A New Standard for Tobacco in Puerto Rico
SPECIAL
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. 130 Years of Passion and Quality
Lisardo Vivas Lit a Cigar… and Found a Path
Entre Humos
SOTL GLOBAL MOVEMENT
TOBACCO WORLD
Entre Humos
A New Standard for Tobacco in Puerto Rico
Premium tobacco has a new leader in Puerto Rico. Entre Humos, which is more than just a cigar lounge or a store, represents a growing community that combines tradition, knowledge, and hospitality. With a standard of excellence that redefines the experience of enjoying a cigar and its various pairings, Entre Humos honors the industry by building on strong relationships.
César Salinas Chávez
Director
Alberto Arizmendi
Editorial Director
GH L
Dominican Republic
Julio César Fuentes
Commercial Director
Honduras
Patricia Pineda
Rolando Soto
Roberto Pérez Santiago
Art Director
Raúl Melo
Publisher
Enrique Quijano
Style Correction
Moisés Licea
Web Master
Yoshua Segovia
Community Manager
COLLABORATORS
Argentina
Gastón Banegas
Canada
Nicolás Valenzuela Voss
Chile
Francisco Reusser
Christopher Sáez
Michel Iván Texier Verdugo
Colombia
Federico Londoño Mesa
Eduardo Márquez
YEAR 1, ISSUE 16, AUGUST 2025
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Cuba
José Camilo López Valls
Dominican Republic
Francisco Matos Mancebo
Wendell Rodríguez
Mexico
Aurelio Contreras
Gonzalo Romero
Manolo Santiago
Puerto Rico
José Luis Acosta
Spain
Luciano Quadrini
Sofía Ruiz
José Antonio Ruiz Tierraseca
Fernando Sanfiel
United States
Anastasia Psomiadi
Blanca Suárez
Lefty Karropoulos
Venezuela
José Bello
Diego Urdaneta
of better reading comprehension, without this implying changing their content.
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Editorial
The Little Big Stories
We were once told that to succeed as a media outlet and a magazine specializing in the Tobacco World, we needed to feature grand stories of multi-generational tobacconists and empires. Fortunately, we ignored that advice. Instead, our covers became filled with the dreams and stories of extraordinary people who are seeking to write their own chapter in the industry.
These are men and women with a background in tobacco or who are just starting their own journey –people who never thought they would have the opportunity to appear on the cover of an international magazine. Through this platform, they can give visibility and position their ventures, which is the case for 80 percent of the boutique cigar brands we feature on our covers.
We like to think that by giving this opportunity to men, women, partners, and organizations, we are working to tip the scales a bit. We give a voice, a space, and a platform to stories that deserve to be told, helping to boost a sector that, we believe, is the salt and pepper of this industry.
That’s not to say we don’t recognize the legacy of the world’s great tobacco companies. They have been an
inspiration and a school for many in the Dominican Republic, Cuba, Nicaragua, the United States, and Honduras. They will always have a place and a voice in the pages of Humo Latino. But every story, every company, has a beginning.
In Honduras, the Banco de Occidente has a corporate motto that perfectly expresses the spirit of our team and our entire company: “By supporting the small of today, we create the great of tomorrow.”
That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? As “El Profesor,” José Blanco, put it so well during an interview at the PCA 2023 Trade Show: “The tobacco industry is the most beautiful in the world, because in it, you are not judged by the color of your skin, your religious beliefs, the price of your cigar, or your profession and social class.”
Everyone has a place.
This is the very spirit that drives us to feature the stories of these new ventures on the covers of our digital magazines, in both Spanish and English. We like to think that we are contributing, hand in hand with each of our featured people, to creating a more diverse and inclusive industry.
In Honduras, the 7th edition of Fuego
y Barrica
Mayra Urquía, Royal Eventos’ director.
With the participation of premium cigar brands from Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic, as well as rums, wines, and highgrown coffee, the program for the seventh edition of Fuego y Barrica was presented in the Honduran capital. Under the slogan “Between smoke and mining, deep roots of our land,” it recalls the origin of the tobacco and mining industries, which forged the country’s identity.
Regarding the event, which will take place on Thursday, August 28, at the Hotel Honduras Maya, Mayra Urquía, director of Royal Eventos and organizer of Fuego y Barrica, explained that this occasion not only celebrates the excellence of Honduran tobacco, but also pays tribute to another historical wealth: the mining legacy, in a meeting with the elegance of smoke, the strength of spirits, and the character of the finest cigars. “Here, fire unites gazes, the barrel holds secrets, and every moment is an experience to live and live again.”
