Hamlet - Now in the US

[AlohaStyle]

As reported by his good friend Rob, the great cigar roller Hamlet defected from Cuba and is now working with Rocky Patel at the Burn lounge in Naples FL. Anyone that knows Hamlet, or knows of him realizes that Cuba lost a great person and ambassador in the cuban cigar industry. He was last running the show basically at the Partagas Factory. His custom cigars are some of the best in Cuba.

Anyone in Naples should stop by and meet him... he's one of the best rollers in the world and a very smart guy, you can learn a lot. I wish you well bro!

 

[shadowcam]

Good for him. I wish him the best. His customs were decent but his rolling skills were the best I've seen around. I'm not sure how I feel about him going with Rocky but I'll try out his new cigar once it comes out.

 

[D Quintero]

Too Bad ,
The deep pockets strike again.
Although as a defector, partnering up with Rocky Patel isn't nearly as bad as selling out to Swisher.

 

[Clint]

Too Bad ,
The deep pockets strike again.
Although as a defector, partnering up with Rocky Patel isn't nearly as bad as selling out to Swisher.

Pretty close tho, lol

 

[HIM*]

Wonder how Cuba feels about this.

 

[Le Buzz]

Damn what a shame. After living in Cuba his entire life I don't blame him for chasing that cheddar though. Kinda hard to blame someone for selling out when they finally break free from oppresion and are able for the first time in their lives to capitalize on their talent and work.

I wish him the best.

 

[Angry Bill]

Too bad he is rolling for RP, but great that he has come to the U.S. and changed his life.

 

[SurpriseMVP]

I'm shocked at some comments here. Guy lives in a country where they dictate what he can and can't do. He cannot buy diapers for his own child along with many other simple things that people take for granted. Who cares who he works for? I have no clue about any details, but like him or not Rocky is a great business man. I'm sure everyone here has smoked a "vintage 1990 or 1992" that is still being rolled to this day. Bottom line RP gave him a job and probably more. Who knows what he'll end up doing in the long run, but you have to start somewhere. I do not know him personally. I do have friends that know him personally and have never heard a negative thing about him. All I've ever heard are stories about what a great guy he is and I wish him the best.

 

[Craig Mac]

Took words right out of my mouth Mike, very well said!

 

[shadowcam]

Not sure why there is "shock". I am simply commenting on my dislike for Rocky Patel cigars and so I associate with Hamlet going there kind of a bummer. It is only a comment based on my preference on cigars. I am providing zero opinion into his socioeconomic struggles or questioning his character for moving to RP. Just because I don't like RP doesn't mean I want people to starve or be oppressed.

 

[Tag9485]

Not sure why there is "shock". I am simply commenting on my dislike for Rocky Patel cigars and so I associate with Hamlet going there kind of a bummer. It is only a comment based on my preference on cigars. I am providing zero opinion into his socioeconomic struggles or questioning his character for moving to RP. Just because I don't like RP doesn't mean I want people to starve or be oppressed.

I don't think those comments were directed mainly at you Eddy. What you said is basically how I feel about it and not particularly offensive. It's awesome that he can finally break away from the oppression he's faced his entire life. I'm not a big RP fan but at least this man found a way to capitalize on his skills.

 

[SurpriseMVP]

Yes Eddie, I did not mean to make this a personal attack against you or anyone else and apologize if it came out that way.

 

[shadowcam]

Yes Eddie, I did not mean to make this a personal attack against you or anyone else and apologize if it came out that way.

I hear you man. I understand what you mean about the big picture. I didn't have my cup of coffee this morning and the panties were riding extra high...

 

[Smoqman]

I'm glad he was able to leave an oppressive communist dictatorship. What he does after that and who he works for… Seems to me just about anything is better than that.

God bless him.

 

[mistaforty]

The comments are coming from and usually do come from those of us who take these things for granted. And I mean "those of us" as a country. It was similar to what I meant in my MLK post that things that seem to be simple freedoms (like me being able to sit with you guys in the same bar and have a stick together) either are hard to come by and hard fought for or were at some point just downright impossible. The comments aren't shocking, just we forget or don't know sometimes that we have it pretty good and we depend on the work of those that don't have it so good.

 

[Angry Bill]

I didn't see any offensive posts in this thread. I've read over all the posts twice. Most know, RP cigars are not in my wheelhouse, so I'm not a fan. Met the RP twice and he seemed to be a nice guy and truly loves cigars and the industry. So not sure the comment was directed at me or not?

As I stated in my OP, I'm glad that Hamlet has the opportunity to change his life, just like the Padrons did, Don Pepin and many others that fled an oppressive country. This country will afford him many opportunities that he would never have had.

 

[mwlabel]

Oh hey, my parents live a couple minutes away.

BRB BUYING A PLANE TICKET

 

[AlohaStyle]

A comment caught me off guard too... the "selling out" comment. But I think that's just words without truly meaning it. I think most people would have an initial reaction like what Eddie said... you are happy for Hamlet trying to make something better for his family, but selfishly is thinking too bad it's with RP.

I personally am happy as hell for Hamlet and his family. Someone doesn't make a choice like this lightly. Whatever you think of RP cigars, he is passionate in the industry and can give many opportunities to Hamlet just starting out.