Cigar Snob Magazine November December 2023

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

5

TO TRY

California Reds

DIAM OND p. 33

Girl p. 42

HOLIDAY Gift Guide p. 24

Dion Giolito

THE MAN BEHIND ILLUSIONE

p. 74

DISPLAY UNTIL 01/08/2024

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editorials NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

24 GIFT GUIDE Santa Claus is wondering, ‘what up?’ Here’s your answer, with some of the latest gear and gadgets for your gift list, from book to backpack, cutter to clothing.

28 BRAND BREAKDOWN ROCKY PATEL DBS

30 BRAND BREAKDOWN VILLIGER TAA EXCLUSIVO 2023

33 5 TO TRY - CALIFORNIA REDS We have five primo reds from California’s Sonoma County and Napa Valley to match with five of the best cigars going. We find and describe the history of the wines, their strengths and flavor profiles but in the end, we make sure your palate is pleased.

34 PAUL HOBBS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 COOMBSVILLE/ PADRÓN 1964 ANNIVERSARY SERIES

35 DUCKHORN THREE PALMS VINEYARD MERLOT 2020/ PLASENCIA ALMA DEL FUEGO

36 EIGHT YEARS IN THE DESERT 2021/ OLIVA SERIE V MELANIO

38 FLOWERS SEA VIEW RIDGE PINOT NOIR 2021/ ROCKY PATEL WHITE LABEL

40 TITUS CABERNET FRANC 2021/

AGANORSA LEAF ANIVERSARIO

74 DION ILLUSIONE The rangy fellow from Reno tells us of his early love of cigars, a brush with rock ‘n roll fame, his embrace of conspiracy “theories” along with his vindication and his steadfast love of everything tobacco.

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features NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

14 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

16 FEEDBACK

18 WHAT’S BURNIN’

42 SMOKING HOT CIGAR SNOB QUEEN OF DIAMONDS FEATURING MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY EDICION DIAMANTE

57 RATINGS

82 X SCOREBOARD

84 INSTAGRAM SCOREBOARD

86 EVENTS 86 CIGAR DOJO BLOCK PARTY WITH CAMACHO CIGARS

88 ROCKY MOUNTAIN CIGAR FESTIVAL 90 GET TOGETHER INTERTABAC 91 VCF FRIENDS AND FAMILY DINNER 94 TAMPA CIGAR BASH 98 CIGAR SMOKING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023

VO L . 15 IS SU E 6 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 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Gavin Maliska CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David Benoliel Andy Astencio EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS Jamilet Calviño Cover Photography by David Benoliel www.davidbenolielphotography.com Cover Model - Angelina Michelle 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) CG1 ‘PAPPY’ CIGAR CUTTER FEATURING WOOD INLAYS CRAFTED FROM GENUINE PAPPY VAN WINKLE BOURBON BARRELS

WILLIAMHENRY.COM

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

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

As this year winds down and we start planning family gatherings and putting up holiday lights, I urge you to be extra thankful this year. Look across the globe at the amount of suffering and strife that other human beings are going through. Regardless of nationality, race, or religion, there are people who don’t know if they will see the sun rise tomorrow. These innocent souls lost a genetic lottery that landed them in a war-torn part of our planet in the same way that you and I were born with the priceless blessing that is being free. Granted I was not born in a free country but my family had the means and wherewithal to seek our freedom on these shores before it was too late.

If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that things can change overnight.

Watching people complain and fight about insignificant things in 2023 gives me a similar feeling to post-911 America. In the weeks and months following 911 in New York, patriotism was at an all-time high. Walking down your block, you’d see home after home flying the American flag.

Then, slowly, the flags came down and were replaced with a flag of their favorite sports team or a holiday-themed flag. Eventually the American flag stayed in the closet for good and the patriotism and love of country was not only forgotten but eventually replaced with animosity towards anyone who was still flying it. It amazes me how quickly we forget what’s most important. I guarantee you there are some reading this letter right now who are annoyed by this paragraph.

The pandemic was a horrible circumstance but as is the case with similar instances, it showed us the importance of family, friends, and loved ones.

It showed us how fragile our mental health can be. And apparently how important toilet paper is to the first world. But jokes aside, I will never forget the day when after all of that time apart, our family gathered for the first time. The feeling of hugging my mother, father, sister, and brothers again after so much time is something that I will never take for granted.

It’s a feeling that many families will never have again. * * * On to the fun stuff! I’m sure you’ve already flipped over to look at it but in case you’re one of those kind-hearted, loyal people who reads my letter before digging into the issue, we’ve put together an outrageous shoot to end the year. It features the stunning Angelina Michelle smoking the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Diamante Edition and wearing an annual salary’s worth of diamonds all over Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Thanks to everyone who worked their tails off to make that happen and a special, heartfelt thank you to my old friends Martin Plasencia for bringing the ice and Victor Hernandez and Belkys Sanchez for allowing our crazy crew to commandeer the Sea Señor for an afternoon. Also our new friend Matt Raptis for giving us the run of the incredible Raptis Rare Books and Churchill Cigar Company. Thank you all. That shoot, titled Queen of Diamonds, starts on p. 42. Our senior editor Steve Miller wrote a killer piece on Illusione’s main man Dion Giolito that appears on p. 75.

We had an awesome time with this issue’s 5 to Try starting on p. 33 by focusing our attention on California red wines. We decided to mix it up and picked one wine for each varietal. That means we drank a cabernet

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sauvignon, a merlot, a pinot noir, a zinfandel blend, and a cabernet franc and paired each with a cigar. In some instances, our friend Pablo Estades from Total Wine & More gave us a plus one that we also had to taste - life can be tough sometimes. As usual, there’s so much more in the issue like ratings, a holiday gift guide, events, and industry news. Enjoy it with a fine smoke and if you want more Cigar Snob in your life, check out our podcast on any major podcast app or watch the video versions on YouTube.

I hope this new year brings us all peace, love, and the best cigars we’ve ever smoked.

God bless and keep ‘em lit,

Erik Calviño ecalvino@cigarsnobmag.com

SMOKIN’ SIDE PIECE WRAPPER: CRIOLLO JAMASTRAN FINCA LA FLORIDA BINDER: HONDURAS FILLER: HONDURAS VITOLAS: TORO (6 X 52) & SIXTY (6 X 60) PACKAGING: BOXES OF 20 COUNT

Hello Gents, I find your podcast quite informative and unusually entertaining as I enjoy tasting my cigars here in my lanai down in SW Florida. Ironically enough, there are several cigar lounges in my area. However, I typically do most of my smoking at home because my wife feels left out if I leave her at home while I’m away - lucky me. My wife does not smoke, so my question to you is do you have any recommendations as to how to get her to start tasting cigars so we could enjoy them together? I should note, she’s attempted taking drags here and there from my cigar but its never caught on. Any suggestions?

Lenny L. Estero, FL Via questions@cigarsnobmag.com

OVCIGARS

OSCAR VALLADARES TOBACCO & CO.

OVCIGARS

OSCARTOBACCO.COM

Lenny, that’s a great question!

Women cigar smokers represent one of the fastest-growing segments in the cigar industry. If you’ve ever had a chance to check out an issue of Cigar Snob, you’ll notice that the entire back section is dedicated to cigar events nationwide, showcasing a large number of beautiful ladies enjoying cigars just as much as the fellas are.

To introduce your wife to the world of cigars, consider taking her out to a lounge during less crowded hours, avoiding prime-time smoking times like a Friday or Saturday night. Since she might not be used to the smoky environment, it’s best to start slowly. Instead, take her out for an early midweek dinner, followed by a visit to the lounge when it’s less crowded and not as smoky. Once there, start her off with a milder cigar, perhaps something from the Dominican Republic with a Connecticut shade wrapper. Opt for a smaller size to make it less intimidating. You could also start with a cigarillo, some of which come in various flavors. Many women enjoy

sweeter tastes, so pairing the cigar with chocolate or an espresso martini might enhance the experience also.

And remember, the path to a woman’s heart is through her closet. More specifically - buying them purses. How about a cigar purse? We’d say it’s the perfect gift for your newfound cigar side piece. To find said purse and more gift ideas, check out our holiday gift guide on page 24. Best of luck, Lenny, and thanks for listening!

THE CUBAN MASSAGE I have a question about cigars that are difficult to draw smoke out of. It happens to me a lot with Cuban cigars, but it’s happened to me with others as well. What can you do to salvage this situation, considering most of these cigars are not cheap? Aside from cutting off more of the head and massaging the body of the cigar a bit to loosen it up, I don’t know what else to do.

Please help!

Jeff C. Bayonne, NJ Via questions@cigarsnobmag.com Ah yes, we hear you Jeff. The condition you speak of is the dreaded plugged cigar syndrome. Thanks to draw testing technology and higher levels of quality control, the construction quality of premium cigars out of Central America and the Dominican Republic has improved dramatically in recent decades, but the problem still creeps up on occasion.

In addition to the relief measures you’ve mentioned, another approach to address a plugged cigar is by using a tool like the PerfecDraw (available at theperfecsmoke.com). This thin, spear-like tool lets you create a passage through the tobacco, allowing for better smoke circulation within the cigar.

NOTE: Cigar Snob Magazine is not promoting this product for any commercial gain nor do we have an interest in the company. However, it is a practical tool that we use in-house to alleviate the very problem that plagues you.

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LA AURORA SHIPS COMMEMORATIVE LA AURORA 120 ANNIVERSARY LIMITED EDITION La Aurora announces the La Aurora 120 Anniversary Limited Edition in celebration of its 120th Anniversary. La Aurora 120 LE ($40) features a Habano 92-seed leaf wrapper, Dominican binder, and Dominican Republic filler blend that includes Piloto Cubano, Olor Dominicano, and Corojo tobaccos.

The company produced 2,500 10-count boxes.

“This unique edition is a tribute to the very first Preferidos cigars in 1903, with replicas of the original tubes encapsulating a new, meticulously crafted blend,” Guillermo León, president of La Aurora, said in a press release. “The design features a perfecto or double figurado shape, similar to what was created 120 years ago, and today is our most premium offering known by many from the colored tubos that encase the cigars…”

ALTADIS U.S.A. ANNOUNCES TRINIDAD ESPIRITU NO. 3 Altadis U.S.A. announces Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 in five sizes to honor el Día de Los Muertos, a multi-day Mexican holiday celebrating loved ones who have passed.

The Trinidad Espiritu No. 3 comes in a 5 x 50 Robusto ($11.13), a 6 x 54 Toro ($12.08), a 6 x 60 Magnum ($12.68), a 6 1/8 x 52 Belicoso ($12.61) and a 7.5 x 40 Fundador ($12.50).

It features a Mexican San Andreas wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler.

“The packaging complements the cigar’s characteristics with a visual celebration of Mexican heritage to draw a connection with Mexican culture and its deep-rooted traditions,” Olivia Saad, senior brand manager at Altadis U.S.A., said in a press release.

JIM YOUNG TO JOIN PLASENCIA 1865 AS INTERIM CEO Jim Young, former Davidoff executive, has joined Plasencia 1865 as interim CEO, and will also serve as an advisor and board member.

Young has been in the premium cigar industry since 2011, including a stint as president of

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Davidoff - North America.

Prior to his time in the cigar sector, Young spent 24 years in the spirits industry, including roles with Seagram.

Plasencia 1865, like many cigar companies, is enjoying strong growth, and Young will be part of the effort to recruit a permanent CEO. “I am delighted to join Nestor Andres and the team at Plasencia 1865,” Young said in a press release. “This is a company that has tremendous potential and is an organization that is highly values-driven and is deeply committed to quality, consistency and sustainability. I am proud to become part of what I truly believe will be a very successful journey.”

