Cuban manufacturers rely on test smokers, called catadores, to perform quality control. We spoke with Gerardo Álamo Gómez, usually responsible for machines and electronics at Partagás and one of twelve Partagás test smokers, and we were able to take part in a tasting session.
It’s Hard to Top the History of Joya de Nicaragua
Dictator ownership, nationalization, worker control, brand success, market lows, trademark loss and official cigar supplier for the White House … It’s hard to top the history of the first and oldest commercial cigar producer in Nicaragua. This year the “Jewel of Nicaragua”, established by two Cuban exiles, is celebrating 45 years of social, political and managerial changes with an anniversary brand.
Regular is Extraordinary – Aged Classic vs. Limited Production Cigars
Cigar Aging. When offered the choice between an aged classic cigar or a limited production cigar Colin C. Ganley feels a moral call to choose the classic.
A. J. Fernandez – Discipline and Passion
In every profession there are exceptional talents. Among cigar makers, too, there are a few who do the term “genius” justice. One of them is Abdel J. Fernandez.
Meerapfel Tobacco Group: Excellent Wrappers from Cameroon
They are genuine enthusiasts and great adventurers. In the middle of the sub-Saharan jungle the brothers Meerapfel grow tobacco for premium wrappers.
Infiltrating a Male Bastion – Davidoff Ladies’ Masterclass
Delighted by their success in London, Davidoff is now planning Ladies’ Masterclasses in Paris, Vienna and Madrid. Exploring London’s Cigar Rooms, aficionadas are not only defying the smoking ban and the British weather, they are also infiltrating one of the last remaining male bastions and, armed with their new-found Masterclass know-how, they’re doing it with great confidence and style.
Keep Smiling, No Matter What!
Simon Chase is not sure about it – for one reason or another it has fallen to him to conduct the auction of humidors at the Gala Dinner on the last night of the Festival del Habano in Havana for 13 out of the last 14 years. If all goes well, by the time you read this article it will be 14 out of the last 15 years.
La Flor Dominicana holds the only Cigar Patent
Litto Gomez and his wife Ines Lorenzo Gomez made the bold move into the cigar business in 1994 – without any experience. Today La Flor Dominicana is one of the most highly regarded brands.
Charity & Cigars – The Generous Passion
Cigar lovers and makers provide jobs, relief and charity on a massive scale. This group has a tremendous impact on the living standards of poor regions and is sending more poor kids from the regions to college than have ever gone before.
Estelí – The Cigar City
A thriving tobacco industry transformed the former Nicaraguan farming town of Estelí into a Mecca for cigar smokers.
Tabacalera Incorporada – The Filipino Tabacalera
With the recent launch of the Gran Reserva and a new USA distribution deal, the Philippines’ oldest cigar manufacturer, Tabacalera Incorporada, is intent on returning to global prominence.
Boutique Cigars: Pete Johnson’s first Decade with Tatuaje
From musician to cigar sommelier to cigar maker: there’s never a dull moment in the life of Pete Johnson. It has been a fairly wild ride as he approaches his 10th year as a cigar manufacturer.
