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 drifted to the hospitality industry for a time, but 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 the cigar world. Nodal talked to Cigar Life Guy about his unforgettable first smoking experience, moving away from traditional tobaccos in his blends, and
Aficionado and Disruptor, Vincent McGlone Wants You to Enjoy an Effortless Cigar Experience
For Vincent McGlone, a longtime aficionado and world traveler, cigar life is about camaraderie and of course the experience of quality premium cigars. McGlone, owner and founder of Vicente Blends, never intended to start a business. He began his luxury cigar line with one goal in mind: to create a cigar with a perfect draw. He talked with Cigar Life Guy about smoking Cubans in Bangkok, why naivete can sometimes be an asset, and why he considers tossing a cigar
Vance Taylor of Stoic Cigars Smokes Mindfully
, Vance Taylor grew up Mormon, where smoking was off-limits, but cigars always pulled him in. The future founder of Stoic Cigars smoked his first cigar one frigid winter night in Utah. While working in the dental industry, he eventually became known as “the kid with the cigars”. His cigar line honors the natural connection smoking has with the meditative practices of stoicism. Taylor talked with Cigar Life Guy about his “genetic” theory of cigar smoking, the surprising number of
Jesus Martinez Honoring a Legacy One Cigar at a Time
Jesus Martinez grew up in a cigar shop. Like many before him, his first cigar-smoking experience might not have been his best, but it certainly wasn’t his last. Martinez Cigars has been blending for over 50 years in the heart of Manhattan. Jesus spoke with Cigar Life Guy about honoring his father’s legacy, designing custom bands, and the bonding that naturally occurs when living the cigar life. First Premium Cigar Experience Cigar Life Guy: Tell me about your first premium
Telling Fish Tales and Smoking Cigars: Lou Cross of Lure Cigars
Lou Cross, founder and owner of Lure Cigars, has been living the cigar life for over thirty years, but it took him some time to make the leap into the industry and start his line. Cross built a career in mapmaking, graphic design, and senior housing development before landing in cigars. Along the way, he realized stories are what truly connect us. Cross talked to Cigar Life Guy about the “geography” of cigars, why fishing and cigar smoking complement each
A Passion for Cigars: The Croatian Gangster Todd Pribanic
Todd Pribanic has lived the cigar life across Thailand, Europe, and Central America. Pribanic, the owner and founder of Croatian Mafia Cigars, never intended to start a cigar company. However, one fateful trip to Esteli, Nicaragua, changed all that. Pribanic is a passionate man. Passionate about family. Passionate about the Cleveland Sports teams. And Passionate about cigars. He spoke with Cigar Life Guy about his Croatian and Hungarian roots. He also discussed the origin of the intriguing name he gave