Back to the Eastern Shores Procigar Night, Punta Cana 2025
ANATOMY
Puros Renegados Toro Renegado, Barber Pole
Márquez Cigar Smoke, Legacy & Community in Puerto Rico
Eladio Díaz:
Márquez Cigar
Smoke, Legacy & Community
Back to the Eastern Shores
Procigar Night, Punta Cana 2025
ANATOMY
The Master Blender Face Their Creations
Puros Renegados Toro Renegado, Barber Pole 26
New Releases, Favorites & Classics
SOTL GLOBAL MOVEMENT
Dra. Marija Radulovic
Cience, Cigars and Sophistication 52
Rome’s Jubileo de Fumadores 2025: Where Smoke Meets Spirit 58
DR. ANASTASIA PSOMIADI
TOBACCO WORLD
CIGAR, MALT & PIPE
Isle of Raasay
An elegant, complex, and profound Single Malt
MICHEL I. TEXIER PAIRING
Morning Cigars
The Art of a Gentle Start FRANCISCO ARIAS
Certified Cigar Sommelier
Pearse Irish Whiskey
Distilled with passion, inspired by tradition GONZALO ROMERO
Eladio Díaz:
From the Brink and Back
On November 14, 2016, Don Eladio Díaz’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke that left him in a coma for 22 days. But after a full recovery –one doctors called “a miracle”– this rebirth allowed him, encouraged by his family, to leave behind nearly half a lifetime. During those years, he had crafted over 4,000 iconic cigar blends for the tobacco world before finally establishing his own company.
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
Cuba
José Camilo López Valls
YEAR 1, ISSUE 15, JULY 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.
@humolatinoglobal info@humolatino.com
Editorial The Story Continues
The significance and stature of Don Eladio Díaz in the global tobacco industry extend far beyond the history he has shaped over his 72 years. He is the mastermind behind the blends of some of the world’s most renowned and expensive cigars, crafted during his long tenure at Davidoff. Today, he stands as the cornerstone of his own familyowned company, introducing the market to innovative offerings.
The feature article gracing this cover traces its origins to an in-depth interview conducted by our director, César Salinas, in 2022 during his first visit to the Dominican Republic. This profound dialogue –supplemented by follow-up videoconferences that added fresh insights– waited over two years to see the light of day.
This delay occurred because we couldn’t find the right opportunity to include it in our regular issues. The chance finally came in November 2024 when we launched the first edition of Humo Latino Dominicana magazine, which he graced, and during the presentation event in Santiago de los Caballeros, we were fortunate to welcome him personally, along with his family.
After these months, and following a second exclusive edition for that country, we realized this valuable material hadn’t been shared across other Grupo Humo Latino media. We decided to publish it here, confident it will interest our English-speaking audience.
As the eldest of 18 siblings, Don Eladio entered the industry alongside his father, a field laborer, on the lands now occupied by Santiago’s Free Trade Zone. At just five years old, he weeded plots and picked tobacco worms for five cents a day. Back then, Santiago –now the second-largest city in the Dominican Republic– was a small village with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants.
From these roots emerged a visionary. He soon joined a small factory, mastering every minor production task, and honed such skill in cigar rolling that he moved to Tamboril, where he crafted over 1,000 cigars daily. “Basic ones,” he recalls –”the kind sold in corner stores”– but earning him a peso more per day than others made in a full week at minimum wage.
His journey led him through various companies, where he acquired not only knowledge but increasing responsibilities. This path eventually made him a founding partner of Tabacos Dominicanos (Tabadom), which initially produced cigars for Davidoff before being acquired by Oettinger Davidoff Group in 2021.
As an employee of the company he helped establish –three decades later, with a legacy cemented by iconic cigars like El Año del Tigre and Oro Blanco– Don Eladio overcame countless challenges to launch Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in January 2022. Joined by his wife, Doña Griselda, and sons Héctor José, Alexander, and Emmanuel, he continues to shape the industry.
And so, this story goes on...
Márquez Cigar
Smoke, Legacy & Community
Luis and Vivian Márquez (center), with their son Alexander and Manuel Inoa (right), master blender of La Aurora.
Spanning 24,000 sq. ft. with a walk-in humidor showcasing 20+ premium cigar brands, Márquez Cigar opens in Puerto Rico: an elegant lounge dedicated
to the art of fine tobacco.
Enrique Quijano
For Luis and Vivian Márquez, the heart and soul of Márquez Cigar stem from a clear vision: to foster family among smokers and support Puerto Rico’s premium cigar brands.
