Punch Joe's Take on the Festival....and a few other things.

[El Presidente]

As usual, The Habanos Festival started way before the official date. Many friends arrives early every year before the flock flew in to the city. Phone never stops ringing and it´s hard to keep your schedule while here. One should be flexible or else you would get a ticket to the Madhouse. Cigars become handy and it helps to relieve any traces of tension. People share this enthusiasm, emotions pumping like adrenalin through their veins. They are extremely happy to meeting old friends from all over the world, they have just arrived …home

Call it a circus, call it a chaos but above all it´s a family reunion. Could be better organized and easier for attendants, that´s true but most people are happy to come to Havana to be a part of it. Pros and cons exist as in every event.Cancellation of tickets that were once confirmed was the main trouble a few had to deal with along the week. Unacceptable it is.

I saw Rocky Patel smoking cigars at the National and trying to get a ticket for the Gala Dinner. Coincidentally I met up with Abe Flores from PDR at El Conde de Villanueva, while savoring one of the shop´s custom-rolled. What I witnessed was joy aside from the occasional down sides. Most of the people I asked about it were in the good mood, looking at the sunny side of things. What else can one do?

Most of my friends had not visited the new Habanos Headquarters at the Miramar Trade Center. They had the chance to do it and were frustrated. The good old times are gone forever. They were shocked when learnt that smoking is not allowed. They didn´t see any cigars at all. Not even in display. One cannot lit up at Habanos Headquarters. I thought I´d never witness that.

My impression while visiting the new site a month ago was like actually entering to the BMW offices in Munich or the AT&T offices at the Whitacre Tower in Dallas. Modern, cold, spotless and inexpressive.

The long faces were indicating anything but happiness.Why everybody is so serious? Could it be the obvious similarities with the old Altadis office at Eloy Gonzalo St. in Madrid?

The former HSA headquarters located in 22nd St and 3rd Ave springs now to my mind. What a great place to be for those devoted to the leaf. I remember everybody talking about how great were the latest additions to the regular portfolio, the excitement previous to the new releases hitting the shelves, the empathy amongall of them and the attitude of the executives standing up for Cuban cigars all the time and it seems to me that the new headquarters has silently modified each and every aspects of the past. Above all that, just by entering the old premises, they would offered water, coffee and a cigar (usually a Petit Corona). Furthermore it smelled cigars all the way. The Marketing Division was like a huge smoking room, humidors across the hall, accessories, prototypes… everyone would light up in the morning, after lunch, anytime. In wonder, many friends asked the same question: What the hell is going on? My only hope is they are still equally committed to the unmatchable quality and prestige of Cuban Cigars and live true to its name.

Smoking is now banned at the Melia Cohiba lobby. It´s only allowed to do so in the pool area, at La Casa del Habano and El Relicario Lounge. A group of US were keen to light up and suddenly they were stopped by the new smoking police. One could foresee this to happen in other places in the near future. That may change Havana for the worse.

On Thursday the 3rd, I was watching the CubanTV and the new commercial vice-president Mr. Polito Cintras stated that Habanos S.A. experimented a 4% growth regarding sales. Whatever Polito said was not exactly music to my ears. What a 4% really means? That statement requires further explanation. Was he referring to the value? Definitely not units since they have been struggling to reach 80 mm cigars for the past 3 years. One may conclude that the imprecise 4% is the result of the price increase which is not a fair announcement. To top it off, the recently appointed Vice-President added that the overall performance of the Company is very good. Everything is going just fine? Physically and attitudinally he was saying otherwise. Sorry but to me, he sounded pre-recorded, nervous and stiff necked altogether. Was he supposed to say that or he truly believed his words?Well, ever since I was little I was taught that lies are short legged

Tried three Montecristo Petit No 2 from different boxes. They all tasted rubbish to me. Had my first one months ago and it was a tad fresh but when it came to flavors it reminded me from start to end, the blend of the Monte Open. What a disillusion. Being not the greatest fan of torpedoes, these Petit No 2 finally broke my heart.

What a great herf at the roof top inLa Guarida Restaurant on Thursday evening. Great Irish whisky and aged cigars for all attendants who gathered to celebrated the 135th anniversary of J.J.Fox. Good vibes, camaraderie and great cigars. Stu, David and Yiorgos did a good job. Congratulations.

Got the chance to taste the Cohiba Medio Siglo. I liked it, not too strong, balanced and aromatic. It needs some rest as well. Could be a star. Before anyone inquires I don´t know when is going to be available to all. When asking about this cigar to a friend of mine, he said: -You know I was at the tasting panel 6 months ago when they were perfecting the blend. –Ok, how do you like it? Because to my tasting is quite similar to the BHK 52. And he replied: I told them exactly the same and a wandering eye was all I´ve got for an answer. So what’s special in this new Cohiba? Would anybody let us know, please?

Having no celebrities is much better than having the good for nothing Moss-Hilton-Campbell combo but nowadays when everybody, specially Americans, are willing to visit Cuba, why they didn´t ask Mr. _________ who loves cigars to take part and enjoy the festivities as any other cigar enthusiast. Timelines and budget are simply manipulated in a way that nothing can be achieved in a reasonable timing. Extending an invitation would cost them nothing but building a relationship takes time and energy. It shall pay off sooner than later.

Another frequently asked question: what will happen when the embargo is lifted?

What most of the Us citizens I´ve been working with along these months ask us not to change the architecture, the hospitality, the solidarity and the smiles. We will see!

The Auction without Simon Chase is not the same. Period. Replacements are not easy to find. At least, communication skills and a bit sense of humor is fully required.

Couldn´t keep track on all the cigars I smoked these days. More than 30, I´m positive about that. A 1998 PTG Lusitanias offered by Andy Ryan was phenomenal. A real winner.

keep well my brothers

[Ken Gargett]

terrific report, PJ.

i always remember going along to a press conference with the habanos bigwigs (when you ran the place!) at the festival a few years back. the then new director or whatever temporary role he had, told us that they were an open book. they would answer any question. nothing was off limits.

first question from a journo. "what is the estimated production for this year?"

the response? "we are happy to give you the amounts. it will be more than last year but not as much as next year". laughed so hard i spat my cigar half way across the room.

it was then that i realised any info from any of those people was close to worthless.

[CUBANO]

Muchas Gracias Jose.

[Nino]

Gracias Jose Antonio ( and great to meet you at Partagas and the Foxes ) !

Guess I didn't miss anything by not attending the same old :

"Harvest was great, quality is excellent and the factory will open next year" horse & pony show ... :-)

[luv2fly]

Great info! Thank you!