José Antonio Ortega and Silvio Loaisiga, owners of Loaisiga Cigars, in a previous event edition.
A SENSORY JOURNEY
The objective is to strengthen the quality, image, and reputation of cigars made in Honduras, which thanks to Fuego y Barrica is presented as a planned sensory journey in four phases, in which attendees will have the opportunity to explore the universe of premium cigars in depth, from their beginnings to pairing.
Cigars and mining are a tribute to what is extracted with work, transformed with art, and enjoyed with pride. Thus, like a vein that is discovered underground, a good cigar reveals its richness third by third, accompanied by the warmth of an aged rum or the firmness of a good whisky, the exquisiteness of a wine, and, of course, a high-grown coffee.
The program consists of four phases:
Origins: They will be able to journey through time and smoke to the ancestral origins of each type of cigar.
Selection: They will explore the inside of a cigar, its freshness, its legacy, and the selection that best suits their personality or moment.
Harmony: They will discover the secrets of conservation, cutting, lighting, and tricks of exquisiteness that will lead to a full enjoyment of the cigar’s intensity, and
Pairing: They will learn firsthand the preparation of the perfect marriage between the cigar and the liquor. “Different moments and different sensations.”
Mayra Urquía, Royal Eventos’ director, and Leonel Rivas, Corporate Marketing and Commercial Strategy Manager of Banco de Occidente, headed the event presentation during a press conference accompanied by sponsors.
All of this will take place at the iconic Hotel Honduras Maya, which, starting at 7:00 PM, will be transformed into a majestic stage with an atmosphere of “gold, silver, and black,” colors that directly refer to the country’s mining history. The evening will be enlivened with artistic performances, good music, and the presence of prominent personalities from the Honduran and international industry and business community.
Beyond being an event of sophistication, Fuego y Barrica is an engine for the local economy. Mayra Urquía defines it as a “multiplier effect,” emphasizing that behind each event there is an endless number of suppliers and work teams who receive an income. This initiative seeks to strengthen the meetings industry and the image of Honduras as a prestigious destination in the Tobacco World.
The support of renowned brands is fundamental for this objective, and for this reason, the director of Royal Eventos made a special mention of Banco de Occidente. “It wasn’t easy,” she shared, “but when we put the project in context, they believed in us.” The bank, faithful to its corporate motto: By supporting the small of today, we create the great of tomorrow, reaffirms its commitment to the tobacco sector and the small entrepreneurs who today represent Honduras at an international level.
Fuego y Barrica is a tribute to the Honduran spirit: resilient, noble, and passionate, just like its people, and in particular, an entrepreneurial woman who with love and persistence has built this legacy.
Attending personalities include Leonel Rivas, corporate marketing and commercial strategy manager of Banco de Occidente; Andrés Ehrler, president of Canaturh; Pipe Castillo, president of Carlos Castillo Cigars & Co.; Freddy Reyes, country manager of Licores de Guatemala; José Mejía, head of Corporate Image of Istmania; Hugo Flores, marketing manager Excel/BMW; Aracely Alvarado, general manager of Expoferias; Sandra Aceituno, sales and marketing manager of the Hotel Honduras Maya, and César Salinas, CEO of Humo Latino.
130 Years of Passion and Quality
J.C. Newman Cigar Company
Drew Newman.
What began in 1895 as a venture by Julius Caesar Newman –a young migrant from the then AustroHungarian Empire– is a family story that spans 130 years and four generations of people passionate about premium tobacco.
According to Drew Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Co.’s general counsel and great-grandson of the founder, Julius Newman, the company has been passed down from generation to generation, later managed by Stanford Newman and then by Eric and Bobby. Together with Drew and his cousins, they continue to run the business with a vision for it to last for at least another century.
130th Anniversary commemorative humidor.
The line selected to celebrate this occasion is Diamond Crown, one of the first created by Julius Caesar, which Stanford and Carlito Fuente Jr. recreated in 1995 to commemorate the company’s first centennial.
“It’s a brand with which we celebrate great moments, and this anniversary could not be an exception,” Drew affirms during a video conference with Humo Latino.
