newhavanacigars

2012-01-04T07:04:00.001-08:00

NHC IN 2011

I would like to thank everyone for making 2011 the biggest year to date for New Havana Cigars! As I look back on the year it seems to have gone by extremely fast, yet we have had more excitement than ever. The ELO's made an early appearance and were received so well they were gone quickly, La Verite made history by selling on Futures, we saw the NHC SL Capa come and go and everyone continued to enjoy the NHC SL Natural and Maduro, IPCPR brought a ton of new products and we had them online before the trade show came to a close, we introduced Surrogates as our own brand to rave reviews, had a Monster of a Halloween and brought another NHC exclusive, the MUWAT Bait Fish last month.

The end of the year always brings about many "best of" lists, and this year we saw the NHC SL Capa show up in multiple lists, including position #2 and #3 new cigar of the year. Surrogates made an appearance on at least one as well as an honorable mention and many of the IPCPR releases from our vendors were on the lists of favorites as well.

2012 is sure to bring a lot of excitement as well!

To celebrate a few of the highlights of 2011, we have a couple of New Year specials in our Members Only section online.

A special price on a limited number of Surrogates Skull Breaker boxes and Bone Crusher boxes. 25 of each available.

A special price on a mixed box of 20 NHC SL by Tatuaje, featuring 9 Reservas, 9 Naturals and 2 Capas! Get a chance to see what all the rage was about! 50 available.

YOU NEED TO LOG IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT FIRST, and then the following Category will appear below the other categories on the left side of the site:

Click on the MEMBERS ONLY category online to find the New Year specials. If you don't see the category after logging in, try refreshing your screen or emptying your browser cache, but you should not have to do so.

Once again, THANK YOU for making 2011 a record year and we look forward to sharing some great smokes in 2012!

ENJOY,

Dan

MUWAT BAIT FISH

2011-12-05T09:29:00.000-08:00

My Uzi Weighs A Ton is a collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco Company's Subculture Studios and the Joya de Nicaragua factory.

Made at the JDN factory, this much anticipated blend was officially rolled out at the 2011 IPCPR where I had a chance to sit down with Jonathan Drew. After some brainstorming about doing some business with each other, Jonathan mentioned the infamous "Bait Fish" size of MUWAT, a 4x44 that was announced but still in the process. After early feedback from the 60 ring gauge releases of MUWAT, many customers wanted something with some more strength to it. Jonathan felt that Bait Fish might be the perfect outlet for a tweaked blend, and a great smaller project that New Havana Cigars would be a great fit for. Humbled by the offer, I immediately said "Let's make it happen!"

So he sent some blends to compare and we decided on the EF blend (the stronger blend). An initial factory order was placed and we are very proud to have the exclusive on Bait Fish!

Wrapped in paper packs of 5 sticks and bundled in sets of 5 packs for a total of 25 in a bundle, this is a much anticipated release and I think everyone will be quite impressed with the tweak in the blend and especially at this size.

MUWAT is in such high demand that it won't be until January that we will be able to bring the original sizes in. Bait Fish has arrived, though, and will be a great addition to the lineup. Smaller and stronger and available only at www.newhavanacigars.com!

2011-10-12T21:19:00.000-07:00

The Wolfman from Tatuaje is arriving today.

In the past it has always been a struggle to determine a time to open up orders for these special releases. They are gone in a matter of minutes and there isn't a time that is good for everyone.

So I decided to try something different and post half of them at 13:00 EDT on the 13th, the now traditional and expected time for many customers - and post the other half on Saturday, the 15th at 08:00 EDT for the early risers who couldn't hunt during the afternoon on a weekday.

I'm sure there are plenty of people for whom neither time is convenient, but at least we are trying!

For those who don't already know, The Wolfman is the 4th Halloween release from Tatuaje, and in addition to the 666 coffins, most of which went to the 13 'unlucky' retailers chosen this year - there are approx. 1500 10-count boxes being distributed to the rest of us. After all - it's about having the cigar in your hand on Halloween and saving some for future special smoking times.

This year's selection is a 7.5 x 52 vitola based on the Cojonu 2009 blend with a Sumatra wrapper - and it is fantastic!

It will be fun! And there should be plenty available throughout the country if NHC sells out before you get a chance at them.

We will post the 10 count boxes as well as singles.

October in Columbus

2011-10-03T10:10:00.001-07:00

This Friday, October 7th, our friends at Cigar Explorer, http://cigarexplorer.com/ are hosting a charity event for the CRA here in Columbus. Details are on their homepage.

Pete Johnson from Tatuaje Cigars is going to be in town for the event, so we are going to do one of our NHC Online Events with him on Saturday, the 8th.

For those who have been customers for a while, you will remember the other events we have done. On Saturday, there will be a chat room open online (hours and details to follow) and all orders placed on Saturday, the 8th, will qualify for the event promotions. You will have a chance to 'chat' with Pete and other customers online, and place an order for in-stock Tatuaje family products.

All Tatuaje boxes will have a special sale price and qualify for extra swag promotions, including the NHC Seleccion Limitada by Tatuaje. It's a great chance to stock up on your favorites and take advantage of special pricing and promotions.

We have an order coming in this week so we will have everything that is currently in stock at Tatuaje on hand, as well as others that we have in stock now.

On Saturday, we will open up a category that will list all of the qualifying boxes to choose from. If you have seen this before, you know that early in the day, supplies diminish quickly and the list shrinks to the remaining in stock boxes, so order early to get your favorites.

We will post exact details later this week.

Surrogates Bone Crusher and Skull Breaker

2011-09-07T12:24:00.000-07:00

It's been less than a week since we announced the Surrogates line and there has been a lot of response already. Both the Bone Crusher and Skull Breaker vitolas are hitting your mailboxes and being reviewed and talked about online.

From all of the speculation that has shown up in the forums, it is apparent that I need to set straight some conclusions that are being drawn. In fact, I feel so strongly about it that this is in the form of an apology.

Although Surrogates is meant to be "for those who can't get enough" of a good thing - namely a great cigar - it is my hope that the name will stand on it's own and represent our intent to make available the kind of sticks that I love and that hopefully you will love as well.

When people saw the names of these first two vitolas, there was much speculation that they were either made by one of our trusted vendors, or were meant to be a duplicate of one of their offerings. Neither is true nor implied. The names were based on the novelty fonts that I chose for these full bodied beasts. In retrospect, I should not be surprised that some people jumped to conclusions about them being made by Viaje, because of the themes used in the names. This was never my intent. Bone Crusher is a play on the strength of the stick 'hitting you to the bones' and Skull Breaker is a play on 'feeling it in your head' when you are done. Had I projected the myriad of conclusions being drawn I might have chosen 'Punisher' for the Skull theme and simply 'Krusher' for the other vitola. But Surrogates was the branding I wanted to bring forth and create a following for.

