Premium Cigar Association’s annual fundraiser, funds that are essential to continue the fight against anti-tobacco legislation at the federal and state levels.

Espinosa released three more limited editions with the Warhead 2022, Las 6 Provincias – CMW, and the Espinosa 10 Year Anniversary.

"Fuente Friday" was one of the interactive educational series seminars at this year's PCA.

premium cigars rather than a death knell. Then on July 5th, days before the trade show, U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to regulate premium cigars was arbitrary and capricious. It was a monumental win for the Premium Cigar Association and co-plaintiffs Cigar Rights of America and the Cigar Association of America.

The good vibes could be felt on the flights to McCarran International leading up to the show, at the check-in lines for the hotels, and at the bars and casinos the night before. As the doors to the show opened and hundreds of retailers rushed in, it was obvious this show was going to be different.

WHAT CAUGHT OUR ATTENTION This is by no means an exhaustive list of everything released at the show; rather it is a collection of releases and events that truly jumped out at us in the short period of time allotted.

did not come through were the specifics about price, production quantity, and distribution logistics. We do know that the project will be presented in a 40-count box of Churchill sized cigars, 20 made by Fuente and 20 by Padrón, and the proceeds will be split between the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and the Padrón Family Foundation.

The Espinosa Knuckle Sandwich, a collaboration between Espinosa Cigars and celebrity chef and restaurateur Guy Fieri, generated a great deal of buzz thanks in large part to Guy Fieri’s presence at the booth – the line for Fieri’s autograph wrapped around several booths. The frenzy over the autographs reached a point where Espinosa had to shut it down prematurely. We couldn’t tell if it was Guy who got tired of signing or Espinosa who ran out of swag but it was a madhouse in the best kind of way for Espinosa. In the midst of it, however, they were able to launch a new expression for the Knuckle Sandwich, a limited edition figurado. Additionally,

Oliva had one of the larger booths at the show and used it to show off their latest release, the Cuba Aliados. Oliva purchased the defunct brand in 2021 and worked with E.P. Carrillo and JRE (Justo Eiroa) to develop 2 new releases.

The E.P. Carrillo version is a limited edition called simply Cuba Aliados by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo while the JRE blend is a regular production that goes

by Cuba Aliados Original Blend. We were fortunate enough to smoke both with the team at Oliva and were thoroughly impressed by the blends. The other exciting item on display at Oliva was the 2022 version of their Advent Calendar.

Produced for the first time in 2021, the Advent Calendar was a hit, prompting the company to improve on it with a new box design and the addition of a bonus gift.

La Flor Dominicana was hopping throughout the show and it was great to see considering this was the company’s return to PCA after a 3-year hiatus. Tony Gomez was peppered with endless questions about the Golden Bull NFT and just as many unfulfilled requests for samples of the Golden Bull. The La Flor Dominicana Solis, the brother to the La Nox, is a blend developed by Tony’s younger brother, Litto Gomez Jr. The Soli’s Ecuador Habano wrapper is a stark contrast

TRIPLE MADURO: THE DARK SIDE OF BOLD Darkness reigns when you’re burning the midnight oil. The Camacho Triple Maduro blend features a laborintensive process: the taming of 3 different maduro tobaccos into one power packed beast. Deep fermentation of each tobacco leaf provides a rich, musky smoke with deep notes of cedar, roasted nuts, and black pepper.

Kicked-up even further by the three priming’s of Corojo filler and a sweet complexity throughout.

Built exclusively for those willing to venture on the dark side of bold.

FOLLOW US | @CAMACHOCIGARS

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

75

to La Nox’s dark Brazilian maduro wrapper.

S.T. Dupont celebrated its 150th anniversary with an exclusive party at the Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 cigar bar in Las Vegas. There was an open bar as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a beautiful cake decorated in the style of a classic S.T. Dupont Ligne 2 lighter. Les Mann, who is tasked with leading the charge for S.T. Dupont in the U.S., gave an emotional speech followed by remarks from Mark Cole and S.T. Dupont CEO Alain Crevet.

Back on the show floor, the company unveiled a collection of experimental releases and amazing one-off designs but we’re always most interested in what you, the consumer, can get your hands on. With that in mind, there were two releases to note: the Le Grand Perfect Ping and the Ligne 2 Matte Black & Carbon. If you read this publication you know how much we love the Le Grand, with its dual personality softflame and torch lighter, but this new Le Grand makes the classic S.T. Dupont ping sound when opened, unlike the original version, which opens with a dull click. The Ligne 2 Matte Black & Carbon, with its PVD matte black body with a choice of three abstract art designs, is a modern take on this iconic lighter.