The fruit of relentless effort, their new Márquez Cigar Lounge debuted in a soft opening brimming with excitement –where elegance and glamour were surpassed only by the warmth of its people. The event featured Manuel Inoa, master blender of La Aurora, who led a tasting of the Dominican factory’s 120th Anniversary commemorative cigar.
With nearly 90 guests, including prominent female smokers and industry figures, one thing became clear: Márquez Cigar isn’t just a retail spot or another smoking venue in Puerto Rico. It’s a purpose-driven home for tobacco culture.
Vivian speaks proudly of the attendees and the atmosphere they created. She recalls the awe in their eyes, the murmurs of surprise and excitement upon realizing the project wasn’t just real –it exceeded expectations.
Luis, meanwhile, highlights the cigar community’s embrace and the support from other lounges and houses. For him, Casa Montecristo Puerto Rico’s partnership confirms what they’ve always believed: this is about unity.
Though the grand opening (tentatively set for early September) remains ahead, the soft launch proved more than a success –it revealed the spirit behind the lounge’s creation.
Every lamp, every corner bears the mark of those who built it: Luis, perched on a 20-foot ladder; Alexander, his son, working 12- to 14-hour days; Vivi, at 5 p.m. on event day, putting final touches as guests arrived. In short, this lounge wasn’t built with money alone –but with sweat, soul, and sleepless nights.
They’ve crafted a space where men and women can share knowledge about vitolas, techniques, history, and experiences. A sports lounge with soft instrumental, jazz, or bohemian tunes, where major games screen overhead –and no one feels out of place.
“This was needed in Puerto Rico,” they assert. Not just for the lounge’s comfort (a contrast to Old San Juan’s pricey parking and heel-unfriendly streets), but because the island lacked a home for all. “Here, alongside coffee, rum, and whisky, we serve white wine, champagne, and cava –little touches that invite you to stay.”
Crucially, Márquez Cigar welcomes other brands. Though they produce their own blends and operate independently, one goal is to elevate local brands. They already collaborate with three, including those by Puerto Ricans abroad –because growth should be collective. “We dream of the day Puerto Rican tobacco leaves wrap cigars worldwide.”
Vivi minces no words: they’re no trustfund kids. With 35+ years in commerce, theirs is a self-made family legacy. Every step, event, and shared cigar paves that path.
The Márquez family during the lounge’s opening in Puerto Rico’s capital.
Upcoming plans include: Weekly live music, educational events for men and women and rentable VIP spaces for private/corporate gatherings. Márquez Cigar aims to be more than a lounge—an ever-renewing experience.
Luis and Vivian know this is just the beginning. Next comes cultivation and education: teaching that lifting a band shouldn’t overshadow understanding what you smoke. Like life, tobacco is best enjoyed when shared –with respect, knowledge, and passion.
Manuel Inoa leading the tasting of La Aurora’s 120th Anniversary cigar –the Dominican Republic’s oldest factory.
Night Punta Cana 2025
Members of the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers (Procigar).
Procigar
The second edition of Procigar Night Punta Cana, hosted by the Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers (Procigar), once again brought together tobacco enthusiasts for a magical evening that proudly celebrated one of the country’s greatest treasures: the Dominican cigar.
The event began with an engaging Cigar Talk, moderated by Gustavo Yunén and Javier Baquero, hosts of the renowned podcast Pesos Pesados. They were joined by Litto Gómez, President of Procigar, and Ciro Cascella, Vice President, who shared insights on the Dominican Republic’s global standing as a leader in premium cigars.
Ciro Cascella, Frank Elías Rainieri and Litto Gómez.
Michelle Amelia León, Hendrik Kelner, Michelle León, Guillermo León and Daniela León.
The Cigar Talk featured a special moment with Frank Elías Rainieri, CEO of Grupo Puntacana, who highlighted Procigar’s role in promoting tourism in the country. He emphasized how cigars enrich the visitor experience and proudly represent Dominican identity to the world.
The evening continued with Procigar Night’s signature exquisite agenda: a sensory experience blending refined gastronomy, craft cocktails, and the world’s finest cigars –all set in a vibrant atmosphere with live music, artistic
performances, and the traditional raffle of exclusive products from Procigar’s partner brands.
During the event, Litto Gómez reaffirmed Procigar’s commitment to tourism, noting that each edition of this special night is an opportunity to share cigar culture as an essential part of the Dominican soul. Attendees mingled with master blenders and founders of the tobacco houses, creating unforgettable moments among connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike.