So, for the record - Any resemblance to Viaje's SnB is surely not on purpose and I want to apologize to Andre for any confusion this has caused to his and our loyal Viaje customers. Andre was not aware of this project until everyone else was, and I wished I would have projected the conclusions being drawn ahead of time and stated my position with him before it went public. I am very proud of the relationships we have established with our manufacturers and what we do for each other in this business. I wouldn't risk harming those relationships by purposefully trying to mimic one of their brands, especially without talking to them first.

I hope you are enjoying being a part of the Experiment of Surrogates. I think it's human nature to try to solve a mystery, but let the tobacco speak for itself and trust your palate. We don't want your skull hurting from an overworked brain, let these first vitolas do that for you!

Enjoy,
Dan

NHC Surrogates

2011-08-31T19:32:00.000-07:00

NHC Surrogates has been in the works this year, but I haven't leaked much info about it until recently. I somehow managed to walk the floors of the trade show and keep quiet about it. But they are coming sooner than expected, which is great - so it's time.

Have you ever wished that you could get more of a special stick that you purchased as a limited release because you are down to your last few, and you are torn between smoking them and saving them? What about the times when funds are low, and you can't manage to pick up a special stick before they are gone? Well, that's the dilemma that spawned the idea for Surrogates.

I wanted to create a brand for NHC that would bring new customers and service our loyal customers. Looking at our business over the last 4 years, it was obvious that our clients demanded something special. One thing that was missing was constant availability. What would the cigar geek do if something was available that was as special as a limited run stick, rivaling it's quality and flavor, but was available all the time? Would he smoke it? What if the price point was more in line with the 'everyday sticks' that he smoked? Would it lessen it's value? Would it's availability lessen the expectation or it's perceived value? Maybe it would simply be smoked and thoroughly enjoyed! YES - that's what I got into this business for in the first place!

Well, welcome to the Experiment! Surrogates was created to solve the problem of choosing whether to save or smoke that special vitola. The answer, is BOTH. Why not save them, age them AND smoke them!

So I searched and found what I was looking for. Utilizing a new source, we finalized a blend that answered some other requests that we had been hearing - full bodied and full of flavor , yet balanced. Larger ring gauge but not too big. I'm a big fan of small ring gauges, but I also reach for those 52's and 54's when I want power. So, the first Surrogates offerings were born to fill that niche. Power.

Bone Crusher is a 5 1/4 x 54 vitola that packs a crushing punch. Skull Breaker is 5 1/4 x 52 in a belicoso shape that happens to be one of my favorite sizes. Both are the same blend, with a Broadleaf wrapper and retail will be $7.50/stick in boxes of 20, with a box price of $135.

First mission accomplished. Sourced a powerful, balanced stick at an amazing price point and made it's availability ongoing!

We stamped the bottom of the boxes "Made in Central America - for those who can't get enough". Everyone wants to know where, by who, etc. But this has become part of the Experiment. Smoke it and decide if you like it. Skip the hype and preconceived expectations. There are more. I think everyone will be more than pleasantly surprised.

Our customers have come to trust my smoking preferences, as everything we sell revolves around whether or not it's something I personally want to smoke. There are MANY great cigars out there that aren't in my wheel house. But if you are like me, and like what NHC has offered in the past - then Surrogates is for you because it's based on what I like in a cigar.

These first two offerings are answering what I like in strength, namely a balance between strength and flavor. Maybe the next vitola will be what I appreciate in another profile, such as refreshing and complex. It won't be another size of this blend. But it will be a Surrogate for another part of your smoking rotation.

Keep your eyes peeled - they are on the way!

NHC SL Repackaging

2011-08-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

We just received a lot of empty 20 count boxes from the factory - the same kind used to package the NHC SL Capas last month. We will use them to repackage some of the 40 count NHC SL boxes into 20 count boxes of NHC SL Natural or Reservas. Products are online now!

Update on NHC Seleccion Limitada by Tatuaje

2011-08-04T09:47:00.000-07:00

NHC Seleccion Limitada by Tatuaje

So here's the scoop on the NHC SL project. We recently used the rest of the NHC bands we had printed for the project to produce a small run (70 boxes) of NHC Capa Especial using the wonderful Sumatra wrapper at the My Father Cigars factory. They sold out extremely fast and now everyone is asking 'Will there be more?'.

I hope that we can get bands made again and produce all 3 versions of the NHC SL again, in 20 count boxes - but that is probably going to be on hold until we sell through more of the original NHC SL Natural and Reserva.

Having a year and a half of age on them now, these sticks are smoking phenomenally. I continue to smoke them daily even with all of the new arrivals entering into my daily rotations. Many of you have them in your humidor, and I think a lot of people are holding on to them as they were a limited release by Tatuaje, etc. But, at the price point they are at, I continue to convince folks that they are meant to be smoked as well as aged. Given the blend, these sticks age extremely well.

I am smoking a Reserva right now and had a Natural this morning. Both show characteristics that were hidden a year ago. The Broadleaf wrapper has backed off and accents the blend in a completely different way than before and the Habano wrapper does the same.

So, smoke them! Tell your friends about them and get them smoking them in their daily rotation. They are all 10% off right now so you can get them for box discount in any combination, which makes them $7.10 a stick in samplers or half boxes.

When we get to a stock level that makes sense to order again, I will approach Pete and ask in the nicest way if we can make more of all 3 wrappers, and get them boxed in 20 count boxes. I think he will respond positively, as I know that he too, loves this size.

So get to work and help spread the word! Smoke some awesome, aged sticks now so we can continue the project soon.

Enjoy,
-Dan

New IPCPR Arrivals

2011-07-29T20:27:00.001-07:00

I took this picture at the Illusione booth at IPCPR, and by chance, the first shipment to arrive from them contains 1 set of Illusione Maduro boxes and multiple boxes of -mkultra-.

New for 2011, the Illusione ULTRA is a different take on the Illusione Blend. The original -mk Ultra- that was released in small quantities a few years ago was a blend that was "a little too strong to sit alongside the Original Document line" according to Dion. To bring it back, he recreated the blend and will release a lineup of Illusione Ultra in multiple sizes, including the mk. Full bodied and strong, the flavors are rich and powerful and balanced, bringing out subtle flavors even with the added strength.

Here's the scoop on Illusione Maduro: The -hl- made an appearance last year as a short run, to rave reviews. That original -hl maduro- used a Corojo wrapper. When contemplating a release of multiple sizes, Dion revisited the wrapper and found the San Andreas Maduro more to his liking for the Illusione blend. So the Illusione Maduro vitolas are the original blend, with a San Andreas Maduro wrapper. Available in -hl-, -cg4-, -88-, -888- and -mj12-.

Since we received 1 set of Maduro boxes on this initial shipment, we thought we'd use them for a killer sampler that will allow you to compare them with their Original Document counterparts. Remember, all of this will be regular production, so we should start seeing them in the coming months, but this is a great preview!

Look for this full comparison sampler to appear at 9am EST on Saturday, July 29th, under the IPCPR2011 category. (Just look for the button on the left of the website) It's $99 (special price) and ships free.

