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
Jonathan Carney Wants You to Meet Bentley the Cigar
Jonathan Carney has been living the cigar life for over twenty years. He started in a cigar shop, moved into sales, and now leads Bentley Cigars’ US distribution. Carney learned early to never compromise values or vision when trying to create something special. He spoke with Cigar Life Guy about his partnership with Martin Schuster. They discussed the goals of the Bentley brand and how cigar-making connects to the culinary arts. First Premium Cigar Experience Cigar Life Guy: Tell me
Terence Reilly Breaks Down All Things Cigars
Terence Reilly has been living the cigar life since his twenties. Spending one formative summer with his Uncle Manuel (of Quesada Cigars) in the Dominican was all it took. Now, the VP of Sales & Marketing at Aganorsa Leaf, Reilly, spoke with Cigar Life Guy. They talked about the logistics of blending, what makes a brand distinct, and how, amidst all the contemporary isolation, sharing a fine cigar is one of the few ways for people to connect. First Premium
Juan Lugo of Don Doroteo Cigars is Reviving a Legacy
Many people grow up around cigars, but it takes a special person to revive a legacy. That’s what Juan Lugo of Don Doroteo Cigars did. He smoked his first “intentional” cigar while deployed in Iraq. But Lugo took the seed of his idea back to his roots in the Dominican Republic. Lugo spoke with Cigar Life Guy about meeting his partner through cryptocurrency investing. He shared his appreciation for the beauty of harvesting tobacco. Giving back remains his primary goal