J.C. NEWMAN CIGAR CO. SHIPS THE AMERICAN BLACK BISON CIGAR CASE J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is now shipping The American Black Bison cigar case. Both the case and the enclosed cigars - three from the first release of The American cigar in 2019 - are made in the U.S. using all domestic components. J.C. Newman is releasing 350 cases with a suggested retail price of $300.

The case was handcrafted by Brizard and Co. in California using leather from American bison from Ted Turner’s Montana ranch.

“The American Black Bison cigar case celebrates the centuries-old tradition of American cigar making,” Drew Newman said in a press release. “The craftsmanship of the case and the cigars contained inside is exquisite, and I am very proud that this case is all-American.”

In addition to the bison cigar case, J.C. Newman is shipping the fall allocation of The American and Angel Cuesta cigars to 107 cigar retailers in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Both The American and Angel Cuesta are produced in El Reloj.

FOUNDATION SHIPPING THE TABERNACLE KNIGHT COMMANDER Foundation Cigar Company is now shipping the Tabernacle Knight Commander, a 6 3/4 x 52 Perfecto ($40) with a Connecticut Broad-

leaf wrapper, San Andrés Mexican binder, and fillers from Estelí and Jalapa, Nicaragua.

Foundation Cigar Company has pledged to donate all proceeds from the sales of the cigar to Ethiopian charities, including scholarships and rebuilding churches.

The inspiration behind Tabernacle Knight Commander derives from the designation by the Ethiopian Crown Council bestowed on Nicholas Melillo, owner of Foundation Cigar Company, as a recipient of the Knight Commander of The Ethiopian Star of Honor.

The Order was established by Emperor Menelik in 1889 as an order of Knighthood of the Ethiopian Empire to foreign and domestic civilian and military officials and individuals for service to the country.

“Receiving the Ethiopian Star of Honor is an extraordinary privilege and an honor of a lifetime,” Melillo said in a press release. “The Knight Commander vitola is my tribute to this esteemed recognition…”

FERIO TEGO 2023 ELEGANCIA AND GENEROSO NOW AVAILABLE Ferio Tego’s Elegancia and Generoso are now available in retail stores, the third annual release of the cigars.

They are available in a 6 x 50 Toro packed in 10-count travel humidors ($230), which are preloaded with humidity control packs in the lower compartment. The humidors also feature smart packaging technology to provide customers with additional information regarding the blends via NFC chip.

The 2023 Ferio Tego Elegancia features a shade-grown wrapper from Ecuador, a binder from the Dominican Republic, and a blend of fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

The 2023 Ferio Tego Generoso combines fillers from throughout Nicaragua, as well as a Nicaraguan-grown binder and a Hondurangrown wrapper.

“The 2023 offering of Ferio Tego Elegancia and Generoso reinforces our commitment to this annual limited release,” Michael Herklots, co-owner of Ferio Tego, said in a press release. “Though quite different from one another in flavor and style, they both deliver

@ A R T E S A N O D E LT O B A C C O A R T E S A N O D E LT O B A C C O . N E T

incredible and complex flavors and structure.

If you’ve enjoyed the past two releases, this year’s expressions are sure to delight.”

The whiskey was selected by Alec Rubin, Alec Bradley’s brand manager of strategic partnerships.

BLEND CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AT INDY LOCATION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY EXCLUSIVE EDITION CIGAR BY DAVIDOFF

“The Uncut Series was created to celebrate the unbreakable bond between cigars and spirits, and it gives me great pride to launch with an Alec Bradley pairing,” Rubin said in a press release. “Through this exciting new initiative, we will leverage our relationships with boutique players and powerhouse brands in the spirits world to pair one-of-a-kind single barrel picks with cigars from STG’s renowned portfolio of handmade brands.”

The Indianapolis location of BLEND Bar with Davidoff Cigars is marking its 10-year anniversary with the Davidoff BLEND 10 Year Anniversary Exclusive Edition.

The 6 x 50 cigar features five filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, and Ecuadorian binder and Dominican filler.

“The BLEND 10 Year Exclusive Edition is truly a unique cigar composed of beautiful tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Ecuador aged a minimum of five years,” Corey Johnston, BLEND president, said in a press release.

The Starlight Rye Whiskey Cigar Batch, 113.1 proof/56.5% ABV is a four-and-a-half-year-old spirit aged in Brazilian Amburana casks.

The Uncut Series package features four 5 x 50 Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf Robusto cigars and Starlight Rye Whiskey Cigar Batch for $99.99.

It is available exclusively available through Bourbon Outfitters.

BLEND has three U.S. locations including the original in Indianapolis, the Houston suburb of the Woodlands, and Pittsburgh.

MONTECRISTO CIGAR BAR IS NOW OPEN AT PARIS LAS VEGAS

CAO PREMIER 54S PACK MAKES ITS DEBUT

Montecristo Cigar Bar at Paris Las Vegas is now open, showcasing a design by the international architectural and interior design firm Bergman, Walls & Associates. The Frenchinspired décor features a green color palette and stone finishes. The cigar bar spans 2,835 square feet and seats more than 70 guests with eight bar-top games. It also includes eight televisions and an oversized LED TV wall measuring approximately 16 feet by 9 feet.

CAO is kicking off the holiday season with a compilation pack featuring its top Toros.

Called CAO Premier 54, the four-pack is now shipping to retailers.

The quartet of 6 x 54 frontmarks includes CAO’s Maduro, Cameroon, Consigliere, and BX3. The CAO Premier 54 Pack sells for $39.99.

CAO cigars are distributed by General Cigar.

THE UNCUT SERIES LAUNCHES WITH ALEC BRADLEY AND STARLIGHT RYE WHISKEY PAIRING Alec Bradley is rolling out a cigar and whiskey pairing series for Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

The Uncut Series is a pairing of Alec Bradley Double Broadleaf cigars and single barrel Starlight Rye Whiskey Cigar Batch.

The cigar pairing was selected by Alec Bradley Brand Ambassador Bradley Rubin to complement the flavors of the Double Broadleaf blend.

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Cigar connoisseurs can appreciate a walk-in, climate-controlled humidor featuring custom Spanish cedar shelving featuring a premium selection with more than 300 industry-leading brands, including Romeo Y Julieta, H. Upmann, Padrón, La Flor Dominicana, Arturo Fuente, My Father, and its namesake, Montecristo.

The bar offers specialty cocktails, including the Parisian Paloma, featuring Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila, Fever-Tree grapefruit soda, lime juice and simple syrup. For a smoky cocktail, the Rolling Smoke features Maker’s Mark 46 Bourbon, Laphroaig Islay Scotch whisky, coffee bean-infused Caprano Antica Formula vermouth, and vanilla.

“Cigar enthusiasts can now visit the newest lounge on The Strip, and we are excited for our

guests to enjoy a premium experience at Montecristo Cigar Bar,” Jason Gregorec, senior vice president and general manager of Paris Las Vegas, said in a press release. “Paris Las Vegas continues to transform with elevated food and beverage destinations, and Montecristo is an excellent addition to our resort.”

Montecristo Cigar Bar at Paris Las Vegas is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Saturday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 a.m.

For more information, see caesars.com/parislas-vegas/things-to-do/nightlife/montecristocigar-bar.

LEAF BY OSCAR LIMITED EDITION 2018 LAUNCHES AS CIGORA EXCLUSIVE Leaf by Oscar Limited Edition 2018 is now available exclusively on Cigora.

The new blend is produced in Danli, Honduras, at the Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Company factory and features a barber pole wrapper made with Mexican San Andrés and Hondurangrown Connecticut tobacco. The double wrapper crowns a Honduran binder and a selection of Honduran filler tobaccos.

Leaf by Oscar Limited Edition 2018 is presented in 20-count bundles, with each cigar individually wrapped in a tobacco leaf. The blend is available in a 6 x 54 Toro ($212.99/ bundle) and a 6 x 60 Gordo ($229.99/ bundle). Both vitolas are launching exclusively on Cigora as a limited-time offering.

“I kept a special ‘Leaf by Oscar’ blend in aging for five years and always thought of its release as a way to introduce a completely new experience to the line,” Oscar Valladares said in a press release. “So when I had the chance to work with Cigora, I immediately knew the time was right to make this blend available.”

DAILY WIRE LAUNCHES MAYFLOWER CIGARS Daily Wire host Michael Knowles is launching a cigar line called Mayflower Cigars, unveiling the new venture on his daily podcast.

The cigars are produced in Esteli, Nicaragua, and are created by Knowles and designers at Oliva Cigar Co. Daily Wire’s launch of Mayflower Cigars fol-

lows the creation of other Daily Wire brands like Jeremy’s Razors and Jeremy’s Chocolate.

Knowles said in the podcast that cigars had played a major role in his life, from helping to get him into college to landing a show with The Daily Wire.

designing the original Tatiana packaging, it is amazing that 25 years have passed,” Nestor Miranda, director of Miami Cigar, said in a press release. “Thank you to all our loyal Tatiana smokers, this would not have been possible without your continued support.”

“Cigars are among the few things I’ve loved longer than my wife, whom I first started dating in high school,” Knowles said. “An essay on my love of cigars helped get me into college. A cigar review convinced The Daily Wire to give me a show. From the moment a family friend gave me my first cigar — a machine-made Cuban — I fell in love with the whole affair: the flavor, of course, but also the ritual and, most of all, the culture.”

Miami Cigar produced 2,500 10-count boxes of the cigar.

MIAMI CIGAR & CO. IS SHIPPING THE TATIANA 25TH ANNIVERSARY Miami Cigar & Co. ships the Tatiana 25th Anniversary, available in a 6 x 54 Toro ($12).

“I remember sitting down with my family and

DTT DELAYS RELEASE OF POLPETTA UNTIL JANUARY Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust is delaying distribution of its Polpetta puros.

“Normally delays from intended release dates are the result of either the cigars and/or the packaging not being ready, but this is not the case for Polpetta – the cigars are already landed and aging in our U.S. warehouse. It is simply a matter of operational logistics and doing what we believe is in the best interest of our Purveyors and my staff,” Dunbarton Founder Steve Saka said in a press release.

The 4 x 48 Polpetta ($7.25) will come in 25-count boxes.

“I am disappointed we can’t get these toothy, petite robustos out sooner because I think it makes a great choice for many hardcore cigar smokers for the winter months, but I have to be pragmatic and do what is right for our customers and my staff regardless of what my accountant and I want,” added Saka.

MEERAPFEL RELEASES 2023 MASTER BLEND Meerapfel announces the release of a series of wooden chests, which will contain Meerapfel’s 2023 Master Blend releases. The chests feature perforated shelves and contain two 60-gram Boveda packs. The chests are made of Royal Paulownia wood humidors, which feature Meerapfel’s introduction of a perforated double floor.

The company will produce 613 of each chest per vitola.

THE SLIMMY New Luxury Jet Experience Ultra Slim Design

Available at all S.T. Dupont Authorized Retailers US.ST-DUPONT.COM

WE DELIVER A DIVERSE COLLECTION OF SOME DISTINCTIVE GIFTS FOR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON. THIS YEAR HAS SEEN ESCALATED CONSUMER SPENDING, AND BRANDS HAVE STEPPED UP THEIR GAME. OUTDOOR-FRIENDLY TECH, FASHIONABLE ATHLETIC WEAR, WATERPROOF AND LIGHTWEIGHT OUTDOOR GEAR AND TECH, FINELY CRAFTED CIGAR ACCESSORIES, WEARABLE MUSCLE SOOTHERS, AND ILLUMINATING READING MATERIAL PRESENT SOME BIG CHOICES, ALTHOUGH WE SUGGEST AN “I’LL HAVE ONE OF EACH” APPROACH.