We will list BOXES of -mkulta- as well as 5-PACKS of -mkultra- as well, since we have multiple boxes of that vitola.

I smoked 2 of them today after they arrived, and they are outstanding. Actually, I like it better than the original -mkultra- that appeared 2 years ago. The blend shows off the nuances better, yet it's still a strong stick.

Fausto, La Casita Criolla and Avion along with 7th Capa Especial will be restocked on Monday, August 1st, so you will see ALL of them listed in the IPCPR2011 category at 9AM Saturday as well! Here's your chance to grab a box or 5-pack of your favorite from the new lineup.

We have sent many Tatuaje 9 stick samplers out this past week featuring all of these sticks, and many of you have already been smoking them and asking when boxes and 5 packs will reappear. Well here's your chance! We will have everything listed and they will disappear as they sell out.

We'll have the special Tatuaje 9 stick sampler up as well, again.

NHC Capa Especial

2011-07-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

New NHC SL Capa Especial:

NHC Seleccion Limitada Capa Especial Box of 20! Only 70 boxes made.

Boxes of 20 Online now in the NHC Seleccion Limitada Category, as well as 5 packs.

In 2010, Pete Johnson produced the NHC Seleccion Limitada for us in both Natural (Habano) and Reserva (Broadleaf) wrappers. This year, on a factory trip, I was sampling the Tatuaje 7th Capa Especial and fell in love with the Sumatra wrapper. "Wonder what the NHC SL would be like with this wrapper?" I asked of Pete. "Let's find out" was the reply, and he had the rollers whip up some samples. We both LOVED it. "How many NHC bands you have left?" So we checked the stock and there were enough to produce around 70 boxes of 20. The factory made new boxes to house 20 cigars each and that was that.

If you are a fan of the Natural and Reserva, you will love this new one!

NHC Seleccion Limitada Capa Especial (Sumatra) (6 3/4 x 42)

Very Limited Availability

You will find special prices on NHC SL Naturals and Reservas in the NHC SELECCION LIMITADA Category, all at 10% off to celebrate the new stick! Even 5 packs and 20 count half boxes. Add some to your order and compare all 3!

ENJOY,

Dan

EPC Edicion Limitada 2011

2011-07-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

Also coming up is the Edicion Limitada 2011. This year called Dark Rituals it will feature an Oscuro Maduro wrapper at 6.5 x 56. Boxes of 10 will again be $150.

I was fortunate enough to be handed one of these by Ernie Carrillo at their booth after smoking a Maduro. I, and the others sitting around me, took a bunch of photos and then I looked at Ernie and said "Am I smoking this?". He nodded and I cut it, much to the dismay (or should I say envy) of the others around me. After 10 minutes, and thanking Ernie a million times, I headed out on the floor smoking this powerhouse. I shared puffs with some friends that I passed while walking around and they seemed to agree that this was one special stick. We probably won't see too many boxes of 10, but I will take as many as we can get. And I'll be buying a box or two for myself. Amazing. Complex. Very strong.

New from EPC at IPCPR

2011-07-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

At the EPC booth with Ernie smoking the new EPC Core Maduro. Same sizes as the Core Line, which now has 2 new sizes for a total of 8, but with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.

Pricing will be the same as Core line. We will bring some in and get some new line samplers online that have all 8 sizes.

A new size will be available in New Wave Connecticut as well.

La Casita Criolla from Tatuaje

2011-07-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

As I posted yesterday, La Casita is 100% Broadleaf. I smoked two of these yesterday and am looking forward to nabbing another one today while walking around.

A very different profile from other Tatuaje releases, everyone I've talked to is in love with this stick! Sweet and chewy on the palate, everyone is enjoying the blend.

I've only had 1 of the 3 sizes, so I can't wait to get back and try the others when our shipment arrives at the end of the week!

Viaje Late Harvest at IPCPR

2011-07-19T09:47:00.001-07:00

There are two sizes of a new project, Late Harvest, on display in the Viaje booth. Very limited in numbers, I think 125 boxes of 35 in each size, this is a new blend and uses filler tobacco from the last primings of the plant.

A tribute to the Late Harvest wines, it is not intended to imply that the filler tobacco used was actually harvested late as in the wine world, as one cannot harvest tobacco late, but simply that it uses the last primings harvested from the plant.

Viaje Skull and Bones

2011-07-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Two new sizes of Skull and Bones Red label will be released soon. Remember Red is a stronger blend than the original White banded Skull and Bones.

I am dubbing this line a 'project line' meaning that although there are two blends that get released in small batches, the sizes change according to the current project. When a size is released, it may or may not be seen again, but others in the blend will continue to be released at different intervals.

Satori, on the other hand, is more of a 'limited line'. It is released every year in the same three sizes.

Viaje booth at IPCPR

2011-07-19T09:35:00.001-07:00

There was a lot of activity at the Viaje booth yesterday as well. On display were two new Skull and Bones sizes that are coming soon, Satori (which is being released again like last year) and the Late Harvest which will be released in two sizes in very small numbers as well.

Once they return from the show we will have more info about availability.

Illusione Maduro

2011-07-19T09:29:00.001-07:00

Here's a closeup of the 888 Maduro showing the new bands!

Illusione Maduro on display

2011-07-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

There has been a ton of speculation about the Illusione Maduro since we first saw and fell in love with the hl Maduro last fall. On display were the 88, 888, mj12 and cg4 along with the hl.

They are not ready to ship yet, but are expected soon!

Illusione Ultra announced at IPCPR

2011-07-19T09:19:00.001-07:00

Illusione also had the mk ultra on display. This limited edition corona (5 1/8 x 42) will be available soon and there will be 3 sizes following it in the Illusione Ultra line, a robusto, toro and double corona.

I had a chance to smoke the mk ultra yesterday at the booth and it did not disappoint. Those who remember the run from a few years ago will be impressed. It is a stronger blend than the Illusione line and has a beautiful dark wrapper.

New Epernay announced at IPCPR

2011-07-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

A new Epernay Bench Press Torpedo - L'Alpinisto was on display in the Illusione booth. 6 3/4 x 56. $11.60

Not shipping yet, but expected soon. Looks like a great addition to the line!

Tatuaje Releases at IPCPR 2011

2011-07-18T17:10:00.000-07:00

The first morning of the trade show started off with a visit to the Tatuaje booth. Already very active, I took some shots of the new products coming now and later this year. Luckily, the majority of the new releases are available now.

We have already seen the new 7th Capa Especial at NHC and more will be on the way.

The much anticipated La Casita Criolla, Fausto and Avion are here as well and I've already had a chance to smoke them all! I can't wait for their arrival back home, which may be as soon as we get back this week!

Here's the scoop:

Based on the T110 (Thermonuclear) blend, Fausto is a much anticipated new lineup from Pete Johnson. Fausto features an Ecuador Habano Maduro wrapper and a very strong blend of Nicaraguan filler that includes mostly ligero from Jalapa and Esteli. As strong as the blend is, this full bodied smoke is filled with flavor and will be a daily staple for many who love a bigger smoke.