Roberto Cavada, Vivi de Hernández, Iván Hernández, Yubelkis Martínez and Nelson Cruz.
Each guest received an exclusive box featuring a special selection of cigars from Procigar’s prestigious member brands: Tabacalera Fuente, Tabadom Holding, Quesada Cigars, De los Reyes Cigars, La Flor Dominicana, Tabacalera de García, General Cigar Dominicana, La Aurora, Casa Carrillo, PDR Cigars, Tabacalera Palma and Arnold André.
The event was made possible thanks to the support of key allies from both the public and private sectors, bringing to life an unforgettable night where the Caribbean spirit and the excellence of Dominican cigars took center stage –not just as protagonists, but as the beating heart of a celebration that reaffirms our place in the world.
Carlos Durán Sr., Ciro Casella, Carlos Durán Jr. and Agustín Fernández.
Gregory Blanco and Abraham Flores.
What lies behind a cigar?
Undoubtedly, hundreds of hands –from farmers to factory artisans– shape its journey to the consumer. Yet it’s the Master Blender who breathes life into each blend, transforming tobacco into something extraordinary.
In this series, we explore a cigar’s anatomy by smoking it with its creator. They reveal their vision, the ingredients, and occasionally the secrets behind the blend –while sharing their own impressions, third by third.
We believe a cigar’s true worth isn’t found in its brand, packaging, or even expert ratings. Because smoking is deeply personal –the best cigar is simply the one you enjoy most.
Toro Renegado
(Barber Pole)
When Master Cigar Sommelier René R. Álvarez approached master blender Martín Cornelio to create the blends for his products, he requested a custom medium-strength mix: a cigar that would be valued by both Dominican smokers and the international market.
The result was this double-wrapper Toro or Barber Pole, striking and impressive, made with twice-fermented tobaccos that, in addition to the aging time they accumulate before manufacturing, receive extra aging in the Master Sommelier’s aging room, resulting in a clean mouthfeel during smoking. Smooth and light, it’s suitable for any time of day, paired with coffee, aged rum, whiskey, malt beer, or your spirit of choice.
While the double wrapper and color contrast are initially aesthetic, the combination offers very different aromas and flavors compared to a normal smoke, providing a completely new experience. This is evident in the non-invasive retrohale sensation that combines smell and taste -a practice of veteran smokers that, in this case, is easily achieved due to the cigar’s gentle strength.
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: Toro (6” x 52).
Wrappers: San Andrés México & Connecticut. Binder: HVA.
Filler: Piloto Mejorado, Carbonell & San Vicente.
Weight: 16–17g (avg.).
Smoke Time: 60–75 min.
Cold Draw:
Pleasing to the eye, with a silky wrapper, visible but not pronounced veins, and perfect construction. The aromas of the filler tobaccos are noticeable, including spices, cinnamon, sweet clove and allspice (sweet pimento), as the Negro San Andrés tobacco used is not the traditional smoked variety.
Lighting:
The filler’s volado allows for even and quick lighting. The Connecticut wrapper at the foot provides an intense flavor with a slightly bitter but pleasant touch. The first puffs reveal an adequate draw that allows for the desired amount of smoke.
Martín Cornelio
Final Third:
The strength increases slightly, the described flavors persist on the palate, and the aromas remain due to their tobacco origins. We see how the combination of Negro San Andrés and Piloto Mejorado demonstrates that the further you progress, the better the smoke becomes. In this case, it’s a cigar that makes you want to keep smoking when you finish it. The Master Sommelier recommends finishing with a small portion of organic 70% dark chocolate after choosing your preferred spirit.
Second Third:
The flavors and aromas intensify as you approach the cigar’s midpoint, when the distinctiveness of Dominican tobacco becomes more pronounced. Aromas of sweet clove and allspice remain, along with a peculiar toastiness. Then, the bitter touch disappears and a sweetness reminiscent of almostripe green mango emerges. The Master Sommelier recommends an aged or reposado spirit of your choice, or in other cases, an IPA-style beer.
First Third:
The initial strength decreases and the combined flavors blend some sweetness with wild, floral and green field aromas, along with a subtle bitter note. It resembles straw from rice, dry, once stripped of seeds. The Master Sommelier recommends a highquality unsweetened coffee as an initial pairing for this third.
