I just received these fine cigars as a gift from the Master blender Jose Blanco. The four cigars without bands are the original Opus X release. Jose got them directly from Carlito Fuente.
Few weeks back, I was invited to visit Don Pepins MY Father factory and his tobacco plantation. I was so impressed to meet Pepin, Jamie, his wife and some of his staffs. His hospitality and humbleness simply amazed me. I was always impressed with Orlando Pardon but Don Pepin took over that position after I met him. I still respect Orlando pardon but Pepin is more straight forward and honest about cigar related hype. I consider myself a cigar fact finder and few people in the industry share the facts rather than the hype. This is a very competitive industry but still there are few sincere and good people like Don Pepin and Jamie Garcia. He is a simple man and reminds me a lot of Cuban Don Alejandro Robina. Garcia familys hospitality is completely genuine with traditional Cuban touch. I have posted some information and will post more in the future. Here are some cigars he gifted me during my visit. These are very special to me. Pepin Garcia 10th Anniversary: DPG Limited Edition
This thread is awesome. I haven't had time to read all the stories, but what I have read leaves me astonished. It really warms the heart to know there is generosity in the world.
Intelligence is knowing that a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
I like Oliva and Quesada (including Regius) a lot. I will smoke anything, though.
Thank you so much for sharing this special story and pictures, I'm so happy for you brother and congrats on meeting the best man in the cigar industry today (just my humble opinion, but I do believe that) and for sharing this bro!
"When walking in open territory bother no one. If someone bothers you, ask them to stop. If they do not stop, destroy them."
During my last trip to Cuba, I met La China from Partagas, Yolanda Gonzalez from Melia Cohiba Hotel casa del habano store, Hamlet Jamie Paredes from CDH now with Partagas, Monsdale, Jose Luis Perez Mingollo from Cohiba factory, Jorge Lopez Leal from CDH La Habano Diplomatic Club. I was lucky to meet Jose Castelar who is a Cuban cigar roller and rolled a 70 meter cigar to break his own Guinness world record in 2012. They are all very humble people and gifted me some of their custom rolled cigars. These are not for sale. All of these cigars have at least 5-7 years of aged tobacco. I also received two cigars from Don Alejandro Robina's grandson Hiroshi Robina. These cigars were specially rolled for Don Alejandro Robina. I met Hiroshi in Pinar del Rio. They are at least 15 years aged. Thanks to my friend of Casa del Habano, otherwise I wouldnt have had the privilege to meet these top cigar rollers and collect these babies. I learned a lot from them.
Don Alejandro Robina's personal sticks. I will smoke one and the second one will remain in my collection for many years. From La China, Halmet Paredes, Monsdale and Jose Castelar. Most of them were blended and rolled for the Partagas cigar festival. From Jose Luis Perez Mingollo of Cohiba factory and Jorge Lopez Leal from CDH La Habano Diplomatic Club.
I'm curious to see what you think of Pepin personal smokes
Rip thanks for sharing your tra els and stories that Accompany them are outstanding Thanks again,and enjoy your travels wherever they may take you !!!!
I'm curious to see what you think of Pepin personal smokes
Rip thanks for sharing your tra els and stories that Accompany them are outstanding Thanks again,and enjoy your travels wherever they may take you !!!!
Comments
I just received these fine cigars as a gift from the Master blender Jose Blanco. The four cigars without bands are the original Opus X release. Jose got them directly from Carlito Fuente.
Hi Daniel, I am doing well. I have been busy lately and traveling around Latin America a lot for work. Things are calm now. How are you doing buddy?
Few weeks back, I was invited to visit Don Pepins MY Father factory and his tobacco plantation. I was so impressed to meet Pepin, Jamie, his wife and some of his staffs. His hospitality and humbleness simply amazed me. I was always impressed with Orlando Pardon but Don Pepin took over that position after I met him. I still respect Orlando pardon but Pepin is more straight forward and honest about cigar related hype. I consider myself a cigar fact finder and few people in the industry share the facts rather than the hype. This is a very competitive industry but still there are few sincere and good people like Don Pepin and Jamie Garcia. He is a simple man and reminds me a lot of Cuban Don Alejandro Robina. Garcia familys hospitality is completely genuine with traditional Cuban touch. I have posted some information and will post more in the future. Here are some cigars he gifted me during my visit. These are very special to me.
Pepin Garcia 10th Anniversary: DPG Limited Edition
Pepins personal smokes
Original El Centurion Gurerro LE 2007 release
I like Oliva and Quesada (including Regius) a lot. I will smoke anything, though.
During my last trip to Cuba, I met La China from Partagas, Yolanda Gonzalez from Melia Cohiba Hotel casa del habano store, Hamlet Jamie Paredes from CDH now with Partagas, Monsdale, Jose Luis Perez Mingollo from Cohiba factory, Jorge Lopez Leal from CDH La Habano Diplomatic Club. I was lucky to meet Jose Castelar who is a Cuban cigar roller and rolled a 70 meter cigar to break his own Guinness world record in 2012. They are all very humble people and gifted me some of their custom rolled cigars. These are not for sale. All of these cigars have at least 5-7 years of aged tobacco. I also received two cigars from Don Alejandro Robina's grandson Hiroshi Robina. These cigars were specially rolled for Don Alejandro Robina. I met Hiroshi in Pinar del Rio. They are at least 15 years aged. Thanks to my friend of Casa del Habano, otherwise I wouldnt have had the privilege to meet these top cigar rollers and collect these babies. I learned a lot from them.
Don Alejandro Robina's personal sticks. I will smoke one and the second one will remain in my collection for many years.
From La China, Halmet Paredes, Monsdale and Jose Castelar. Most of them were blended and rolled for the Partagas cigar festival.
From Jose Luis Perez Mingollo of Cohiba factory and Jorge Lopez Leal from CDH La Habano Diplomatic Club.