HL Global Dec 25

Vianto Cigars

A Reflection of Honduran Quality SPECIAL

Zarova Vodka A Luxury Combining Originality and Excellence

MADRID, AMONG SMOKES

A Tobacco Museum in Belgium…

From the Middle Ages to Christmas, in Bruges

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ANATOMY B.A.M.F. Cigars Barbed Wire

Contents MADRID, AMONG SMOKES

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TOBACCO WORLD

A Tobacco Museum in Belgium…

From the Middle Ages to Christmas, in Bruges

COLUMNS OF SMOKE

Master Habanosommelier

CÁNDIDO ALFONSO

Vines, Leaves, and Flavors…

When Tobacco Speaks the Language of Wine

SOFÍA RUIZ

THE HUMIDOR

New releases, favorites, and classics

SPECIAL

Zarova Vodka A Luxury Combining Originality and Excellence

ANATOMY

B.A.M.F. Cigars Barbed Wire

22

30

56

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YESI ROSE

Revolución Whisky Chilean Moonshine Sustainability in Every Bottle

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MICHEL I. TEXIER

SOTL GLOBAL MOVEMENT DR. ANASTASIA PSOMIADI

Toast with History…

Choose the Perfect Drink for the Holidays

CIGAR, MALT & PIPE

RAÚL MELO

Kostas Tsililis Distilling a Legacy…

SPIRITS LOVERS

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62

REVIEW

Jägermeister The Legend of Saint Hubert…

GONZALO ROMERO

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COVER STORY

40 Vianto Cigars

A Reflection of Honduran Quality When passion is shared and meets the determination to always do the best, the perfect combination is created to develop ideas and products of the highest quality, designed for the most discerning public.

RAÚL MELO

Directory Enrique Quijano Style Correction César Salinas Chávez Director Alberto Arizmendi Editorial Director

Moisés Licea Web Master Yoshua Segovia Community Manager

COLLABORATORS

GHL Dominican Republic Julio César Fuentes Commercial Director Honduras Patricia Pineda Rolando Soto Roberto Pérez Santiago Art Director Raúl Melo Publisher

Argentina Gastón Banegas Canada Nicolás Valenzuela Voss Chile Francisco Reusser Christopher Sáez Michel Iván Texier Verdugo Colombia Federico Londoño Mesa Eduardo Márquez Cuba José Camilo López Valls

Dominican Republic Francisco Matos Mancebo Wendell Rodríguez Mexico Aurelio Contreras Gonzalo Romero Manolo Santiago Puerto Rico Cándido Alfonso José Luis Acosta Spain Luciano Quadrini Sofía Ruiz José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca Fernando Sanfiel United States Anastasia Psomiadi Blanca Suárez Francisco Arias Lefty Karropoulos Yesi Rose Venezuela José Bello Diego Urdaneta

YEAR 2, ISSUE 20, DECEMBER 2025 Humo Latino Magazine reserves the right to reject unsolicited articles that contravene its thematic profile, as well as those that do not conform to its style standards.

The articles received will be approved in the first instance by members of the Editorial Board.

We reserve the right to make changes or introduce modifications to the manuscripts, for the sake

of better reading comprehension, without this implying changing their content.

The authors are responsible for the content published under their signature. Humo Latino Magazine does not assume any responsibility for possible conflicts arising from the authorship of the works and publication of the graphic material that accompanies them.

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Editorial Nicaragua Breathes E

ver since Europe encountered tobacco, there have been attempts to prohibit its recreational use.

In antiquity, it was associated with the devil, and in the modern era, it has been demonized with its supposed negative effects. The attack has been constant throughout history, and for the premium cigar–painfully associated with the cigarette– the challenges ahead are great, both concerning prohibitions and the rising taxes to which it is subject.

However, perhaps the biggest challenge the industry faced during this year now ending was the threat to the largest exporter of premium cigars to the United States: Nicaragua, which holds nearly 60 percent of the market. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) threatened to withdraw the country from the Dominican Republic-Central AmericaUnited States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR) or impose tariffs of over 100 percent, which would have implied a devastating blow to the market.

Fortunately, this December 10th, the tobacco industry could breathe a sigh of relief. In a press release from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the Section 301 action against Nicaragua, the establishment of

additional tariffs up to 15 percent was announced, but it exempted CAFTA-DR products, among which premium cigars are included, from this measure.

“Effective January 1, 2026, the United States will impose a tariff that is phasedin over two years on all imported Nicaraguan goods that are not originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). The tariff will be set at zero percent on January 1, 2026 and will increase to 10 percent on January 1, 2027, and to 15 percent on January 1, 2028. Any tariff would stack with others such as the existing 18 percent Reciprocal Tariff. Further, should Nicaragua show a lack of progress in addressing these issues, this timeline and these rates may be modified,” the statement notes.

This means that any Nicaraguan merchandise that does comply with the CAFTA-DR rules of origin and is eligible for tariff preference will not be subject to this new Section 301 tariff. Therefore, premium cigars that currently enter dutyfree would be excluded from the new levy.

We can consider this a victory for the industry and a relief, at least temporary, for the market.

Madrid, Among Smokes A Tobacco Museum in Belgium...

From the Middle Ages to Christmas, in Bruges

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Sofía Ruiz Master Habanosommelier The train door opened, and I felt the winter air on my face. I felt like jumping up and down like a child getting out of bed on December 25th to open those long-awaited gifts. Although in this case, the gift was not under the Christmas tree, but in every street, bridge, and story that the city of Bruges, in Belgium, was about to offer me.

On the way to the center, the cobblestone streets and the first Christmas decorations awakened those feelings that most of us have as this season approaches. Somehow, just like a Cuban cigar –which requires time and dedication– those small details motivate us to keep going when the final third of the day does not turn out as planned.

The morning looked somewhat unpredictable, with a light rain and a cold that cut through the skin, but “so typical,” according to our guide, who even commented: “You’re lucky today, as Bruges welcomes you with one of its 200 days of rain a year.”

As we ventured into its small streets, with brick constructions inspired by the Gothic style and its famous pointed finishes, I imagined myself heading to Hogwarts, the school from the famous Harry Potter saga.

We arrived at the Grote Markt or Market Square, with more than six centuries of existence, occupied by a Christmas market and surrounded by ancient buildings with facades in reddish tones.

It is small, but charming, and together with a group of visitors of different nationalities, I prepared to discover the history of Brugge; the name of the city in Dutch.

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This area was favored by its famous canals and the Reie River, which connects to the North Sea. Before the 5th century, the region was part of the Roman Empire, which built a wall surrounding the city, but which was destroyed centuries later.

