El Presidente

FOH members Thanksgiving Plans? Let us know I love the whole concept of Thanksgiving and know how much our US members get into it. Let us live vicariously through you If you get a chance over the 4 days, light up a Nudie or BR and post the photo in the Faces of Fábrica 5 Competition as the personalised Media Rueda of cigars gets drawn December 1. I know our team in Danli is loving the photos and upon their return from vacation they will document the rolling of your cigars. It will be truly special. Hell, Nudies/BR cigars or not, post your Thangsgiving photos on this thread and go into the draw for a 10 count box of BR 109. Have a great Thanksgiving! Let us know what you are up to!

So what have the "Hands of Time" done with the Rafael González 88 (ER Asia Pacific 2016) This is a new series where we take a cigar that may have had somewhat mixed reviews upon release and see where they are now with a little water under the bridge. Setting the discussion: The Rafael Gonzalez 88 Asia Pacific Regional 2016 was largely panned upon release for lacking complexity, flavour, palate presence. The contrarian view was that like the long gone (2010 discontinued) Rafael Gonzalez Corona Extra, this RG 88 blend will take years to develop" It's now coming on 10 years. Discuss where the RG 88 has ended up Thanks to John S for the photos 👍

I am with Mohammad al Mansour at his Kuwait LCDH for a few days from this Friday. I will provide an update.

.....the fact people actually make this shite is frightening.

I am sure we will catch up over a cigar next week in Cyprus.

...I am assuming they are timing the exhibition in between blackouts. ........ A showcase of opportunities offered by the Cuban economy The 41st edition of the event, which begins today, will focus on renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and integration into blocs such as BRICS Author: National Editor | [email protected] november 24, 2025 09:11:46 The 41st Havana International Fair (Fihav 2025), the region's main trade fair, begins today with the aim of promoting new strategic areas for the national economy and presenting Cuba as a reliable destination for business. At a recent press conference, Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Trade and Investment, said that this edition goes beyond traditional trade negotiations by incorporating areas of high prospective value. "This fair is much more than a space for commercial exchange; it is a showcase for the opportunities offered by the Cuban economy, based on innovation, sustainability, and integration," he said. Among the new features of Fihav 2025 are five thematic exhibition areas, designed to highlight the most relevant opportunities. One of these is the Made in Cuba pavilion, which aims to promote the exportable quality of national production, with special participation by MSMEs and production hubs. In addition, the Renewable Energy in Cuba area is aimed at promoting the energy transition with panels on sustainable investment, and there is a space dedicated to Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence applied to management and production. Another segment of great interest will be dedicated to BRICS and Integration Mechanisms, which will showcase projects and sectors with potential for cooperation in schemes such as ALBA-TCP, the EAEU, and ALADI, among others. Completing this vision is the Unique Cuba sector, which positions tourism as a driving force for productive chains and service exports. In a complex international context, marked by the intensification of the U.S. government's blockade of the island and the effects of Hurricane Melissa in the east of the country, the Fair will be attended by more than 47 countries and the European Union. Among the participating nations are strategic partners such as Russia, China, Spain, Italy, Mexico, Venezuela, and Saudi Arabia. The most represented sectors will be agribusiness, biotechnology, and medical services —an area in which Cuba enjoys international prestige— as well as tourism, the energy industry, and logistics. The event will also host the 8th Investment Forum, with an update on the Portfolio of Opportunities, and the Caribbean Banking Forum.

https://en.cibercuba.com/noticias/2025-11-23-u1-e129488-s27061-nid315385-arrestan-turista-rusa-moscu-cargamento-tabacos Russian tourist arrested in Moscow with a shipment of Cuban cigars The incident was reported last Thursday by the Federal Customs Service of Russia. Sunday, November 23, 2025 - 4:32 PM A Russian woman returning from Varadero was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow after a shipment of Cuban cigars valued at over one million rubles, approximately $12,600, was discovered in her luggage. The detained individual was carrying 75 units of the brand “Cohiba Espléndidos,” one of the most sought-after cigars on the market, without declaring them to the customs authorities as required by current legislation. The incident was reported last Thursday by the Federal Customs Service of Russia (FCS), whose press department explained that the discovery occurred during the inspection of the tourist's luggage, coming from the popular Cuban destination. The case has generated significant media attention in the Russian press. According to statements from the passenger herself, the cigars were a gift from friends in Cuba and she stated that she was unaware of the need to declare this type of merchandise at customs. However, the authorities opened a criminal case for large-scale smuggling, a crime that in Russia can result in up to five years in prison or a fine equivalent to the value of the seized tobacco. The inspectors found three wooden boxes, each containing 25 cigars. The total value was estimated by experts at over one million rubles, which, according to the Russian Penal Code, automatically categorizes the case as large-scale illegal trafficking of tobacco products.

....possibly some cracks in his cold water theory ....

Madrid 1970 Habano advertisement in local magazine. "Light another One!"

Vintage photograph of Spanish aviators Mariano Barberán and Joaquín Collar, Havana, Cuba, 1933. Features advertising for Trinidad y Hno. cigars.

Olga Kuznezova (Ukraine,b 2000)

Hmmmm I can't say I'm buying much of what Jasim is selling on this one.