J.C. Newman will reintroduce this brand globally starting in November with a luxurious package: an all-white humidor containing 130 pieces of Diamond Crown, manufactured by Tabacalera Arturo Fuente in an exclusive new Belicoso No. 9 format, with a Connecticut Shade wrapper and a special selection of Dominican tobaccos.
The Newman family embraces the responsibility of representing the oldest family-owned tobacco company in the United States. They are committed to “not resting on their laurels” by maintaining a process of continuous improvement. “Consumers can expect higher quality in each of our cigars, because, at the end of the day, our name is on the line, and that is something very personal,” Drew adds.
He details that the celebration of this 130th Anniversary is based on a global tour that will begin in Mexico to visit and acknowledge the support and loyalty of their best customers and friends. The scheduled events, where the J.C. Newman team will hand out prizes and offer exclusive promotions, will be replicated in other countries, “carrying a message of gratitude, as part of what makes us distinct.”
Drew expresses a great love for Mexican cigar culture, which he considers sophisticated and steeped in tradition. It’s a market where the Cuesta Rey and Perla del Mar lines are the top representatives of their brand.
El Reloj, a 115-year-old factory in the Ybor City National Historic Landmark District, Tampa, Florida.
Bobby, Drew, and Eric Newman, owners of the company.
Cuesta Rey Mexico Celebrates J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Facing restrictions that prevent the enjoyment of premium cigars in public spaces or establishments that pair them with food and drinks, Alejandro Suárez Labastida, director of the premium tobacco importer and distributor Cuesta Rey de México, hopes that –as has happened in the United States and other regions– small battles will be won in defense of individual liberties and social needs.
He emphasizes that this must be done without affecting smoke-free areas or those with minors. The solution, he believes, is to open more cigar clubs and other types of establishments for smokers.
From his sphere of influence, he supports strengthening cigar culture and its industry by bringing emblematic brands to Mexico, such as the Dominican Arturo Fuente and the American J.C. Newman. These are companies he and his family have maintained a special relationship with for over three decades.
Furthermore, through his own cigar lines, Caballero and SLabastida, he is betting on the resurgence of Mexican tobacco. His premise is that the national industry must adapt to modern times and include imported varieties from other countries in its blends to achieve better, more distinct flavors without losing its origin.
Alejandro Suárez and his son Dante.
“Mexico has very high-quality Habano characteristics, as well as tobaccos for wrappers that, with a small twist, can achieve interesting things. We have been doing this for five years, creating blends that contain tobacco from Ecuador, for example,” he says.
A LONG, QUALITY SMOKE
As the exclusive distributor in the country, Cuesta Rey de México will commemorate the 130th Anniversary of J.C. Newman Cigar Co. –the oldest familyowned cigar factory in the U.S. From November 10 to 14, they will host Long Smoke Competitions and the relaunch of Diamond Crown. The events will be held in Mexico City and the cities of Monterrey, Guadalajara, San Miguel de Allende, and Puebla.
Alejandro Suárez explains that other products from the brand will be used during the competition since the Diamond Crown Anniversary Limited Edition comes in an elegant humidor with 130 pieces, one for each year of the company’s history.
These types of events, which are innovative for the country’s cigar bars, are part of Cuesta Rey de México’s strategy to build brand loyalty for the labels in its portfolio. Additionally, a Long Ash Contest, judged by expert specialists, pays tribute to the outstanding construction quality required to produce premium cigars, as is the case with J.C. Newman Cigar products.
A GROWING MARKET
Cuesta Rey de México is currently present in 400 points of sale, including commercial chains, hotels, supermarkets, and cigar bars. This may seem like a modest presence compared to markets like the U.S., but given the conditions in the country, it is not only significant but also represents a true front of resistance in favor of consumers.
Alejandro Suárez is optimistic. With a deep knowledge of the premium tobacco industry, he speaks of the emergence of a new generation of smokers –communities that include both male and female aficionados, who are incentivized by experiences and events like those organized by Cuesta Rey de México.
Cuesta Rey shop in Parque Duraznos, Bosque de las Lomas.
THE HUMIDOR*
New arrivals, favorites, and classics.
(*) In alphabetical order.
Blackbird, Unkind
Wrapper: Cubra.
Binder: Dominican.
Filler: Criollo 98, HBA, Corojo, and Pennsylvania.
Size: Robusto, 5 inches, ring gauge 50.
Dominium, Petit Robusto Gordo
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano.
Binder: Indonesian.
Filler: Nicaraguan.
Size: Petit Robusto Gordo, 4 inches, ring gauge 60.
