Well the festival is over again for another year. I am almost happy about as I can finally sleep. Met many great people and allready booked again for next year. I had not originally planned on making it to all the events but ended up going to everything but the gala dinner. I couldn't justify $500 for it. Let me start off by saying Havana is amazing and there is no place more conducive to smoking in the world. I am and avid smoker but 60 in a week is more then I could think of doing anywhere else. Here are my highlights.
Opening night started off at the Karl Marx theatre where they introduced the Montecristo Open line. Which consists of 4 new sizes of a milder blended Monte aimed at peolpe who enjoy life `al fresco`.
The event then moved to Club Havana a beautiful Semi private club and the location of my favorite custom roller Jorge.
The Plantation tour was the next day. On the bus at 7:00 after drinking till 3 was not good but it was a great day.
The Trinidad evening was next. They introduced the new robusto T size. Full production is supposed to be tubed but I never saw a tube on there.
The menu was great the wine wasn`t great but the rum was very good. Wonder if Alfonso has tried it
Wednesday was the the factory tour shopping trip at the El Laguito factory. Everything was screwed up because we later found out the tour wasn`t till the next day but with only the small group of Canadians we got a very person tour by the president of the factory.
Probably the greatest B&M I have ever been into at 5th and 15th. WOW what a store and lounge.
Finally we skipped the Gala dinner and went to a private restraunt for a great night of sea food drinks and cigars.
Finally if you ever get the chance to meet Roger from Havana House Canada buy him a drink as none of us can keep up to him on personal stashes. He is a great resource on cigar and an incredible host.