GIFT GUIDE

THE GUARDIAN P-38 LIGHTNING LUMINOX X VOLITION AMERICA volitionamerica.com

$695 A watch series that is inspired by the navy blue uniforms of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, this is the newest member of the Luminox X Volition collection. The dial and band take on the color of the sentinels at the Arlington National Cemetery, with the dial accented by gold numerals and indices, just like the uniforms. A portion of each sale goes to Folds of Honor, a group that supports the families of fallen or disabled military and first responders.

COR SURF 25L WATERPROOF DRY BACKPACK corsurf.com

A PASSION FOR WHISKY octopusbooks.co.uk

$74.99

$29.99

When you land in some deep water with a backpack strapped on, you’ll want it to float. The COR Surf 25L has got you covered on the pack; you’ll have to handle the rest. This bag features a padded laptop sleeve, industrially welded seams, mesh side pockets, and a reflective strip for nighttime identification. We’re particularly enamored of the 2.2-pound weight and relatively small size, which tops out at 18 vertical inches and 13 inches wide.

Subtitled “How the tiny Scottish island of Islay creates malts that captivate the world,” author Ian Wisniewski dutifully profiles each of Islay’s 13 distilleries, a place considered a mecca for lovers of malt whiskies. Wisniewski is also the author of “The Whiskey Dictionary,” and “Classic Malt Whiskey” and an accomplished spirits ambassador and drink writer. Tasting notes, tips for tasting techniques, and a detailed glossary round out the 250 pages of his latest.

EMBER CIGAR PURSE jcnewman.com

$95 This is where the Vegas lounge singer says, “This is a little something for the ladies.” For real, the Ember Cigar Purse is for cigar-smoking women, designed by women. It has a pleasing, simple aesthetic edge with a black crocodile pattern. But it’s also functional, as it contains a case that fits neatly inside and holds three cigars. The package is completed with closed compartments for cutter and lighter, credit card slots, and a bit more room for more.

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GIFT GUIDE PETER MILLAR PERTH PERFORMANCE QUARTER-ZIP petermillar.com

$125 The quarter zip is the fashionable brother of the hoodie; it has much more room to style, which is what Peter Millar manages here, with four-way stretch, moisture wicking, and a polyester/spandex that makes it a comfortable travel garment for athleisure days on the road or a golf trip. The Performance Quarter-Zip comes with a stand collar and banded bottom in six colors and six sizes with a classic fit.

HYPERICE VENOM GO hyperice.com WILLIAM HENRY HURRICANE CIGAR CUTTER williamhenry.com

$2,250

CATALYST BUSINESS LAPTOP CONVERTIBLE BAG: GENUINE LEATHER: SPACE BLACK moovforward.com

Consider this in the exotic line of cigar cutters, with its signature being the Mokume gane Japanese metal work, created via a process that delivers a patterned mixed metal laminate. The Hurricane features a polished fossil woolly mammoth tooth frame that has a hole big enough to handle a 52-gauge cigar. There’s plenty of citrine gemstones, titanium, stainless, and sterling hardware to finish this off, and it also doubles as a pocket knife.

$129 Let’s face it, we’re comfort junkies. The smallest ache from going deeper on the track or at the gym elicits a cry for help. Hyperice is on the spot with some solace and remedy.

The Venom Go not only looks great but has the potential to soothe; it is the brand’s latest wearable heat/vibration pad that attaches to the troubled muscle spot. The pad goes on the skin, and the pod magnetically attaches to the pad, delivering heat and vibration in nine combinations. It is simple to control, with three buttons: power, heat, vibration. Each unit comes with three pads for up to 20 uses per pad, and a battery life of up to an hour per use.

$199 Businessmen are people too.

And they need backpacks just as any other traveler. The Catalyst bag is a versatile piece of mostly-business leather luggage that features an inside laptop pocket, snap-tight buckles, and the intriguing ability to zip back and fold down the entire back, allowing for packing tight and zipping back up. This feature alone makes it easier for full access when needed. Comes in three colors and two finishes, including oiled leather in amber brown.

Also includes a side shoulder strap to convert the backpack into a messenger bag.

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H20 AUDIO SNOPRO WITH PLAYLIST+ h2oaudio.com

$179.99 Preparing us for the ski season, H20 Audio manages to deflect the harbinger of winter with an addition to its heralded PRO Series. It comes with Playlist+ tech, which allows users to stash up to 8GB of music or podcasts from their content provider to enjoy while engaging in their cold outdoor sports. The headphones are open ear, which fit over the ear rather than inside, and are fully waterproof, which means fair game for the hot tub. We like the controls on the side of the earpiece, which requires just a quick press to change things up.

CAMACHO BROADLEAF

BIG FLAVOR, BOLD PERSONALITY In the quest for excellence, no corners were cut. The result is an oversized Honduran Broadleaf packed with giant flavor and crafted with precision and passion.

A cigar with an“ALL OR NOTHING” attitude. No compromises. No settling.

This bad boy is tailored just for you - no questions asked.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 27

ROBUSTO

ROCKY PATEL DBS COUNTRY

Nicaragua

WRAPPER

Mexico

BINDER

Nicaragua & USA

FILLER

Nicaragua & Honduras

PRICE

$20.00 - $23.00

FACTORY

Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A.

Rocky Patel President of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars The DBS, which stands for Double Broadleaf Selection, is an anomaly in the cigar market. It employs a San Andres wrapper and two broadleaf binders; these are also thick leaves. Typically when a blender is planning on using a thick wrapper tobacco, like San Andres, they will enlist the help of a thinner, faster burning leaf for the binder to ensure good combustion. You guys not only didn’t choose a thin leaf for the binder, but you used double broadleaf binders! How were you and your team able to make that happen and what does it bring to this blend?

I have to give a lot of respect to Amilcar Peréz Castro, who is my partner at the factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. He does a fantastic, fantastic job of curing and fermenting the tobacco. He’s got so many family members that he’s brought over from Cuba; they’re running our farms now in Estelí and Condega.

AVAILABLE IN 3 SIZES

Like you mentioned, it is a very thick leaf. We have a Nicaraguan broadleaf and a Pennsylvania broadleaf as binders in that blend, on top of which we have a San Andres wrapper, and it’s a higher priming wrapper. So you’ve got three thick leaves and there’s really no seco in it, there’s viso. So when you actually spend a lot of time fermenting the tobacco and curing the tobacco, you can see how well that cigar burns. You know, it’s gotten rid of all the nitrogen, the boron, the potassium, the magnesium, all that fertilizer, so it took a lot of time in the curing and fermentation. And that’s the beauty of that cigar,

it’s rich, it’s decadent but it’s also velvety and smooth because of the aging. And you get so much flavor from the broadleaf. I mean, one of the hardest tobacco leaves to get right now is broadleaf as you know, so to have that with the Mexican San Andres is amazing.

We’ve loved the DBS but there’s another cigar that we’ve been able to taste samples of that has really blown our minds. Can you tell us about Conviction, the new luxury project coming out of your company?

We’re really proud of this project. We wanted to showcase luxurylifestyle, which is really what this beautiful industry is about. You know, it’s a cottage industry, the amount of art and passion that goes in all the way from the farm to the curing and into fermentation, and on to the craftsmanship of the cigars. We wanted to showcase it to the world.

We started our own farms in 2014, in Estelí and Condega. And I recently happened to go down there while we were doing inventory because we’re building a new factory. By the time we were done with inventory, I counted 18,697 bales of tobacco. Now, these are bales that have already gone through the fermentation process, they’re just aging.

This doesn’t include all of the pilónes that we have in three different buildings. During that process I came across some 2014 bales and I said to Amilcar, “How can we still have those?” “Well,” he said, “I’ve been saving this for some special projects.” So we literally took that tobacco and we had some of the old San Andres wrapper, which we love, and we tried to get it as close to the tercios process that they have in Cuba. We didn’t have the palms but basically we took that technology and did it in a box with the fermentation. Then we took the best four rollers that we had, teams of two, limited them to 250 cigars a day. We used the tobacco from Estelí and Condega, from these bales and made blends. This is like going back, I’ve been working on it for a year and a half. We made like 78 blends, came down to three and couldn’t decide. It was the 5th box-pressed. 13th round, 15th round, and going back and forth, back and forth. Anyway, I ended up choosing the box-press. The cigar was just so rich and I was worried it might be a little too strong but after it’s been sitting, it’s really smooth. And it’s mellowed and it’s balanced. So we’re excited about the project and we wanted it to scream luxury, kind of like Louis Vuitton.

SWEET

Robusto 5 1/2 x 50

Toro 6 x 52

28 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

Sixty 6 x 60

CHOCOLATE

NUT

EARTH

CREAM

WOOD

COFFEE

SPICE

LITTO GOMEZ L A F LO R D O M I N I C A N A

T RY B OV E DA .CO M @bovedainc

@bovedainc

@bovedausa

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 29

VILLIGER TAA EXCLUSIVE 2023

TORO

BINDER

Nicaragua & USA

then, we tend to have more of our own US-only cigars like La Flor de Ynclan, La Vencedora, the Cuellar Kreme, and the Black Forest.

And as you know now we’re working with Villiger Miami but now that brand is going to the international market as well. And let’s not forget, if not I get in trouble with the boss, we have Villiger do Brasil.

FILLER

Nicaragua & Honduras

Oh Brazil, the Swiss love their Brazilian tobacco, right?

PRICE

$20.00 - $23.00

They do! And Mr. Villiger is no exception to the rule. You know, the last time that I was with him, he went to his humidor, he’s very formal, very old school. “Mr. Castaneda, I have a cigar for you.

I have a 22-year-old Brazilian puro that we should smoke.” For sure, let’s smoke it.

COUNTRY

Nicaragua

WRAPPER

Mexico

FACTORY

Aganorsa

Rene Castañeda President of Villiger North America Villiger has a pretty diverse portfolio of brands. You have these mild cigars, then you have the Villiger Nicaragua, which is a stronger cigar, The Vencedora, which is also a stronger cigar as well as the Libertad. And then kind of in the middle, you have Villiger TAA Exclusive. This one is kind of like right in the middle; it’s very creamy, very sweet, a wonderful cigar.

The Villiger TAA is in a way our playground to reach out to new consumers. It is the only project that we make in a different factory every year, a factory that is not one of our factories. The first TAA we made with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the TAA 2020. The 2021 we made with Jochy Blanco of Tabacalera Palma, the 2022 was with Erik Espinosa. And this one, the 2023 is made with Aganorsa Leaf.

So that’s the idea; we want people to get more familiar with the Villiger name and one of the ways is by going to people that we respect as master blenders. They’re also good friends of ours and by making cigars for us, we can get some of their followers to be exposed to our name. And they know that, we talk to them every time that we’re doing this project. They know that that’s the bridge that we’re trying to cross and fortunately because we have reached out to people that are very close to us, they have no problem with that and they help us to make great cigars to bring to the market.

So we’re very proud of that project and we continue to do that and it gives us a chance to explore new blends, new ideas, and new things to develop for our cigars.