Don José, Don José Special
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano.
Binder: Ecuadorian.
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan.
Size: Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 54.
Friend’s Cigars, Friend’s 1888
Wrapper: Habano.
Binder: Cuban.
Filler: Cuban, Dominican, and Pennsylvania.
Size: Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 54.
Kafie 1901, San Andrés
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés.
Binder: Nicaraguan.
Filler: Estelí, Jalapa, and Condega.
Size: Robusto, 5 inches, ring gauge 50.
Lampert Cigars, 1593 Edición Oscura
Wrapper: Mexican Negro San Andrés.
Binder: Indonesian.
Filler: Dominican.
Size: Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 52.
Nomos Cigars, Lonsdale
Wrapper: Cameroon.
Binder: Indonesian.
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan.
Size: Lonsdale, 6 inches, ring gauge 42.
PDR, El Criollito A. Flores
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Criollo 98.
Binder: Mexican San Andrés.
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan.
Size: Torpedo, 6.5 inches, ring gauge 52.
Serafín de Cuba, Juan de Fuca
Wrapper: Cameroon.
Binder: Dominican.
Filler: Nicaraguan, from Cuban-seed.
Size: Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 52.
UVD, Horus
Wrapper: Mexican.
Binder: Dominican.
Filler: Dominican and Cuban.
Size: Toro, 6 inches, ring gauge 54.
Lisardo Vivas
Lit a Cigar... and Found a Path
I want to travel to the farms, visit the factories, and interview the growers and blenders so that people can get to know the individuals behind the smoke, so they can understand the soul of each cigar.”
Enrique Quijano
Lisardo Vivas’s story began amidst new languages and cities, in a search for a reconnection with himself and the world. He ultimately found it in the first puffs of the second third of a premium cigar.
THE ORIGIN
Born to a Portuguese father and a Venezuelan mother, his life revolved around schools in Caracas and his extended family until he was ten. The social and political decline in his home country prompted a one-way trip, forcing them to leave.
Lisardo was just a boy when they arrived in London. While it felt like an adventure, it was also a major culture shock, coupled with the sadness of being far from the rest of his family. His parents had left everything behind: businesses, property, independence, a stable life. “They had to start from scratch here,” he recalls.
A NEW WORLD
Initially, London was not the England they had always imagined. They found street violence, drug trafficking, and gangs in the neighborhoods, which again motivated them to seek peace elsewhere. They eventually moved to Cardiff, Wales, where they finally settled. “Here, we felt we had arrived in the England from the movies: green, peaceful, and friendly.”
FIRST PUFFS: THE BEGINNING OF IT ALL
For Lisardo, tobacco came into his life like a blessing. His first cigar was a gift from a Mexican friend he met on Instagram. He had been intrigued by his friend’s cigar posts, in which he spoke of tasting notes, flavors, and the rituals surrounding tobacco. One day, overwhelmed by stress and with his “life upside down,” his friend told him, “Brother, what you need is to smoke a cigar.”
Lisardo Vivas.
But Lisardo was wary of addiction, so he only decided to try his first cigar after doing some research and overcoming his fear. It was a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2, a cigar coincidentally recommended by both his friend and Edward Sahakian of the Davidoff store in London.
Although at first he didn’t understand why people spoke of the relaxation a premium cigar provided –as he associated it with an unhealthy activity– that day he experienced it firsthand. The experience was a revelation. “Halfway through the cigar, I realized that my body and mind had slowed down. I was present, just enjoying it. It was the beginning of everything.”
Lisardo, however, wasn’t content with just the enjoyment of smoking. He researched, sampled, shared, and, most importantly,
took a Habanosommelier course, which gave him a vast knowledge of the cigar world.
He initially used his personal Instagram account to post photos and tasting notes. Later, he created a new account and a YouTube channel to talk exclusively about premium cigars. This is how Daily Cigar was born, which would later become Cigar Ritual.
“I saw there was a lot of content in English and very little in Spanish, so I tried to fill that gap. But I also realized that, for fluency, I was more comfortable communicating in English.” Now he does reviews, podcasts, and interviews, and offers his recommendations, all focused on the Tobacco World and the lifestyle that surrounds it.
Over time, Lisardo traveled, met master blenders, sampled boutique brands, and built a community of followers who love tobacco. But he wanted more.
In October 2024, Lisardo launched his online store, Toro Puro, a venture that combines hand-selected cigars, quality accessories, and a curated shopping experience for the discerning smoker in the United Kingdom.