The final name the city received means bridges or canals, and it originated from the Old Norse word Bryggja. As an anecdote, the guide told us that locals are surprised and shocked when they discover that in Spanish, we know their city as Brujas (Witches).

Don’t expect to arrive and find women dressed in black flying on brooms, but do expect some good black beers produced in the area, because if Belgians have anything, it’s beer of all styles, colors, and flavors.

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Around the year 863, Baldwin I received the County of Flanders as a gift and, becoming its first Count, changed the city’s history. Thanks to its maritime location, it became –at the beginning of the Middle Ages– an important port and international commercial center.

Wool weaving, especially the famous Flemish cloth, significantly boosted the economy, which, along with the arrival of Italian merchants, allowed for the construction of great buildings such as La Lonja (The Exchange) in the Main Square; the Hospital of St. John, and some palaces of wealthy families, like the Gruuthuse.

The guide told us that during the era of greatest splendor and abundance, there were guilds, such as those for tanners and artisans. That sparked my desire to know about my passion, and I asked if there was any guild related to tobacco.

She didn’t have precise information, so it’s possible that some current tobacconist or cigar shop could originate from an ancient guild.

During the walk, window displays full of chocolates flooded the view, awakening the appetite. Belgium has a great chocolate tradition, and its workshops are a cacao amusement park. We stopped at a small shop, where Christmas decorations were mixed with figures of Santa Claus and elves, and where all the molds, chocolates, fillings, and their aromas make you feel like the chocolate is melting in your mouth.

To my surprise, on the way to St. Boniface Bridge, we came across a modern tobacco guild right in the center. Facing the famous Simon Stevin Square, where there is a statue paying homage to the mathematician, there is a beautiful tobacconist’s shop where, after escaping the tour, I found one of my Christmas gifts: a Montecristo Petit Tubos, a vitola created in the late eighties. The place had a wide variety of Habanos in large formats, ideal for smoking on vacation when you have more time to sit and enjoy the after-dinner conversation.

I decided on a tubo (tube), a presentation that, due to the rush of the tour, turned out to be perfect for protecting the delicate wrapper of this Habano, measuring 42 x 129 mm. With a ripe caramel color and velvety texture, due to the natural humidity in the environment, it was ideal for reaching for the lighter, and with the first spark... the first puff!

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Now I understand a little more the origin of the tube presentations, which in the early 20th century were intended for railroad workers.

We passed the palace (today, a museum) of the Gruuthuse family, one of the most important of the medieval era. It is said that they began brewing their own beers and had their own water well for this purpose.

Finally, we arrived at St. Boniface Bridge, also known as the Bridge of Love. Legend has it that centuries ago, a man’s fiancée died, and he decided to contact someone from the afterlife to recover her. And although this story does not have a happy ending, the place shows the beauty of medieval architecture from the late 13th century, when it was built as part of a new canal system that connected Bruges to the sea.

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It is said that when crossing this bridge with your partner, the one walking ahead should not look back, lest the relationship break. So while all the couples went up and built their stories for social media, I moved forward with my Habano. After all, I also had a legend in my hands: this 2025, the Montecristo brand celebrates 90 years since its creation by Alonso Méndez.

Perhaps not much is heard about this figure, but he was a notable Spaniard who, in 1935, acquired the Particulares factory, where a high-royalty, though little-known, brand called Byron was produced. A year later, he founded the Méndez García y Cía. company, located at Aldama Street number 87, in Havana. Thanks to the success achieved, he later acquired the H. Upmann factory, and Montecristo was born there –an emblem of the Habano and synonymous with the strength and Cuban flavor that aficionados appreciate so much.

The tour came to an end, but like any tourist, along with my travel companion, I wanted to make the most of the city, like enjoying a Habano down to the nub.

We headed north of the historic center, to the Rozenhoedkaai pier (Quay of the Rosary), one of the most photogenic and representative spots in the city. Of course, we took a ride on a small boat, because how could one come to Bruges and not ride through its canals, which – along with its historic center– have been declared a World Heritage Site?

These canals originate from the Reie River, and during the medieval era, they allowed ships to reach the city. Around some of them, like Groenerei and Dijver, there are houses and hotels, but mainly breweries.

Back on land, life called for food and something to drink. Nothing better than hydrating with a beer tasting, as Belgium is considered a powerhouse in the world of barley and houses six of the twelve monasteries that remain in production. The most well-known styles are Trappist, Dubbel, Tripel, and Saison. bitter, hoppy, and with good foam, notes identified on the palate range from citrusy and fruity to chocolate, coffee, or even spices, depending on the style.

Returning to the center, eager to sit and enjoy my Montecristo and very curious about how tobacco was treated in the medieval era, I decided to do a little research online.

To my surprise, in the province of Wervik, in northern Belgium, lies the Nationaal Tabaksmuseum (National Tobacco Museum), which opened its doors in 1987.

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According to the museum’s website, tobacco was already cultivated in Wervik around 1650. The city became famous as a paradise for those who smuggled tobacco into neighboring France; an intense and especially lucrative trade. Thanks to its sandy loam soils and the technical learning developed over time, this region became the most important cultivation area in Belgium in the 20th century.

I felt a small pit in my stomach. Had I known this information earlier, one of the first stops on this trip would have been this privileged space of good smokes. The information to undertake this trip into the Tobacco World is available at: https://www. nationaaltabaksmuseum.be/nl/

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Night fell, and with it, the medieval buildings in the center of Bruges lit up: the Town Hall, the Belfry bell tower, the Basilica, and its Christmas market in the square. The Christmas tree was surrounded by small wooden stalls offering different types of food, from gofre (waffles) to chocolates, beer, and pizza. In the background, a musical band set the rhythm for the carols.

The Christmas spirit reached us with that feeling that slightly catches in your throat when you feel the cold on your face, which you mitigate with a glass of hot wine. Amidst the crowd, on a communal bench, I decided to light the Habano that accompanied me to receive my greatest gift: gratitude for being able to live moments that fill the soul and ignite life.

To you, who have accompanied me throughout all these months, I want to thank you for your support for this column; a space for learning and getting to know each other. I wish you the best for these holidays, may the spirit of Christmas reach your life, and may every one of the wishes you hold in your heart come true this new year.

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THE * HUMIDOR New arrivals, favorites, and classics. (*) In alphabetical order.

Barreda Cigars, O21

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador.

Binder: Indonesia.

Filler: Nicaragua.

Size: Robusto, 5 x 50.

Friend’s Cigars, Havana Anniversary

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador.

Binder: Olor Dominicano.

Filler: Cuba (seed), Dominicana, and Pennsylvania.

Size: Toro, 6 x 50.

Guillén & Co. Premium Cigars, Julio H

Wrapper: Habano Maduro Jamastrán.