AVAILABLE IN 1 SIZE

Just to give you an idea, on a global level we have brands like La Libertad that you mentioned, we have the Villiger 1888 Dominican Republic. We also have the Villiger San D’Oro Colorado and Claro but

They do love Brazilian cigars. We have a boutique factory in Brazil, where we make Villiger do Brasil Claro and Maduro. We also make one of the versions of the Corrida Cigar. Corrida is mainly sold in Europe, but we have some representation of that brand here in the US as well. And whenever Mr. Villiger wants to do an anniversary cigar he goes down to Brazil and makes a Brazilian cigar. The latest one was the anniversary in 2020 and it was a Brazilian puro that was a very good cigar but it was a very short run that we put out.

Speaking of limited editions, the Villiger de Nicaragua Edición Limitada 2022 was really well received. It garnered high ratings from this magazine and acclaim from cigar blogs.

My understanding is that you will be releasing a new one soon. Do we have that right?

Yes, as I told you, the idea is that we want to showcase and brag a little bit about the blending capabilities that we have with the Villiger de Nicaragua and even with our partner, ABAM Cigars in the Dominican Republic. So that’s the idea, to put out these short runs or limited editions to be able to showcase easily, aside from our core brands, some cigars that we think are very special.

Villiger has come a long way in the US premium cigar market.

We can all remember that first Villiger 1888 long-filler cigar that was released in the late 2000s out of the ABAM factory in the Dominican Republic. How do you see the progress?

We have been working hard and I think we’re still in the beginning of the process. We’re trying to find our place in the US market. The best way to connect to the consumers is bringing them different options to get the feedback. We know that not all the cigars will be winners.

But in the process, we’re getting a great response and respect from the consumers for the Villiger brand - and that’s really what we want.

SWEET

CHOCOLATE

NUT

EARTH

CREAM

WOOD

COFFEE

SPICE

Toro 6 1/4 x 52

30 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

CALIFORNIA REDS

RUNNING NORTH ALONG THE PACIFIC.

CALIFORNIA DOES WINE BIGGER THAN ANYWHERE ELSE.

AS RECENTLY AS THE EARLY 70S, CALIFORNIA WINE WAS PACKAGED MOSTLY IN GALLON JUGS, THE VESSELS WITH THE LITTLE LOOP ON THE SPOUT, PERFECT FOR CHEAP INDULGENCE BUT WIDELY DISMISSED BY THOSE SEEKING A MORE ELEVATED DRINK. THEN CAME THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS IN 1976, A BLIND TASTE TEST BEFORE A SOPHISTICATED PANEL THAT ENDED WITH TWO NAPA WINES BEATING ALL OTHERS. EUREKA! THE CALIFORNIA WINE INDUSTRY WAS BORN AND NEVER LOOKED BACK.

THE GOLDEN STATE’S 4,800 WINERIES ACCOUNT FOR 84% OF ALL WINE PRODUCED IN THE U.S., PRIMARILY IN NAPA VALLEY AND SONOMA COUNTY. SPANISH PRIEST JUNÍPERO SERRA PLANTED THE STATE’S FIRST VINEYARD AT HIS SAN DIEGO MISSION IN 1779. AS HE FOUNDED MORE MISSIONS, HE PLANTED VINES SPANNING 600 MILES OF VALLEY

by Gavin Maliska & Erik Calviño

PAUL HOBBS

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

portance of planting, cultivating, and selling a harvest.

In a discovery that would define his career, he found that the same type of apple planted in different orchards yielded fruits of different taste and texture. Lessons of the orchard developed into a belief and approach that a wine should be a true reflection of its site, the terroir.

With a chemistry degree from Notre Dame, Hobbs earned his master’s degree in viticulture and enology from the University of California Davis.

Robert Mondavi selected him to join the nascent Opus One team that produced the legendary Napa Valley red. He worked at Simi Winery before consulting with several estates, including Bodegas Catena in Argentina.

In 1991, Hobbs bought 10,000 pounds of chardonnay, pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon grapes from Napa and Sonoma and launched Paul Hobbs Winery.

PAIRING NOTES THE PADRÓN DELIVERS AN ABUNDANCE OF THICK AND HIGHLY AROMATIC SMOKE WITH A MEDIUM-BODIED PROFILE OF DARK CHOCOLATE, EARTH, AND SMOOTH PEPPER. THE CABERNET’S DARK FRUITS INJECT NOTES OF CASSIS, BLUEBERRY, AND BLACKBERRY SEAMLESSLY INTO THE SMOKE, GIVING EVERY PUFF A FLAVOR AKIN TO A GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE. SPACE OUT YOUR SIPS AFTER THE PUFF AND TAKE MULTIPLE SIPS TO LET THE WINE RETURN TO ITS FULL FRUIT FLAVOR BEFORE EACH PUFF.

PLUS ONE BLACK CORDON VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016 NAPA VALLEY 14.8% ABV

In 1998, Hobbs began to realize his goal of making site-specific wine by acquiring the Katherine Lindsay Estate, a vineyard producing pinot noir in the Russian River Valley. Since then, he has added seven more estates in the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, and Coombsville.

Hobbs is now owner and vintner for eight wineries around the world. Over his 40-year career, Hobbs’ wines have received ten 100-point ratings.

TASTING NOTES: Presents a deep ruby color in the glass with an ink-like density that hints at the full body of this Napa cabernet sauvignon well before you taste. The aromas are intense and inviting with notes of blueberry, lavender, and a touch of tobacco. On the palate, the wine is elegant and layered with currant, fig, blueberry, oak, and a touch of minerality. An exceptional example of cabernet sauvignon.

2018 COOMBSVILLE, NAPA VALLEY 14.6% ABV

Padrón 1964 Anniversary Series Paul Hobbs may be a degreed chemist. But more importantly, he is a man of the land.

Hobbs grew up one of 11 children on the family orchard in upstate New York, learning the im-

34 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

David Dunphy first visited Napa Valley in 1978, spurred by the Judgement of Paris. With wife Karen, he emigrated from Minnesota and they released their first vintage in 2007, working with Paul Hobbs and Julian Gonzalez. Black Cordon Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from their four mountain vineyards. The wine is aged for two years, then selected and blended by Hobbs and Gonzalez.

DUCKHORN THREE PALMS VINEYARD Prior to the couple’s commitment, merlot was mainly used as a blending grape in the production of other wines. But the Duckhorn’s first harvest in 1978 produced 800 cases of Three Palms Vineyard Merlot and 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Duckhorn Vineyards is still producing bordeaux varietal wines while racking up plaudits.

MERLOT

earned honors and recognition over the years.

The 13.5 acres of merlot vines at Rector Creek produced a 2016 wine that garnered 95 points from Wine Spectator. And in 2017 Duckhorn’s 2014 Three Palms merlot collected 95 points and was named the magazine’s Wine of the Year.

Besides its signature merlot, Duckhorn produces cabernet sauvignon, malbec, a blend of red wines, chardonnay, cabernet franc, and sauvignon blanc. And in addition to Duckhorn, the company winery sells wine under the brands Decoy, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Canvasback, Migration, and Calera.

Photo credit: duckhorn.com

TASTING NOTES

Co-Founder Dan Duckhorn attentively overseeing a harvest in the winery’s early years.

2020 NAPA VALLEY 14.5% Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 on Dan and Margaret Duckhorn’s gamble that Americans were ready to drink a world-class Napa Valley merlot wine.

A wonderfully complex merlot that pours out dark ruby in the glass and offers up a vibrant and fruit-forward nose of dark cherry, raspberry, and light spice. The flavors continue down that line with an impressively balanced combination of the aforementioned fruits joined by cedar, spice, and a perfect dose of minerality. Tannins are silky but structured and the mouthfeel is full.

Starting in 1988, the Duckhorns developed an estate program that grew vineyards and brought a continuous supply of fruit. They selected properties in recognized Napa Valley appellations and put together a portfolio of nine sites, each producing a grape that distinctly reflected the site’s soil, microclimate and terrain.

Plasencia Alma del Fuego

The properties were worked by an in-house team at Monitor Ledge Vineyards and Three Palm Vineyards outside Calistoga, Stout Vineyards, Marlee’s Vineyards, Patzimaro Vineyards, Rector Creek Vineyards near Yountville, and Cork Tree Vineyards near Vichy Springs.

PAIRING NOTES

The Duckhorns sold their winery in 2007 to GI Partners, which invested $70 million in the operation, including the purchase of Three Palms Vineyards. The winery was sold again in 2016 to TSG Consumer Partners, a private equity fund.

From the beginning, Margaret Duckhorn worked alongside founding winemaker Tom Rinaldi in the production of their wines. A beloved figure at Duckhorn Vineyards and active throughout the Napa wine community, Margaret died in November 2022, at the age of 83.

THE BODY AND INTENSITY OF THE DUCKHORN THREE PALMS MERLOT BEGS FOR A PARTNER THAT CAN GO SHOT FOR SHOT WITH IT AND THE PLASENCIA ALMA DEL FUEGO ROBUSTO FITS THE BILL EXTRAORDINARILY WELL. THE CIGAR IS CONSISTENTLY WELL-MADE DELIVERING A COMBINATION OF SWEET PEPPER, EARTH, AND DARK CHOCOLATE THAT ACTS AS AN IDEAL BACKDROP FOR THE WINE’S SILKY SMOOTH TANNINS AND BLACK FRUIT SWEETNESS. SPACE OUT YOUR SIPS AND PUFFS UNTIL YOU FIND THE TIMING THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

Duckhorn Wineries and its favorite grape have

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 35

EIGHT YEARS IN THE DESERT lenges forced him to blend his beloved zinfandel with other grape varietals in ways that were unique but more importantly made the wine deliciously approachable and affordable.

The brand drew the attention of more than just consumers, and soon other winemakers started developing their own Prisoner-style blends, complete with their own versions of the dark, twisted artwork on the labels. The Prisoner grew rapidly and in 2010 Phinney sold his ownership share of the brand and with it came an odd, eight-year zinfandel noncompete. In other words, Phinney and his company Orin Swift Cellars were not allowed to sell a wine that contained zinfandel grapes - the very varietal that he was most adept at working with.

In a statement that accompanied the release of the Eight Years in the Desert, Phinney gave fans a glimpse of what those eight years were like: “When I sold the brand I agreed to not make Zinfandel for eight years. At first I liked the idea.

Zinfandel is notoriously difficult. It ripens unevenly, it is prone to rot, and it often has very high alcohol. Taking a few years off sounded good. But, like a child who only wants to do what he or she is told not to, I began to plot my return.”

2021 CALIFORNIA 15.6% It’s rare enough to develop one “viral” wine, but when winemaker Dave Phinney released Eight Years in the Desert to the public in 2018, he caught lightning in a bottle for a second time.

His first major success was The Prisoner, a zinfandel blend adorned with a Francisco de Goya etching from his famed The Prisoners series. Phinney, a newly minted winemaker in 1998, struggled to produce something noteworthy with his first two vintages and by the 2000 vintage was still faltering. The chal-

36 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

Phinney is equal parts winemaking maverick and branding guru. He took the non-compete edict and leaned into it when he released Eight Years in the Desert. The name is interesting enough for those who are just picking it up unwittingly but has that brilliant “a-ha!” moment when they understand the story behind it. When Phinney said he would plot his return, he wasn’t kidding. Everything from the release date of 08/08/18 to the eight different and unique labels that get cycled through each year were planned ahead of time. In a video released by the company, Phinney explains some of the details that go into the label.

“It seemed like we had made an effort on all these other levels and taking the time with the wine,” he said. “But it just seemed like to slap one label on there, there was no way to fit all those eight years of thought and process and sleepless nights. Literally it was an eight year process. The commonality between them all is that it starts with a photo. It has a Joshua tree somewhere on it, and some component of film or slide and some layering. So all the labels are slightly different or dramatically different

RED BLEND

depending on who you ask.”