His experience as a master blender dates back to 2015, when Cornelio Cigar Factory -located in La Romana province- produced Flor de Bayahíbe, a cigar that remains relevant today. His work follows the approach of any chef: “To create a good dish you need many hours in the kitchen, adding and removing ingredients.” With distinctive DNA, he has 321 registered blends in a notebook and believes that “every day you learn something new in this business, which I don’t see as competition because everyone has their own audience, their own market,” he states.
René R. Álvarez
CEO of Puros Renegados RD, founded in 2021, is a graduate and member of the International Association of Cigar Sommeliers (IACS). An enthusiast and scholar of the cigar world, he has written several essays, such as Myths of Cohoba, Anatomy of the Culebra, Relevance of Cold Tasting, and Dominican Criollo Tobacco: Origins. Currently, the brand provides advisory and consulting services to new entrepreneurs and emerging brands, such as 3K Cigar, RHC Cigar (U.S.A.), Comander Cigars, A.V. Smoker, and Amazónico Cigs and Lounge.
THE HUMIDOR*
New arrivals, favorites, and classics.
(*) In alphabetical order.
Canimao, Coloquiales White
Wrapper: Nicaragua.
Binder: Nicaragua.
Filler: Nicaragua.
Size: 6½" x 60.
Dos Jotas, Infinity
Wrapper: Dominican.
Binder: Dominican.
Filler: Dominican.
Size: Churchill (6½" x 46).
Garo Cigars, 30th Anniversary Robusto Wrapper: Habano Carmelita.
On November 14, 2016, Don Eladio Díaz’s life took an unexpected turn when he suffered a stroke that left him in a coma for 22 days. But after a full recovery –one doctors called “a miracle”–this rebirth allowed him, encouraged by his family, to leave behind nearly half a lifetime. During those years, he had crafted over 4,000 iconic cigar blends for the tobacco world before finally establishing his own company.
Now, with renewed vigor, this man of prodigious memory builds his legacy for his children at Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera, continuing to innovate by exploring tobaccos never before used in the Dominican Republic. The muses are always there, ready to please even the most discerning palates. What is his best cigar? Surely, as he puts it: “The one we haven’t smoked yet...”
Alberto Arizmendi
The second of 18 siblings, Don Eladio Díaz was born on May 28, 1953, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The son of a tobacco farmer, he received his first machete at age five, using it to clear weeds on his father’s land –now the site of Santiago’s Free Trade Zone. He recalls collecting tobacco worms as a child, earning five cents for every full can. It was his first paid job in the industry.
Next to his home stood a small factory with six cigar rollers. One day, his mother told him, “It’s good for you to start working.” Before turning seven, he began cleaning the workshop, where he later learned to strip tobacco leaves and handle minor tasks. His weekly earnings –ten cents– went mostly to his family, with just one cent kept for himself.
As he grew older, he sold the workshop’s cigars at local stores, as those sales paid the workers. One memory stands out: Don Francisco Viloria once tasked him with sorting tobacco leaves by color, warning him not to give any material away in his absence. When Viloria returned, he found Eladio in tears –a worker named Domingo had pressured him into handing over leaves and slapped him after being refused. “Panchito always carried a dagger and was so furious that if Domingo hadn’t run, he would’ve stabbed him right there.”
By 12, Eladio was rolling cigars. His skill was such that at 15, he moved to Tamboril, producing 1,000 to 1,200 cigars daily at La Fe de la Victoria. Though these were cheap cigars sold for five cents apiece, in 1969 –when the weekly minimum wage was nine pesos– he earned ten pesos a day: “More than my father… and that money went straight to my mother to help with expenses.”
Don Eladio Antonio Díaz Santiago and doña Griselda Paulina Cabrera de Díaz, with their sons Héctor José, Alexander and Emmanuel, as well as their partner, José Ignacio Vásquez.
THE WORLD TURNS
When Santiago’s Free Trade Zone began operations in 1974, a young Eladio approached Dos González Cigar, only to be rejected by the foreman: “We make fine cigars here, not thick ones.” Undeterred, he sought out the factory owner, Don Efrén González, who, impressed by his determination, set up a small table outside the workshop. He taught Eladio how to roll a 5.75-inch, ring gauge 39 cigar and asked him to fill five molds.
It took him over seven hours to finish 47 cigars. The next day, inside the workshop, he rolled 200 cigars (7.5 inches, ring gauge 50) –a format he had never worked with before. The owner inspected
them and declared them perfect. “That first rejection was significant because by refusing to give up, I unlocked my potential.”