Binder: Olancho and Talanga Nicaragua.

Filler: Olancho and Talanga Nicaragua.

Size: Belicoso, 6 x 50.

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Hoja de Quisqueya, Serie 1 Toro

Wrapper: Corojo.

Binder: HVA. Filler: Quin Díaz, Criollo '98, and Piloto Cubano.

Size: Toro, 6 x 52.

Márquez Cigars, Sr. Aniceto

Wrapper: Habano 2000 Ecuador.

Binder: Criollo '98.

Filler: Dominicana (6 leaves, one from each producing province).

Size: Toro Gordo, 6.5 x 55.

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Matilde Cigar Co., Renacer

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador.

Binder: Dominicana.

Filler: Dominicana and Nicaragua.

Size: Torpedo, 6 x 54.

PDR, AFR-75 Claro

Wrapper: San Andrés Claro.

Binder: Dominicana Criollo '98.

Filler: Dominicana Habano, Criollo '98, and Connecticut Broadleaf.

Size: Sublime, 5 x 56.

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René Cigars, Robusto

Wrapper: Habano 2000.

Binder: Olor Dominicano.

Filler: Criollo '98 Ligero, HVA Seco, and Piloto Viso.

Size: Robusto, 5 x 52.

San Pedrito, Box Pressed

Wrapper: San Andrés.

Binder: Nicaragua.

Filler: Nicaragua Estelí, Jalapa, Condega, and Broadleaf.

Size: Box-Pressed Toro, 6 x 50.

Vianto, Habano

Wrapper: Nicaragua.

Binder: Costa Rica.

Filler: Nicaragua.

Size: Toro, 6 x 54.

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Special

Zarova Vodka

A Luxury Combining Originality and Excellence HLG

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Misael Plasencia and his wife, Neydis Rojas.

H

e graduated as an engineer in Cuba, his native country, where –through internships and work in sugar mills– he learned about the fermentation and distillation processes for rum production; a spark that ignited in Misael Plasencia the desire to produce a spirit under his own brand at some point in his life.

That idea had to wait more than two decades, as he and his wife, Neydis Rojas, arrived in the United States on February 19, 2003, to settle in Florida. There, as a team, they found the possibility of a successful career in Real Estate, and thanks to that, Plasencia Enterprise Group –their master company– now presents Zarova Vodka, a brand with premium expressions aimed at the highend market.

THE ROAD TO VODKA As an idea, the project started towards the end of 2023, but it was the following year when they decided to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon red wine with a company in Napa Valley, California. The goal was to gift it to their clients and friends, who encouraged them to commercialize it. But although they had a name, Bodegas Plasencia, they lacked a label, suitable bottles, and the corresponding permits.

In an effort to advance the process while completing the paperwork, they considered including a rum or a tequila, but through the wine houses and distilleries, the opportunity arose to produce vodka with an individual Misael describes as a “master of spirits.” With him, they devised three expressions of the drink: based on corn, blue agave, and French grapes.

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Although vodka is traditionally obtained from grains or tubers, Misael explains that any fruit or element that ferments and produces alcohol can actually be used. “It is true that Russian vodka, the most famous, uses potatoes.

But with the extinction of the Soviet Union and the loss of the Designation of Origin, this spirit is made in different ways and in various countries.”

PREMIUM CATEGORY

A vodka is considered good from four or five distillations, “but ours are distilled eight times, and we use state-of-theart filters certified by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

So we are several levels above in terms of distillation and filtering.”

The blue agave vodka is a novel product.

“We are the first to bring it to market at this level, as in Mexico, white tequila is typically distilled twice –regardless of whether it is later reposado or añejo. Ours is distilled eight times to turn it into vodka, but it retains the characteristics of tequila, with those notes of pepper, earth...”

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According to Misael, for their corn vodka, selected grains with gluten-free, kosher certification, and genetic integrity guarantee are used. The blue agave vodka is processed in Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico, and the grape vodka is obtained from fruit in the Champagne region, France, where it is distilled. The latter two possess a Designation of Origin.

Although born in Pinar del Río, Cuba, Misael considers himself an aficionado, not an expert, in tobacco.

But his preference would be to pair a mild-strength cigar with the Champagne vodka; a mediumstrength, with the blue agave; and a medium-to-fullstrength, with the corn vodka.

Regarding the Champagne grape vodka, people ask him if it has bubbles. “I have to explain that no, because it is a vodka and not champagne. In fact, I would say it is very suitable for women, because it is a soft expression that appeals to those who are not accustomed to drinking strong spirits.” However, like the corn and blue agave expressions, it has 40% alcohol by volume (ABV).

A PERFECT DRESSING

Unlike many vodkas used for mixing or in cocktails, those from Zarova Vodka were made to be drunk neat. “They don’t burn or feel unpleasant, but are slightly softer, sweeter, or fruitier, yet at the same time distinct. Most people, even those who aren’t experts, try them and say: ‘Hey, I like this one, but it has nothing to do with this one, which I also like, and this one too, and it has nothing to do with the other two.’”

He took the idea to an industrial engineer, who created the 3D model and determined its capacity. But the desired result, due to its complexity, could only be obtained from perfume packaging manufacturers. So he had to find a supplier in India –a country famous for the development of this industry– who is also involved in making their boxes. “These bottles are unique, patented, and made of blown glass.

There is nothing like them on the market,” he affirms.

As part of product development, Misael took on the task of designing a bottle in parallel. He says that in addition to consulting antique books, for months he visited the main liquor stores looking for ideas, but found nothing because, in the case of vodka, all bottles are similar: simple and even using the same tones. So he took pen and paper to draw something different.

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During the nights and early mornings, due to the time difference, he supervised the process of creating the bottles and packaging. When agreeing on the final colors of the samples, he requested a blue, a black, and a white one, which, upon arrival, he decided to keep exactly as they were –advised by his wife– to give each product its own identity: Black for the corn vodka; blue for the blue agave; and white for the champagne grape vodka, with silver or gold elements, as the case may be.

The design, based on inverted triangles, lends itself to subjective interpretation: “It’s like standing in front of a painting; everyone can see something different. I simply liked it, and I ended up devising a cap that fit the same idea,” Misael adds. A QR code appears on the label of each piece, leading to the storytelling, information on its contents, and corresponding certifications.

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Inside the boxes, where luxury also predominates, information on the three expressions is visible. “That is to say, if you buy one, you have two more to buy. It’s really like a collection that we wanted to imbue with that touch and take the product to total luxury.”

NAME AND MARKET Misael relates that Palm Beach –where his company is based– has served as a refuge and retreat for former presidents of many countries, or their families, who came to the United States under different circumstances. A tale that survives in the area is that the youngest daughter of the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, was brought in 1917 by an escort or military close to the ruler to save her life.