His vision was to elevate the premium cigar shopping experience to match the product itself –a product he describes as being made by hand, with love and artistry. “I didn’t like the online experience other stores offered: bad interfaces, careless packaging, and zero customer service.”
That’s why every product at Toro Puro has been personally tasted, studied, and selected by Lisardo. From Dominican brands to Nicaraguan rarities, and including leather accessories and lifestyle items, the store is an extension of his vision for the Cigar World.
“I’m creating more than just a store; it’s a community. We already have loyal customers, and even though we opened in the winter, we are growing this summer.”
FUTURE AROMAS
For now, his plan is to expand Toro Puro into Europe and Asia, replicating the model that has worked in the UK. At the same time, he wants Cigar Ritual to become a platform that not only reviews cigars but also tells the life stories of those who make the experience of living the Cigar World possible.
A New Standard for Tobacco in Puerto Rico
Entre Humos
To the individuals who join us for every tasting and every shared smoke, and to the business owners, restaurateurs, and hoteliers who have trusted us to bring premium cigars to new spaces. They are the engine that drives our growth and the reason we work every day to elevate the tobacco experience on the island,”
Cándido Alfonso Puerto Rican businessman.
Premium tobacco has a new leader in Puerto Rico. Entre Humos, which is more than just a cigar lounge or a store, represents a growing community that combines tradition, knowledge, and hospitality. With a standard of excellence that redefines the experience of enjoying a cigar and its various pairings, Entre Humos honors the industry by building on strong relationships.
From the extensive experience of partners Cándido Alfonso and Amadís Rosa, who were later joined by Isabella Alfonso, a passion for service is the core strategy. Above all, they prioritize the client and their needs. At Entre Humos, business is not done for money, as they believe the tobacco industry is not something you simply enter –it’s something you honor.
Amadís Rosa, Cándido Alfonso and Isabella Alfonso.
THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS
Cándido Alfonso, a Puerto Rican entrepreneur with Cuban roots, grew up in San Juan with a fundamental lesson from his father: “Your word and your good name are the most important things you have in life.” That lesson, an example of what a gentleman and a businessman should be, has guided his every step.
From a young age, sports taught him that consistency and daily effort are the keys to achieving great goals. As a member of Puerto Rico’s national swimming team, he represented the island in two Central American and Caribbean Games, developing a discipline that he later carried into the business world.
He soon realized that his life wasn’t in academia, but in work. The long hours at the family factory and frequent breakfasts with his father’s entrepreneur friends became his university. These were people who had arrived from Cuba with nothing and built prosperous businesses in Puerto Rico, and with them, he also learned to smoke.
This mindset led him to build one of the country’s leading payment technology companies. Later, in the hospitality industry, he applied his strategic vision to help a local speakeasy rank among the top 500 bars in the world.
He first became involved with premium tobacco in the 1990s during the socalled boom, when he partnered with advertising professionals to license iconic cigar brands like Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Montesino, and Arturo Fuente, producing official merchandise for nontobacco categories.
His first client was The Cigar House of Puerto Rico, which was then a souvenir shop and later evolved into a premium cigar benchmark. At that and other
similar establishments, he introduced the first Puerto Rican coffees under the Cohiba and Arturo Fuente brands, which merged local tradition with the prestige of the world’s most important tobacco houses. This initial success allowed him to expand distribution to the Duty Free channel for cruise ships and airports, a privileged showcase to an international audience. These licenses and branding were his first deep contact with the industry, planting the seed of what would later become Entre Humos.
PRESENT AND FUTURE
On this journey, Cándido met Amadís Rosa, a native of Salinas, Puerto Rico. From a young age, Amadís developed his skills as a bartender, building a career in mixology and international hospitality. For eight years, he served as an educator and public relations expert for the largest official wine and spirits distributor on the island and was an ambassador for Rémy Cointreau and Jim Beam in the Caribbean.
He holds a WSET 3 certification from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, which endorses his deep knowledge of premium beverages and his ability to create worldclass pairings. His skill in connecting with people and his technical mastery allow him to design experiences that enhance the enjoyment of every cigar. His signature cocktails offered at the company’s second cigar lounge, Entre Humos Palmas del Mar, are a testament to this.
Amadís recalls that his first experience with a cigar was not pleasant because he “jumped in” without any knowledge and it was too strong for a novice. Fortunately, he later reconnected with fine smokes, which he now shares with his father during intimate moments of conversation.