The number in the name refers to the approximate length in mm. (ex. 127mm = 5 inches)

FT127 - Robusto - 5 x 54. $8.00
FT140 - Robusto Extra - 5 1/2 x 52. $8.25
FT153 - Toro - 6 x 50. $8.50
FT166 - Short Churchill - 6 1/2 x 48. $8.75

Avion - Fausto Special Selection

Based on the T110 (Thermonuclear) blend, Fausto is a much anticipated new lineup from Pete Johnson. Fausto features an Ecuador Habano Maduro wrapper and a very strong blend of Nicaraguan filler that includes mostly ligero from Jalapa and Esteli. As strong as the blend is, this full bodied smoke is filled with flavor and will be a daily staple for many who love a bigger smoke.

Avion is an extension of the Fausto line that will release a new size each year for 3 years and remain in full production! For 2011, the 11's size is a Perfecto Grande, box pressed. ($10.00)

La Casita Criolla by Tatuaje

This new line from Pete Johnson features 100% Broadleaf tobacco. An homage to the broadleaf cigars made in the U.S. many years ago, this is a departure from the other Tatuaje lines.

I was fortunate enough to smoke these on a factory trip to Nicaragua this year when they were being produced. In fact, we smoked a ton of them. One would expect 100% broadleaf to be sweet and chewy in flavor, and that it is. While the factory buys a ton of great broadleaf to be used for wrapper leaf, there are filler leaves from the plant as well - seco and viso - and these are used in the blend. They are not as dark in color as the wrapper leaves that you are used to on broadleaf wrapped vitolas, but don't be fooled by the normal looking filler - it is all broadleaf and it is unlike anything in the Tatuaje family to date.

La Casita Criolla falls in the medium range, with a distinctly pleasant taste profile of sweetness. An everyday, or multiples per day, smoke.

HCB - Corona - 5 1/8 x 42. $6.00
HCBC - Corona Gorda - 5 5/8 x 46. $6.50
HCBF - Short Churchill - 6 1/2 x 48. $7.00

El Triunfador "Old Man and the C" (Lancero and Culebra)

The original El Triunfador Lancero alongside a Culebra made from 3 El Triunfador Lanceros! That's 4 lanceros for $30. Each set comes packaged in it's own box. Smoke the original and share the Culebra with your friends.

"Old Man and the C". $30
El Triunfador Lancero - 7 1/2 x 38
El Triunfador Culebra - 3 Lanceros twisted together

I also ordered some new Area Fumado lighters and cutters. Don't be surprised to see them showing up in your orders.

There was a sneak peek for October on display as well - the Wolfman, the 4th of the Monster Series.

Much more to share so keep checking back.

Dan

IPCPR 2011

2011-07-13T09:06:00.001-07:00

Just a quick update to let everyone know that we will be attending the
IPCPR trade show from July 16 - July 20th, 2011. All orders placed
after 12PM on July 15th will be shipped on July 21st.

There should be quite a few new arrivals coming when we get back and
we will keep you updated here.

Fausto, Avion and La Casita Criolla, all from Tatuaje will be on
display at the show and having had a chance to smoke them all at the
factory this year, I can tell you that there isn't an average stick
among them! Very excited to see these in house and get pictures up
for everyone before they are gone. Believe the hype!

Illusione will be featuring some sticks in addition to the -hl- with
maduro wrappers. We had the -hl- maduro in last fall and it was a
huge hit. Unfortunately, we haven't seen them since, so we are
excited to get them again, along with some other sizes! We shall see
what else Dion has up his long sleeves!

EPC has a few new vitolas as well as some maduro sticks coming.

Kurt from 7-20-4 has a new line, the 1874 Series. We had a sample a
few months ago and it is entirely different than the 7-20-4 line.
Looking forward to seeing those soon. Maybe even this week.

Enjoy,
Dan

My Father Cigars Factory Grand Opening Celebration - Esteli, Nicaragua

2009-09-01T07:05:00.000-07:00

28 Aug, 2009

In an industry known for it's work ethic - there is a time for hard work - and there is a time to celebrate. This weekend of 29 Aug, 2009 was a time for the latter.

Although the new My Father Cigars factory in Esteli was already in full production for a short while, the Garcias invited their family of clients to join them for a gala celebration. In turn, their clients invited some of their clients - and so I and a couple of other retailers were lucky enough to join in the festivities thanks to Pete Johnson of Tatuaje.

Having made the trip to Esteli to visit the old Garcia factory, I knew a few things to expect during my travels - but as any good story goes - I could never have written the events as they transpired without looking back on them.

My flight to Miami to pick up the first of two flights to Managua on Friday had to be booked on a separate itinerary. This is bad travel mojo, I know, but the arrival in Miami was too close to get booked the whole way through to Managua. Basically, I had an hour between flights. If on time, this shouldn't be a problem. At least I thought. I argued to my inner critic that the Managua flight was always late anyway. What I failed to remember was that the flight from Columbus to Miami was on a commuter jet that taxi'd to the tarmac instead of a gate. I realized this as we arrived 10 minutes later than expected and the announcement inside the airplane said that a bus would take us to gate D38. I hurried to find the layout of Miami airport in the airline magazine.

Once we came to a stop I turned on the iPhone and texted Pete. "What gate". "E11 - did you land?" came back seconds later. I didn't know it at the time, but they were already onboard. In what seemed like an eternity, we sat on the plane waiting for our carry-on luggage to be unloaded before we were allowed to deboard and scramble to the bus that had pulled up to take us to D38. D38 to E11, I was told via text, was a 10 minute walk in the airport. "Run ... Very Fast" was the next thing that popped up on my phone. By the time the bus was loaded and we slowly made our way to the gate, I was sweating with panic. "No way to make it in time - they have to be boarding already", I told myself. As we approached the gate I received, "You have until 10:50 to make it to the gate - RUN". It was 10:45 when I was the first to sprint from the bus, head-on into a locked glass door. After it was opened, I took off. I had NO idea how to get to E11, only that I could see the E terminal stretching to the right in my peripheral vision.

I don't remember the next 5 minutes. The O.J. Simpson commercial from my youth flashed through my head - but I had to block it out because I was now laughing at myself - 6'4" / 240 wearing R&R jeans that were not made for running and being in no way similar to the graceful running back that jumped over the terminal benches with just a briefcase in his hand. I had a duffle bag bouncing from my leg to the unfortunate travellers that I passed while luckily making only one wrong turn in the maze of airport hallways. I arrived at the E11 gate at 10:50 - panting and sweating - with a look on my face that obviously read "I am too late ..." The airline attendent had closed the door already and was printing the travel log of passengers. But they knew I was coming - so I was very lucky.