Although the story is not real, it is assumed that she remained there under another name until her death in the seventies or eighties, and that she was known as Zarova. “True or false, this belief persisted in the collective imagination, and the name seemed interesting to me. Beyond the fact that our products are not Russian, they do have that origin.”

This nominal link to royalty or magnificence “is what identifies our products in their unique character. I define them as the blue label of vodkas; the drink you buy as a gift and share with the person gifted. It’s not just a bottle and a box, but something of excellence, with a high profile, which implies luxury and enjoyment.”

Therefore, its distribution is handled by renowned companies that place high-profile beverages in yacht clubs and private airports across the United States, as well as exclusive online product stores and liquor stores that cater to these market segments. Similarly, they are presented through tastings at private clubs, cigar lounges, and major festivals.

SHARED FUTURE Neydis and Misael have been together for 26 years, and as a team, they complement each other in business development, marketing, and administration. They share the vision and mission of bringing Zarova Vodka to Dubai early next year. “We are already in negotiations with a company, and in the same way, we will seek to enter India.”

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A Mexican designer created the triangular label for an atypical bottle. “Today we are proud of that work, which marked the final stage of an exciting process.

Sleepless nights and effort were worth it; it’s like having a child....”

He maintains that currently, “Dubai represents the highest luxury market on the globe, and it is important to be there because although Arabs do not consume alcohol, tourist traffic is very high and experiencing constant growth. In the case of India, its population quadruples that of the United States, and as an emerging country, it is poised to be a powerhouse in the years to come.”

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Furthermore, he announces that during 2026, they will launch a fourth expression of Zarova Vodka, made from potatoes grown in Idaho, and Bodegas Plasencia will revitalize wine production, not only with their Cabernet Sauvignon but by expanding the lines to a white, a rosé, and a blend. The company’s growth also contemplates the inclusion of a 100% agave tequila, called Gran Zafiro Azul, in its blanco, reposado, and añejo versions.

Thanks to the path traveled and the experience gained with their first premium products, Misael and Neydis decided to continue working on their new projects in the so-called luxury sector. They clarify that this does not imply disregarding the rest of the market sectors, but a taste for maintaining the level of excellence in the beverages, their presentations, and everything that entails.

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Cover Story

Vianto Cigars

A Reflection of Honduran Quality HLG

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Raúl Melo

W

hen passion is shared and meets the determination to always do the best, the perfect combination is created to develop ideas and products of the highest quality, designed for the most discerning public.

Vianto Cigars not only combines the names of Vidal Antonio Montoya into a single brand name, but it is also a reflection of the effort in the Honduran fields, where high-quality tobacco is planted and harvested, proudly rolled to tell stories of success –from the initial batch that captivated him with his most personal smoke, to the dedications of love and the innovation born of passion.

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SMOKING HONDURAS Vidal Antonio Montoya is originally from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and is about to turn 41 years old, having resided in New York, United States, for almost three decades. There, far from any tobacco tradition, he began his career in the construction industry, where he continues to this day.

Throughout his life, he crossed paths with cigarettes on a couple of occasions, without ever getting hooked on the habit. Knowing the differences between mass-market and premium tobacco, he reserved his curiosity and palate to enjoy a good cigar –and it had to be from Honduras.

Vidal Antonio Montoya.

In 2015 or 2016, during a family trip back to his homeland, Vidal Antonio set himself the mission of trying his first puro, and a Flor de Copán was the chosen stick. The experience was pleasant, but he didn’t fully understand it; however, the taste of the tobacco on his palate captivated him and invited him to smoke again.

By 2022, his hobby had grown and seemed likely to soon exceed his personal supply and budget. That’s when the idea arose to commission a custom batch: 1,500 cigars just for himself and to share with friends.

“I met someone in Danlí, who connected me with another person, and I ended up buying 500 Habano wrapper cigars, 500 Connecticut, and 500 Maduro to have at my disposal in New York.”

Working in construction, Vidal Antonio spent a lot of time surrounded by Italian-American colleagues, with whom he shared the cigars without thinking that a business could be born from it.

But each smoke was so exquisite that the first batch quickly sold out, “and I had to call Danlí to order more.”

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GROWING AFFINITY Thus, what began as an aficionado seeking to connect with his roots grew into a passionate smoker and, gradually, a connoisseur and an expert-in-training.

For Vidal Antonio, the process of creating blends was very intuitive, receiving samples directly from Danlí to New York.

The first shipment consisted of nine cigars, three for each wrapper variety commissioned, which he smoked during a meticulous analysis process that allowed space for only one cigar per day. “I didn’t want anything to influence my palate, to get to know them better.”

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Ten days later, the decision was made. He sent a communication to Danlí and waited for the factory to have them ready to go pick them up personally. One visit was enough for him to completely fall in love with an industry that welcomed him as an aficionado, and a year and a half later, would welcome him as a brand owner.

The transition was chaotic, he admits, as inexperience and competition, permits, and the various requirements for entering stores, lounges, and markets in general hindered the adventure.

“I already had the product and the companies, but the sales stabilization process continued, and still continues its course, trying to adjust what is necessary to do things better and better. It is always important to know what you want, even if you don’t yet know how.”

A BRAND Vianto is the result of combining the first and middle names of its creator, and the public has also really liked the sound of the word. The image selected for the first three vitolas, the most classic, is quite minimalist, featuring the silhouette of a Fedora –a classic hat– in gold, over a red field for the Habano, blue for the Connecticut, and black for the Maduro, plus five stars representing the Honduran flag. “It’s a simple concept without much formality, as I didn’t want anything exaggerated, and I loved its simplicity.”

From the first moment Vidal Antonio decided to enter the world of premium tobacco, his mind was filled with ideas and an optimism based on Honduras’s qualities as a tobacco producer; a confidence that prompted him to invest a little more resources to launch six, instead of three, lines in his initial vitolario (portfolio).

Then came the Torpedo with a twowrapper, a Box-pressed (Prensado), and the Vuelta de Hoja, each inspired by his personal experiences when enjoying a good cigar. The first captivated him with its concentration of subtle flavors; the second, by its elegant shape; and the third, as a popular innovation in Honduras that provides a touch of mystery, wrapping its beautiful golden band in a tobacco leaf instead of the typical cellophane.

Next came Mehira, a cigar created for the American taste, with a large ring gauge and intense notes, followed by Emperatriz, dedicated to the deep love professed by Vidal Antonio for his wife, Brenda Emperatriz. This line is infused with cinnamon, which unlike others incorporates the flavor into the filler and not the wrapper.