The factory eventually closed, leading Eladio to Manufactura de Tabacos, SA (Matasa) under Don Manolo Quesada. Then, in 1978, Compañía Anónima Tabacalera (CAT) recruited him to lead a new cigar subsidiary, Compañía Tabacalera Santiaguense (Cotasa) –the very factory Don Efrén González had sold.
“Why did they choose me? I didn’t understand. I was a skilled roller, earning 80 pesos at the time… At 25, I was suddenly running the factory where I had started as a novice. The world truly turns in mysterious ways.”
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASSET
At Cotasa, Eladio produced international brands like Griffin’s and Pléyades. But as a state-owned company at risk of collapse, he accepted when Hendrik Henke Kelner (then CAT’s general manager) proposed starting their own factory in 1983. “We had to move forward.”
On February 16, 1984, Eladio and a group of ten partners launched Tabacos Dominicanos (Tabadom) with just seven rollers. Though they never had their own brand, they produced cigars for Juan Cerdán Soto, including Juan Carlos, Geihord, Puritano, Chambelain, and Don Juan. Soon, clients like Tropical Tobacco Inc. (Pedro Martin’s Florida-based company) and Ashton joined, while Griffin’s remained.
As production and quality control chief, Eladio blended the cigars himself. “I trusted that God guided my steps. Plus, as a cigar maker, I understand my people –the most important thing is how you treat them. A company’s greatest asset is its workforce.”
In 1985, jazz composer Avo Uvezian visited Tabadom, buying 500 cigars to sell atop his piano in Puerto Rico’s Palmas del Mar resort. By 1988, when Davidoff partnered with them, AVO Cigars (now owned by Davidoff) was selling 2.5 million cigars annually in the U.S.
DON ELADIO STEPS INTO THE LIGHT
While blending for Griffin’s, Eladio caught the attention of Ernst Schneider, founder of Oettinger Davidoff Group, who loved his creation. In 1988, they struck a deal to produce 3 million cigars, launching in New York in 1990 as the most expensive Dominican cigar in the U.S. Skeptics predicted failure –its price was more than double competitors’ –but it set a new standard, forcing others to raise their prices.
During the 1993-1997 cigar boom, Davidoff wanted to double production, but Eladio resisted, insisting on his principles of Quality, Consistency, then Quantity. As Master Blender, he pioneered selecting tobacco by region, variety, and grade, blending up to seven or eight different leaves in a single cigar.
The rest is history. In 2001, Oettinger Group bought Tabadom (now Tabadom Holding Inc.), and Eladio stayed on as an employee of the company he helped found. Yet, he emerged from the shadows with iconic blends like Oro Blanco, created for his 60th birthday, which Davidoff sold for $500 each (over 30,000 units).
A LIFE STORY
After 37 years and 3,500 blends, Eladio left the company. Following his stroke –which his wife, Griselda Cabrera, calls “the event”– he listened to “his Queen” (as he calls her). She handled everything to launch Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in January 2022, where their sons Héctor José, Alexander, and Emmanuel now work alongside him.
“I never imagined having my own factory –I was deeply attached to the one I helped build. But there, I was just another employee. Now, I’m building a legacy for my family, doing something even better… The muses are always with me (he smiles)… and the factory is alive.”
Under his wife’s leadership (“No one is born great or running”), the company started with private labels but has since introduced its own lines, like Before &
After –featuring two photos of Eladio on the band: one at 25 as a factory boss, the other at 70. “Before, I was a number. Now, I’m the owner.”
Another standout is his 70th Anniversary Edition, exported to Germany –a cigar rich in symbolism: 7-inch length, ring gauge 52, seven different tobaccos, released seven years after his stroke. Limited to 1,400 cigars, sold in boxes of 14 at $14 each, it was anything but accidental.
Today, Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera embodies his life’s story. Soon, the LXXI Anniversary Limited Edition will debut, featuring never-before-used Dominican tobaccos and a double gold-bordered band.
“In this industry, no one knows everything –you never stop learning. In this small factory, I’m innovating, creating something different… Not for ego, but for the joy of crafting in harmony.” After all, as Don Eladio says: “The best cigar is the one we haven’t smoked yet.”
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.
Dr. Marija Radulovic
Science, Cigars and Sophistication
Dr. Marija Radulovic is not your typical academic. With a PhD in quantum engineering, expertise in photonic quantum computing, and a career dedicated to bridging cutting-edge research with real-world applications, she thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and human connection. Born in Serbia with Montenegrin roots, her academic journey took her across Europe
and the UK, shaping her into a global thinker with a passion for mentorship –particularly for young women in STEM.