I got on the plane - said my Hello's to those up front in Business Class - still in a sweat and daze from what just transpired. As I made my way to my seat in the back - I couldn't wait to fall asleep. I was out. Apparently, I missed John Gonzalez (VP of sales) coming back to say there was room up front and to come on up. As he later explained, 'I wasn't about to wake you up - you're a big guy'. A quick flight later, I was awake and landing in Managua.

By the time I made my way through Customs, almost everyone that was on the flight was waiting in front of the Duty Free store. Taped boxes at their feet, introductions began and I realized that there were a lot of people on the flight heading to Esteli for the event. Pete and Andy were joined by two other retailers, one of which handed me a boxed Cohiba Siglo V. Ashton, E.O. Brands and others were all represented in the crowd as well as the Garcias. Siglo's were cut in our group and waiting to be lit. We made our way outside to wait for two buses (vans) to pick us up for the long trip to Esteli. Pete said "I've got a bottle of Havana Club rum for each of you". Siglo in hand, now lit, and still spent from my trip through the airport, all I could think of was opening mine.

Before we piled into our bus, someone mentioned that we should have picked up something to drink on the ride. There were 12 of us on our bus, with another 10 or so in the first van. Stuck in traffic trying to leave the airport we joked that we had a box of rum at least. I offered up mine and said "We'll have to pass it around old school - no glasses". A minute later we are cutting the tape from our box of rum in the back of the bus and we pull out a bottle of Havana Club 7 year. After a ceremonial pour on the ground to honor those who have passed before us (or to Mother Earth - both worthy traditions for consumption of libations), the bottle began it's first journey from the back of the bus forward. By the time it returned, more than half was gone and we were still making our way from the airport. Before we left Managua, it was gone.

The Rumbus had begun. It's a long drive from Managua to Esteli (150 km, much of which is slow travel) and before we knew it, another bottle made it's way from box to ceremonial pouring to consumption. The Rumbus continued - stories were pouring from those onboard - a few songs broke out. A bundle of cigars appeared and was passed around the bus. My Father Le Bijou, unbanded and fresh from the drying room. This was going to be a memorable journey.

Half way to Esteli, a traffic jam stopped the van in front and they got off to bring us bottles of water and find out what was going on behind them. Everyone stretched a bit and we picked up at least one new passenger who transferred from the van. I don't think we lost any in trade. The sights of the Nicaraguan road that I remembered from last year swept by and were replaced with the Rumbus onboard. This was the beginning of a group that is used to working hard all day, every day, relaxing in celebration.

In all, the Rumbus consumed what I think was four bottles of Havana Club, finally breaking into the 5 year variety. By the time we arrived at Los Arcos hotel in Esteli, we were all ready for some food! After dropping off our bags in our assigned rooms, everyone met in the restaurant for much needed grub. A few continued with some local libations, Tona cerveza and of course, more rum - although at least mixed with Coca-Cola. Another bundle of cigars is passed around the table. Unbanded robustos from the drying room. Everyone takes turns guessing what they are.

"Bus leaves at six" for the factory. It is now early evening and the sun is low. A group of us stand outside the restaurant on the corner, smoking cigars. The vans are boarded and we are off for the factory.

It's almost dark even though it's early. The My Father Cigars factory is only a couple of miles down the road. We pass the old factory, Tabacalera Cubana - and arrive at the gates of a modern complex many times it's size. Security opens the gates and we drive past two buildings on the grounds, each of which are many times the size of the old factory. And they are only a few of the buildings on the campus. In the back is our destination - an outdoor pavilion where lunch is served each day for the workers. A DJ is set up as well as a table full of ... well ... rum and other drinks along with some more appetizers. Groups break off and mingle. Music is playing in the background. Brand owners and factory representatives and clients are all sharing stories, but the business talk is at a minimum. This seems like a time to simply rejoice in the entire business of cigars and the passion that exists in everyone here.

Pepin arrives to much applause and it's only a matter of minutes before he picks up the microphone from the DJ. I'm thinking he may say a few words. Instead, he breaks into song - is joined by Erik - and the mood is set for the rest of the evening at the pavilion.

We are joined by Colin from European Cigar Cult Journal and Manny Ferrero from Ashton, both of whom shared stories and listened to ours. Talk turned from business to cigars to food to travel to life in general. "Enjoying life is an art" I state - it's a line from a one-man show I wrote - and it's apparent here. I turned 45 just a day ago and among the many birthday wishes still this night, I am feeling fortunate to be at this place at this time.

By the time we got back to the hotel, I was more than ready for a night's sleep.

29 Aug, 2009

Morning came early as the time difference is two hours from Eastern time since they don't do Daylight Savings time here. The room is quiet and I'm happy for a warm shower. There's a breakfast buffet waiting with coffee and I pack a cigar in my pocket and head through the lobby to find the food. Kickstarted with coffee, converstation and much needed breakfast - we are told that we are going to the factory at 11. We gather outside for a morning smoke and discuss, among other things, what to wear. Hey, we didn't know what to expect at the factory today and being told 'nice casual' could mean anything.

The bus and van were filled this morning, and we were some of the first to arrive at the factory, which was now glowing in the daylight sun. The flags of Nicaragua and Cuba both flew high in front of the buildings. A line was forming outside to sign the guestbook and enter the lobby. Inside, Pepin and Jaime Garcia were there to greet each guest with a proud grin. The lobby was decked with leather chairs and a My Father Cigars mural and photos on the walls. We were handed a wood case that housed a 3 pack of My Father cigars and headed down a hallway to a large, open room filled with seating for the ceremony.

This room was actually the rolling room. Everything was moved out and replaced with infinite rows of seating for the opening ceremony. I'm not sure how much bigger this room is than the old factory, but many times over is what I'd assume. A long table is set in front with a podium for the speakers. People begin filling the room. The factory workers are filing into the second half of the room and other guests are filling the seats in the front.

In search of water, Pete returns with another unbanded cigar from the drying room. "What's this?", I ask. "Just smoke it", I'm told with a grin. Is this La Verite, I wonder? As I was lighting it, I heard Andy talking about it. Yes, it was. I had smoked L'Esprit de Verite (the robusto version and a slightly different blend), but had yet to see this one. Excitement filled the first puff of smoke and for the next few minutes I don't even see that the room is filling up rapidly. Although it won't even be ready until late next spring, this cigar is intoxicating. They are currently resting in boxes of 500 in the drying room. Containing only leaves from La Finca Estrella, Pepin's first farm that I got to visit last year, and all from the same crop in 2008. These were the plants that were but a foot high when I visited - and now they are the sole component in this cigar. The smoke is already complex and will last us through the entire ceremony.

The ceremony lasted about an hour, starting with the introductions of the Garcia family and the others seated at the front table, including a priest who would bless the opening of the factory. Each spoke in turn, beginning with the blessing and ending with Jaime Garcia. Between speakers were traditional dances performed by local dancers and songs performed on classical guitar. We stood as the anthems of Nicaragua and Cuba were played. Jaime and Janny Garcia danced and Pepin joined in. Although the entire ceremony was in Spanish and many of us were not able to translate it all - the overwhelming feeling in the room was that of a very humble pride. Tears could be seen at the front table as the priest blessed the factory and as the family members spoke. And laughter and smiles dominated the interludes of music and dance.