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PORTFOLIO Habano

Size: Toro, 6 inches, 54 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Nicaragua.

Binder: Costa Rica.

Filler: Nicaragua.

Connecticut

Size: Toro, 6 inches, 54 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Nicaragua.

Binder: Costa Rica.

Filler: Nicaragua.

Maduro

Size: Gran Toro, 6 inches, 58 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Nicaragua.

Binder: Costa Rica.

Filler: Nicaragua.

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Torpedo

Size: Torpedo, 6.5 inches, 52 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Habano/Connecticut Honduras.

Binder: Nicaragua.

Filler: U.S. and Ecuador.

Prensado

Size: Gran Toro Prensado, 6 inches, 58 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Honduras.

Binder: Honduras.

Filler: Honduras.

Mehira

Size: Gordo, 5 inches, 70 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Habano Maduro Nicaragua.

Binder: Honduras.

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua.

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Emperatriz

Size: Churchill, 7 inches, 50 ring gauge.

Wrapper: Habano Ecuador.

Binder: Nicaragua.

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua.

EXCLUSIVITY In the Tobacco World, Vidal Antonio found that life can be both simple and hard, depending on the side you advance on. He discovered that smoking a puro is not for everyone, because although anyone can blow smoke, few truly enjoy the experience and the personal connection that a premium cigar can offer.

Every time he visits a lounge, Vidal Antonio has two certainties. The first is that he probably won’t know the person who decides to sit next to him. And the second is that it is the only space where two people as unequal as one can possibly imagine can agree.

He recalls that some time ago, while attending a lounge near his home, he met an important person in the city. He hadn’t noticed it, but during the conversation, it emerged that the person was connected within politics from many years back.

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Before he knew it, just as he would have done with anyone who sat next to him, Vidal Antonio offered him a Vianto Maduro he had with him.

“Where did you get these?”, the man asked, and then he told him the story of his personal brand.

haggle over the price for the quality of his product. “I had encountered occasional buyers who liked my cigars, and although they bought them, they complained about the price. With him, it was different: he smoked it, he liked it, and he paid.”

That afternoon, this person became his first wholesale customer, purchasing 20 sticks with a handshake and cash payment. “He asked the price, I gave it to him, he gave me the money, and we said goodbye... But a week later, he called to order 200 more cigars.”

Based on this, Vidal Antonio learned to select his points of sale, accumulating only a few in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, but waiting to finalize state permit procedures to expand to Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Florida.

Additionally, his brand is marketed in Honduras, within the best resort in Roatán, as well as in Spain, Grand Cayman, and Jamaica, through cruise ship tourism.

This experience showed him that the exclusivity of his product could bring him more benefits, selling to a smaller number of customers, but with the satisfaction that no one would

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FORWARD, WITH EVERYTHING He explains that the most difficult part of starting this business is juggling employment with entrepreneurship.

At the moment, he organizes the events alone and sometimes with his wife, with the obligation to respect budgets and set limits that do not affect the family’s assets. “But it is important to understand that we are humans pursuing a dream, with desires to do different things and to build a legacy for the family, for whom you always seek the best. It is not easy to travel, promote, and get permits in my current job, but when there is will, desire, and you lose the fear, anything is possible.”

And if he had to share one piece of advice, he would say that when you truly decide to start something, it is important to build enough momentum to reach the

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top, because you will need it. “My wife always gives me an earful about this, but I am someone who likes to always grow big, pushing the cart until reaching the peak.”

Thus, Vidal Antonio defines himself as someone very determined in his ventures, and although he never thought of doing anything within the premium tobacco industry, “life puts you on the path, even if you don’t seek it: it arrived, I got interested, I became passionate, and here we are.”

In that journey, he notes that sometimes he has had support and other times he has been alone, but always moving forward with everything, without stopping –a determination that has allowed him to take giant strides, positioning a Honduran brand that captures attention and that people enjoy.

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For him, Vianto Cigars aims to position itself as a leading brand in Honduras and globally, maintaining a clear vision and seeking to compete in the major leagues of tobacco, supported by the determination with which he handles almost all his affairs and with the quality of a product proudly made in Honduras.

“I like being an entrepreneur and going big. For something small, better nothing at all... And with Vianto Cigars, I want to take that step that puts Honduras on the showcase from a positive perspective, because this is not about elevating my brand: Vianto is not a personal brand, but a reflection of the quality of the Honduran industry.”

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Anatomy

B.A.M.F. Cigars

Barbed Wire

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Raúl Melo

I

smael Oliván is a martial artist and former serviceman with over 20 years of experience creating blends, both for his own brands –B.A.M.F., Don Oliván, and K9– and for hundreds of private labels manufactured at his company: ROCF, Rodríguez Oliván Cigars Factory, which has three establishments in the Dominican Republic.

Creative like few others, Ismael always seeks to bring innovation to all his ventures, whether in construction or in the premium tobacco field, where his creations range from the Inside Out, a cigar crafted with an inverted roll, starting with the wrapper in the filler and finishing with a reversed, glued band, to the Around the World, which alternates a robust filler with a twisted bunching to create a flavor “roller coaster.”

The impeccable construction of the Barbed Wire is a result of this innovation.

Its interior varies the bunching techniques to provide a flavor journey whose intensity changes depending on the draw and the shifting position of its visos, secos, and ligeros leaves.

In his dual role as owner and blender, Ismael Oliván’s creations always have a personal touch. In the case of this eye-catching cigar, a braid made with Connecticut tobacco resembles barbed wire –a common tool in barracks and battlefields.

But beyond an aesthetic function, Ismael asserts that the braid serves to cool the tobacco, enhancing the experience and providing a natural pause to the smoke, ideal for those who tend to rush their tobacco.

Ismael Oliván.

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CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Robusto, 5 inches, ring gauge 54.

Wrapper: San Andrés and Connecticut in the braid.

Binder: Dominicana.

Filler: Olor Dominicano Ligero, Dominicana San Vicente, and Piloto Cubano Seco.

Weight: 19 grams, average.

Smoking time: 60-90 minutes.

Suggested Price: 12 USD.

→Cold Draw: The draw on this cigar is variable due to its construction characteristics, but a quick test on the wrist’s pulse can give an idea of its quality. From the foot, it announces that it is Dominican, and sweet and floral notes are its distinctive signature.

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→Lighting: Due to its construction style, the flavor journey is unpredictable, revealing the presence of San Vicente leaves at the beginning of the smoke. The intensity is total, without an apparent nicotine punch, but with a high intensity of very Dominican flavors.

