March is here and its that time of year when the cigar festivals begin. Of course last month in February was the XIII Festival Habano in Cuba, but I don’t think I will ever make that one. There seem to be more and more popping up across the US, with them starting in Spring and then another bunch ending in the Fall. Fall is a long ways off so not talking about any of those here, so going to talk about one I attend and one I hear a lot about.

The biggest one that I know of in Spring is the CIGARfest run by Cigars International and help in Split Rock, PA. on April 30th http://www.cigarfest.org/index.asp
They call it “America’s Mega Herf” and with 3000 tickets sold I can’t disagree with them. I hear just as many complaints about this event as I do good things. This year the first complaints I heard where about the ticket sells. You had to pre-register to be able to order them, and there was three different types of tickets. The General Admission $110, VIH (Very Important Herfer) $150, and Cigar Nut Auction. My understanding is the different tickets have different times on them so they can keep the 3000 people crowd staggered and they are not there all at the same time. I heard the the General and VIH tickets sold out in like 20 seconds leaving many other to auction on what was left, auction tickets got as high as $270!

According to the CIGARfest website, with the price of the ticket you get a package of 20 cigars as you get there, an ashtray and other goodies along with 40 tickets to collect cigars during the event. The cigar tickets is similar to what they do at the Big Smoke, at first the idea sounds like fun and doing it once myself at the Big Smoke it was cool, but also a crazy rat race and didn‘t really get to talk to the cigar makers and manufactures there. After doing this one time and then being at a cigar festival where they don’t have cigar tickets I think I prefer to not do it that way. Also included are beer and liquor samples, live bands, BBQ, cigar deals and raffle prizes.

The “also included” has been another source of complains from the beer and liquor set up to the bands being to loud to enjoy the company you are with. But with a crowd of 3000 no mater how you stager them it’s going to be crowed. I’m sure it is still the time of the year for some people and given the chance I would go.

The other festival I want to talk about is the Texas Cigar Festival held by Serious Cigars in Houston, TX. On April 16th http://www.seriouscigars.com/texas_cigar_festival
This is the 2nd year for this festival while the CIGARfest is in it’s 8th year. While it can’t call itself the largest herf, it is still one hell of a good time. Last year there where a little over 500 tickets sold and the number this year will be 600. The tickets are $100 and after being on sell for a couple weeks there are still tickets to be had, for how long I’m not sure.

The Texas Cigar Festival includes 20 plus manufacturers and cigar related exhibitors, raffle prizes, a great buffet, and open bar that includes fine wine, spirits, and beer. And just like all events some great cigar deals. The buffet and drinks are top notch and all you can handle. As you walk in you get your bag with a cigar from every manufacturer there and goodies from the other exhibitors. I love the goodie bag, I have done the cigar tickets at the Big Smoke and while it is cool the first time I don’t think it is the way to go. It’s a rat race and you just don’t get to talk to the manufacturers like you do when you start out with the cigars and don’t have to hunt them down.

The set up is out side in one of the biggest tents I have ever seen, its spaced out nicely and last year I didn’t never get the feeling that it was over crowed. Although I did miss seeing some people that where there in the crowd I wanted to see. I almost didn’t get to go last year, but now that I have been this is for me the can’t miss event of the year.

It is awesome they way cigar manufacturers come together during the year in different festivals and events so their fans get to great and meet them. I know that for a lot of cigar smokers like myself it is more then a hobby but a passion and I for one love it.

Some of the top manufacturers and cigar makers at these two festivals include Ashton, 601, Studio Tobac, Xikar, Torano, Nester Miranda, Boveda, Tatuaje, Rocky Patel, Alec Bradley, Camacho, My Father Cigars, and Drew Estate. There are some at one and not the other for example at CIGARfest but not in Texas are La Aurora, Padilla, and Davidoff. But it swings both was, at Texas Fest but not CIGARfest are Arturo Fuente, EP Carillo, Illusione, J Fuego, Padron and Cigar Rights of America.

If anybody is going to the Texas Cigar Festival, leave a comment so hopefully we can meet.

What I really liked about Benji was his openness and modesty. During our interview, he made sure to point out it was a team effort to create this cigar and he was more like a coach. He credits this cigars success to surrounding himself with a great team. Normally I don’t call people I don’t know by their first name, and especially not a master like Benji. I feel that out of respect, he is Mr. Menendez, however he told that was his father and he is Benji. Remember that modesty thing I talked about.

The event was packed. I would guess there were at least 200 people there, probably more. I wish the night was less windy as I would have loved to sit outside on the fantastic balcony over looking the strip and enjoy my cigar. If you get a chance to try this cigar, do NOT pass it up.

As I was walking around, a gentlemen tapped me on the shoulder and introduced himself as Lawrence and he is a fan of our show. I really enjoy when people stop and tell me that. He is a Vegas local and I look forward to having a cigar with him soon.

Check out the video below and you can get a sample of what the event was like. Unfortunately people don’t understand to not walk in front of a camera when someone is doing an interview, so there are a few places in my interview where you will see that.

The raffle prizes were 6 packs of cigars, 4 packs of cigars, $25 gift certificate to many local shops and the grand prize was an autographed baseball by Yogi Berra. It was a great event and I look forward to the next one.

I took a few photos from the event.

Friday, April 18th CAO will be at the Cigar Lounge

Wednesday, April 23rd Rocky Patel will be at Hemingways Cigar Lounge (Meet Nish Patel)

Friday, April 25th Arganesse will be at the Cigar Lounge (Meet Gene)

We will be recording interviews on the 23rd and 25th.