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 Armas Cigars was born. Van Ginkel talked to Cigar Life Guy about how the longing for the camaraderie he experienced in the military drew him
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 covert CIA mission ever conducted, how Tradecraft is a direct extension of his passion, and how cigar blending mixes art with science. First Premium Cigar
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 service to time spent in the factory. Wood learned the ins and outs of the cigar industry and gained just enough knowledge to make him
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 Guy about his love for the creative process, the fellowship of the cigar community, and how LaVega started with the taste of beef jerky. First
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 of the mystery of our origins and the way a great cigar can become something out of this world. He talked to Cigar Life Guy
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 to bracelets and beyond, Bozeman’s designs extend the life of the smoking experience, making it a permanent part of your life and wardrobe. She spoke