Thursday, December 14, 2006

Venezuelan Cigars II :: A Response From Alberto Farinez

After writing that entry, I received a response from Alberto Farinez Lapioli of Farinez Cigars in Venezuela. Read below:

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Subject: Venezuelan Cigars
From: Alberto Farinez Lapioli
Date: Fri, November 24, 2006 4:56 pm
To: Keith

Dear Keith, Your opinion about Venezuelan cigars is what every body believes, in other words is the general thinking and not without reason. It is my goal to produce true and respected cigars in Venezuela, not quite simple but I think I am already on the right track. I would really appreciate your honest opinion about Farinez Premium Cigars. How can I send you a sample? I would like for you to take the Mundano, since you liked so much the Cohiba Siglo VI. Please find attached a presentation. Best regards,

Alberto Farinez Lapioli
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I did a little research and it looks like Don Alberto is a successful marketer of some exclusive pleasures. I bumped into an article that said an Alberto Farinez had brought an award-winning premium Venezuelan Rum to market called Ron Macuro. I have not tried this rum, however it was a Gold Medal winner in the Premium Rum section on the Ministry of Rum website, where I have tried several of the other Rums in that winner's circle- for it to be even close to the Zacapa, it must be good.

The Farinez cigar website is currently under construction, but can be visited here. The presentation he included said 100% of the tobacco is from Venezuela. As I mentioned, I am not sure if this is good or bad, but it is professed in such a way, that I have to assume they have something good. Their tagline, "Enjoy the ritual of sharing..." appears throught the presentation slides.

Rum AND Cigars... This whole thing interests me, perhaps I am jealous. It is like having a sportscar AND a speedboat... like having an attractive mistress and a an even more attractive wife... but I digress. Admitadly, I am not much of a rum drinker, but rum and cigars are a truly delightful comination. I recall few better memories of my travels then that of smoking a nameless cigar and sipping Havana Club Anejo Blanco (straight no ice) in my dear Pinar Del Rio. This quite a traditional pairing.







Presentation appears to be faultess on both accounts (seen above). The jar/canister presentation for the cigars is very distinct. Is there more to come? Could this be the a new Davidoff of South America? Only time will tell, but I am going to do my best to get my hands on both the rum and the cigars to judge for myself.

TC-Keith

Wednesday, December 06, 2006

Smoke your cigars, and do not apologize to anyone!

I bumped into this interesting story about a New Zelander, Doctor, and Health Spokesman getting into hot water for smoking a cigar with U2. First of all, it was a cigar (not a cigarette), secondly it was WITH U2 (and I do not even like them that much, but I respect them greatly), and lastly SO WHAT.

I know a very fine gentleman here in Costa Rica that was involved with sports administration at the national level that was in the same situation. The press wouldn't let up. You know what, he kept smoking. Dr. Sackcloth. I recommend you do that same. Enjoy it- you only live once, and I am sure the stress that the press has put on you for this little incident is far worse for you than any hypothetical heath issues caused by the cigar. Don't let the press or social correctness prevent you from enjoying this fine experience.

TC-Keith