Today, the legacy and future of Entre Humos also bear the name of Isabella Alfonso, Cándido’s youngest daughter. She brings a fresh and academically solid vision to hospitality and pairing. A graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality and Food & Beverage Management and is WSET certified in wines and sparkling wines.
Together, Cándido, Amadís, and Isabella represent experience, mastery, and youth: the present and future of Entre Humos.
A PHENOMENON ON THE ISLAND
Entre Humos officially began in 2019 as an exclusive supplier of premium cigars for retail clients and for two of Cándido’s businesses: Bar La Unidad, the speakeasy that ranked among the world’s top 500 bars, and Aché Cuban Restaurant, which combined gastronomy and culture.
Over time, the operation expanded into the wholesale market to also serve restaurants and hotels, until the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to redefine the
business to survive. The customer base and relationships were strengthened by creating a WhatsApp group that quickly became a direct sales model. From this, the “Five Pack of the Month” subscription was born, which still delights customers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. with a carefully curated selection of products.
Once the situation normalized, thanks to their sales success, Cándido rented a floor that would function as a warehouse, distribution center, and office for wholesale operations. However, the location began to be frequented by some close clients who preferred to pick up their orders in person and found it to be an ideal space to share a smoke.
Soon, there were four people sitting in the reception area smoking and chatting. So, they brought in more comfortable chairs, and, based on the requests of
their patrons, they progressively processed a liquor license and opened a bar. They installed lockers and added a room for events. The space was officially converted into a 3,000-square-foot cigar lounge.
This integrated model made Entre Humos the largest importer and distributor of cigars in Puerto Rico. They are now writing a new chapter by opening a 1,000-square-foot lounge at the Palmas del Mar Yacht Club, within the renowned coastal resort.
In addition to maintaining the standard of service, curation, and hospitality that characterizes the brand, it offers a cocktail program specifically designed for pairings.
Entre Humos San Juan.
A CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM
Beyond its lounges, Entre Humos has woven a network of more than 80 associated points of sale in local restaurants, bars, and businesses. This ecosystem expands the reach of premium tobacco on the island, strengthens small merchants, fosters alliances with manufacturers, and celebrates tobacco tradition.
An example is the cigarsisland.com platform, which offers cigar lounges and retailers the ability to buy a wide variety of brands and vitolas wholesale without taking on excessive financial risks, as many manufacturers require high minimum volumes to open an account.
In fact, it acts as a strategic partner for both manufacturers and retailers by providing inventory, promotional materials, and support to enrich the final customer’s experience. The company has an inventory of over 700 distinct
A LIFESTYLE
Another need of the aficionado community, a thirst for information in Spanish, led to the creation of Entre Humos LIVE!, a podcast broadcast every Monday at 6 p.m. via YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram Live. A casual chat about cigars and spirits among friends, it has become the number one show of its kind in just a few months, with followers in Puerto Rico, Argentina, Panama, the U.S., and Europe.
For the partners, knowledge is the foundation for better enjoying and selling a premium cigar, which is why education is a commitment to their retail clients and the aficionados who visit their lounges or participate in their tastings. This work is strengthened by an exclusive agreement as representatives for The Cigar Academy in Puerto Rico, allowing them to offer certified and internationally recognized training programs.
products, offering one of the most extensive and diverse selections of premium tobacco in the Caribbean.
The selection includes some of the most respected and desired brands: Cavalier Genève, El Séptimo, General Cigar, STG, La Flor Dominicana, Espinosa Cigars, and Les Fines Lames, among many others, all part of a growing portfolio.
For its part, the website entrehumos. com offers local deliveries in two hours or less, integrating the convenience of technology with the artisanal spirit of tobacco. Tastings, talks, and educational content in Spanish are an essential part of their proposal. In Cándido’s words: “Tobacco isn’t just a product; it is a witness to history.”
But beyond the lounges, alliances, and inventory, Entre Humos is dedicated to its community. “To the individuals who join us for every tasting and every shared smoke, and to the business owners, restaurateurs, and hoteliers who have trusted us to bring premium cigars to new spaces. They are the engine that drives our growth and the reason we work every day to elevate the tobacco experience on the island,” Cándido affirms.
Because here, “a cigar does not end when it is extinguished in the ashtray; it continues in the conversations, friendships, and opportunities it inspires.”
