Ke’Shay Love is “Creating a Bigger Room” with Éclat Noir Cigars
La Keisha Howard’s first premium cigar experience was unpleasant. But that didn’t dissuade Howard, who performs as Ke’Shay Love. The experience grew into a deep appreciation for flavor profiles, craftsmanship, and the cigar lifestyle. Her MBA and hospitality background eased her transition into the cigar industry and helped her launch a brand. Her creativity brings Éclat Noir Cigars to life. Love talked with Cigar Life Guy about belonging without being an expert. She also discussed family legacy and her brand’s
Living Boldly: A “No BS” Approach with Ken Weinheimer of Tatanka Cigar Co.
Ken Weinheimer owns Tatanka Cigar Co. He was already running Rocky Mountain Liquor and the Capital Club Cigar Lounge when he started experimenting with his own blends. We make Tatanka Cigars in Montana, where our blends embody the bold, rugged essence of the American West. Weinheimer spoke with Cigar Life Guy about the juggling act of running retail, manufacturing, and a lounge. He also discussed how the cigar world runs on handshakes and Montana’s vibrant, burgeoning cigar scene. First Premium
Something Different from Panama: Daniel Lewis of Woodstock Brown Cigars
Daniel Lewis has been living the cigar life for 30 years but didn’t join the industry until he saw the blending process up close on a trip to Panama. Woodstock Brown, whose name pays homage to Lewis’ Philadelphia roots, is not only a cigar line but also a purveyor of coffee and spirits. Cigar Life Guy caught up with Lewis and discussed the unique origin of the brand’s name, his favorite cigar pairings, and the benefits and challenges of competition
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. COVID disrupted that plan. Instead, they shifted their focus to creating their own cigar line, and Hermanos de Armas Cigars was born. Van Ginkel talked to Cigar Life Guy about the camaraderie that drew him into the cigar world. He also discussed patience, success, and
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