anacostiakat Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Just saw this in Cigar Aficionado: Hirochi Robaina Joins La Palina Famed Cuban tobacco grower Hirochi Robaina recently announced that he is leaving Cubanacan and joining La Palina Cigars. According to Robaina, he will be taking the HR cigar brand that he blended while at Cubanacan with him to La Palina. The HR Toro recently scored 92 points in a Cigar Aficionado tasting. However, Robert Mederos of Cubanacan is disputing Robaina's claim regarding HR, and is saying that he will continue to sell the cigar. Mederos has actually responded in greater detail to the situation, which you can click to below and read more about.
El Presidente Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 I hope it works itself out. Interesting question however as to who owns the brand. Without knowing any detail, if a brand/blend is built around a "personality" but the tobacco and I assume the supporting infrastructure is provided by the "house".......whose owns it at the end of the day?. I assume it will come down to the legal documentation signed at the outset.
Professor Twain Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Hirochi is not showing the integrity I would expect of a man with his background. I think his grandfather would be ashamed. 1
MrGinger Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Hirochi is not showing the integrity I would expect of a man with his background. I think his grandfather would be ashamed. Exactly!
Smallclub Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 Welcome to the world of lawyers and lawsuits of any kind… 1
LGC Posted July 15, 2015 Posted July 15, 2015 I think he as already lost the respect of many. Things tend to get sticky when chasing the dollar becomes the main motivation. 1
Popular Post El Presidente Posted July 15, 2015 Popular Post Posted July 15, 2015 In his defence.... Commercial conflicts are a a daily occurrence. There are three sides to every story. He has copped a lot of criticism for his NC expansion. Yet, the Robaina's and the Cuban "State" have had a testy relationship for many years. Goes back a long way. As an example, imagine how you would feel if your moniker was put on a packet of cigarettes for the world. If you are passionate, talented and have commercial dreams, you can't do it from within Cuba. Not yet anyway. I find it hard to criticize anyone for trying to build something for themselves and their family. Mistakes will be made. You always hope the successes outweigh them. 7
kuma Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 was in the famed cigar store in New York city, "Nat Shermans" and they had HR's at $20.00 a stick for a Robusto. Thought it was a little to high for my blood so I passed waited until I got home (1 1/2 hrs ) by train and firied up a "don Pres.espeical d4 PSP" which made me feel awhole lot better. Hate NY City but wife wanted to go off we went.
busdriver Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 Well said prez. I dont know the back story on HR but Cuba is not a place you can pursue your dreams regardless of your talent. That is why anyone who has ambition wants to start a life somewhere else. The brain drain on the country is immense but hopefully that will come back in spades once the environment there opens up to more entrepreneurship especially for cubans.
SCgarman Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 In his defence.... Commercial conflicts are a a daily occurrence. There are three sides to every story. He has copped a lot of criticism for his NC expansion. Yet, the Robaina's and the Cuban "State" have had a testy relationship for many years. Goes back a long way. As an example, imagine how you would feel if your moniker was put on a packet of cigarettes for the world. If you are passionate, talented and have commercial dreams, you can't do it from within Cuba. Not yet anyway. I find it hard to criticize anyone for trying to build something for themselves and their family. Mistakes will be made. You always hope the successes outweigh them. This is exactly why Hirochi AND Hamlet have left the mothership. I will get to personally ask Hamlet how he likes his new life in the US next month at a large Rocky Patel sponsored Cigar Dave get together up in Buffalo, NY. Looking forward to meeting some new cigar folks. Cigars, all kinds of food, craft beers, whiskeys, being part of a live radio broadcast. Sounds like fun!
Scroats Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I would have to echo the sticker shock. Was ready to grab one but the $17 price tag I saw put me off.
polarbear Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 The HR line was meant to fall in the "Ultra Premium" category in the NC market It was meant to take on the likes of Opus, Padron 26's and high end Davidoffs. The price was in line with this section of the market Gotta say I was a bit shocked to see the departure so early in the relationship. With the owner of La Palina having deeper pockets than most manufactures, I have to admit my first assumption was the split came down to financial reasons. Hopefully that's not the case, but it will be interesting to see how Cubacon handle things from here on out 1
bugman78629 Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 Hirochi is not showing the integrity I would expect of a man with his background. I think his grandfather would be ashamed. My thoughts exactly.....
nicaraguanlubber Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I am looking forward to smoking an HR Goldie in the not too distant future. I pray that it is not simply a money grab. For I am of the opinion, if you deliver quality products, the money will find you. In this case, having smoked through a sampler of the HR sticks, I will say that they were not only worth it but, I purchased more as I found them to have great aging potential. Just my $ .02
anacostiakat Posted July 16, 2015 Author Posted July 16, 2015 I hope it works itself out. Interesting question however as to who owns the brand. Without knowing any detail, if a brand/blend is built around a "personality" but the tobacco and I assume the supporting infrastructure is provided by the "house".......whose owns it at the end of the day?. I assume it will come down to the legal documentation signed at the outset. Bill Paley resurrected his grandfather's cigar line. Yes, the CBS Paleys. I have met him. Nice guy. http://lapalinacigars.com/about/ 1
Duxnutz Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I am looking forward to smoking an HR Goldie in the not too distant future. I pray that it is not simply a money grab. For I am of the opinion, if you deliver quality products, the money will find you. In this case, having smoked through a sampler of the HR sticks, I will say that they were not only worth it but, I purchased more as I found them to have great aging potential. Just my $ .02 They have 'con' as part of their brand name? And they're wondering why it's not successful?
avaldes Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 For those who have said that HR has disgraced his grandfather, would you mind sharing your reasons for that description? I can think of a lot of reasons for business relationships to dissolve that have nothing to do with the honor of the participant. 1
Colt45 Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 I can think of a lot of reasons for business relationships to dissolve that have nothing to do with the honor of the participant. When has a lack of concrete facts ever got in the way of pitchforks and torches?! ( TB 12!! ) 1
joeboxer Posted July 16, 2015 Posted July 16, 2015 As Rob said, there are three sides to every story. My first thought as I was reading this news was how Cubanacan seemed to be falling apart. They lost their VP of sales a little while ago, now HR, and most recently the factory they were using. Seems like there could be some issues with their management. Here is an article about La Corona Factory in Esteli ending production for them: http://halfwheel.com/la-corona-factory-parts-ways-with-cubanacan/90212
mk05 Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 Dude is trying to make a name for himself and/or make some money. I understand my old world friends here demoaning Hirochi and the legacy of Ale, but we should give him a break. The guy is trying to make a living. 1
PaulP Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 As Rob said, there are three sides to every story. My first thought as I was reading this news was how Cubanacan seemed to be falling apart. They lost their VP of sales a little while ago, now HR, and most recently the factory they were using. Seems like there could be some issues with their management. Here is an article about La Corona Factory in Esteli ending production for them: http://halfwheel.com/la-corona-factory-parts-ways-with-cubanacan/90212 The other side of the story: http://www.blindmanspuff.com/cigar-news-cubanacan-addresses-rumors-and-brand-changes/ 1
nicaraguanlubber Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 Paul, Thanks for sharing the other side of the story. At the end of the day I wish all parties peace and prosperity. I just hope that the consumer and the industry as a whole does not suffer based on the actions of a few.
joeboxer Posted July 17, 2015 Posted July 17, 2015 The other side of the story: http://www.blindmanspuff.com/cigar-news-cubanacan-addresses-rumors-and-brand-changes/ Definitely a complicated situation. I certainly feel for Cubanacan as they have been put in a very difficult position. Thank you for sharing!
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