While I appreciate that blending, branding, and being the "idea guy" takes a certain kind of skill and know-how, I'd really like to see a more vertically integrated newcomer step into the limelight.
It seems every guy with a tattoo and a record collection is putting out a similar cigar brand, and it's tiring. I could really get behind a guy who spends time in the fields and gets his hands dirty while simultaneously building a strong and genuine brand. Someone who can actually grow and roll the leaf but also capture the imagination and develop a fresh and innovative company while staying grounded to tradition.
I'm the biggest Tatuaje fan and if the relationship with Pepin is working, why change it. Guys like Huber and Gellis are doing cool things. But I respect a watchmaker who makes a movement in-house. A pair of high end Japanese jeans commands much more of my admiration, because I know the artisan who made those jeans knows their craft from the inside out, and actually makes every stitch. I couldn't imagine an idea guy making it in the craft beer business without running an actual brewery.
Yes we have Padron, Pepin, Fuente et al. but a new release from their likes is not the most exiting thing in the world. And these families have a long tradition in the cigar business. I respect J. Drew for packing his bags, heading to Nicaragua, getting his hands in the mud and learning how to take a seedling and turn it into a fine smoke. And then actually doing it. It was ballsy, and it was American as hell.
The next guy who does this and puts out solid, genuine smokes (but please hold the flavored sticks and the whole selling to Swisher thing) and can build an engaging and captivating brand will get my money and my following.
It seems every guy with a tattoo and a record collection is putting out a similar cigar brand, and it's tiring. I could really get behind a guy who spends time in the fields and gets his hands dirty while simultaneously building a strong and genuine brand. Someone who can actually grow and roll the leaf but also capture the imagination and develop a fresh and innovative company while staying grounded to tradition.
I'm the biggest Tatuaje fan and if the relationship with Pepin is working, why change it. Guys like Huber and Gellis are doing cool things. But I respect a watchmaker who makes a movement in-house. A pair of high end Japanese jeans commands much more of my admiration, because I know the artisan who made those jeans knows their craft from the inside out, and actually makes every stitch. I couldn't imagine an idea guy making it in the craft beer business without running an actual brewery.
Yes we have Padron, Pepin, Fuente et al. but a new release from their likes is not the most exiting thing in the world. And these families have a long tradition in the cigar business. I respect J. Drew for packing his bags, heading to Nicaragua, getting his hands in the mud and learning how to take a seedling and turn it into a fine smoke. And then actually doing it. It was ballsy, and it was American as hell.
The next guy who does this and puts out solid, genuine smokes (but please hold the flavored sticks and the whole selling to Swisher thing) and can build an engaging and captivating brand will get my money and my following.
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