After Jaime spoke, he and Pepin headed for a side door that had been adorned with a yellow ribbon for the ceremonial cutting. Those with cameras swarmed to the door as well as the local media. The ceremonial start to an already successful venture.

Pepin lead the cameras on a tour of the many buildings on the facility with John Gonzalez close by interpretting in English. We were lead through the many structures that make up this self-contained factory. Every aspect of making a cigar is covered here. From the storing and curing of tobacco, to the stripping and sorting of leaves, to rolling and banding and even box making - everything is here. The buildings are huge and capable of much more capacity than is already utilized in all that is stored there.

At the end of the tour, we arrive at another large bulding that usually contains the sorting and banding tables. They have been removed to set up for a luncheon in grand style.

Adjacent to this room, is the drying room and after we pick a table to settle at - Pete finds someone with a key and takes us in for a peak. The Verite cabinets are stored high when we first walk in. Rows and rows of shelves are filled with bundles of 50 cigars, each with a label that must mean something to those involved. Pete searches for another upcoming release, the monster coming this October - the Drac. We follow in anticipation and wonder how he's going to track them down in this maze. With a little help, he does - and hands us each one. Smiles plastered to our faces, we follow along while he looks for another - the Tatuaje Black torpedo that will eventually be placed in a tubo. A few minutes later, we are now holding two more upcoming cigars - the Drac and Tatuaje Black tubo and heading back to our table.

The meal is wonderful and the drinks are pouring. We all light a Tatuaje Black Torpedo after taking a few pictures of them first. Everyone except for Pete that is - his Black Torp was handed to Pepin when he approached our table asking for a stick. Another amazing first puff. Straight from the drying room. Memories of last year's Tatuaje Black release are shared and this one is just as good. The wrapper is even more tasty. It's a hair higher priming, we're told. It also comes from Pepin's farm, La Finca Estrella, this time.

As dinner comes to a close and we are debating lighting up the Drac, Pete dissappears into the drying room again to retrieve another Black Torpedo and Drac for himself (his Drac was handed out during dinner as well - to Colin from ECCJ). He returns with two more cigars for each of us - the upcoming Verocu tubo and a Frank Undressed and the remaining bundle of Dracs. "For this evening". Shaking our heads, we now realize that we have all of the new cigars. (Black Tubo, Verocu Tubo, Drac, Frank Undressed - and smoked La Verite earlier) I borrow Pete's extra Black Tubo and line the four up for a quick photo.

The Drac is amazing. Refined blend with a little 'bite' in the beautiful, dark wrapper. (pun intended) Pete lights the Frank Undressed and tries to convince me to put the Drac down and smoke the new Frank instead. I assure him that I'll get to it in no time at all.

After some extended conversation, Pete asked a driver to take us to La Finca Estrella to see the new Rottweiler pup there. It's not growing season, so the fields are empty. In fact, it's the end of rainy season, as witnessed on our bumpy drive down the unpaved road to the farm. It's a short visit, but I can see how much bigger the fields are from just a year and a half ago. The soil is rich - overturned and black as coal - waiting to be planted again. Between planting tobacco there - they plant beans to return nutrients to the soil and to harvest for the workers in the factory to take home.

The rain stops on our way back to the factory - a stone's throw but a long bumpy ride to get there. By the time we are back, most of the guests are gone. The party out back for the factory employees is still frolicking. Inside the luncheon room, the Garcia table is alive with songs breaking out (the guitar player from the ceremony is at the table now).

I am now ready to light the Frank Undressed and settle in again. A few people join our table next to the Garcias and we are back to listening and telling stories. The Frank Undressed is the same cigar with another wrapper? Well, that makes it an entirely different cigar yet again. The blend comes through even more without the broadleaf wrapper from the original Frank released last year. This one is just as special. We saw the white boxes that will house 10 of these sticks while at the trade show in New Orleans. We all agree that it is incredible and that we are incredibly lucky to have a chance to smoke it here at it's source.

I think the others saved their Verocu tubo torpedo to savor at home, but I ended up smoking mine before we left the factory that day. (Yeah - that's five sticks while I was there - none of which have been released yet) The torpedo is a great size for the Verocu blend. Sort of between the East and West flavors from last year because of the size. (All were the same blend, btw) This will be yet another huge hit. Did I mention the tubos? The black is in a black tubo and the Verocu will be in a red tubo, 10 to a box. Hopefully November this year. We saw the tubos on display at the trade show as well and they look great.

Watching the Garcia table I'm reminded of stories about the relaxing Sundays in Cuba. Family gathered to eat, sing and dance the day away - celebrating after a week of work. This was one of those days - one of those moments - when you feel lucky to be surrounded by family - even if it's an extended family as was the case at our table of likeminded souls.

When it was time to go, we stashed our cigars for the evening and to take home in our bag and headed outside. A few words in Spanish and a few minutes later and Pete is holding another bunch of cigars. "For later".

Back at the hotel there was an outside patio on the third floor - rooftop. The night progressed much in the same way the weekend had gone - and the celebration continued. Chairs were gathered and jokes were told. The remaining bottles were opened and many more cigars were passed around. Pete and Erik told jokes - Erik repeating a few in Spanish for those who were looking at us laughing and wondering what could have been so funny. It was an early evening by the time most of us retired to our rooms - but it was a long, wonderful day. We promised that the trip back to the airport tomorrow morning would NOT turn into another Rumbus - and the next day we kept that promise.

To recap the day brings a smile even now. It wasn't just the special cigars we were treated to by Pete - although that would be enough for any of us to smile about. It was the humble and grateful attitude that was apparent on the faces of all those involved with the factory and all of us lucky enough to be a part of this celebration, that I will remember. The feeling that success is a true reward for hard work is easily forgotten in our modern culture. I am thankful to be able to see that a modern success can come to fruition through the eyes of a traditional past.

Enjoy,

-Dan
1 Sep., 2009

NHC in Esteli

2008-02-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

When you have the opportunity to visit Nicaragua with Pete Johnson, Pepin and Jaime Garcia - you simply say "YES".