The show was replete with anniversary releases, and Oscar Valladares 10th Anniversary is one that we’re particularly excited to see in the market. Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. has been one of the more electric cigar companies to burst onto the scene in the last 10 years. They’ve consistently innovated in very unique ways, from the Leaf by Oscar, to the Super Fly, and everything in between.

In true Oscar Valladares fashion, they couldn’t just release the 10th anniversary cigar – where’s the fun in that? They also released the Raw Dog, a hilariously named new brand that does without a wrapper. That means that the outermost leaf on the cigar is the binder, which is considerably rougher than a wrapper, but because it doesn’t have a wrapper, it doesn’t have a cap.

This means you need not cut the cigar; simply pull it from the box and set fire to it. The cigar is available in one size, 5 x 60, and will have an MSRP of $6.

The Manny Iriarte Enterprises booth was bumping from the opening bell. The new OpusX Society 1776 Humidor was as hot as any humidor at the show. The classy, white porcelain ashtray (also from OpusX Society) was a showstopper, as were the leather

76 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

The Fuente and Padrón families unite at the Legends Project unveiling ceremony

Erik Espinosa and Guy Fieri at the Knuckle Sandwich release party.

Jamilet Calviño and Michael Herklots of Ferio Tego Cigars

Erik Calviño and Rocky Patel

JC Newman's "El Reloj" recreated at PCA

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

77

goods and the killer new J-30 matte finish lighters. In its second year at the convention, Manny Iriarte Enterprises seemed to really hit its stride with these exciting new releases.

Gurkha had what looked like the largest booth on the floor located near the front at the entrance. We walked in after breakfast to sit with Gurkha president Jim Colucci, national sales manager Juan López, and marketing director Bianca Melone. Together we smoked the Gurkha Colección Especial in a classic Lonsdale shape. They also provided us with the new Gurkha Pure Evil, which we decided to have after a heavier meal.

S.T. Dupont CEO Alain Crevet

Frank Herrera and Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars

and Tim Ozgener to check out the new products. At last year’s PCA, Crowned Heads offered the Le Pâtissier as a show exclusive. This year the line has been opened up to all and the Sfumato in C Major now takes its place as the show exclusive. Sfumato is the painting method developed by Leonardo da Vinci to blur or soften the transitions from one color to another; think of the Mona Lisa. It’s not a stretch to imagine how the term can be applied to a cigar.

NFL Hall of Famer Ed Reed

We spent a good amount of time catching up with the García family at the My Father booth. They were all wearing My Father Cigar baseball jerseys.

This made for a stark departure from the usually dressed-up vibe. We were able to enjoy samples of the My Father Le Bijou 1922 – 100 Años celebrating what would have been the 100th year of Don Pepín García’s father. It’s his birth year that you see on the Le Bijou 1922, hence the 100 years. The cigar is a limited edition, with 1,922 boxes of each size, each box containing 22 cigars, all in homage to José García Alayón’s birth in 1922. The second major release was the Flor de Las Antillas 10th Anniversary Limited Edition. This blend commemorates the 10th year of the Flor de Las Antillas brand. There are only going to be 5,000 numbered boxes with 12 cigars in each. The box itself is a work of art and is expected to be available in November.

The Crowned Heads booth, which houses Crowned Heads, Ace Prime, and Ozgener Family Cigars, was quite busy from the beginning to the end of the convention. We sat down with Wes Thornton, Luciano Meirelles,

78 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Ace Prime brought tons of juice to the show. The Maria Lucia release, a PCA exclusive, has a beautiful backstory involving brand owner Luciano’s mother, the namesake of the brand who passed away when Luciano was just a boy, and his daughter Deborah, who is an artist and drew the image of Maria Lucia after a dream. It’s impossible to capture the story in just a few words but look for Luciano to tell us the story on an upcoming Cigar Snob podcast.

The company’s second release, Mas Igneus, was blended specifically to be paired with red wine; Luciano is a partner in the Mas Igneus winery in Priorat, Spain. The team blended the cigar using leaves with a lower pH to achieve a pH balanced cigar to pair with the higher acidity found in red wine. We didn't have it with wine but on its own the cigar was excellent.

