El Presidente

The bands are the big upgrade project for BR in 2026. I wear the blame here. We could have gone top tier by importing from Europe but I insisted on every aspect of BR, Desnudo, MOFOH to be made in Honduras. Box makers, ribbon suppliers, band manufacturers. We have invested money to assist the local artisans to get up to speed. I really want the dollars to remain in Honduras and assist this aspect of the local economy to rise and become world class. It will happen slowly, but it will happen 😉

Happy birthday for January 3rd Ken

No Fuel - No Electricity - No Cigars The above was succinctly put to me yesterday in a discussion with industry heads. Cigar production is prioritised but there are other demands higher on the list of importance. The seriousness of the current situation is hitting home for all within the Cuban cigar industry.

We are having a brilliant spell of summer weather. Blue sky, hot without being scorching. Off for a gym session now followed by lunch with mum, dad, my kids and their partners. Ben has arranged today's lunch to show his grandparents his new house. Should be a great lunch. If I play my cards right, I can swing today's lunch as my birthday lunch as well, and hence dodge a midweek parent catchup Sunday we will likely take Di's mum out to lunch at the Rocklea Hotel. I like this pub. It has had a rough reputation over the years due to it's colourful locals (bikies/drug dealers/truckies)...but I feel right at home. They do a great pub meal with my favourite being the tomahawk on a hot rock...that you cook at the table. I can't wait for Catherina (Di's mum) to lecture me that the concept of going out to lunch is for the restaurant to cook. I have taken her to Korean BBQ before...so I know what is coming. Outside of that I have some blends to taste and preparation for SuperBowl Monday. What's up for the weekend?

Simply appalling. Absolutely fascinating. AI at its worst. I now want an elephant for my birthday next week...

A common misconception is that a 10% cost increase can be offset by a 10% price increase. That only works if margins are ignored. If a manufacturer works to a fixed 30% margin, the price has to be reset so that the margin still exists on the higher cost base. Otherwise, margin erosion is immediate. Of course the retailer also has to use the same mindset. Otherwise he will be calling in a liquidator.

Wage costs across the board have increased 12% over the past two years alone in Honduras. Leaf cost increases have varied but wrapper in particular within the NC industry is up some 20% over the past three years. 18% Tariffs Nicaragua, 10% on the other main countries in the cigar game. Throw in a change in mindset by brand owners to test the premium end of the market. Not everyone can or wants to throw out a $100 NC cigar, but plenty are happy to try a $30 premium that wouldn't have crossed their mind 5 years ago. Most have pulled it off relatively successfully. Since 2000, from hamburgers to utilities, the consumer has experienced a period of upwards price adjustment in terms of mindset. Some cigar manufacturers have pushed the edge of this wave. At the same time, B&M store owners have also been hit with significant fixed cost increases outside of cigars. They have largely passed them on. I believe most price increases this year (2026) for NC will be around 5%.

The H. Upmann Connoisseur Series has been a success for Habanos on the back of some very impressive cigars. Kudos. One of the things that impresses me is how different the cigars are in terms of body, flavour complexity and personality. Our palates are all different but lets see if we can tease out the essential elements of each. Have a crack at the poll and discuss. Share your thoughts on the H. Upmann Connoisseur series

Don't forget the FOH Superbowl Zoom on Sunday NY/Monday local. Our zoom will run from 15 minutes prior to kickoff all the way through to the final whistle. I love our FOH superbowl zoom days! During the 1251 commercial breaks we will find time to discuss Epstein Files, Ken, Religion, US Politics, first wives, whereabouts of Michael Jackson's monkey, second wives, chemtrails, aliens among us, Habanos.

Looks to be a great cause and a fun event! If you are in Havana for the festival, get along

Will post something up along those lines

What do members believe are the core drivers?

What does your cigar rest say about you? 👇 King of the Road Baby Birmingham 1851 by Henry Elkington (reg. Aug 1849) A rare Victorian cast sterling silver cigar rest

Emilia Castillo (Mexican), Silver Over Pottery Jaguar Cigar Ashtray, 1996