Feb. 4, 2008:

In Miami:

With a 3 hour layover in Miami on Monday morning, Pete and I were able to make it to the El Rey de los Habanos factory on Calle Ocho (8th St. in Miami) for some early morning smokes (Cabaiguan) and Cafe Cubano. I was able to meet everyone at the factory and watch the hurried pace of a dozen rollers turning out my favorite sticks, and see completed wheels being stored before packaging ... sit amidst the boxes of tobacco from Nicaragua in the back and drink my Cafe Cubano and watch the tobacco being unpacked and sorted. For an hour visit, it was enough to put a smile on any cigar lover's jet lagged face. On our drive back to the airport, Amilcar (Pepin's son-in-law) called Nicaragua and told them what time our flight was due in. Pete had him ask if they could roll some fresh Pepin Blue Label Lanceros at the factory to bring in the car for our drive to Esteli. (Like I'm gonna argue with that)

After making it back to the airport and through security once again, we approached the gate and were greated by Charlie Torano (Torano Cigars). "You on this flight, too?", he asked. "Everyone in the business must be on this flight". We rounded the corner to find owners from 4 other cigar companies (CAO, Drew Estates, Torano, Oliva) on their way to Nicaragua. The scene was like a mini-RTDA, exchanging stories and news while we waited to get a status on our late-departing flight.

We're not even out of the U.S. yet and I already felt like I had a full day!

So, we arrive at Managua airport early afternoon, and it was a generally good idea to stop at the Duty Free shop. Cuban Rum! Bought a bottle of Havana Club and Ron Varadero to take to Pepin. Byron from the Tabacalera Cubana (TACUBA) factory is waiting in a car with Blue Label Lanceros for us to enjoy on the 1.5 hour ride from Managua to Esteli. The rest of the trip begins ...

Arriving at TACUBA:
The fresh lancero is outstanding as we travel through open areas - mountains on the horizon and small towns speckling the road. Two lanes the entire route, we went from 120 kph down to 30 kph constantly, passing trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, horses and plenty of people on foot. The road was busy, but I was in another world in the back seat - picking apart as much Spanish as I could from the conversation up front. "What is the verb for smoking?", I ask. The next 5 minutes had me conjugating all forms of the verb "fumar". "Yo fumo" / "El fumar" / "Nosotros Fumamos" (I smoke, he smokes, we smoke) OK - it was probably about as exciting for Byron as counting state license plates was for our parents when we went on road trips as kids.

Arriving at the factory, a humble building standing out because of the fresh aqua color paint and Pepin logos on it, we pulled right up front to a gate and proceeded inside to find Pepin and Jaime were off to visit the farm (more on that later). Pete made his way around to greet everyone and introduce me as I tried not to let my eyes wander to the various jobs going on around me - or to the piles of fresh tobacco on every rolling and sorting table - or to the piles of fresh sticks being packaged. Hey - I have good peripheral vision - I paid attention to the introductions as well!

Pepin and Jaime were not long before arriving and I shook hands and gave Pepin the two pack box of rum from the airport. "Para tu", I said. He smiled and I hoped that what I actually said was "for you" and not something embarassing.

La Riqueza:
Straight to business at hand. Off to the office area where Pete explained the packaging of his new brand, La Riqueza. A factory manager came up with some freshly rolled sticks to taste. They were La Riqueza. I had to stop for a moment and remind myself where I was. Between the jet lag, the excitement of the day to this point, and the fact that a new product was being handed to me to taste with Pete, Pepin and Jaime ... I thought a flight attendant was going to wake me up at any minute. But I was here, in Esteli, lighting what looked like the most beautiful stick in the factory. A dark, Connecticut broadleaf wrapper (first time it is being used in the factory) encased what smelled like a cigar lover's heaven. "We're going to try a couple of different versions of this so I can make sure the blend I did last month is the right one for this cigar", explained Pete.

We did smoke many La Riqueza sticks over the next 24 hours. All I can say is that this brand is going to be hot. It's blended for the aficianado. The wrapper gives it strength and flavor and the blend is rich and complex. The name is an old Cuban brand from the 1930's. It will be traditionally box pressed in dress boxes (I saw the art for the boxes - it's beautiful - from the original artwork). Hopefully available before RTDA this year in 5 vitolas.

Obviously, the afternoon went by so fast all I can remember is smoking La Riqueza around the table with Pete, Pepin and Jaime - drinking "Coke Light" (diet coke) - and talking about the many details of the packaging, etc. Before we left, Pete asked for some fresh sticks to be rolled in a different size for tomorrow morning.
With the ends of our second cigar in hand, we left the office area, through the factory which was now being swept and no longer a bustle of activity from the rollers - and headed to the car.

Before Dinner:
Pepin drove us to his apartment where we had fresh snacks waiting and he broke out the two bottles of rum. We opened the Ron Varadero and grabbed sticks from the bundle that Pepin brought back with him. I lit it and immediately recognized it as Pepin's Black Label robusto, even though the freshly rolled sticks had a distinct flavor to them as well. We sat and talked for another hour before heading off to dinner - sticks in hand, mouth and pockets!

At the restaurant, another table of cigar business folks. During dinner, in came the Drew Estates entourage and everyone stood up again to meet and greet. Steaks and Tona (nicaraguan beer) along with freshly made frittes (fries). It was a manly feast, complete with cigars during and after.
The day has finally caught up with me. It's early. 9:30! But we're going to the factory at 7AM so I'm hoping we're heading back to the hotel at this point.

I am asleep in my humble twin bed room in a matter of minutes. It's not even 10PM.

Feb. 5, 2008:

Morning:
I'm awake. Where's the hot water? What's with that funky shower head? I put it all together when I turned the water on. The shower head is a water heater. It worked well and that's all that mattered.

Byron picks us up at the hotel to go to the factory. It's just after 7AM and the place is a flurry of activity. The same as it was in the afternoon yesterday. We go upstairs with Jaime for some Cafe Cubano and in come fresh La Riqueza sticks. Much more smoking occurs. My reaction is the same. This stick is incredible. I'm now well rested. I am not day-dreaming about where I might be. I know I am sitting here and everything seems completely normal about it. Pete and Pepin and Jaime made me feel welcome from moment I arrived.

Now I can validate my first impression from yesterday. La Riqueza means "the Wealth" in Spanish. How fitting. It is a wealth of flavor and does exactly what a great cigar should do - remind you of all of the good things in life. Wealth means many things. It's not just financial. I am sitting in a humble factory in an extremely humble part of the world, and the wealth I am feeling is enough to overcome the best of us.

With more talk of upcoming Tatuaje offerings came news of three new Gaupos being released in a few months: Guapos Junior - 4 5/8 x 42, Guapos 46 - 5 5/8 x 46, Guapos RX - 5 1/4 x 50. All with pig tails and Sungrown wrappers like the current Guapo - 5 5/8 X 54. The current Guapo will be retired for now. The remaining boxes at Tatuaje will be the end of that run. I am excited about the new sizes, as the Cabaiguan Guapo is one of my house favorites, and all three sizes should prove to be spectacular.

Breakfast:
A few hours pass and we are off to Pepin's apartment for breakfast. Eggs over bread, sandwich style, and fresh juice made with local fruit. More smoking ensues in the living room and we are off to the factory again.

Pete finds a couple of Tatuaje Black and we treat ourselves to lighting them for the informal tour around the facility. Pete takes me into a curing room where wrapper leaf is burning off the last remnants of ammonia. I almost pass out. ;-) I saw the rolling area that we've been walking through - the cold room where stacks of wheels are being stored before packaging them (about 30 days) - and the packaging room where cello is being added by hand to all of Pepin's sticks and various others.