Phinney’s eight years of planning and marketing savvy would be for naught if the juice in the bottle didn’t meet consumer expectations.

It’s one of the characteristics that makes the wine business similar to cigars. If a cigar label catches your attention in the humidor or has a good story behind it but you don’t enjoy the smoke, you’re probably not buying another or recommending it. That’s where Phinney’s skill as a winemaker comes in. For all the stylized branding videos and whimsical label designs, his greatest skill is still in producing unique zinfandel blends that appeal to a broad range of consumers with bold flavor delivered with oldworld finesse.

Phinney’s company Orin Swift Cellars is now owned by wine giant E&J Gallo, but unlike other acquisitions, Phinney is still very much involved in the winemaking.

TASTING NOTES: A beautiful, dark purple wine allowing no light to shine through in the glass. Jammy aromas of blackberry, raisin, and pepper welcome you on the nose. The wine is sumptuous and juicy with flavors of raspberry, plum, cherry, and a touch of oak spice on the finish. Tannins are present but easy going, providing a pleasurable and approachable mouthfeel.

Oliva Serie V Melanio

PAIRING NOTES IMPECCABLY BALANCED AND SMOOTH, THIS MEDIUM-STRENGTH CHURCHILL SEEMS ALMOST PURPOSE-BLENDED FOR THIS WINE. THE WINE’S HEAVY DOSE OF RIPE FRUIT WIPES AWAY ANY TRACE OF EARTH AND PEPPER IN THE CIGAR, LEAVING YOU WITH A DESSERTLIKE SMOKE HIGHLIGHTED BY MILK CHOCOLATE, NUTS, OAK, AND AN INFUSION OF RASPBERRY.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 37

FLOWERS SEA VIEW RIDGE nia acres, including space on a mountain top, in the late 80s.

They began by selling grapes to a local vintner, and by 1994 they’d opened their own winery and their holdings expanded to 648 acres. The Flowers planted vines on elevated sites, designating one mainly for chardonnay and another, closer to the water, for pinot noir. The accolades flowed like…wine. The Flowers were recognized as pioneers in the growing of both pinot noir and chardonnay on the ridged coast of Sonoma.

The Flowers planted their pinot noir vines in 1998 on their Sea View Ridge Vineyard, 43 acres above the foggy marine layer of the Pacific coastline.

In 2009, Huneeus Vintners, toting experience and the spirit of youth, purchased an interest in the Flowers’ vineyard and a partnership blossomed.

The deal, for an undisclosed amount, also allowed the Flowers to spend more time in their retirement home of – where else? – Florida, while keeping part-time ownership of their winery.

PINOT NOIR

PAIRING NOTES BOTH THE ROCKY PATEL WHITE LABEL AND THE FLOWERS SEA VIEW RIDGE PINOT NOIR ARE AMAZINGLY FLEXIBLE FOR PAIRINGS BUT THIS SPECIFIC COMBINATION IS A MATCH MADE IN PINOT NOIR HEAVEN. THE ROCKY PATEL IS INCREDIBLY RECEPTIVE TO THE WINE’S RED FRUITS, ADDING A DELICIOUS TOUCH OF FRUITY SWEETNESS TO THE SMOKE THAT FEELS NATURAL. THE CIGAR’S BLEND OF EARTH, SMOOTH PEPPER, AND VANILLA ADD A DIMENSION TO THE WINE THAT MAKES IT EVEN MORE COMPLEX AND DELICIOUS.

PLUS ONE FLOWERS RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2021 SONOMA COUNTY 14.1%

They’d bought a place in Sarasota in 2004, with Walt telling the local newspaper that he’d had little time to play golf since entering the wine business. That dilemma was solved by the deal with Huneeus.

“We’re finally going to pick up a golf club,” Walt Flowers told Wine Spectator magazine shortly after the purchase was completed, adding, “we didn’t want to sell and walk away.”

TASTING NOTES:

2021 SONOMA COAST 13.5% In 1989, vintners Joan and Walt Flowers left their nursery in Pennsylvania for the wilds of the Sonoma Coast with a singular goal: to make wine that met the beauty they had found along the ridges high above the Pacific coast. The Easterners, Walt a Philadelphia native, Joan from Pittsburgh, were wine lovers since they were courting in 1980. She had gifted Walt a 120-bottle wine refrigeration unit after a visit to California wine country in 1982, and soon after, they chased a wine dream by purchasing 321 Califor-

38 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

Opens with an opulent nose of ripe strawberries and soft baking spices. The wine pours into a pale ruby color in the glass and delivers a beautifully balanced and complex combination of fruit and acidity highlighted by sweet and tart notes of strawberry, cranberry, and dark cherry accompanied by oak, spice, and iron. The tannins are fine and pleasing to the palate.

Rocky Patel White Label

In 2019, the Flowers opened House of Flowers, an office, garden, and tasting room in a 16,000-square-foot rebuild in downtown Healdsburg. The building offers a site for wine tourists to enjoy all the Flowers Winery offerings from the far Sonoma Coast to Sonoma County, including this Flowers Pinot Noir Russian River Valley.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 39

TITUS

CABERNET FRANC

ple’s sons Phillip and Eric.

With his background in environmental sciences, Eric adopted farming practices that focus on sustainability and having a minimum impact on the environment. Nearly all vineyard work is done by hand.

The Titus brothers grew up on the family vineyards. Eric earned his doctorate in biology with a concentration in marine biology and toxicology before traveling the world as an environmental consultant and researcher. He returned to Napa Valley in 2002 and is now general manager and vineyard operations manager.

In 2015, as they completed the Winery at Titus Vineyards, the brothers hired winemaker Stephen Cruzan to run their expanded operation.

Cruzan had worked under Phillip at Chappellet.

TASTING NOTES:

Photo credit: titusvineyards.com

An intensely flavorful but balanced wine with a dark ruby color and a bouquet of dark fruits, floral, and oak with a touch of olive. It is big and rich and bursting with blueberry and cherry flavors joined by complex notes of tobacco, cocoa, and ever-present oak. The tannins offer a noticeable grip that “lets go” after a moment, a very interesting wine.

A large cluster of red wine grapes from the Titus vineyard located just north of St. Helena.

Phillip took an interest in viticulture from an early age and studied at the wine program at University of California Davis. Upon graduation, he began his career at Quail Ridge Winery, Stratford, and Chappellet, where he was named winemaker in 1990. He continues in that position today, as well as working as winemaker for Titus Vineyards.

While Lee and Ruth Titus had dreamed of turning their grapes into wine, the fruit they grew on their lots was instead sold off to other wineries. The parents encouraged their sons to put the family name on a bottle of their own.

2021 ST. HELENA, NAPA VALLEY 14.8% Titus Vineyards is a family operation, founded

by Lee and Ruth Titus on a 50-acre tract they called the Ranch Estate. The land had been farmed for more than 150 years, then developed, expanded, and was then run by the cou-

40 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

Titus’s grapes come from two estates a mile apart in the St. Helena appellation of Napa Valley, the Ranch Estate and the Ehlers Lane Family Estate. The majority of Titus Vineyards’ wine starts on the vines at the Ranch, which also grows Tuscan varietal olives, bottled as extra virgin olive oil and sold by Titus Vineyards.

Phillip relies on a lifelong exposure to the vineyards he has been working since childhood to guide him in the creation of superior wine from individual blocks, to bring out the desired flavor profiles, textural balance, and complexity.

Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario

PAIRING NOTES THE SOFT-PRESSED AGANORSA LEAF ANIVERSARIO OFFERS A RICH AND CREAMY BLEND OF CEDAR, SMOOTH SPICE, AND ROASTED NUTS THAT WELCOMES THE INJECTION OF RIPE FRUIT FROM THE TITUS CABERNET FRANC. THE TWO ARE EVENLY MATCHED IN INTENSITY AND BODY, ALLOWING AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE REGARDLESS OF ORDER, BUT WE PREFER TO DRINK, THEN SMOKE.

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

MYFATHERCIGARS.COM

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 41

FEATURING

MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY DIAMANTE EDITION

JEWELRY NOBODYSUGLY ARCHIVE COLLECTION

SUIT RICK OWENS SHOES & EARRINGS TOM FORD

DRESS RICK OWENS SWIM BOTTOM GLIMPSE MIAMI EARRINGS TOM FORD

BUSTIER & BOTTOM DOLCE & GABBANA EARRINGS & SHOES TOM FORD LOCATION CHURCHILL CIGAR COMPANY PALM BEACH

DRESS, PURSE & SHOES DOLCE & GABBANA EARRINGS TOM FORD LOCATION RAPTIS RARE BOOKS PALM BEACH

DRESS DOLCE & GABBANA SHOES TOM FORD JEWELRY SAZINGG SUNGLASSES CELINE

HAT & TOP CELINE JACKET VERSACE SHORTS ALEXANDRA GOLOVANOFF SHOES DOLCE & GABBANA JEWELRY MARTIN’S JEWELRY MIAMI MARINA PALM BEACH YACHT CLUB YACHT SEA SEÑOR

SWIMSUIT LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ SUNGLASSES CELINE JEWELRY MARTIN'S JEWELRY MIAMI MARINA PALM BEACH YACHT CLUB YACHT SEA SEÑOR

SWIMWEAR & SUNGLASSES CELINE JEWELRY MARTIN'S JEWELRY MIAMI MARINA PALM BEACH YACHT CLUB YACHT SEA SEÑOR

DRESS NENSI DOJAKA JEWELRY MARTIN'S JEWELRY MIAMI MARINA PALM BEACH YACHT CLUB YACHT SEA SEÑOR

MODEL ANGELINA MICHELLE 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 VIRGINIA LEFAY USING MAC COSMETICS limitededitionmanagement.com

DRESS NENSI DOJAKA JEWELRY MARTIN'S JEWELRY MIAMI MARINA PALM BEACH YACHT CLUB YACHT SEA SEÑOR

CIGAR MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY DIAMANTE EDITION altadisusa.com

42 CIGARS

CHURCHILL Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata

93

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

Highclere Castle Victorian

92

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Brazil FILLER: Nicaragua

An ultra-flavorful and complex blend with a core of cocoa powder, rich caramel, roasted nuts, and hazelnut accompanied by a smooth pepper note in the background. Impeccably pressed and covered with a nearly flawless, dark brown wrapper. Medium plus strength.

N I CA R AG UA Ultra-creamy and complex, this medium to full bodied Churchill opens with rich flavors of caramel, ripe fruit, and raw almonds balanced by a note of white pepper. This flawlessly constructed blend produces a thick smoke output and leaves behind an ash of stacked dimes.

$ 10.00 VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua & Honduras

Espinosa Murcielago

N I CA R AG UA Neatly pressed and covered with a dark brown wrapper with good oils. This medium to full strength Churchill produces an excellent output of thick, aromatic smoke with notes of smooth pepper, dark chocolate, cedar, and oak complemented by a rich, creamy sweetness.

$ 9.59

91

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

Blackened M81

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a neatly applied, dark, toothy wrapper, this box-pressed blend offers a flavorful core of bittersweet chocolate, black pepper, espresso, and a touch of ripe fruit sweetness in the background. Impeccably constructed providing an excellent draw and burn. Medium to full strength.

$ 10.35

91

VITOLA: Corona Doble LENGTH: 7 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: USA/Connecticut FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

All Saints - Saint Francis

N I CA R AG UA Flavorful and balanced with a core of dark chocolate, roasted coffee bean, and hickory complemented by smooth notes of earth and pepper. This medium plus strength blend draws and burns exceptionally while producing tons of aromatic smoke.

