This video series is less about cigars but rather, rebranding and rethinking old products.  Michael Giannini, the head of Ventura Cigar Company, explains his way of envisioning cigars that will appeal to the next generation. As they say, this is not your father’s Buick!  Michael’s Ventura Cigar Company is nothing like what you would expect of the old-line cigar manufacturers that we 50+ somethings are familiar.  Well, there is a whole new group behind us that is accumulating some wealth and discretionary spending capability.  They are looking for something different in their purchases – they want an experience!  Yes, even in cigars!  Enter Michael Giannini and Ventura Cigars to fill that vacuum.

Part 1: Bob introduces you to Michael Giannini of Ventura Cigars

Michael talks about how a first-generation American kid, from an Italian family, washing pots in an Italian restaurant ends up in the tobacco industry.  He is one of the most colorful interesting individuals I have ever met!

During a recent business trip to visit Mintaka Financial and Orion First in Seattle, I stayed at an Inn next to a very interesting and surprising craft distillery, the Heritage Distilling Company.  Heritage Distilling is located in the quaint bucolic neighborhood of Gig Harbor, Washington. My curiosity compelled me to make a visit.  Talk about a surprise. Sure, I have heard of craft distilleries but not that many and even fewer have I visited.  Keep in mind, I consider myself a bit of a bourbon snob where only real bourbon is made in Kentucky and aged a considerable amount of time in oak barrels. But I am open-minded enough to at least listen and sample.  Good thing, since Heritage Distilling Company is one of the most highly awarded craft distilleries in the nation, which is especially notable given, they are less than 10 years in existence and started by a young entrepreneurial and dedicated couple.

Part 1: Bob meets with Max Gorman, the head distiller of Heritage Distilling Company, in the Seattle suburb of Gig Harbor

Max describes the history of Heritage from a startup to a distillery that has won many awards already and creating a lot of buzz in a short 7 years.

Meet world-famous master blender of fine cigars, Willy Herrera. The interview took place at my favorite cigar lounge in the US, Stogies World Famous Cigars in Houston, Texas run by proprietor Jorge Ahued. Willy and his team were at Stogies for a special evening event featuring Willy’s own new blend, Herrera Esteli from Nicaragua. Jorge, and I catch some private time with Willy on this busy evening to hear about Willy’s start and his eventual attachment to Drew Estates, one of the world’s largest fine cigar producers.

Willy Herrera Part 1: From Banking to Cigars

In this video, Willy explains how he ended up in the cigar industry from an improbable start in banking.

So, here is one of my favorite cigars and beverage when given an hour or so to relax either in solitude with some great music or better with friends.

Cigar:

My Father Le Bijou 1922 –(see picture) Cigar Aficionado’s cigar of the year in 2015. The price is between $10-$15 per cigar depending on the size selected. The tasting notes that I can depend on are chocolate covered raisins, cocoa, nutmeg and a richness that is totally relaxing while being intriguing with each puff. Now, keep in mind that is a very individual thing since taste varies for everyone.  While the Le Bijou looks very dark, because of its oscuro tobacco wrapper, it is not strong but rather very flavorful which is often confusing to novices. Strong and dark are not the same. You can have a very light-colored cigar that is very strong (e.g. Cohiba).

Where to get them:  Stogies World Class Cigar Lounge in Houston. www.stogiesworldclasscigars.com or call 713-783-5100 and ask Andrew or email him at Andrew@stogiesworldclasscigars.com

Beverage:

Diplomatico Reserva Exculsiva (see picture). Price is very affordable at $35-$40 per bottle. The tasting notes that I really look forward to are: molasses, caramel vanilla that compliments the LeBijou’s tasting notes incredibly well. This pairing frankly is a real treat for the senses and easily my favorite. This bottle can be had at most fine liquor stores in your area. It should not be hard to find.

Story:

I have been smoking cigars for about 4-5 years but only became a serious aficionado for the last 3 years. I view myself as a life-long learner and always try to find out all I can about a topic I find interesting. Anyway, about 3 years ago, I joined Bells House of Tobacco, one of the quaintest “down home” cigar clubs in Cincinnati, owned by a really interesting and engaging fellow, John Bell. I used to drop in and buy a short cigar (known as robusto) and only hang out for a short while to smoke said shorty. One day, I went back to the smoking lounge early one afternoon and I had it all to myself. Mr. Bell came back about 10 minutes into this cigar (by the way, yes it was a My Father Le Bijou 2922 robusto.). As I recall, the conversation went something like this:

Mr. Bell –  “Bob, we need to talk. You like being a member here, right?”

Me – “Of course, Why”

Mr. Bell –  “Well, I have to tell you that something has to change, or you are not going to be a member much longer.”

Me – “What?”

Mr. Bell –  When you come to Bell’s you always get a short cigar, then pace, fidget, work on email and otherwise make everyone nervous with your nervousness. Bob, that has to stop. Do you ever relax?”

Me –  “Sure, I do. That is what I am doing right now.”

Mr. Bell –  “That is not relaxing Bob”. Now here is the deal. I am going to go out to the humidor and select a proper cigar for you and put on some appropriately paired music (by the way the music was classic jazz). You are going to sit here, smoke it while enjoying the music and you better not bury yourself in your phone and work.

A few minutes later Mr. Bell returned with a very long and thick cigar.  By the looks of it, there goes 2 hours of my busy time.  But I really did not want to get kicked out of my new club and friends.

Mr. Bell –  “OK! Here we go. This is a dynamite cigar that from what I know should fit your taste profile. It will take you a good hour and a half to finish it. Put your phone away.”

Me – “Alright, alright, alright!”

So I proceeded to properly cut and light the stick. I then sat back and just slowly smoked, listened to some great jazz and well started to just think. About 30 minutes later a few other members showed up and we just started to talk. Wow, I think I get it. Smoking a cigar is about really relaxing and community. Besides what else am I going to do for an hour or two while it takes to finish a cigar like this. Mr. Bell returned to the lounge.

Mr. Bell –  “Well Bob, what do you think?”

Me – “John, I think I get it. The cigar actually tasted better when not buried in email or pacing and I am not sure I have ever really relaxed in this manner.”

Mr. Bell put on his trademark broad wide infectious smile as remarked with one of his trademark expressions.

Mr. Bell –  “That’s right!   He seemed quite pleased with himself as he strutted out of the lounge like a proud peacock, obviously pleased with himself.

As I look back on that episode, I can honestly say this. He saved my life from a mental standpoint. I learned to enjoy just, well, just being in the moment and enjoying the finer points of fine hand-crafted cigars and beverage pairings with them. I also enjoyed the discourse and community that takes place in a cigar lounge. There is something about cigar lounges and the folks that frequent them. The cigar culture is one of camaraderie, sharing experiences, cigar selections, music, beverages and of course story after story.