But beyond the lab and boardroom, Marija cultivates another kind of expertise: the art of cigar culture. For her, cigars are more than a hobby –they’re a ritual, a space for reflection, and a celebration of presence.
FROM QUANTUM COMPUTING TO CIGAR LOUNGES
Marija’s fascination with cigars began in childhood, watching her father and uncle engage in the quiet ceremony of smoking. Later, as an adult, she found herself drawn to the deliberate pace and depth of conversation that cigar culture fosters. "It’s not just about the smoke," she explains. "It’s about creating a moment –one where you’re fully present, where conversations unfold naturally, and where you can step away from the rush of daily life."
This appreciation led her to the Sisters of the Leaf (SOTL) Global Movement, a community of women redefining cigar
culture on their own terms. "SOTL isn’t just about cigars," she says. "It’s about identity, confidence, and the freedom to claim space in a traditionally maledominated world."
BREAKING BARRIERS IN CIGAR CULTURE
As a woman in cigar lounges, Marija has navigated her share of skepticism –especially in Serbia, where the scene remains largely male-dominated. "A few years ago, walking into a lounge as the only woman meant dealing with stares or unsolicited comments," she recalls. But in cities like London and Tokyo, she found a different energy –one of refinement and respect.
Still, she sees potential in her home country. "Belgrade has a growing cocktail and cigar scene, and places like Isabel Speakeasy are elevating the experience by pairing premium cigars with expertly crafted drinks. That’s rare here –but it’s changing."
THE FUTURE: WHERE SCIENCE MEETS SOPHISTICATION
Now working in the startup world, Marija is focused on bringing advanced technologies to market while staying connected to academia as a collaborator
and mentor. Parallel to this, she envisions a cigar culture that’s more inclusive –one where women feel empowered to indulge without pretense.
Her ideal world? One where women don’t have to choose between intellect and indulgence, between ambition and aesthetic pleasure. "I want to see more spaces where women can be unapologetically themselves –whether that’s in a lab, a boardroom, or a cigar lounge."
For Marija, the future is about fearless curiosity –in science, in culture, and in life. And if her journey so far is any indication, she’s just getting started.
Rome’s Jubileo de Fumadores 2025:
Where Smoke Meets Spirit
As the Eternal City embraces the Catholic Church’s 25th Jubilee, it also opens its arms to another kind of pilgrimage: one for lovers of the leaf. The Jubileo de Fumadores Anno Domini MMXXV invites cigar aficionados from around the world to celebrate in Rome’s most unique and sacred settings, blending history, culture, and the timeless art of cigar enjoyment.
Dr. Anastasia Psomiadi
This extraordinary event is proudly guided by its Board of Directors, including the dynamic and visionary Rossella, whose passion for creating one-of-a-kind experiences shines through in every detail. Her commitment to selecting breathtaking venues and crafting an elegant journey ensures guests will savor Rome in ways few ever do.
Rossella De La Ville, Dama Del Santo Sepolcro Di Gerusalemme & Entrepreneur:
“For me, every event is about creating an atmosphere where people feel the soul of the city and the spirit of the cigar,” says Rossella. “Rome is not just a backdrop — it’s an essential character in this story of smoke and soul.”
“A world-class event steeped in culture, tradition, and refined taste, all thanks to the vision and passion of Pino Cangemi, a true connoisseur of Cuban cigars and a devoted admirer of Cuba. I would like to thank Pino not only for creating such a unique and unforgettable event, but also for thinking of me and including me on the executive committee. His trust and generosity are deeply appreciated. In a world where true passion often goes unnoticed, Pino’s dedication stands out as something rare and inspiring. Through his work, he doesn’t just share Cuban culture — he brings it to life.”
A THREE-DAY CELEBRATION LIKE NO OTHER
From October 2nd to 4th, guests will step into an exclusive world where refined pleasures and spiritual moments coexist seamlessly. Each day offers a new chapter of discovery, from majestic palaces to intimate religious sites — all wrapped in the aromatic embrace of fine Cuban cigars.