It was great to see the return of Tim Ozgener to the cigar industry. Tim, his sister Aylin, and his late father Cano Ozgener founded CAO in 1992 and later sold it to Scandinavian Tobacco Group in 2007. Tim stayed on as president of CAO till 2010, and since then his only involvement in the cigar business has been as an investor in Crowned Heads, the company that now distributes his cigars. Ozgener Family Cigars released the Bosphorus, a referenced to the Bosphorus Strait that divides Turkey and Armenia. The cigar itself is box-

Boveda's Rob Gagner

The lovely Karen Berger

Erik Calviño and Gurkha Cigar's Juan López, Bianca Melone, and Jim Colucci

pressed and comes in four sizes; an Ecuadorean Sumatra sits on top of a double binder from Ecuador and Jalapa, it makes for an interesting smoke. The second is a limited edition called Pi Synesthesia, it gets its name from an art series that Cano painted that used mathematical pi as inspiration for the works.

The excitement, attendance, and sales volume generated by this PCA Convention and Trade Show were a pleasant surprise to many in the industry. The trade show industry at

large has been in decline since before the pandemic and it remains to be seen whether it will ever fully rebound but we continue to maintain that premium cigars and the people and companies that make and sell them are different. These men and women aren’t selling consumer electronics or pacemakers; they are selling a product that has been bringing people together since about the 10th century.

It should surprise no one that this magical bundle of dried leaves did it again in 2022.

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

79

TWITTER SCOREBOARD 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 ) Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar ....................................

Rocky Patel @RockyPatelCigar ...............................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

47633 38090 29056 27471 21180 20751 20635 17859 17795 16032 15785 15009 13995 13517 12972 12877 12800 12694 12684 12366

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

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

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

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

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

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

Barry – Two Guys Smoke Shop @Barry2Guys ...........................

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

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

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

17424 15780 12655 10505 7702 7381 6236 6205 4912 4824

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

80 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

139398 18444 16670 15048 11415 11301 10505 10487 8425 7952

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14436 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 9179 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4332

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10245 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2107 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2023

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

@izambar_cigars IZAMBAR CIGARS Lifestyle by Izambar Petit passage chez @ houseofgrauer Merci Mourade pour la visite.

Avec @cigar_royal #cigars #cigarsnob #izambar #cigarboss

@motheroftheleaf You can’t convince me the 7th TUXTLA isn’t the only cigar in existence right now #sotl #botl #cigar #cigarlover #cigarsnob

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

81

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joya de Nicaragua @joyacigars ...............................................

E. P. Carrillo Cigars @epcarrillo_cigars ....................................

158542 133036 131721 102760 93989 86826 77294 75929 75803 70979 66517 63635 61629 60753 60355 55259 53513 51821 50723 50507

TOP CIGAR RETAILERS & REPS Privada Cigar Club @privadacigarclub .....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

55919 54601 46271 29614 28733 27100 27029 24595 21871 19458

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 16539 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 6326 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 3886

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3352 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1585 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast ................................. 1109

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

@ladyaficionada

TGIF ya’ll! #pssita #DeadLeaf #DLCC #DeadLeafCigarClub #UnityThroughTheLeaf #DiversityLifeCultureCigars

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Whiskey Girl Josie @whiskeygirl_josie .....................................

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

Cigar Lover @cigarlover12 ......................................................

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

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

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

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

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

HERficinado / Cigar Lifestyle @herficionado .............................

Elaine Lilley @elainelilleyhawaii ...............................................

82 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

89921 88204 65963 43678 39770 38549 37407 32804 29628 28630

@intluxurycigargala Almost here!

Are u ready? #LuxuryIsComing

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

83

EVENTS LIGA IN BROOKLYN W LOFT BROOKLYN ROOFTOP

Brooklyn The rooftop of the W Loft in Brooklyn and its sweeping views of the New York skyline is the place to be for a grand event, and Liga in Brooklyn was one of them. It celebrated the first brand-exclusive Drew Estate / Jonathan Drew / LUMI collaboration to feature Drew Estate's luxury cigar series, Liga Privada. The evening began with an Elijah Craig Bourbon reception that launched the open bar, some food and a welcome toast from Jonathan Drew.

Zach Reynolds, Pedro Gómez, Ryan Gallimore, Gary Pfleiderer and Dj Eli

Then came a cut and light doubleheader of the Liga Privada 10 Year Aniversario Savage Feast and Drew's Undercrown 10 Tuani presented

by Jonathan Drew and Pedro Gomez. Guests got five Liga Privadas in their goodie bag along with a few other surprises, including a cutter, lighter and cocktail menu book.