→Final Third: Throughout the smoke, the Connecticut braid fulfills its function, providing the appropriate pauses so as not to rush the burn and ruin the experience. But when the band is removed, the surprise arrives: the main knot of this ‘barbed wire’ –the longest pause– brings intense saline flavors, typical of this leaf, added to what the Piloto Cubano contributes.

→First Third: When this cigar is bunched, the orientation of the viso, seco, and ligero leaves from Olor, San Vicente, and Piloto Cubano alternate –sometimes up, sometimes in the middle, and sometimes down– giving the smoker an ever-changing experience that keeps things interesting.

→Second Third: Due to its characteristics, by this point the draw has loosened slightly, delivering dense smoke and balanced flavors.

Although changes continue as you advance, the smoke is pleasant and pairs perfectly with black coffee accompanying a conversation.

Ismael Oliván With a range of over one hundred blends for his own brands and 750 registered with the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) for private labels –a number that continues to grow– Ismael Oliván boasts a restless mind, attributing some of these creations to the need to solve problems and utilize raw material that he has secured around the world over the years.

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S

ince 2017, the Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement has been reshaping the cigar world, paving the way for a new era of empowerment and recognition for women. Founded by the visionary leadership of Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi, this movement has redefined the cigar world, making it a space that acknowledges and highlights women’s contributions.

Central to its mission is the empowerment of women, achieved through education, promotion platforms, mentorship, selfexploration, and fostering personal growth. The Sisters of the Leaf Global Movement represents a transformative shift, breaking barriers and opening doors to new opportunities for personal development and network building for both women and men.

Supported by its esteemed Advisory Board and Chief Business Development Officer, Lefty Karropoulos, the SOTL Global Movement inspires individuals, as well as local, national, and global associations, to develop similar initiatives and drive impactful change in the cigar industry and beyond.

·

The SGM Maestro School of CCST Alumni: The mission of the SGM Maestro School of CCST Alumni is to build a vibrant community of graduates, providing a platform for networking, knowledgesharing, and professional growth.

Through its collaboration with Humo Latino, SGM will showcase interviews with Alumni members, available in both Spanish and English. These stories highlight their journeys, achievements, and passion, serving as an inspiration for aspiring sommeliers and contributing to the global appreciation of cigar culture.

·

SGM - Women-Friendly Cigar Destinations: SGM is transforming cigar lounges, shops, resorts, bars, restaurants, clubs, and more with its Women-Friendly Certification, setting a new standard for respectful and welcoming environments. The vision is to build a global network of SGM Cigar Destinations that uphold

Key Initiatives and Impact ·

Education Through SGM Maestro School of Certified Cigar Sommeliers: Education is central to SGM’s mission, represented by the Certified Cigar Sommelier Tobacconist (CCST) program. In partnership with Tobacconist University, this comprehensive certification provides participants with in-depth knowledge of cigars, equipping them with valuable skills, enhancing their expertise, and opening doors to new opportunities in the cigar industry. It empowers both women and men to excel and thrive professionally while deepening their appreciation of cigar culture.

these values and elevate the quality of cigar culture. Certified venues must meet specific criteria, such as offering cigars from women-owned brands, training staff, hosting educational events, and collaborating with local organizations. ·

Global Dialogues and SOTL Roundtables: For the first time in cigar history, within the principles of social responsibility and business ethics, the SOTL Global Movement initiated a groundbreaking international dialogue to present women’s stories, their perspectives on the stereotypes they have faced, potentials, achievements, and aspirations. Since 2019, the movement has organized 11 “Changemakers” Roundtables, conducted in-person, virtually, and in hybrid formats, creating a significant social impact and fostering meaningful influence in the cigar world and beyond.

·

Rum Festivals Collaboration: Through a partnership with The Rum Lab, SGM provides free platforms and booths for cigar brands and lounges, bridging the gap between cigar and rum audiences at Rum Festivals across the USA. This collaboration, initiated in 2023, engages enthusiasts through VIP pairings and exclusive events, further strengthening the connection between the rum and cigar communities.

·

Supporting Local, National, and Global Initiatives: SGM has mentored women and supported various initiatives, uplifting voices, empowering communities, and offering ideas, models, and access to networks.

It fosters personal growth, helps set new goals, and helps initiatives and projects to succeed.

Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi: The Visionary Behind SGM Dr. Psomiadi, as a social innovator, academic, and entrepreneur, has redefined the cigar world by integrating social psychology and sustainability methodologies into the movement’s framework. Her vision extends beyond cigars, emphasizing connectedness, the social health of cigar enjoyment, and the broader impact of every initiative that reflects respect, self-growth, and social development.

Kostas Tsililis

Distilling a Legacy

Passion, Patience, and the Greek Spirit Behind Tsipouro

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Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi

A

cross the Mediterranean, certain traditions survive only because someone refuses to abandon them.

The ritual culture of the cigar is one, tsipouro is another, and both demand time, patience, and obsession.

That same philosophy lives –silently but powerfully– within a traditional Greek spirit whose true character is now starting to be discovered beyond Greece:

tsipouro. And at the center of its modern history stands Kostas Tsililis, a man whose life can be read as a true master class in commitment, resilience, and visionary leadership.

This interview is not simply a story about alcohol; it is a story about identity, resistance, and cultural dignity –values that every cigar aficionado instinctively understands.

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LIVING TRADITION For Kostas Tsililis, distillation was never a career choice; it was an environment.

“I grew up in a village where tradition wasn’t something you remembered, it was something you lived,” he explains. “The fire of distillation, the steam rising from the pomace, the stories shared around the still... that was the rhythm of life.”

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Tsipouro, a grape spirit born from the winemaking process, was never simply a drink; it was a liquid created by the community. In rural Greece, distillation days were celebrations, moments when people gathered, shared food, told stories, and reaffirmed their sense of belonging.

Tsipouro carried warmth, memory, and truth.

WHAT IS TSIPOURO?

FROM PHYSICS TO DISTILLATION

Tsipouro is a traditional Greek grape spirit, made from the pomace (grape skins and solids) left over after winemaking.

Unlike neutral alcohols, tsipouro retains the soul of the grape, offering aromas, texture, and complexity deeply tied to the terroir.

“Physics taught me how nature behaves,” states Tsililis. “Distillation is nothing more than nature guided with respect: evaporation, condensation, transformation.”

Its role within Greek culture can be compared to that of cognac or grappa, but with a completely unique identity –direct, honest, and expressive. For decades, tsipouro existed only in bulk, unbottled, in an informal context, until someone dared to believe it deserved more.

When Greek legislation finally allowed the official bottling of tsipouro, Tsililis saw what others failed to see: not just a product, but a future. And in 1989, with limited resources but absolute conviction, he founded the first tsipouro distillery in Thessaly, setting in motion a revolution that few were prepared to accept.

