Cigars/Expert Profile

Expertise

I'm a fourth generation cigar maker and have spent 25+ years operating our factory as well as a mail order cigar company. I belong to cigar manufacturers associations as well as retail cigar associations so I'm usually up to date with current events relating to cigars. I've smoked the majority of brands on the market and would be happy to share my opinions of them with you. Since I live in the U.S. I have very little experience with Cuban cigars, but other than that I know a least a little bit about almost every brand of cigars on the market.

Experience in the area

In addition to growing up in and now managing our cigar factory for 25+ years, I've spent time in many factories in Honduras, Nicaragua, The Dominican Republic and Mexico. BR>
Organizations
Cigar Association of America, Retail Tobacco Dealers Association

Organizations

Cigar Association of America, Retail Tobacco Dealers Association

Education/Credentials

BS Texas A&M University

What do you like about this subject?

Cigar are my life - I've made them and sold them since I was a kid. I just enjoy talking cigars and giving a little guidance.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

We are the oldest manufacturer in America - I'd just like to continue making cigars here as long as I can.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Cigars are not that different than food - everyone has different tastes and enjoys different things. Just because an "expert" says a cigar is good doesn't mean you're going to like it. The best way to judge a cigar is after you've smoked it, if you want to pick up another right away then it was probably pretty good...

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

I don't believe that cigars cause health problems. I'm not saying they are safe - I just know I've been in the business a long time and I've seen very few claims of health issues from cigars.