ROSSELLA DE LA VILLE.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2
— OPENING ELEGANCE
At the enchanting Brancaccio Palace, the last noble residence of Roman aristocracy, the celebration begins with music and style. Guests will enjoy the lively show “Tu vuo’ fa l’americano” by Marcello Cirillo and Demo Morselli, followed by a warm Roman-style welcome cocktail.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3
— SACRED PATHWAYS
A day devoted to the soul and senses: wander the Vatican Museums and Gardens, pass through the Holy Door at St. John Lateran, ascend the Scala Santa, and attend a special mass at San Giuseppe dei Falegnami overlooking the Roman Forum. A rare spiritual immersion intertwined with Rome’s deep history.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4 — GRAND FINALE
An exclusive private tour of the Capitoline Museums sets the stage for the evening, culminating in a Gala Dinner atop Terrazza Caffarelli — one of Rome’s most breathtaking rooftops. The evening resonates with the voice of Manuela Villa, paying musical tribute to the eternal spirit of Rome.
LUXURY TOUCHES & EXCLUSIVE GIFTS
Guests will enjoy access to some of Rome’s finest cigar lounges, including Hotel Dè Ricci, Harry’s Bar Roma, and Hotel De La Ville Relais. Each participant will receive:
▶Premium Cuban cigars (curated by Diadema S.p.A.)
▶A handmade tie for gentlemen or an elegant scarf for ladies
▶A CARTUJANO cigar holder
▶A personalized Cuban wooden box by Ernesto Aguilera, master of HUMIDORES HABANA
A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE
The complete experience is €1,000 per person, including all activities, fine cigars, gourmet dining, exclusive tours, and luxury gifts.
▶Cocktail / Welcome drink.
▶Exclusive guided tours.
▶Dinner and gala dinner.
▶Special gifts and accessories.
▶A tailored commemorative tie for gentlemen or an elegant scarf for ladies.
▶Premium cigars for two evenings, carefully selected by the Italian distributor DIADEMA S.p.A.
▶A CARTUJANO cigar holder.
▶A personalized Cuban wooden box crafted by master artisan Ernesto Aguilera, Director of HUMIDORES HABANA.
During your stay in Rome, you will also enjoy access to some of the city’s finest cigar lounges:
▶Habanos Lounge “Dè Ricci” — Hotel Dè Ricci, Via della Barchetta, 14.
▶Harry’s Bar Roma — Via V. Veneto, 150.
▶Cigar Lounge “Hotel De La Ville Relais” — Fiumicino, Via Porto Romano, 36.
PAYMENT DETAILS:
Rossella Rendina
IBAN: IT63S3608105138235371635390
BIC/SWIFT PPAYITR1XXX
Reason: Jubilee of Smokers.
A PILGRIMAGE FOR THE SENSES
More than just an event, the Jubileo de Fumadores Anno Domini MMXXV is a refined journey through the spiritual and cultural heart of Rome — curated to perfection by Rossella and her team. This is a once-in-a-lifetime invitation to celebrate the cigar not only as a luxury, but as a bridge between history, soul, and shared joy.
Reserve your place and become part of this extraordinary chapter in Rome’s living story!
Isle of Raasay
An elegant, complex, and profound Single Malt
Michel I. Texier
CATEGORY: Single Malt Whisky.
COMPANY: Isle of Raasay Hebridean Distillers.
DISTILLERY: Raasay Distillery.
ABV: 46.4% (92.8 proof).
AGE: NAS (No Age Statement).
MASHBILL: 100% Malted Barley.
COLOR: Natural (no coloring), bright gold.
Non-chill filtered and matured in a unique combination of six different cask types, this signature expression –developed by Master Distiller Alasdair Day– was first released in 2021. As of this year, it is named The Draam.
Two Raasay distillates, peated and unpeated, are separately aged in First Fill Rye American Whiskey, Fresh Chinkapin Oak, and Bordeaux Red Wine casks. The final blend of these six cask types results in a single malt that is elegant, complex, and profound, with a distinctive personality.
The use of new Chinkapin oak casks contributes one of its defining characteristics. After experimenting with different levels of charring and toasting, the distillery opted for heavy charring, believing it would best complement their spirit.
Heavy charring increases the barrel’s internal surface area, allowing more whisky to interact with the wood while naturally developing a darker color. The intense toasting caramelizes the oak’s natural sugars, imparting flavors of sweet caramel and grilled smoked meat to the final distillate.
NOSE: Notes of black and red berries, smoked wood, cinnamon, and sweet spices.
PALATE: Flavors of vanilla, black pepper, dark chocolate, and a lingering peat smoke, balanced with hints of lemongrass and butterscotch.
FINISH: A long, characterful finish –structured and powerful despite being lightly peated– with above-average smokiness and a prolonged sweetness.