Russ Gray, Terri Hollingsworth, Jennifer Madden, Edmond Collier and Ervin Thompson

Jonathan Drew, Lui Mahal and Michael Pugh

The Mobile Cigar Lounge Gentlemen

84 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Zach Reynolds, Kerri Taxter, Melany Rojas and Cecilia Teuber

Eric and Tracy Eric andAdkison Tracy Adkison

Alma_de_Hombre_Society

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

85

EVENTS SMOKE INN 25TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY SMOKE INN BOYNTON BEACH

Boynton Beach, Fla. Abe Dababneh and his team celebrated the 25th anniversary of Smoke Inn at Smoke Inn’s headquarters in Boynton Beach. Drew Estate's Jonathan Drew and Willy Herrera in the house for the launch of The Raji, a cigar that not only marks Smoke Inn's birthday but also pays tribute to Abe's father and mentor, Raji Dababneh. Drew Estate's own DJ Eli played the tunes accompanied plenty of food, drink, cigars and raffles. Drew and Herrera gave away some gifts that included a party packet with a commemorative "The Raji" ashtray and 29 assorted cigars.

Brandy Dababneh and Jules Stradtner

Patricia Briggs and Vinny Prestigiacomo

Matt Leitner and Nolan B

86 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Abe Dababneh, Raji Dababneh and Jonathan Drew

Emily "Lady M" and Duncan Crosby

Bernardino Bryan, Lui Mahal and Michael Pugh

Stefanie and Paul DeGrocco

Sylvia and Gregory Leznevitch

Fleachua Servance and Sahid Thomas

Justin and Tracy Thomas and Moxxie Harris

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

87

EVENTS TEXAS CIGAR FESTIVAL NRG PARK

Houston The Texas Cigar Festival took over a sizable chunk of the parking lot at Houston's NRG Park, loading up patrons with swag bags full of smokes, food and drink tickets upon entry. Cigar brands represented included J.C. Newman, Davidoff, Drew Estate, AJ Fernandez and Oliva while accessory brands included ST Dupont, Boveda and Lotus. Live music provided by the Matchsticks and DJ Traviezo, manufacturer meet-and-greets, raffles, cigar deals and exclusive cigars made this event hosted by Casa de Montecristo another 'everything is bigger in Texas' jam.

Emily Walsh, Brad Winstead and Toni Doran

Madeline Frederick and Issie Lewis

Byron McKinney and Byron McKinney Jr.

Mark and Carmen Lemus

Mike McKinney, Pittsburgh Steeler Najee Harris and Karl Herzog

Justo and Vivian Eiroa

88 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Sasha Infante and Ben Wills

Trenton Smith, Yadira Creighton, Dave Hartman and Albert Sosa

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

89

EVENTS RED MEAT LOVER’S CLUB FEATURING FERIO TEGO SADDLE RIVER INN

Saddle River, NJ Red Meat Lover’s Club held one of its “meatings” at the historic Saddle River Inn in Bergen County, New Jersey to raise funds for the Human Needs Food Pantry. Saddle River Inn owner and chef Jamie Knott produced some of the Inn’s famous dishes in small bites followed by a family style prime ribeye dinner at each table. VIP tables also received a special serving of Japanese A5 Wagyu. Ferio Tego’s Michael Herklots and Brendon Scott teamed up with Casa de Montecristo to provide cigars for the evening while Buffalo Trace poured top shelf bourbon all night, including an after-dinner pour of Pappy Van Winkle 10 Year. The club’s “Secretary of Steak,” Evan Darnell, emceed the festivities but handed over the live auction duties to Herklots, a veteran cigar industry auctioneer. It was a memorable evening of steak, bourbon, and smokes for a great cause.

Justin Elmini and James Corrado

Jim Fucetola, Tim Locascio and Keith Disque

90 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Michael Herklots, Evan Darnell and Brendon Scott

Mitch Knapp and Chris Burns

Christina and Jim Perry

Eric Junkers and Vincent DePaola

Neil Sikder and Keith Gabrielli

EVENTS RED MEAT LOVER’S CLUB PRESENTS BATTLESHIP, BEEF, AND BOURBON BATTLESHIP NEW JERSEY

Camden, NJ The second night of back-to-back “meatings” for the Red Meat Lover’s Club but this time on the deck of the USS New Jersey.

Decommissioned in 1991, the ship that has earned more battle stars than any other Iowaclass battleships in the US fleet played host to a couple hundred rabid meat lovers on a beautiful evening. A portion of the proceeds from the evening went to support the historic battleship. Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust provided cigars for the evening as well as Cubanacan Cigars. A number of live auction items sold to help the battleship but the most interesting was a chance to fire one of the cannons on the ship. Even with a countdown and full anticipation, the blast still rattled the crowd.

