Esteli!!

[mav_sd]

Hey everyone,

Wanted to letthe group know I made it into Esteli tonight. Got here sort of late since I had to put in a full day at the office before I could hit the road.

So far, just by driving through town to my hotel I have already been able to identify 5 different factories, but nothing hugely remarkable... that is sort of cool though for 10pm at night...

Got a full day planned tomorrow with a buddy from work who hails from Esteli... he used to own a bar in town and knows alot of the folks here who are involved with cigars.

The only issue I predict is that it is going to be a Saturday and it is a short work day at most factories (if they are even open). I'll make the most of it anyways and see if i can post up some interesting photos.

Nicaragua's finest are being made right out of this little town, i can't wait to get more of an education about the process first hand!

-Mike

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

I was there last fall, great town, great food and oh yeah, plenty of cigar factories!

Just be careful my friend, we need you back safe and sound!

 

[Cuban Pete]

Have fun and post some pictures!

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

oh remember, don't drink the water....they do have some great beer and the rum ain't to shabby either!

 

[mav_sd]

Yeah, Tona is the brew of choice round these parts... and I'll take a mid-day buzz over explosive bowel movements any day of the week!

 

[Shmear]

Cool, good luck on your day!

 

[blooz4u]

Have a great time and take lots of pictures!

 

[mcroom]

Very Cool. Looking forward to some photos too!

 

[mav_sd]

Photos are in an album on my profile.

Guys, what a great day it turned out to be. After running around snagging photos of several of the factories in and close to Esteli (as I had feared most everything was closed since it was Saturday). We went to Tabacalera Fernandez and watched some guys roll up a few. It was neat to watch and they are effing fast! Only a couple of photos of that, but I do have a video that I'll try to get up soon of one of the rollers in action.

After a delicious Cuban lunch my friend Nelson called a buddy of his to see if he wanted to meet for a smoke. Little did I know that I was about to be introduced to Jessi Flores, the Art Department and Marketing Director for Drew Estate in Nicaragua!

The Factory was closed, but Jessi was happy to show us around the grounds and take us through his art studio and shop. There is no high tech anything for these guys, all of the boxes (with paint) are individually screen-printed by hand by his team of artists. We also gotto check out the very cool Drew Estate lounge, which is on the second story of the property and which has amazing panoramic views of the surrounding valley and tobacco fields.

All in all, I had set myself up for some real estate photos and a good lunch but ended up with a very cool day in Esteli. Next time I am in town I'll have to plan better and on a weekday to really have some fun in this town!

 

[tatjunkie]

Sounds like you had a great time... I'm hoping that Esteli will be in my travel plans in just over a year or so for a special endeavor.
I really like the Liga Privada patch

 

[shuckins]

awesome pics...thanks for sharing

 

[Moro]

Thanks for sharing, mate!

 

[blooz4u]

Thanks for the pics man!