COMMENTS: In the words of its Master Distiller: “We wanted to explore some of the older styles of Hebridean single malts. For instance, Islay whiskies that are no longer dominant, like Bowmore from the 1960s and early 1970s. Those had a balance of smoke and dark fruit flavors –black cherries, perhaps even apricots. This became the inspiration for our lightly peated single malt, with its dark fruit profile, which we now craft on the Hebridean Isle of Raasay.”
The next question we asked was: “How can we create an exceptional whisky that develops elegance, complexity, and depth early in the maturation process?” At the same time, we considered how this recipe could produce a traditional-aged Scotch single malt (10 years or older).
“Given Scotch whisky’s illustrious blending heritage, conventional wisdom says a distillery should make one style of single malt as efficiently as possible –mature it in oak (typically ex-Bourbon casks) and wait until it’s ready (10, 12, 15, 18 years or more).
But what if you designed a distillery with the flexibility to produce different single malt styles? This approach is more common in other countries –Japan, Taiwan, the U.S., Tasmania– and it’s the philosophy we’ve embraced on the Isle of Raasay.”
Photography: Gilsane García Morais.
Acknowledgments: Dr. Gilton Da Silva Morais, private collection.
Morning Cigars
The Art of a Gentle Start
FRANCISCO ARIAS.
There’s something special about early mornings, before the world wakes up, before the phone starts buzzing, before the day gets loud. That’s when I like to enjoy a cigar.
Francisco Arias Certified Cigar Sommelier
Usually, it’s Sunday. I’m up around 6 or 7 a.m., I make myself a good cup of coffee, sometimes café de olla with cinnamon and brown sugar, sometimes just a strong espresso, and I step outside. The air is cool, the sky is soft, and everything feels... still. That’s when the cigar comes out. Something smooth. Maybe an H. Upmann, maybe a Montecristo White, or a Plasencia Reserva Original. Nothing heavy. Just something that lets the morning unfold slowly.
I know a lot of people think cigars are for nighttime, after a big dinner, at weddings, or with a glass of whiskey. And sure, those moments are great. But there’s something different about a morning cigar. It’s quieter. Calmer. More personal.
In the U.S. or the Caribbean, when I tell people I smoke cigars in the morning, they usually smile and nod, like they’ve done it too. But when I say that in Mexico, where I’m from, I usually get a shocked look.
“You smoke a cigar in the morning?” Yep. And it’s my favorite time. Cigars don’t always have to be about showing off or celebrating.
Sometimes they’re just about being present. Lighting up early lets me ease into the day. It helps me think. It slows everything down in the best way.
People have their morning routines, some jog, some meditate, some just scroll through their phones. Me? I light a cigar and listen to the birds. I sip my coffee and let the world stretch out a little before it starts moving.
It’s not about luxury. It’s about peace. And if you’ve never tried it, I highly recommend it.
MORNING PAIRING TIP
Try a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure de Luxe Robusto with café de olla or a rich espresso. Smooth smoke, mellow spice, and a quiet start to a busy day.
Distilled with passion, inspired by tradition
Generations of heritage in his blood, but with the passion to create his own legacy...
Pearse Irish Whiskey
Gonzalo Romero
We could talk about Pearse Lyons and the seven generations of his family heritage; how his mother, Margaret Dunne, was Ireland’s first registered female cooper, or how in the late 1960s he became the first Irishman to earn a Master’s in brewing and distilling.
We could mention his obsession with fermentation processes, or his entrepreneurial ventures in Kentucky where he founded multiple breweries using patented yeast technology.
It’s worth noting how in 2013, with his wife, he established his distillery in St. James’ Church in Dublin’s Liberties District (D8) –coincidentally just blocks from where his grandfather was born.
That the Pearse Lyons Distillery is young (opened 2017 after 4 years of restoration), becoming Ireland’s first new Single Malt distillery in 25+ years, revolutionizing the industry by distilling without traditional copper pot stills.
But better yet – let’s discuss Pearse Lyons Original: a blended Irish whiskey at 43% ABV, aged 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels (a nod to his Kentucky days), using both malted/unmalted barley, naturally colored and non-chill filtered.
In the glass: a bright gold hue, never crystal-clear. Nose: Vanilla, citrus, floral notes. Palate: Lightweight with opening mint, transitioning to vanilla/caramel while maintaining freshness.
Lyons’ passion crystallizes in his bottle’s motto: “DISTILLED WITH PASSION, INSPIRED BY TRADITION.” Don’t miss it – the experience delights from first sip to last...
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