$ 11.40

90 58 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

N I CA R AG UA

$ 16.50

San Lotano Requiem Maduro

92

$ 13.37

VITOLA: Churchill LENGTH: 7 RING: 48 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

N I CA R AG UA A consistently well-constructed, box-pressed Churchill covered with a dark brown wrapper with a velvet feel. Delivers a medium strength core of dark chocolate, smooth pepper, oak, and earth with a minty note on the finish.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 59

TORO Ferio Tego Elegancia 2022

92

$ 22.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

FSG 20 Acre Farm

An aromatic and balanced blend highlighted by notes of cedar, nuts, and sweet cream accompanied by smooth pepper in the background.

Consistently produces a rich, heavy smoke with a medium strength level along a perfect draw and leaves behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 13.95

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

The Oscar Connecticut

N I CA R AG UA Delivers a well-balanced core of sweet cedar, toasted nuts, and smooth pepper along a plentiful output of thick, mild to medium strength smoke. Impeccably constructed and covered with a flawless wrapper with sheen. Provides an excellent draw and burn.

$ 12.90

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Aladino Connecticut

H O N D UR AS A well-made toro covered with a thin, light brown wrapper with a supple feel. This medium strength toro offers a core of smooth earth and pepper complemented by notes of cedar and a sweet, creamy texture to the smoke. Excellent draw and razor-sharp burn.

$ 9.70

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

7-20-4 WK Connecticut

H O N D UR AS A consistently well-made blend covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with sheen. This mild to medium strength toro delivers a creamy combination of cashews, vanilla, and oak complemented by a touch of sweet spice.

$ 9.50

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

Fratello Luna Connecticut

89 60 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

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

H O N D UR AS A flavorful toro covered with a clean, shadegrown wrapper. This mild to medium strength blend consistently provides an excellent draw and burn while producing a core of toasted nuts, smooth earth, and spice complemented by a rich, sweet creaminess in the background.

$ 1 4.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a good amount of wood and sweet spice accompanied by notes of earth and leather on the finish. This medium strength blend provides a firm draw and produces a somewhat thin smoke output. Covered with a light brown wrapper showing slight veins.

AVAILABLE ONLINE EXCLUSIVELY AT WWW.PAPPYCO.COM

THE STORY OF THESE HISTORIC BOURBON-BARREL-FERMENTED CIGARS STARTS, WHERE ELSE, BUT IN KENTUCKY, USA AND FEATURES KENTUCKY SEED AND KENTUCKY GROWN TOBACCO. ONCE GROWN, THE TOBACCO LEAVES ARE HARVESTED AND CAREFULLY SELECTED FOR TRADITIONAL KENTUCKY STYLE FIRE CURING. WE THEN TRANSPORT THE LEAVES, USED AS THE WRAPPER, FROM HOPKINSVILLE, KENTUCKY TO SAINT JAMES PARISH, LOUISIANA. THIS IS WHERE THE TOBACCO UNDERGOES BARREL FERMENTATION. THE PAPPY VAN WINKLE BARREL FERMENTED CIGAR IS HAND CRAFTED AT LA GRAN FABRICA DREW ESTATE IN ESTELI, NICARAGUA

AND FEATURES TWO WRAPPERS, "TAPA NEGRA”, THE KENTUCKY GROWN, BARREL FERMENTED LEAF BLENDED OVER A MEXICAN SAN

ANDRES LEAF WITH AN ALL-NICARAGUAN BLEND OF WELL AGED, ROBUST & EARTHY TOBACCOS.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL DREW DIPLOMAT RETAILER

DREW ESTATE | THE REBIRTH OF CIGARS WWW.DREWESTATE.COM #DE4L NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 61

TORO Camacho Broadleaf

$ 9.75

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras & Dominican Republic

Villiger 1888 Nicaragua

An ultra-flavorful toro covered with a dark brown wrapper with excellent oils. Produces an abundance of thick, aromatic smoke with a balanced profile of sweet spice, cocoa, and cedar complemented by notes of soft pepper and earth in the background. Medium plus strength.

$ 9.20

91

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

La Aurora 120th Anniversary

90 90

N I CA R AG UA Opens with a flavorful combination of cashews, sweet pepper, and smooth earth accompanied by a touch of cedar. Finished with a clean, reddish brown wrapper with sheen, this medium strength toro draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 16.10 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Dominican Republic BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

West Tampa Tobacco Company White VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua

Illusione Ultra

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C An attractive, firmly packed toro finished with a slightly toothy, medium brown wrapper with good oils. This well-constructed, medium plus strength blend produces tons of thick, heavy smoke with a rich mouthfeel and notes of cedar, sweet pepper, nuts, and a touch of oak.

$ 9.99

N I CA R AG UA A smooth and flavorful blend with a core of earth, toast, subtle cocoa, and a soft pepper in the background. This medium strength toro is consistently well constructed and covered with a clean, light brown wrapper with excellent oils.

$ 12.70

89

VITOLA: OP. No. 9 LENGTH: 5 1/2 RING: 56 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Gurkha Pure Evil

N I CA R AG UA A rustic-looking smoke covered with a bumpy wrapper showing prominent veins. This medium strength toro provides an open draw and a slightly thin smoke output highlighted by notes of lightly roasted nuts, cedar, and cream along with a sharp pepper zing.

$ 9.50

89 62 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

H O N D UR AS

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

N I CA R AG UA A well-made toro covered with a clean, reddish brown wrapper. This medium to full strength blend consistently provides an excellent draw and an even burn. Delivers a profile of gritty earth and smooth pepper with notes of roasted nuts, tanned leather, and a touch of sweetness.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 63

TORO My Father La Gran Oferta

$ 9.16

92

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

La Flor Dominicana Reserva Especial

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

A. Fuente Rosado Sungrown Magnum R

90

VITOLA: R 54 LENGTH: 6 1/2 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic

Partagas Valle Verde

A well-balanced and flavorful toro covered with a dark, oily wrapper. Opens with a complex combination of roasted nuts, tanned leather, cocoa, and pepper accompanied by a rich, creamy sweetness in the background. Leaves behind a perfect ash along a flawless draw and burn.

$ 10.20

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A rich and flavorful blend with a profile of sweet pepper, cedar, and toasted almonds complemented by a touch of caramel along a creamy textured smoke output. Impeccably constructed, providing an excellent draw and an even burn leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Medium strength.

$ 2 7.51

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Covered with a supple, reddish brown wrapper with excellent oils, this medium strength toro delivers a core of cedar, cinnamon, and sweet cream balanced by a touch of cayenne pepper on the nose. Draws well and produces a plentiful smoke output.

$ 8.49

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Cameroon FILLER: Mexico & Nicaragua

Petra by Diab Ellan

H O N D UR AS A firmly packed toro covered with a toothy wrapper with excellent sheen. Consistently draws and burns exceptionally well, leaving behind a solid, light gray ash while producing a core of cedar, chicory, and pepper along with a sweet ripe fruit note on the finish.

$ 12.99

88

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Dominican Republic BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Nicaragua

Hiram & Solomon The Treaty

87 64 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

N I CA R AG UA

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A good-looking, box-pressed toro covered with a reddish brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This medium plus strength toro provides an excellent draw and burn leaving behind a solid, dark gray ash. Delivers notes of cedar, sweet pepper, and cream balanced by a touch of bitter coffee.

$ 1 4.00 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Undisclosed BINDER: Undisclosed FILLER: Undisclosed

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a blast of cayenne pepper, which settles to incorporate flavors of black American coffee, wood, nuts, and a touch of sweetness.

This medium strength blend draws well and produces a thin smoke output while leaving behind a flaky, white ash.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 65

TORO Aganorsa Leaf Maduro

$ 10.25

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 1/4 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Aladino Sumatra

A balanced and complex blend finished in a softpressed format covered with a dark brown wrapper with excellent oils. Consistently draws and burns well while producing a medium plus strength profile of cedar, cocoa powder, and roasted nuts joined by a touch of caramel sweetness.

$ 16.00

92

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Sumatra BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Leaf by Oscar 10th Anniversary Criollo

91

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

Esteban Carreras Devil’s Hand

91

H O N D UR AS Impeccably constructed and covered with a dark brown wrapper with a velvet feel. This ultrasmooth, medium plus strength toro produces tons of aromatic smoke with a profile of cedar, roasted nuts, and dark chocolate balanced by a touch of deep pepper and earth in the background.

$ 11.50

H O N D UR AS An intensely flavorful blend that opens with a blast of smooth black pepper joined by sweet earthiness and roasted nuts and is complemented by a note of tanned leather in the aroma. This medium to full strength toro draws and burns exceptionally well.

$ 10.60 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Nicaragua BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

CAO Pilón Añejo

N I CA R AG UA Firmly packed and covered with an impeccably clean, dark reddish brown wrapper. This medium to full bodied blend produces an excellent smoke output with a core of smooth pepper and earth joined by rich notes of sweet cream, cashews, and a touch of cocoa.

$ 8.99

90

VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Casa Cuevas Reserva Maduro

87 66 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

N I CA R AG UA

H O N D UR AS Smooth and sweet with a profile of earth, deep pepper, and roasted almonds complemented by a rich, creamy cinnamon flavor on the finish.

Draws and burns well producing medium plus strength smoke while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 11.34 VITOLA: Toro LENGTH: 6 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A dark, well-constructed toro that consistently provides an excellent draw and smoke output with notes of charred wood, roasted nuts, and earth balanced by a touch of sweetness. Medium plus strength.

PASSION WITH PURPOSE.

W E S T TA M PA T O B A C C O . C O M

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 67

ROBUSTO Joya de Nicaragua Antaño CT

91

$ 10.25 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Gurkha Colección Especial

91

Opens with a combination of smooth pepper, oak and earth balanced by notes of light coffee, oak, and a rich vanilla creaminess on the finish.

This blend builds to a medium strength level and is covered with a clean, golden-brown wrapper with a beautiful sheen.

$ 12.95 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Undisclosed

Undercrown Shade

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C An impeccably constructed robusto with a balanced core of cedar, cinnamon, smooth pepper, and a touch of vanilla cream. This Connecticut shade wrapped blend produces an excellent output of mild to medium strength while leaving behind a light gray ash.

$ 8.95

90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Indonesia FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

León Jimenes Connecticut

89 88

N I CA R AG UA Covered with a supple, golden brown wrapper with minimal veins, this mild to medium strength robusto draws and burns perfectly while producing an output of aromatic smoke highlighted by notes of cedar, smooth earth, and vanilla sweetness balanced by deep pepper throughout.

$ 7.50 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

Room 101 Johnny Tobacconaut

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C A smooth robusto that builds to a mild to medium strength while delivering notes of cedar and black pepper accompanied by subtle notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and cream. This well-made smoke draws and burns exceptionally well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 9.00 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Casa 1910 Sampetrina

N I CA R AG UA Consistently provides a perfect draw and even burn while delivering medium strength notes of black pepper, wood, and subtle almonds complemented by a touch of tanned leather in the aroma.

$ 16.00

87 68 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

N I CA R AG UA

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Dominican Republic FILLER: Mexico & Dominican Republic

D O M I N I CA N R E P UBLI C Opens with a blast of sharp pepper and wood notes that fade a little to incorporate sweeter flavors of nuts and light vanilla. This firmly packed, medium plus strength robusto draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

OUR NEW

H A RV E S T IS HERE

The Plasencia family is proud to introduce the latest and greatest in the esteemed line of Cosechas.

Brimming with flavor and intensity, the Cosecha 151 commemorates our 151st harvest, the first of which began in 1865.