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REJECTION, RESISTANCE, AND THE VALUE OF PERSEVERANCE For Tsililis, the early years were hard. Rural communities rejected bottled tsipouro, considering it “industrial.” In the cities, it was seen as a harsh, unsophisticated spirit. There was no advertising, education, or frame of reference.

“There were moments of profound doubt,” Tsililis admits. “But faith in the product and in the truth of what we offered was what kept me going.” He went door-todoor, table-to-table, serving, explaining, and insisting. Each tasting created a new ambassador, and by the early 1990s, tsipouro began to find its place, not through fashion, but through trust.

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After 35 years, multiple crises, economic collapses, and global uncertainty, Tsililis remains a pioneer who legitimized tsipouro, a guardian of the Greek distillation legacy, and a visionary looking toward the international stage, whose ambition is not to dominate the market, but to bring dignity.

DARK CAVE TSIPOURO AGED 5 YEARS The Dark Cave Tsipouro from the Tsililis Distillery is made from freshly fermented grape pomace, sourced exclusively from highquality vineyards in Thessaly. The distillation is performed in small, traditional, discontinuous copper stills, using a slow and carefully controlled process that preserves the fresh and sweet aromatic profile of the grape.

Aging lasts for a minimum of five years in selected French and American oak barrels, previously used for red wine and the sweet wine Vinsanto. This choice softens the spirit and adds depth, structure, and complexity without masking its varietal character.

The result is a mature and balanced spirit, with evolved grape aromas and notes of raisins, plums, and bergamot peel, accompanied by vanilla, chocolate, and nutmeg. It has a firm yet elegant body, with a silky and persistent finish.

It is recommended to enjoy it neat to appreciate its full expression, or with a small amount of ice to gently open its aromatic profile.

DARK CAVE AND CIGARS When I asked Kostas Tsililis how cigars connect with his brand’s philosophy and lifestyle, and if they could occupy a central place in his company’s identity, he responded: The ancient Greeks introduced the concept of ευ ζην (living well), not as superficial pleasure, but as inner elevation –a state of harmony between the body, soul, and environment. This principle guides his personal path and the philosophy of Dark Cave today.

Aged tsipouro, with its complexity and warmth, naturally accompanies cigars that are enjoyed slowly, without distraction, in conversation or in silence. “It is not a dominant accompaniment. It is respectful.”

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At center, Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi and Kostas Tsililis.

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He believes that cigars are not limited to accompanying the Dark Cave on a sensory level –whether aged five or twelve years– but act as a catalyst that creates the necessary conditions to jointly lead him to a shared state of fullness, harmony, and consciousness.

“As a distiller of aged spirits, I wait for years until they develop the character I envision. In the same way, tobacco leaves require time to become complex, balanced

cigars. Cigars and aged spirits share the same fundamental philosophy: patience, balance, and ritual.”

For the global community of smokers, Kostas Tsililis is much more than a distiller. He is proof that great culture only survives when someone refuses to abandon it. And that, perhaps, is the best combination of all.

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Smoke Columns

Vines, Leaves, and Flavors...

When Tobacco Speaks the Language of Wine

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Cándido Alfonso (*)

F

ew arts dialogue as naturally as wine and tobacco. Though they are born in distinct territories –one on temperate hillsides and the other in tropical lands– both share the same calling: to convey the voice of the earth to the senses. Terroir, time, and the human touch converge in both. The vintner and the master blender work under parallel principles: observing, interpreting, and revealing, rather than intervening. Their task is not to create flavors, but to allow flavors to express themselves.

In wine, the grape is shaped by the season, altitude, soil, and climate of a specific year. In tobacco, the leaf responds to the humidity, the sun, the fermentation, and the care with which it is cured and classified. In both cases, origin is not a technical detail but the starting point of an identity. From this comes the complexity of a Bordeaux or a Tuscan wine, just as it yields the depth of a tobacco from Vuelta Abajo or the Dominican valleys.

But their parallelism goes beyond the raw material. Both arts rely on patience. Wine requires resting in the barrel and bottle to achieve balance; tobacco needs long fermentations, delicate curing, and aging that smooths its edges. Time is an ally, never an enemy. Nothing is rushed because accelerating would be betraying the product’s essence, and every minute of rest adds nuances; it is the silent science of flavor.

The language is also shared. We speak of body, bouquet, persistence, and evolution, the finish. A wine can open with fruit and close with leather or earth; a cigar can start with creaminess and end with deep spice.

Both are read in sequence: sip by sip, third by third. One who knows how to taste a wine understands the smoke; one who knows how to smoke a puro understands the glass.

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In recent years, this natural bond has begun to be explored with greater intention. El Séptimo, for example, not only experiments with tobaccos aged in wine barrels but also belongs to the same group that controls Vignobles Younan, a collection of wineries in Bordeaux and SaintÉmilion. This coexistence between vineyard and cigar factory is not an artifice or a marketing strategy, but an immersion in both traditions from the inside. When the same company works with the vine and the leaf, it better understands the sensitivity that both require; it understands the importance of the vintage, the climate, and the wood; it recognizes how time transforms and softens, and it discovers, almost inevitably, how these two worlds reflect each other.

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It is not about mimicking a wine in a cigar or turning a wine into smoke. The goal is more subtle: to explore the dialogue between two arts that share the same search for balance, depth, and emotion. Wine teaches that flavor is a journey; tobacco confirms that this journey can also be written in smoke.

Perhaps that is why, when both meet in the same ritual –a glass poured calmly, a cigar lit without haste– a harmony emerges that is difficult to replicate. They are arts that celebrate time and pause. They demand attention, invite conversation, and encourage introspection. In a world that runs without rest, both return us to the natural rhythm of the sensory experience.

Wine and tobacco remind us that the best experiences are not consumed, they are lived. They are discovered with patience, interpreted with sensitivity, and appreciated with respect. As long as there are hands that devotedly care for the vine and the leaf, we will continue to find in both not only pleasure but a cultural and emotional bridge between people, lands, and traditions.

Two distinct arts united by the same heartbeat.

(*) Founding partner of Entre Humos: Lounges, Online, Retail, Puerto Rico.

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Spirits Lovers

Toast with History

Choose the Perfect Drink for the Holidays

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Yesi Rose

D

uring this festive season, choosing the beverages we serve is not only a matter of price or brand, but of the story that accompanies each drink.

Because behind every bottle there is tradition, courage, romanticism... and great flavor.

If you are looking for a whisky, you can start with the deep character of Mortlach, a single malt that survived silences and wars; continue with the classic elegance of Glenlivet, which paved the way for legal distillation in Scotland; or finish with the intense nobility of The Dalmore 12, inspired by the legendary Royal Stag that marked the history of its clan.

