One of the interviews that I didn’t get at the show was Don Pepin Garcia of My Father.  He is one of the busiest people  in the industry and his booth at the show proved that. In addition to releasing a very limited series this year from My Father Cigars as well as his regular line of cigars, he finds time to blend and make cigars for many other makers: All of the Tatuaje brands for Pete Johnson, all 3 La Aroma De Cuba lines and both San Cristobal lines for Ashton, all of the EO brands for Eddie and Eric (601, Cubao, Murcielago), the Miami line of cigars for Nestor Miranda, La Forcade, La Sirena and more.

It was my good fortune that Pepin was in Texas for an event the week following the show, and I was able to catch up with the master blender himself. Jose Oretga, his new VP of sales, is one of the nicest and most genuine people in the business and served as our interpreter.

The folks at Habana House in Austin threw a first class event and were so kind and accommodating, and the turnout was unbelievable. It was a wonderful evening and a perfect post script to this year’s IPCPR.

www.myfathercigars.com

Video Interviews From IPCPR 2010, Latest Update:
(click on the names below to watch video)

Tatuaje

Xikar

Prometheus

Cigar Agency

Cain/nub

La Palina

Camacho

La Caridad Del Cobre

Joya De Nicaragua

Reyes Family

Los Blancos

Graycliff

Augusto Reyes

A.J. Fernandez/San Lotano

Viaje

Rocky Patel

Reinado

Boveda/Humdipak

La Flor Dominicana

Esteban Carreras

Padron

Gran Habano

Miami Cigar/La Aurora

Ashton

Kristoff

7-20-4

Adrian’s Costa Rican

EP Carrillo

Toraño Family

Drew Estate

Alec Bradley

Quesada

J. Fuego

Illusione

I have many wonderful interviews to present to you- please check in for the latest update! The most recently added video will be listed at the top of the page. Thank you to all the manufacturers for taking the time to give us this great insight!

I am currently in New Orleans for IPCPR and will be updating the blog as often as I can. The one thing I will be able to do instantly though is update with photos from my phone- so be sure to check in for all the latest updates!

While at the CAO event at Stogies of Houston, Brian McGee showed us just how important the role the wrapper plays in a cigar.

I have been fortunate to try this exact same example with Brian and can tell you there is an immediate difference when an LX2 wrapper is placed on top of the CAO Gold Vintage (that wrapper has now become the binder). What was once smooth, mild, and creamy suddenly became full with lots of spice. It is incredible how quickly the characteristics change. And sure enough, when the new wrapper was removed, the cigar returned just as it was- mild, smooth, and creamy.

This is an interesting experience and certainly convinces me that the wrapper is responsible for 60-80% of the flavor. Thank you Brian for sharing this with us!

What makes a great and memorable evening? True- cigars, food, and libations are there in our times of celebration (or even just relaxing on our own), but what makes an event spectacular is great people getting together to have a good time.

I think the last time I bowled was some ten years ago, but what a brilliant way to bring people together to enjoy what they love- great cigars and a great time. Cheryl and Daniel of Cigar Towne in Houston hosted a wonderful evening of bowling and cigars- one I hope to see happen again soon! It’s a pretty cool feeling to be able to relax, play a few games, and meet some awesome people all while having a cigar in hand. For this occasion we didn’t have just any cigar, but thanks to Kris Miller of Davidoff for sponsoring the event we all enjoyed Winston Churchill Marrakesh’s and Spitfires! This was quite a treat!

This is an event you talk about for days and look forward to going to again. It is pretty rare we are able to smoke anywhere indoors these days, let alone a bowling alley. What a fun concept! But that’s just it, it is about being able to be social. These are social gatherings and they are meant to be about the whole experience- being able to have a great cigar, take your time to really enjoy it, and engage in conversation. Maybe include a bottle of wine or glass of beer in the mix, share your thoughts on what you are having, and in this case… a friendly game of bowling.

I must say, this is a new one to my list and I love it. Bowling isn’t something I would do all the time, but several times a year in a scenario like this- absolutely! It also has me thinking of other creative ideas that can be incorporated into events.

What is a fun event you have been to where you could enjoy a cigar with friends?

Thank you again, Cheryl and Daniel of Cigar Towne and Kris Miller of Davidoff, for a wonderful event!

During the La Gloria event at Serious Cigars (seriouscigars.com) in Houston, I had the pleasure of meeting Ricky Rodriguez of La Gloria Cubana cigars. In this video Ricky tells us his inspiration behind the Artesanos de Tabaqueros, the significance of the role of the wrapper, what was involved in the making of this cigar, and a little about himself, too! I know I found this video very informative, and I hope you do, too.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Tom Poehler of Camacho cigars during the latest event at Cigar Emporium in Houston, TX. In this video, Tom gives us the insights about Camacho’s history, details about the tobacco, latest cigars, and more. Thank you Tom for sharing this with us!

Oh, and on my hair and make up- I had just finished a photoshoot and had no time to clean up and still be able to make it to the event! Oh well, it happens.

*Full Disclosure: Camacho is a sponsor of this site.

I had the pleasure of meeting Terence Reilly, nephew to Manuel Quesada and fifth generation in tobacco. We met during the Casa Magna event at Cigar Towne in Houston, TX. In this video Terence shows us the many styles Fonseca, Quesada, and Casa Magna offers so that every palate will find something they enjoy. Terence also shares with us some family history and how they remember and honor those dearest to them.

Davidoff launches their first  Dominican puro with nights of passion, bringing together food, wine, music, and cigars. I was fortunate to attend one of these events in Houston and taste the full line.

Smoke Ring of Webster and Sugar Land Texas were selected to host this great event. Thank you for making such a wonderful experience enjoyed by all.

The Puro d’Oro consists of four different sizes, each size with its own unique blend and a focus on a very special wrapper. Watch the video to listen to the story of how these cigars came to be and what makes them so grand. A lot of time was invested in perfecting this blend and particular wrapper; it is a delight to see the success of all their passion come through.

Puro D’Oro:

Sublimes
Deliciosos
Notables
Magnifico

There is more video to look forward to from this event, including an inspiring speech from Hendrik Kelner.

Thank you to Chris and Gerry of Smoke Ring,  Henke and Henry Kelner, Danielle Hawthorne and Kris Miller of Davidoff Cigars for such a wonderful event!