The journey begins with notes of roasted coffee and pecans, and culminates with hints of cinnamon and oak. This 100% Honduran cigar, from our 2016-2017 harvest, must be experienced to be believed.

I GN I T E YO U R S O U L. A LL OV E R AGA I N .

P E R F EC T E D OVER 158 YEARS, YO U R S TO ENJOY NOW

P L A S E N C I AC I GA R S . COM

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 69

ROBUSTO Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro

93

$ 12.36 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 52 WRAPPER: Mexico BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Nicaragua

Red Meat Lovers by Dunbarton

92

An impeccably balanced blend with a flavorful core of cedar, coffee, and roasted almonds complemented by chocolate and pepper on the finish.

This medium plus strength robusto is consistently well-constructed providing a perfect draw and burn, leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

$ 1 4.95 VITOLA: Filet Mignon LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Mexico FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Rocky Patel DBS

N I CA R AG UA Beautifully box-pressed and covered with a dark, reddish brown wrapper and finished with a neat pigtail. Delivers a full-flavored and rich profile of dark chocolate, smooth pepper, and roasted nuts complemented by notes of cedar and leather in the aroma. Medium plus strength.

$ 20.00

91

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

EP Carrillo Short Run 2023

91 90

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Ecuador BINDER: Nicaragua FILLER: Honduras & Nicaragua

VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 54 WRAPPER: USA/Connecticut BINDER: Ecuador FILLER: Nicaragua & USA

Eiroa Salud, Amor, Pesetas

89

N I CA R AG UA An ultra-flavorful robusto with a smooth profile of sweet earth, dark chocolate, and oak complemented by a smooth pepper in the background.

Consistently draws and burns impeccably while leaving behind a solid, compact ash. Medium plus strength.

$ 10.75

Black Label Trading Co - Madonna Negra

70 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

N I CA R AG UA

H O N D UR AS Finished with a dark brown wrapper, this ultraflavorful robusto offers a complex profile of roasted nuts, cinnamon, and sweet cedar joined by red pepper and grilled meats. This medium to full strength blend draws and burns flawlessly, leaving behind a solid, dark gray ash.

$ 13.00

N I CA R AG UA Impeccably box-pressed and covered with a dark brown wrapper with prominent veins. A shot of sharp chili pepper at the onset is joined by notes of earth, bittersweet cocoa, and black coffee with a touch of sweetness. Medium to full strength.

$ 12.60 VITOLA: Robusto LENGTH: 5 RING: 50 WRAPPER: Honduras BINDER: Honduras FILLER: Honduras

H O N D UR AS Covered with a dark, oily wrapper with a toothy feel, this medium plus strength blend delivers a profile of dark chocolate, earth, molasses, and charred oak. This well-made smoke draws and burns well while leaving behind a solid, compact ash.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 71

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NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 73

IT’S NOT YOUR IMAGINATION: ILLUSIONE FOUNDER DION GIOLITO IS A TRUE BELIEVER - IN TOBACCO

BY STEVE MILLER

DION GIOLITO had his priorities even as a teenager.

It was cigars.

So when the Las Vegas native won $1,200 on a royal flush in his hometown in 1985, the 18-year-old’s first trek was to the Las Vegas Cigar Co., not far from Money Plays, the casino where he won the cash.

“I said ‘I want a box’ and they said ‘what do you like?’” Giolito, now 55, recalls. “I liked the Excalibur No. 1 and they had something for me, I think it was $130 for a box.”

As he was leaving the store, his purchase proudly tucked under his arm, the cigar store clerk asked him to hold up.

“He says ‘hey kid’ and throws in five or six more cigars,” Giolito says. It was a moment right out of the Mean Joe Greene Coca-Cola ad of the 70s, “Hey Kid, Catch!” tossing a can of Coke to a young fan, similar in that it inspired Giolito as it did the child in the ad, who presumably embarked on a life full of football.

C

M

J

CM

MJ

CJ

CMJ

Just as much so, Giolito took on a life full of cigars, first as a shop owner in Reno then as the founder of Illusione Cigars.

N

It wasn’t a straight line that took him there.

Along the way, there was a shot at rock n’ roll stardom and some time as an independent touring and recording musician. But the allure of cigars, which have been part of his life since that casino victory in the 80s, has remained a constant.

Illusione is the culmination of his pursuits, a brand he launched in 2006 as an in-house smoke for his store, Fumare, in Reno, Nevada. It started with a theme that was suitable for the vast expanse of the deserts of the southwest, where conspiracies and UFOs were ubiquitous.

The names of his cigars suggested his own fascination with otherworldly and other offbeat theories. The mk was a 5 1/8 x 42 corona, connecting its title to the infamous Project MKUltra, a

76 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

government plot that gave psychedelic drugs to unwitting subjects to explore drug-related interrogations. The hl was a 7.5 x 40 lancero that refers to holy lance, or the spear of destiny that was said to have gouged Jesus as he died on the cross.

He became so enamored of the project that he named a line ULTRA, just in case folks missed the MK message.

Things are different now, as a perusal of smokes at Illusione offers something a little off-kilter, otherworldly but not as overt.

“Yes, it has changed a bit but even with the branding change, we’re still on point and we still have consistency with the messaging, even as the imagery is more subtle,” Giolito says.

The seeing eye remains, for example, “which has been attached to the brand since day one. Deep in mind, and that goes to the esoteric, which is also still there and with the UFO, that ties it up as the UFO beams up.”

all about?’” he says. “I think they’re feeling around to see if I’m a Mason.”

“We’re Looking for a Drummer” He started as a saxophone player in 6th grade but, hell, who’s going to play those drums?

Patrons understand the marketing, with the all-seeing eye.

“So when I got to high school, I took up drums, and really had fun with that,” he says. He formed a band with some classmates and called it Dead End.

“They kind of dip into ‘what’s this

Growing up in Las Vegas meant he

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 77

was exposed to a lot of the good stuff as national tours loved to route through the town. Even the smaller, independent label bands he embraced came through.

“All the gigs I went to in high school were either desert shows or warehouse shows,” Giolito says, ticking off a list of bands he took in as a kid. “I saw Social D in the day, Agent Orange, Exploited, Black Flag, the Minutemen.”

“After our set, Pearl Jam’s road manager came up and said, ‘the guys like the way you play, and our drummer just quit. We’re looking for a drummer,’ and they asked me to try out."

Time moved forward and he found himself in Reno working at a cigar store, The Tinder Box. Giolito, who studied music at one point, found himself in a real local band called the Atomiks, a rockabilly trio with standup bass, guitar and Giolito’s rangy frame, complete with 100-mph hairdo, behind the drums.

The Atomiks were into it, complete with a $600 used van. They recorded two LPs and hit the road.

“We did a month all over the U.S., playing from Roswell [New Mexico] to Joplin [Missouri] to New Orleans,” he says. They were touring econo, road slang for bands who made just enough for gas money and, on a good night, some food.

Giolito brought some smokes with him on the trip, some Villiger Exports, some Toscanellos.

But there was an “almost” to his music career, a happenstance that would

78 | CIGAR SNOB | NOV / DEC 2023

have changed things forever.

brands that they didn’t carry.”

Giolito spent some time in another band, BBQ Salad, that played one night in Las Vegas in the early 90s.

Rock band Pearl Jam was also playing in town that evening, albeit in a larger venue.

Then, of all the ideas, he became the lone dealer of Davidoff white-label cigars in Reno, “which was a cherry on the sundae.”

“After their show, some guys from Pearl Jam came over to the place we were playing and at the time the band had a temporary drummer,” Giolito says. As bands do, some of the Pearl Jam members got up and jammed a bit with BBQ Salad.

“After our set, Pearl Jam’s road manager came up and said, ‘the guys like the way you play, and our drummer just quit. We’re looking for a drummer,’ and they asked me to try out. I said, ‘give me a song list and three days to learn it.’”

He was asked to stand by and wait for the call to fly to Seattle for the audition.

But the Pearl jam tour ended and the audition never came. Instead, the road manager rang Giolito and said the band had settled on Jack Irons, who can be blamed as a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

“It was a door that kinda closed on me, but being in a band creates circumstances where you meet people that can change your life,” Giolito says.

And with that, a fan of cigars since his teen years, his future was sealed.

Going Solo The Tinder Box wouldn’t give him a break when he asked to manage an underperforming store. But Giolito didn’t let it deter him.

“I just opened my own store,” he says.

“When I told them, the manager looked at the owner in a panic, and said ‘what if we do this or that, open another Tinder Box, make you the manager?’ It was too late, I already put down rent on a place.”

Curating the humidor foremost interest.

was

his

“I evaluated the lay of the land, what [Tinder Box] carried and what they didn’t,” Giolito says. “I looked at the market and the brands – I didn’t want to step on toes - and picked a dozen

“Starting my own brand was the last thing I wanted to do. I really wanted an in-house cigar.”

He was introduced to Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, who in turn introduced him to Eduardo Fernandez of Aganorsa, one of the largest growers of premium cigar tobacco in all of Nicaragua. Giolito’s pursuant travels to Nicaragua began his quest to learn everything he could about tobacco.

“I started traveling to Nicaragua,” Giolito says, something that continues to this day. The seed varietals Fernandez was using were fantastic, Criollo from Cuba brought back by the fellows that were tending the fields, which Fernandez had also expanded.

It was on a trip to Nicaragua that Giolito met Nick Melillo, who was then executive vice president of international operations for Drew Estate. Giolito was there to commence the ill-fated Illusione Nosotros, which was a collaboration with Jonathan Drew that never fully took off.

“He was hanging out at the back of the Drew Estate factory,” Melillo says.

“There were a lot of challenges on the tobacco side, but I got to see Dion’s love and passion for tobacco and blending. We hit it off. We geeked out on tobacco together.”

It didn’t hurt that they shared an affection for conspiracies and otherworld interests.

“It contributed to our friendship, since we’re looking through bales of tobacco all day,” Melillo says. “His branding came up and he learned I am into a lot of these things, or at least talking about them.”

Plus, Dion, Melillo says, “is authentic, that’s what makes his brand a success.

He’s not an outgoing, talkative person, and he’s kind of intimidating, very inward-focused. But he’s authentic.”

The trips to Nicaragua continued even as Giolito’s cigars drew rave reviews.

“I really learned from these guys down there, I had to,” he says. It took three years of flying back and forth to

Nicaragua, fact-finding missions, he calls them.

“I had to learn more about the back-end process and why certain tobaccos smoke a certain way and how they come together, the science of the blending. The old Cubans don’t offer any information at all when someone like me gets into the business and it can be intimidating.

But the old school Cuban guys, they will answer you if you ask more of them. It’s their passion, it’s what they did with their lives.”

Giolito met the fellows who woke up with a cigar on the nightstand and took a puff before heading to the factory, which is where he felt the most comfortable, watching the blenders and rollers.

“That’s where I garnered a lot of information,” he says. “I’d say ‘how does that work?’ and try to tie it together with something I had been speaking about, then there’s this blend and I’d want to know how it was put together and why. I’d try it doing trial and error. I got to the point where Eduardo gave me carte blanche.”

Giolito became an accomplished craftsman, good enough that he could tell an exact blend through smoking, much like a music engineer can tell which kind of microphone or amp is used on a recording.

In an episode of Boveda’s Box Press podcast from 2020, Erik Espinosa told a story of meeting Giolito at a trade show and laying a Laranja on him.

“He walks off and comes back an hour later and tells me ‘that’s one of the best cigars I’ve tried at the show,’” Espinosa said. “He looks at it, ‘is this so-and-so wrapper?’ I said ‘yeah.’ He said, ‘does it have so-and-so?’ I said, ‘yeah.’”