If you prefer bourbon, the holidays shine with the romance of Four Roses, born from a true love story; the precise and unique selection of Blanton’s, the first single barrel of its kind in the modern era; or the artisanal honesty of Edmonds, which represents the new generation of passionate producers.

But if rum is your drink, few stories surpass the strength of Santa Teresa, a true symbol of social transformation in Venezuela; the high-altitude magic of Zacapa, aged above the clouds in Guatemala; or the volcanic elegance of Flor de Caña, the sustainable pride of Nicaragua.

WHISKY, ELEGANCE WITH PURPOSE Mortlach The Beast of Dufftown, forceful and sophisticated.

Profile: Dark caramel, dried fruits, and a touch of umami.

Pairing: Red meats, 70 percent dark chocolate.

Glenlivet The pioneer that legalized distillation in Scotland.

Profile: Fresh pear, honey, and flowers.

Pairing: Smoked salmon, nuts.

The Dalmore 12 Pure nobility inspired by the legendary Royal Stag.

Profile: Dark chocolate, candied orange, and warm spices.

Pairing: Cacao desserts and toasted walnuts.

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BOURBON, AMERICAN SWEETNESS WITH HISTORY Four Roses Born from a true love story.

Profile: Red fruits, vanilla, and soft oak.

Pairing: Smoked meats, aged cheeses.

Blanton’s The first modern single barrel. One bottle, one story.

Profile: Intense caramel, ripe citrus, and deep spices.

Pairing: BBQ, dark chocolate.

Edmonds Artisanal, honest, and balanced.

Profile: Golden honey, vanilla, and warm spices.

Pairing: Fried chicken, mac & cheese, vanilla desserts.

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RUM, CARIBBEAN WARMTH AND TRADITION Santa Teresa True symbol of social transformation.

Profile: Caramel, vanilla, and soft wood.

Pairing: Nougat, semi-cured cheeses.

Zacapa Aged above the clouds.

Profile: Raisins, cacao, and dark honey.

Pairing: Truffles, gourmet desserts, Habanos.

Flor de Caña Volcanic elegance and certified sustainability.

Profile: Dried fruits, honey, and toasted oak.

Pairing: Glazed meats, medium-dark chocolate.

For these holidays, the best choice is not the most expensive bottle... it is the one that connects with your palate, with your wallet, and tells a story worth sharing.

Toast with intention, flavor, and soul.

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Cigar Malt & Pipe

Revolución Whisky Chilean Moonshine

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Michel I. Texier CLASSIFICATION: Whisky Chilean Moonshine.

COMPANY: Sociedad FDC Spa. DISTILLERY: Alambiques Chile.

ABV: 40% (80 proof).

AGE: 3 years.

MASHBILL: One hundred percent malted barley (beer distillate, includes hops).

COLOR: Intense caramel.

Revolución Whisky Chilean Moonshine is obtained from the distillation of artisanal beer by-products, and therefore has the addition of hops in its aromatic and flavor profile. It is characterized by being a sustainable product, both in the use of raw materials and in its reusable packaging, which is often used for the correct storage of pipe tobacco, as many smokers customarily do.

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It is aged for three years in second-use bourbon barrels (the source distillery is not declared), which are reconditioned and re-charred to obtain the maximum possible contribution from the distillate’s interaction with the barrel wood. It does not use chill filtration or added coloring.

NOSE: It stands out initially for having no invasive alcohol notes. The spirit shows itself on the nose as highly complex and well-achieved, with aromas of walnuts, peaches, and a vegetal trace that, in my opinion, comes from the beer hops (a slight hint of freshly cut grass that reminds me of some good Ryes). Deep notes of caramel, toffee, and milk chocolate appear.

PALATE: Sweet, without being cloying, it delivers marked dairy notes, dried fruits such as hazelnuts and cashew nuts, and a very rounded profile with sensations of coffee (with milk), chocolate, and crème brûlée.

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FINISH: It has a medium finish, with a predominance of sweet notes and a slight spice that recalls cardamom and white pepper. Peach reappears, and a subtle citrus profile emerges that is not perceived on the nose or initial palate –complex and well-structured, which encourages refilling the glass with surprising ease.

COMMENTS: The idea for its production was born in 2002, materializing in 2014.

Its official launch was in 2020 during the Barcelona Cocktail Art Live Spirit, where it stood out among Latin American spirits due to the novelty of its raw material, the concept of sustainability, and its versatility for consumption both in its original form and in various cocktails, when combined with different ingredients. I particularly recommend variations of the Highball, Boulevardier, and Goodfather, using Revolución as the main spirit.

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Review Jägermeister

The Legend of Saint Hubert...

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Gonzalo Romero S. @gorosacigar

A

German vinegar factory and wine distributor created a herbal liqueur that has maintained its original recipe, with a mystical and always contemporary touch.

Jägermeister is distinctive from sight, with its green bottle and a label whose logo refers to the Legend of Saint Hubert, a wild and ruthless hunter who one day found –in the middle of the forest– a majestic stag, and between its antlers, a cross. This provoked a transformation that converted him into the defender of nature and the patron saint of hunters. In fact, the brand’s name means Master Hunter.

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This liqueur is prepared with 56 different ingredients: fruits, spices, and Oriental roots, such as licorice, anise, ginger, and juniper. In the production process, they are ground and macerated in water and alcohol, a mixture that is filtered and stored in oak barrels for one year. After this time, it is filtered, and before bottling, sugar, caramel, and water are added.

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This process gives rise to a liqueur with 35% alcohol by volume (ABV), a dark reddish color, and subtle brilliance. On the nose, we find balsamic notes, anise, caramel, and raisins, and on the palate, an initial sweetness with notes of raisins and caramel, moving through vanilla and clove, which ultimately leaves cinnamon and clove. Intense from start to finish, it is a pleasant and easy-to-drink proposal.

It should be noted that the brand has maintained the same bottle, with updates to its label, without losing its style and logo. Over the years, Jägermeister has expanded its family with different labels such as Manifest and Cold Brew Coffee, and has been a pioneer in terms of advertising, being the first brand to put its logo on a German soccer jersey, and also for participating in various music festivals around the world.

We can affirm that it has remained popular with consumers by preserving its identity, yet adapting to the trends

and tastes of each era. For example, it is a current liqueur among global youth, as it is mixed with energy drinks or classics like Tonic, Martini, etc. But without forgetting the recommendation that Jägermeister is meant to be drunk neat.

If you know it, excellent; if you haven’t had the privilege, don’t miss the opportunity to try it... And don’t forget that gratitude is an expression that increases happiness and attracts success.

@gorosacigar

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