"I need Verocu labels", Jaime tells Pete. He shows us a couple dozen boxes that are left in the packaging area. "No labels". Pete thinks about this as we finish walking around. Sitting in the front lobby, waiting for Pepin to go to lunch, Pete says "Foil. Let's put them in foil. No bands. Just foil, like the Cazadores. Good for aging." "It won't fit", Jaime says. (the next 5 minutes are a series of experiments with a foil sheet until they go to the cold room and grab a wheel of 50 verocu) "There you go - perfect", says Pete. "No problem", Jaime says and tells someone to get on it.

Over the course of the day - I talked my way into buying all of those remaining Verocu cabinets. It's perfect. It denotes the end of the East/West run of Verocu. The last few remaining cabinets will consist of unbanded cigars in foil - perfect for aging. Pete finally agreed. I hope to have them in a few weeks. Twenty some East Coast No. 2 and maybe ten West Side No. 1 cabinets. Sweet!

To Lunch and Finca la Estrella:
Pepin shows up and we head to lunch at another local establishment. Cuban sandwich for me - pork steaks for most everyone else. Who walks in? The Drew Estate entourage again! Small town. We're smoking La Riqueza again. On the patio. Orange soda in hand. We comment on what a great combination a rich, flavorful cigar is with orange soda! All agree.

After lunch we are off to the site of the NEW factory that Jaime is building up the road. There is a box factory already built and being used to build all of the boxes they are using currently. Ground has been broken for the factory building and walls are up for the two large tobacco barns that will be on the grounds as well. When finished - the entire production process will be on location there. A cafeteria for the workers - everything. And production capacity will greatly increase. We tour the box factory and the rest of the site. It's going to be beautiful. Within two years, all of the parts will be complete. Tobacco barns will be complete soon.

From the new factory site, we continue down the road to "Finca la Estrella" (the star farm). If you didn't already know, Pepin and Jaime have planted tobacco this year. Three fields. Within minutes I'm standing in a field of fresh tobacco plants, ankle high. "How long", I ask. They will be done growing in 40 days or so. Six feet high - 18 large tobacco leaves.

It's hard to do justice to the tradition throughout the factory and life of Pepin. But here at the farm - it's easy to describe. At the front, a tobacco barn is being built alongside a finished one. Traditional log and bark construction. Exactly like Cuba, Pepin says. "The tobacco needs to breathe while it's drying". It could have been steel and concrete. Probably would have been cheaper to build. But this structure looks like something from the early 1900's in Cuba. I look across the field and two ox are being steered through the tobacco plants, pulling a single blade plow to dig up the earth between the rows. (Yes, there's a John Deere tractor sitting out front - but that'll be used for something less traditional!) I approached Pepin and tried my best spanish language elements to explain how much I respected the tradition that he follows. Jaime coined the phrase "The Art, Tradition and Style of Cuba" to describe what they do. I can't think of anything better.

Chicharones:

After spending some more time at the factory, we are off to Pepin's again for more pre-dinner snacks. Fresh Chicharones (fried pork skins) and homemade potato chips are waiting for us with the bottle of Havana Club (most of the other bottle was finished last night). Pete and I are smoking Tatuaje Black in a different vitola that he asked one of the rollers to do for us. (Please stop drooling - I did enough of that for everyone - and yes, it is just as incredible in another size) I'm staring at the chicarones thinking the are fried pork skins, but other than the snack food kind, I'd never had them. "You have to try these" is everyone's opinion. Incredible. Salty as anything, but incredible. The Havana Club is good - although the Varadero was better. 7 yr Varadero vs. 5 yr Havana Club isn't a fair comparison, though. Talk turns to Cuban Cigars. Jaime is passionate in saying that he smokes what he makes. He and Pepin start throwing out vitolas left and right - I hear "Tatuaje Regios" multiple times and look over at Pepin next to me on the couch, who appears to be repeating it like a mantra while smiling and shaking his head as if nothing being talked about could beat a Regio. I smile and and utter a simple "Si, Si, Regios y Havana Cazadores". Pepin nods in agreement. Jaime even lights up a Cohiba Maduro Robusto and passes it around, along with a Romeo y Julieta Ediccion Limitada. I have to say, after all of the sticks I've smoked in the last 24 hours, the Cohiba did nothing for me. The RyJ reminded me of La Riqueza. But it wasn't as good as La Riqueza.

This seemed like a perfect time to ask Pepin and Jaime what their favorite vitolas were in their 6 lines. Like the "Pete's Pick" sampler that I have for Tatuaje online, I wanted to create "Pepin's Picks and Jaime's Picks" samplers. They obliged. There were two sticks in common, JJ Sublime and Blue Label Robusto. I'll be putting up those 6 vitola samplers as soon as the next DPG order arrives. (I ordered all 6 lines - all vitolas!)

We all grab what we're smoking and head off for dinner again.
Back to the same place as lunch - this time I got the pork dish that Pepin had for lunch. Awesome. More Tona, more smokes. More cigar talk. No Drew Estates guys? They must be on their way.

Pete and I sat in the lobby of the hotel and finished a late night smoke. A sign nearby read "Area Fumado".

I can't explain the overload in my brain by then. There are sense memories that we gain when we experience things. Cigars, wine and food are sense memories waiting to be recorded. But nothing can record a memory like being around the raw elements: the tobacco, the grapes, the kitchen.
I'm off to bed while my brain struggles to categorize all of these memories.

Feb. 6th, 2008:

Last Morning:

Back to the factory at 7AM again. Pepin walks in and sits down in the front lobby - facing the roller's tables. He smokes and watches, with an intense look and a proud half-smile.

We sit and drink Cafe Cubano (I drink too much this morning) and smoke a few last cigars.

We head to Pepin's for breakfast again. Same as yesterday, different blend of juice. Humble. Perfect. The election results of Super Tuesday are on the TV after breakfast. Oh, now I'm starting to remember we have to go back today. It's in Spanish, but the analysis is the same as it is here. What groups voted for which candidate, etc. So complex an analysis. So cold. So very different than the last two days. I stare at the TV and I'm brought back to a world that I was fortunate to get away from for a while.

I was able to visit with passionate, humble, traditionally hard working folks for the last two days and I was right at home. Maybe that's what draws me to the cigar. I think about all of the people involved with making a single stick - from the farmer to the packaging department - the hours spent on every aspect of it. I've thought about this many times. I try to take the time to enjoy each one with the passion that goes into making them. It's calming. It's grounding. It takes us away from the hurried world we live in.

Surely, it was no coincidence that La Riqueza was a reason for the trip - because I leave feeling like a richer person. The wealth of knowledge that was shared, the wealth of tradition that I experienced and the wealth of respect that I have for Pete, Pepin and Jaime have brought me 'la riqueza'.

Enjoy,

Dan