The Entre Humos team agreed the exclusive distribution of El Séptimo with its CEO, Zaya Younan, during the PCA 2025 Trade Show. Along with Amadís and Cándido, Michael Báez also appears.
Since 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.
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.
·
· 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
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.
A Sophisticated Haven for Relaxation
Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge
Meet Christian Pryor-Hurst, one of the visionaries behind Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge, the newest destination for cigar and wine connoisseurs in St. Petersburg, Florida. As the city’s only Black-owned cigar and wine lounge, she has channeled her diverse experience into this space, meticulously designed to be a haven for relaxation and connection.
After leading the digital marketing team for Davidoff of Geneva USA, Christian expanded her expertise into the world of wine, spirits, and later, cannabis. This broad range of experience allowed her to masterfully create a unique concept that fuses all her passions.
She has also prioritized the comfort of all women who visit her establishment, proving it’s possible to enjoy premium cigars, exquisite wines, and great company without sacrificing elegance or feeling out of place.
Christian Pryor-Hurst.
In this cozy and inclusive atmosphere, Christian seeks to empower women to explore their interests, free from intimidation or exclusivity. At Black Leaf, every guest is treated like royalty, surrounded by luxurious amenities and exceptional service.
But her vision goes further: she aspires to foster community among like-minded people. The lounge hosts exclusive events, live music nights, and cigar pairings, creating a space for socializing and connecting. With her dedication to providing memorable experiences, Christian Pryor-Hurst invites you to discover the art of indulgence at Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge.
She holds a master’s-level professional
degree in digital marketing and advertising, along with 13 business certifications in marketing, organizational behavior, and management. Additionally, she is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. sorority.
Her inspiration for creating Black Leaf Cigar & Wine Lounge came from a desire for a space that felt like home –a place where culture, conversation, and people could unite around quality cigars and curated wines.
“I always admired the art behind a fine cigar and the depth of a great wine, but I also saw the need for a place where people like me could relax, get to know each other, and feel welcome in a sophisticated yet authentic environment.”
As a marketing expert, Christian learned how to tell stories and build experiencebased brands, while her time in the wine and cannabis industries showed her that community is everything. “Authenticity and trust are key to making people feel comfortable. All of that defines Black Leaf, where culture meets class.”
For Christian, this venue has grown from just a business into a home, where clients and the owner alike can enjoy everything from live music to the recent opening of the Smoke and Fade, a barbershop installed in the members’ lounge.
When asked what changes she would like to see in the presence of women in cigar culture, she said: “That they continue to stand out, especially women of color, who are breaking barriers. We’re not asking for a seat at the table... we’re bringing the table!”
Maker’s Mark, Cask Strength
Deceptively Easy to Drink
Michel I. Texier
CLASSIFICATION: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
COMPANY: Suntory Global Spirits.
DISTILLERY: Maker’s Mark Distillery. ABV: 55.75% (111.5 proof).
BATCH: 16-02.
AGE: NAS (No Age Statement, though various publications suggest that each barrel is aged for at least six years).
MASH BILL: 70% corn, 16% red winter wheat, and 14% malted barley.
COLOR: Deep caramel.
The current version of Maker’s Mark is the result of a 1953 reinvention of a family recipe over 170 years old by Bill Samuels Sr. and his wife Margie. However, the Cask Strength being reviewed was only released to the market in 2014, as the product had previously only been sold at the distillery.
That same year, Margie Samuels became the first woman to be inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, which celebrates the careers of those who have significantly influenced the development of the industry.
This bourbon, one of the few to use the word “Whisky” on its label –in contrast to the classic “Whiskey” spelling– is notable for its seal featuring three symbols: a star, in reference to its property at Star Hill Farms in Loretto, Kentucky, USA; the letter “S,” for the Samuels surname; and the Roman numeral IV, highlighting Bill Samuels Sr. as the fourth generation of master distillers. Bill’s grandson currently holds that position and represents the sixth generation of his family in the business.
NOSE: Presents notes of apricot and spearmint, a light presence of clove, and a lot of vanilla. This is most likely attributable to the high level of charring and toasting of the new American oak barrels in which it ages, and to the fact that it’s bottled at barrel proof without being diluted with water.
PALATE: Notes of caramel and chocolate create a distinct sweetness that overrides a light, ever-present smokiness. It’s surprising that despite its high proof, it lacks any harshness on the palate, delivering an impression of smoothness that could easily be mistaken for a lack of structure or thinness.