Travis and Tara Pappenheim

Mike Bragman and Jules Stradtner

David Lafferty and Steve Saka

Randall Damm and Sarah Stuart

Leander McClain, Jessie and Kevin @cigarprop

Mark Holbein and Mame Kendall

Joe Volpe, Nathan Reyes and Ryan Day

Matty Rock and Peter Totaro

Amy Tejada and Nick Libretti

Deanna Collins (@mentalerase) and Dan Wood

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

91

EVENTS SABOR HAVANA’S RUTH’S CHRIS DINNER FEATURING PLASENCIA CIGARS Doral, Fla.

Sabor Havana teamed up with Plasencia Cigars for one of its dinners, with help again from Ruth's Chris Steak House. Attendees to the fullhouse event received a selection of Plasencia Cigars, drinks and a cooked-to-order dinner prepared by Ruth's crack team of hosts. Hank Bischoff and Ibis Lu from Plasencia were on hand to present the brand and to field questions from fans and customers.

Jorge Valdés, Ibis Lu, Aquiles Legra and Hank Bischoff

Eliana Osorio and Noel Rodríguez

Ruth's Chris Team

Troy Prichard, Juan Mesa and Raul Estrada

Julia Liebling, Leo Da Silva, Miguel Lara and Jose Diemer

92 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Harold Rodríguez and Alfredo Pérez

Roger Peña and Shiric Sarasola

Jorge Reyes and Jose Barrera

Robert Wong, Mike Peyrefitte and Matthew Castillo

DOMINICAN

TOBACCO

1 9 -2 4 F E B . 2 0 2 3

REGISTER NOW!

@Procigar_rd

www.procigar.org JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

93

EVENTS DAVIDOFF AT THE PREAKNESS PIMLICO RACE TRACK

Baltimore Davidoff Cigars ran the Preakness, so to speak, partnering with local retailer Tinderbox Waldorf as well as Regency Cigars, Tobacconist of Greenwich and Shore Things Cigars. The lifestyle event was held at the Finish Line Suite and Turfside Terrace. Davidoff’s Dylan Austin and Lana Fraser had the honor of presenting trophies in the Winner’s Circle for two of the day’s races. Among the attendees were record label exec Kevin Liles and DJ D-Nice.

Dylan Austin, Paul Copeland, Riley Chandler and Lana Fraser

Petey, Nick Adamucci, Dylan Austin, Mike Cafagno, Carmine Gialanella and Zac Medwin

94 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Mike Cafagno, Michael Correia and Jesse Freedman

PHOTO CREDIT: Tyler Pico

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

95

EVENTS EL PAMA CIGAR EXECUTIVE CLUB LIQUE MIAMI WATERFRONT RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE

Miami El Pama, purveyor of luxury cigar accessories, held a luxurious event at Lique Miami Waterfront Restaurant and Lounge, where guests partied in the club atmosphere and enjoyed appetizers, live music and cigars – thanks to cigar sponsors Oliva Cigars and Plasencia Cigars. A wine tasting was held and if you had a taste for spirits, Jack Daniels and Dalmore also held tastings.

Yadira Creighton and Albert Sosa

Albert Sosa, Winston Lee, Byron Johnson and Manny Lherisson

Manny Lherisson, Sebastien and Danny Vilus

96 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Patricia and Shelda

Gaelle Petit Fond

Henry Infante, Bianca Espinosa, and Patrick Sterling

Caleb and Melissa Elie

Alain LLorente, Ibis Lu and Manny Lherisson

Alejandro Martínez Cuenca Joya De Nicaragua

Dion Giolito Illusione Cigars

Carlos "Carlito" Fuente, Jr. Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia.

Erik Espinosa Espinosa Cigars

Karl Malone Barrel-Aged by Karl Malone

cigarsnobmag.com/podcast

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

97

EVENTS HOUSE OF CIGAR FEATURING ROCKY PATEL PREMIUM CIGARS Columbus, Ohio

House of Cigar’s owner Diab Ellan treated his customers to a day of grilled burgers, sausages, refreshments, and a visit from Nish Patel of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars. Melanie Sisco was on hand, live streaming on social media while customers lined up to meet Nish and take advantage of the deals.

Nick Mitchell and Nish Patel

98 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022

Erik Calviño and Diab Ellan

PHOTO CREDIT: Abdallah Mobaideen

Diab Ellan, Melanie Sisco and Nish Patel

JUL / AUG 2022 | CIGAR SNOB |

99

100 | CIGAR SNOB | JUL / AUG 2022