For anyone having sweaty nightmares about high school English – relax – this smoke isn’t about Shakespeare at all. Instead, the Rocky Patel Hamlet Tabaquero is a blend from Hamlet Paredes, the famous Cuban cigar roller. Never heard of him? Don’t worry, we’ll fill you in!
He’s been in Cuba for most of his life, so it’s not your fault if the personalities of the Cuban cigar industry are a bit of a mystery to you here in America. We’ll leave it at this: Habanos, S.A. (Cuba’s main state-owned cigar company) used to send him all over the world to give cigar rolling demonstrations.
He’s legit.
He got his start thanks to another great roller by the name of Rodolfo Leyva, who brought him into the Partagas factory many years ago. Hamlet started humbly, carrying boxes. He soon realized that being a roller is the “best job in the factory” (his words). After mastering his skills, he also worked for Romeo y Julieta. Over time, it became clear that his best opportunities lay off the island of his birth. He was put in touch with former attorney and cigar magnate Rocky Patel, who helped Hamlet leave Cuba and settle in Naples, Florida.
Paredes had to start all over again, but was thankful that in America, he’s free to achieve all his goals. Of course, Cuban tobacco and cigars was all he knew, so he had to import that knowledge and learn how to work with Nicaraguan, Brazilian, Mexican, and other leaves. This is the blend that he ultimately felt represented a good marriage of Cuban tastes and other Latin tobaccos. Outside, he chose a fine Mexican San Andrés wrapper. Inside, there are Brazilian and Mexican binders holding together a blend of Nicaraguan long-filler. The result is a medium-bodied smoke with Cuban-esque richness, offering flavors of earthy cocoa, light coffee, and a hint of spice.
Paredes explains that one of his goals was to “produce cigars that cross boundaries, that a farmer and CEO can smoke, enjoy, and bond over.” So smoke one with your boss, maybe? It could kick off a whole new chapter of your life.
Please browse our selection of Rocky Patel Hamlet Tabaquero cigars at your leisure.
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