IPCPR New Orleans 2009 Wrap-Up

By Hayward Tenney

I attended my first-ever IPCPR show this year in New Orleans, and I must confess my sheer amazement. Sure, I tried to play it all cool in the weeks approaching the show, but nothing could prepare me for what would ensue.

Working in the business has been a joyride, but meeting these manufacturers face-to-face is easily among my favorite all-time cigar experiences.

Most of these guys are the salt of the earth; I am humbled by their graciousness, both with their time and their cigars. Perhaps most evident is the universal passion they share.

I made note of a few facts along the way, which I will now share with you. Enjoy!

Fact: NOTHING inspires camaraderie like good food, a stiff drink, and fine cigars.

Fact: I stand 6' 2", and I am seriously dwarfed by Dion Giolito of Illusione cigars.

Fact: Sam Leccia of NUB cigars (and soon Cain cigars) fame is among the most innovative people I've ever met in this business, or any.

Fact: Kinky Friedman and Little Jewford are funny as all hell.

Fact: Don Jose Pepin Garcia's eyes light up like Christmas trees when you ask him about tobacco.

Fact: Jose Oliva and Nick Perdomo's business acumen is surpassed only by their dedication to quality tobacco and craftsmanship.

Fact: Besides making wonderful cigars, Alan Rubin of Alec Bradley cigars is impossibly charismatic.

Fact: Abe Flores and Juan Rodriguez of Pinar del Rio cigars know how to throw a party.

Fact: The fine folks of Rocky Patel cigars, Drew Estate cigars, and Flor de Gonzalez cigars understand that the quickest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.

Fact: Eddie Ortega and Erik Espinosa of EO Brands (601 cigars, Cubao cigars) are more fun than a barrel of monkeys.

Fact: Nestor Miranda could well be the world's most interesting man.

These are the facts, and they cannot be disputed.