Written by Gary Korb
Friday, August 14 2009
I attended my first-ever
IPCPR show this year in New Orleans, and I must confess my sheer amazement. Sure, I tried to play it all cool in the weeks approaching the show, but nothing could prepare me for what would ensue.
Working in the business has been a joyride, but meeting these manufacturers face-to-face is easily among my favorite all-time cigar experiences.
Most of these guys are the salt of the earth; I am humbled by their graciousness, both with their time and their cigars. Perhaps most evident is the universal passion they share.
I made note of a few facts along the way, which I will now share with you. Enjoy!
Fact: NOTHING inspires camaraderie like good food, a stiff drink, and fine cigars.
Fact: I stand 6' 2", and I am seriously dwarfed by Dion Giolito of
Illusione cigars.
Fact: Sam Leccia of
NUB cigars (and soon Cain cigars) fame is among the most innovative people I've ever met in this business, or any.
Fact:
Kinky Friedman and Little Jewford are funny as all hell.
Fact:
Don Jose Pepin Garcia's eyes light up like Christmas trees when you ask him about tobacco.
Fact: Jose
Oliva and Nick
Perdomo's business acumen is surpassed only by their dedication to quality tobacco and craftsmanship.
Fact: Besides making wonderful cigars, Alan Rubin of
Alec Bradley cigars is impossibly charismatic.
Fact: Abe Flores and Juan Rodriguez of
Pinar del Rio cigars know how to throw a party.
Fact: The fine folks of
Rocky Patel cigars,
Drew Estate cigars, and
Flor de Gonzalez cigars understand that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Fact: Eddie Ortega and Erik Espinosa of EO Brands (
601 cigars,
Cubao cigars) are more fun than a barrel of monkeys.
Fact: Nestor Miranda could well be the world's most interesting man.
These are the facts, and they cannot be disputed.
By Hayward Tenney