“Now you’ve got the whole blend almost,” Espinosa said. “You got to remember the Colonel [Sanders of KFC fame] never revealed the 11 herbs and spices, and he’s getting really close to the recipe here…so he tells me ‘does it have so-and-so?’ and I said ‘no.’”

The next year Giolito approached Espinosa again at a trade show and once formalities were dispersed, Espinosa had to clear the air.

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 79

“I want to apologize to you,” Espinosa said to him. “‘Last year when you [asked] me ‘did it have so-and-so?’ it did.’”

Giolito had guessed the blend within an hour of smoking.

“Since that day, he’s always had my respect,” Espinosa said.

His Own Identity It took about five years before Illusione sales eclipsed the store’s revenue. He soon added a sales director, a social media agent to go along with the artist/designer he has always kept at hand.

For his next trick, Giolito bought OneOff in 2017 and soon created a new, puro version produced at Aganorsa Leaf’s Tabacos Valle de Jalapa factory in Estelí. By 2018, he had the new blend to market in seven sizes.

In 2021, he announced Illusione would be producing Allegria, a sister brand

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of OneOff, both originally from the stable of Andrea Molinari.

“Those two were what I wanted as they made such an impression on me,” Giolito says. “I met Andrea, he was giving away cigars at the Big Smoke and his booth had a line through the hall and he’s this big persona.”

A vigilant fly-in-the-ointment culture vulture, Giolito was attracted to the peace sign attached to OneOff cigars, which was part of the original branding when it was released in 2001.

“That was a time when people still had this mentality of peace and love that went against what was going on as we were going to war against Iraq and Afghanistan pre and post 911,” Giolito says. “No one wanted to hear that, so it made this counterculture statement.

I was all right with that.”

envelope style. Most approve.

“My first impression of Dion was in a magazine article,” Jonathan Drew said in a text message. “I thought he was absolutely crazy. Dion was in pajamas and appeared to be singing opera of some nature, probably Italian opera.

In the article, homie was chatting it up about flying saucers and outta space phenomenon of various nature.

I realized at that moment that he was definitely not ‘industry standard.’”

Shortly after reading the article, Drew saw Illusione at a store and “after smoking three or four boxes of Illusione Original Documents, it became one of my favorite cigars, along with Pete Johnson’s Tatuaje brown label. Dion is a classy guy, pure class. Proud to call him my friend.”

He kept the peace sign.

As far as the next big thing, Giolito is past it. He’s happy with the here and now, and the store keeps him vibrant.

Giolito’s industry colleagues and partners know of his push-the-

“The store is my gig, I love it, and it’s what I was bred to do,” he says. “My

creative force was playing in a band and creating songs and everything I put into being in a band has been replaced with blending and creating new brands.”

He’s also still big on his original mission – to get a rise from people, both in terms of making top notch smokes and delivering conspiracies.

Little did he know back then that he would be vindicated.

“All that stuff I talked about when it was conspiracy 10 or 15 years ago has been exposed and proven true over the years, be it on Art Bell or on MKUltra, it was fringe, nutjob stuff, now it’s all above the radar,” Giolito says. “Everything I did back then is now pop culture. The reason I did it back then was because no one else was doing it and I would be the last guy to put on a Panama hat and get into a field and come off as legit.

So I decided to make my own little campsite. I wasn’t looking to be big with it.”

NOV / DEC 2023 | CIGAR SNOB | 81

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

TOP CIGAR COMPANIES ( sorted by Twitter followers ) Drew Estate Cigars @DrewEstateCigar ....................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

44971 40818 28963 28820 24149 21285 20568 17586 17299 16068 15598 15168 15051 14487 14304 14145 13889 13411 13060 12901

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buckhead Cigar @BuckheadCigar ............................................

Signature Cigars DC @CigarsDC ..............................................

19708 12381 10213 7880 7117 6191 6021 4780 4645 3977

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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134974 20093 16259 14597 12743 12059 11181 10199 9150 8514

Cigar Rights of America @cigarrights ...................................... 14604 Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 9948 Tobacconist University @tobacconistU ................................... 4226

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @CigarDaveShow ........................................ 10059 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 2029 Cigars and Scotch @CigarScotch ............................................ 2049

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

@cigarvixen

What’s your happy place? #cigarvixen #cigars #madurovibes #sotl #botl #cigarlifestyle

@cigar.ology

Zino (5 x 54) Zino Nicaragua was revised and released in this current format in 2021 and now has 2 blends. But I’m curious to how the Zino brand will develop within Davidoff, clearly this has Davidoff characteristics being produced and rolled by them, and the lower end price tag makes them very intriguing. I’m just curious on how they will expand if they do and what other blends then might come out with to branch into this seemingly newer territory of cost friendly everyday smokes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

169411 151965 145685 115769 113724 111475 86822 85877 79765 77330 75933 75199 74335 72036 66152 65376 62337 61667 60912 55204

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

Havana Phil’s Cigar Company @havanaphils .............................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

108014 64012 55289 45303 31283 28826 28039 27935 24888 24413

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Premium Cigar Association @PCA1933 .................................... 21455 Total Product Expo @totalproductexpo ..................................... 7932 Cigar Rights of America @cigarrightsofamerica ......................... 5107

TOP CIGAR RADIO Cigar Dave Show @cigardave ................................................. 3602 KMA Talk Radio @KMATalkRadio ............................................. 1576 Eat Drink Smoke @eatdrinksmokepodcast .............................. 1451

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

@bovedainc

Shielding those delectable cigar flavors with Boveda, because every puff should be a flavor explosion!

Let the robust, earthy notes of the cigar dance alongside the rich, aromatic qualities of your favorite coffee blend for a match made in sensory heaven.

@projectcarboninc

TOP ONLINE CIGAR INFLUENCERS ON INSTAGRAM Liz Cigar Life Style @remarkable_liz ........................................

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TOP CIGAR ORGANIZATIONS

103598 102421 90459 89115 67263 53958 41429 40526 35598 32364

It’s that time of year again. Feels much different from the previous years, but the hunt is on.

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EVENTS CIGAR DOJO BLOCK PARTY WITH CAMACHO Broomfield, CO

Cigar Dojo and Camacho Cigars joined forces for the annual Block Party and Off the Grid event, an evening of food, drinks, games, and lots of booze which served as a pre-party for the next day’s Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival.

The setting was the Aloft Hotel in Broomfield, where partiers took over a ballroom and a parking lot, which featured the Moderation Mobile Cigar Lounge.

Erik Espinosa, Eddy Guerra, George Rami, Justin Andrews and Fred Rewey

Jack Toraño and Brian Motola

Maura Moraga, José "Pepito" Matínez, Heriberto Rubio, Ramón Adato and Barry Driscoll

Marty Cowen, Jon Korber, Michael Zackavec, Turtle, Mitchell Hohstadt and Brett Jarman

Barry Driscoll, Scott Kolesaire and Jordan Guttormson

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Clint and Stacey Cook

Scott Kolesaire, George Rami and Brendon Scott

Derrick "Flipper" Blackwell, William "Cowboy" Dunham and Kevin "Top" Brent

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EVENTS ROCKY MOUNTAIN CIGAR FESTIVAL Broomfield, CO

The festival drew over 2,500 attendees to the Omni Interlocken Resort. Participants each received a goodie bag containing over 40 premium cigars, accessories including cutters, lighters, a festival glass, and a t-shirt, along with drink tickets and a free lunch.

Vendors provided local beers along with wine and spirits, while local salsa band Cojunto Colores delivered the musical entertainment.

Emily Brinker, Karen Hackstaff, Jay Hicks, Martha Kiger and Mary Szarmach

Sara and Rick Rodríguez

Natalie and Drew Perry

Brandon and Corrine Christian

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Cigar Fanatics

Álvaro Villatoro, Oscar Valladares, Omar de Frias and Javi Carranza

Michael Bray and Patrick Halloran

Steve Bonner and Eric Gut

Laurel Tilley and Giselle Rosales

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EVENTS GET TOGETHER 2023 AT INTERTABAC Dortmund, Germany

Get Together 2023 was sponsored by ProCigar Festival and Gold Bar. The exclusive event for exhibitors at InterTabac and InterSupply took place at a hall on location, where patrons were greeted with champagne and Dominican dancers performing a ballet folklórico, a choreographed form of tap dance. There was food, drinks, cigars, cigar rollers and a live band.

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EVENTS VCF FAMILY DINNER & PARTY Dortmund, Germany

The dinner annually hosted by the Vandermarliere family was held at Mercure Hotel Dortmund Messe & Kongress. Attendees were treated to pre-dinner hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and cigars prior to dinner as Fred Vandermarliere welcomed colleagues, friends, and family. Live music was provided by the house band from Café La Trova in Miami, which the host flew in for the event. Also on site was a cigar station with Oliva and J. Cortez cigars.

Fred Vandermarliere, Ana Nuñez, Rocky Patel, Cory Bappert, Tony and Litto Gómez

Olivier Plouviez, Julie Transon and Ruben Roque

Emmanuel Díaz, Erik Calviño, Pete Johnson, Janny García, Aglyn and David Pérez Jr.

Brian Shapiro and Mercedesz Olasz

Thomas Vermandele and Wounter Van Parys

Gabriel González, Catharina Trierenberg, Freddy Molina and Frank Herrera

Abe Flores and Clay Roberts

Oscar Valladares, Orlando Ventura, Udo Fetzer, Deysi Suårez Cruz and Barbora Hanusova

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EVENTS TAMPA CIGAR BASH Tampa, FL

The Tampa Cigar Bash by Casa de Montecristo was held at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, where guests received access to exclusive deals on cigars as well as a bountiful food spread, drinks, and live music. General admission included an exclusive event bag loaded with cigars plus access to food and two drink tickets. VIP tickets featured additional perks including early-event entry, upgraded VIP event bag with bonus cigars and swag, and access to a private VIP area, which included food and an open bar.

Emily Hooker, Charlie Doc Watson and Ryan Bendell

Sherri Sieminski and Joe Gro

Adham Kaibni, Michelle Henderson, Albert Sosa, Monique Jones, Yadira Creighton and Nshokano "Chiko" Katabana

Southside Cigar Club

Michael Gordon and Michael Crabtree

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Garrett and Dena Thomas

Mike McKinney, Cynthia Fuente, Doug and James Adams and Cody Jones

JT and Rita Guagliardo

Simon and Rimona Cohen

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TAMPA CIGAR BASH Cont’d

Heath Hill, Nish Patel and Kevin Casey

Sean Knutsen and Mike Stous

Angela Yue and Ed Fernández

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Bruce MacNeel, Donald Presley, Mardell Oliver, Michael Woods and DJ Kashmoney

Forrest Hoffar, Gayle Walker and Clarence Dawson

Isabel and Yadira Creighton and Ibis Lu

Kyle Farling and Laurel Tilley

Sharon Holt and Alex Nungaray

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EVENTS CIGAR SMOKING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GRAND FINAL 2023 Split, Croatia

The Cigar Smoking World Championship Grand Final 2023 featured both seasoned veterans and up-and-comers in the slow smoking competition. Held at the Radisson Blu Resort Split, Rocky Patel and Marko Bilic served as commentators while 10,000 viewers streamed the event live on YouTube. The international group of contestants took their seats and dug in. Spectators indulged in champagne, Chivas Regal cocktails, and RP cigars while watching the action. The victor was German Hauke Walter by a three-minute margin over second place Andrej Leontijev of Belarus.

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