Cigars Their Way: Zach Van Ginkel of Hermanos de Armas Cigars
Zach Van Ginkel’s cigar journey began in Des Moines, Iowa, when he was a teenager. After serving in the military and studying business, he and his partner, Andray McCuien, intended to open a cigar lounge, but COVID disrupted that plan. Instead, they shifted their focus to creating their own line of cigars, and Hermanos de […]
For Cigar People, by Cigar People: Rob Blumenthal and Tradecraft Cigars
Rob Blumenthal has been living the cigar life since he started working at his family’s store (Tinderbox) when he was fifteen. A true brother of the leaf, he comes from five generations of cigar aficionados. Now, Blumenthal is building his own legacy with Tradecraft Cigars. He talked to Cigar Life Guy about the most expensive […]
Living the “One Life” Mentality with Jason Wood of Outcast Cigars
Jason Wood, founder of Outcast Cigars, didn’t enter the cigar industry as an expert, a blender, or even a cigar smoker. He had never smoked a cigar until he began working at Miami Cigar with his father-in-law, Nestor Miranda. From there, he set out to learn every aspect of the business, from sales and customer […]
All for the Love of the Leaf: Aaron Paoletta of LaVega Cigars
Before joining the cigar industry, Aaron Paoletta did it all. He toured with his band, ran a record label, and cooked at Five Diamond resorts. Every experience helped prepare him to create his own cigar brand. Adam Paoletta, founder of LaVega Cigars, stays ready for whatever life throws his way. He spoke with Cigar Life […]
Out of this World: Don Emmanuel Cigars Honor The Spiritual Experience of Smoking Cigars
Don Emmanuel has been living the cigar life from a young age. As a Master Cigar Sommelier, he still holds the world record for the highest score, but when he launched his own cigar line, he was aiming for something close to a spiritual experience. Drawing inspiration from ancient Sumerian myths, Don Emmanuel reminds cigar smokers […]
Savoring the Experience: Stacey Bozeman of Smoked the Collection Brings Her Own Table to the Cigar World
Turning Cigar Labels Into Personal StyleWhen cigar smokers think of savoring their favorite blend, most think of smoking it. However, Stacey Bozeman has given a whole new meaning to the notion of “savoring a cigar”. Bozeman, the founder and owner of Smoked the Collection, has transformed the smoking experience into a fashion statement. From hat bands […]
Ali Howell of Brothers Smokin’ Stogies is “Sharing Joy and Peace” Through Cigars
Ali Howell was a brother of the leaf long before he co-owned Brothers Smokin’ Stogies with his wife, Heather. From his first smoke in the late 80s when he served in the Army, to his career in psychology, and now as a boutique cigar brand owner, cigars have been central to Howell’s life for over […]
His Path is His Passion: Maurice Mears Building a Legacy with JM Patriarch Cigars
Growing up in Miami, the cigar life was ordinary life for Maurice Mears. When his football career was cut short, he switched gears and set his sights on the cigar world. Mears talked with Cigar Life Guy about honoring his great-grandfather’s legacy, the life lessons he learned from football, and becoming part of the long […]
Congressman Wesley Hunt Proves Politics and Cigars Can Mix
Politics and cigars don’t often mix, but United States Congressman Wesley Hunt of Texas’ 38th District has more than earned the right to light up and enjoy a premium cigar. The Congressman’s cigar life began in the war zones of Iraq and Saudi Arabia long before his political life. Serving in the United States Army […]
Carlos Nodal of Ultimate Cigars Club: Filling Big Shoes, and Making His Name
Carlos Nodal, founder of Ultimate Cigars, grew up in the cigar industry; his father, Rafael, founded Aging Room. Carlos briefly worked in the hospitality industry. However, he ultimately returned to cigars, where he learned from some of the best. His father casts a long shadow, but Carlos is steadily making a name for himself in […]