A job at the Panama Caribbean Cigar factory changed the life of Emmanuel Martinez four years ago. The 24-year-old started working as a cigar roller and since cigar culture in Panama is nowhere near as prominent as in many of its neighboring countries, Emmanuel knew nothing about cigars before he started there.
It’s a Lifestyle: Rocky Patel Premium Cigars
Cigars bearing the name Rocky Patel are expected to be something special. And they are. Since founding the company, Rocky Patel has created and approved every single cigar blend. Each one served a unique purpose at the time. Over the decades, this is how Rocky Patel cigars have developed a broad portfolio.
Maori Tabacs S.A.: Lucrative Business in Andorra
Andorra is the European cigar oasis for cheap prices, thanks to the life’s work of José María Cases, Grand Seigneur in the tobacco business and a friend of Fidel Castro for many years. With just seven staff, Maori Tabacs has created a hotspot for lovers of Cuban cigars in Andorra.
Steffen Rinn: Hessen’s last Cigar Maker
From the 1920s into the 1970s, Rinn & Cloos AG was Germany’s la
Boutique Cigars: Dion Giolitos Hottest Illusione
Looking up the word ‘picky’ in a lexicon, you may find a photo of Dion Giolito. The Illusione brand owner doesn’t worry about how many cigars he makes, only that they’re exactly right. Illusione is probably the most boutique of all boutique brands.
Daniel Marshall: Passion for Luxury
Daniel Marshall has been successful in the humidor business since 1982, and embodies the lustrous pioneering spirit that surrounds the American dream. In 1995 he got into the cigar business.
Arnaldo Bichot, Maestro Ligador
A true Marvel – over the last 15 years, the now 80-year-old Arnaldo Bichot has shaped the brand Partagás. The Partagás Lusitanias Gran Reserva Cosecha 2007 is his masterpiece.
Hendrik Kelner Honored for Lifetime Achievement
Hendrik Kelner is probably the most well-known tobacco expert in the world and a living legend. For more than 40 years he’s been cultivating the best tobaccos and, with his name vouches for, among other things, the quality of the luxury brand Davidoff.
Nestor Plasencia Sr. Can’t Be Beaten. Comeback King.
Losing all its property in a revolution is enough to take most companies out of an industry. Nestor Plasencia has suffered this loss in both Cuba and Nicaragua. He is now in control of tobacco growing on perhaps the largest scale in Central America.
One Day in the Life of Francisca del Rosario González Aguirre
After 44 years of working almost every job available at Joya de Nicaragua, Francisca del Rosario González Aguirre is still learning.
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.
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.