FINISH: A long, complex finish with notes of Port wine, leather, pepper, and wood. It has a great balance between sweet, savory, and mineral notes, as well as a remarkable equilibrium between a dense body and an oily texture.
COMMENTS: Deceptively easy to drink, this is a bottle that, if it could be frequently restocked, would surely become a daily sipper. Furthermore, the depth of its color and the complexity of its aromas lead to long moments with the glass in hand, allowing you to enjoy everything it has to offer the senses before you even take a sip.
From Labor Exporter to Knowledge Powerhouse
Reimagining Mexico
Francisco Arias
For decades, countries like India have quietly built a powerful legacy by exporting not just goods or services, but talent. Their most influential product isn’t food or textiles, but their educated citizens: engineers, doctors, scientists, and technologists who are pillars of innovation worldwide, from Silicon Valley to research centers.
Behind this success is a value system that places enormous importance on education, intellectual discipline, and social mobility through mental labor.
As Mexicans, we must ask ourselves: why haven’t we done the same? Instead of exporting minds, we have exported hands and backs –workers willing to perform the hardest jobs in the most difficult conditions, often without access to education or protection.
This is not a criticism of the migrant, but an indictment of the internal and external systems that have failed them. We have become dependent on remittances while our most vulnerable people abandon their homes, chasing dreams that often cost them their identity, dignity, and sometimes, their lives.
Many of these workers entrust their children to the American system, hoping they will be accepted and have a better life. But the reality is more complicated. Second-generation Mexicans and Latinos grow up trapped between two worlds, never fully accepted socially in the U.S. and disconnected from their roots. In their desire to assimilate, many become ashamed of their heritage or turn into the harshest critics of their own families.
Countries like India teach their children that success comes not from physical work, but from mastering mathematics, science, or engineering –from mental labor. While we glorify the sweat and sacrifice of those who go north to pick
fruit and build walls, they do it with study and strategy, sending their people to write algorithms and build companies.
Today, witnessing the increasingly hostile treatment of migrants by American society, we must ask ourselves if this pain could also be an opportunity. Perhaps we are not just witnessing a crisis, but a turning point that could be the beginning of the end of the American Dream we idealized as a promised land. It may be Mexico’s chance to reinvent itself.
What if, instead of exporting labor, we began to export knowledge? What if we stopped the brain drain and built an ecosystem that kept talent at home, rewarding study, innovation, and
entrepreneurship? What if we invested in our children with the same urgency that walls are built to keep them out?
It may be a radical vision, but it’s not an impossible one. We only have to remember how Japan, after World War II, rebuilt itself from the ruins to rise as one of the most disciplined, technologically advanced, and culturally proud nations in the world. Mexico can do the same. We have the history, the creativity, the spirit, and –most importantly– the urgency.
If we act now, we might just witness the start of that transformation, which could take us two or three decades. For many of us, that might be the time we have left. Let’s make it count.
A Whisky to Be Loved
A distillery’s passion is reflected in the dedication of each of its members...
The surprise is that The San-In, a Blended Whisky from the Kurayoshi Distillery, was awarded a gold medal this year by the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco, California.
The secret lies in the use of groundwater from Mount Daisen in Orinoco, Japan, during distillation, as well as the use of Japanese oak (mizunara), cherry wood (sakura), and wine and sherry casks for a post-maturation process. These techniques result in a mellow, light, and refreshing whisky with great flavor in each of its expressions. Quite simply, “a whisky for everyone.”
Gonzalo Romero S. @gorosacigar
For this small distillery, the most important thing is to deliver the best spirit, the result of their careful process of creation, distillation, and maturation. They combine human and natural resources, leveraging their geographical location next to the Sea of Japan, which allows the spirits to mature more quickly compared to the island of Islay.
The San-In Blended Whisky has an alcohol by volume of 40% and is a No Age Statement (NAS) whisky. Its appearance is a bright golden liquid, clear when held up to the light. The nose has notes of vanilla,
fruit, and caramel, while the palate is light with notes of vanilla and caramel, and a fresh, fruity finish.
These characteristics caught the attention of the judges who awarded the gold medal –a nod to the Kurayoshi Distillery’s philosophy: “The new window to whisky,” which makes this expression, or any other from the house, a can’t-miss experience.
Special thanks to Cigar Point (@cigarpoint. mx) for their attention in making the corresponding photo session possible.
