In 1996, Brooklyn native Jonathan Drew opened a cigar kiosk in New York’s World Trade Center. That kiosk dramatically changed the course of Drew’s life – and that of many others. Today, Drew Estate, as it is now known, operates the second-largest premium cigar factory in the world.
Humidores Habana: A Fine Piece of Cuba
His humidors are auctioned for hundreds of thousands of Euros at the Festival del Habano. José Ernesto Aguilera’s company Humidores Habana is a Cuban success story. Fourteen years ago, when Aguilera built his first humidor, he never would have dared dream such a thing.
A Wealth of Aromas: Asbach Spezialbrand 15 Years
The 15-year-old can sit easily stand a comparison with its European relatives. An A. Flores Gran Reserva Half Corona with its earthy, aromatic and slightly leathery texture initially brings out a more marked sweetness.
Everything is Relative … Mainly Humidity
It is relative humidity that we’re interested in; this is what we want to measure. There are several different methods of measurement. Here we are taking into account the ones that have a certain relevance to cigar storage. And with hygrometers, too, if you buy cheap, you have to buy twice.
Once Upon a Time … A Warehouse at Calle San Carlos No. 816
It’s hard to believe that the famous tobacco exporter Mark A. Pollack built this splendid structure located behind the Briones Montoto factory just to store his excellent tobacco. Fully renovated in recent years, the gorgeous building is housing a Partagás worksite while its walls shine a gleaming white.
A Building of Many Names – The Antonio Briones Montoto Factory
Of all the cigar factories in Havana, this one has the most names, by far. No wonder, when you consider its colorful past.
Complex Plum Brandy: Serbica Ramonda
This complex plum brandy from Serbia aged in a barrel is first class. A short robusto by Perla del Mar goes well with it. During the ensuing tête-à-tête, the aromas of the distillate hold their ground nicely.
International Women’s Cigar Society. The Network.
Back in 2009 a hub was set up especially for women in the branch – the International Women’s Cigar Society (IWCS). The platform not only unites the distribution, the manufacturing and supplier side, but also the cigar smokers themselves, and women’s cigar clubs have found their point of contact in IWCS.
Festival del Puro Mexicano: Debut in San Andrés
Last fall, Mexico’s premium cigar makers, in cooperation with CigarMex, hosted the first Festival del Puro Mexicano in Veracruz and San Andrés. In addition to Puros Santa Clara’s presentation of the Capa Flor brand, A. Turrent introduced a full seven new cigar lines.
Roman Szymonowicz and the Fine Art of Bluffing
On his finger, a massive poker ring; in his hand a Habano – ready for the next delightful draw. What is the real art of emerging as the winner of a poker tournament? Roman Symonowicz, a former manager in the automobile industry, uses the poker game to rise above himself: it’s a discipline that he has perfectly mastered.
Cigar Lounge without Smoke: Grand Hotel Park Gstaad
Since December 2013, the Grand Hotel Park Gstaad, located in the Swiss Alps, has operated a cigar lounge in a class of its own. Even at full occupancy, there are no billows of smoke in this private lounge, elegantly outfitted in the style of a British gentlemen’s club.
Brazil: Journey to Bahia
Finally I can see it: the Brazilian coast! I wonder if this is what Geraldo Dannemann first saw 142 years ago, when his crew called out “Land ahoy!” The tobacco specialist from Bremen, Germany, emigrated to Brazil in 1872, and found what he was looking for in the state of Bahia: perfect conditions for growing tobacco and proximity to the harbor of Salvador. My journey will take me there, and I will follow in Geraldo Dannemann’s footsteps.
