Best blenders in the world...

[JoeyBones777]

In one of the other threads we got on the topic of NC's compared to CC's and what sets them apart. Which brought us to blenders, in part.

Which NC blender would you pick to play around with Cuban leaf and why?

Mine is a no brainer...Dion Giolito of Illusione. I think God gave us duplicate taste buds because damn near every blend he makes I thoroughly enjoy. I think his blending style would work incredibly well with Cuban tobacco plus his quality control is among the very best in the business. 

[cigcars]

       Do you all like A.J. Fernandez and Daniel Nunez?  I, myself, would be looking at the tobacco: Brazilian, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian tobaccos are those I've found to be astoundingly delicious! And Nicaraguan, Cameroon, and Jamaican a near second in aroma and taste. My 2 cts.

[Derboesekoenig]

15 minutes ago, cigcars said:

       Do you all like A.J. Fernandez and Daniel Nunez?  I, myself, would be looking at the tobacco: Brazilian, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian tobaccos are those I've found to be astoundingly delicious! And Nicaraguan, Cameroon, and Jamaican a near second in aroma and taste. My 2 cts.

Not a fan of Nicaraguan nor Cameroon, and haven't had the rest. If it's anything like their coffee, maybe I should give it a chance.

[blakeLA]

19 minutes ago, cigcars said:

       Do you all like A.J. Fernandez and Daniel Nunez?  I, myself, would be looking at the tobacco: Brazilian, Peruvian, and Ecuadorian tobaccos are those I've found to be astoundingly delicious! And Nicaraguan, Cameroon, and Jamaican a near second in aroma and taste. My 2 cts.

 

5 hours ago, JoeyBones777 said:

In one of the other threads we got on the topic of NC's compared to CC's and what sets them apart. Which brought us to blenders, in part.

Which NC blender would you pick to play around with Cuban leaf and why?

Mine is a no brainer...Dion Giolito of Illusione. I think God gave us duplicate taste buds because damn near every blend he makes I thoroughly enjoy. I think his blending style would work incredibly well with Cuban tobacco plus his quality control is among the very best in the business. 

I think Dion does great work as does AJ Fernandez.  I would also add Litto Gomez and Carlito Fuente - both have a knack for unique construction / vitolas and blend very elegant sticks.  Lastly, Eladio Diaz has been giving more leeway at Davidoff (which I'm not always wild about), and some of their recent Master Selection (which he blends) are a big step up from what they normally do.  Would love to see what he could do with some time at El Laguito.

[Stump89]

5 hours ago, JoeyBones777 said:

Dion Giolito of Illusione.

Definitely a good call. Illusione are great smokes.  I think the epernay and the fume d'amor would be interesting with Cuban leaf.  I also really enjoy a Tatuaje every once in a while. I think the Garcias still do a lot of blending for Pete Johnson's brands. 

[Colt45]

To be honest, I've no idea of his current status, but one of my first thoughts was Douglas Pueringer.

[JoeyBones777]

4 hours ago, Colt45 said:

To be honest, I've no idea of his current status, but one of my first thoughts was Douglas Pueringer.

I'm not familiar with him. Who is he?

[Guest Nekhyludov]

Interesting question!

I agree that Dion Giolito could likely blend Cuban tobacco very well. As could Pete Johnson, Kyle Gelis (as much as I hate to admit it), and Eladio Diaz is a good call. Strangely, as much as I love Padron, I don't think Jorge Padron would be great; I think they've done a miraculous job of perfecting what's possible with Nicaraguan leaf, though. Hendrik Kelner Jr. and Jeremy Casdagli have shown a real talent for Cubanesque blends at Bespoke.

The blenders who I think would be totally useless with Cuban tobacco are Ernesto Carrillo and Andre Farkas. They'd try to turn everything into a 56 - 60 RG pepper bomb, and ruin the character of the tobacco in the process.

[Colt45]

8 hours ago, JoeyBones777 said:

I'm not familiar with him. Who is he?

He was responsible for Bahia and Bucanero cigars. I think I do recall that he retired some years back, so perhaps it's unfair to bring him into the conversation. But the early (Costa Rican) Bahia Trinidas and Golds were very flavorful, as were the Bucaneros that followed, which is why I thought of him.

[Derboesekoenig]

You mean the Cubanas rolling on their virgin thighs aren't the best in the world??? Don't ruin the image for me 

[JoeyBones777]

9 minutes ago, Derboesekoenig said:

You mean the Cubanas rolling on their virgin thighs aren't the best in the world??? Don't ruin the image for me 

Cuba still has the best rollers! So you can continue drifting into slumber at night counting Cubanas rolling cigars on their virgin thighs.?

[Derboesekoenig]

2 minutes ago, Min said:

The Fuentes and Padrons  would work wonders with Cuban tobaccos due to their quality control. 

This is something that I could get on board with. Keep everything the same, except QC. Just bring the quality and consistency up

[JoeyBones777]

I think Padron could do well with Cuban maduro...at least, better than the Cubans have managed imho.