Video review HERE.
My wife, Connie, and I decided to attend this year's Big Smoke in Las Vegas this year since it coincided with our anniversary on November 6th. The event was November 5th and 6th and held at The Mirage Hotel and Casino.
We arrived around 11:30 am local time, checked in, and started roaming around to get the layout of the hotel. We found where the even would be held, as well as the pool. Normally we're pool/sun people at any resort but in this case we had other things that were more pressing.
Namely...the cigar event! There was early check-in for the event at 1 pm. Then, the Friday night event started at 5:30. We were attending both nights of the event so we had all access passes.
When we entered the event we were given 2 packs of tickets which covered both nights of the event. Both packs were identical. Since we both got 2 packs we would be collecting 4 cigars each from every manufacturer attending. The evening was a little hectic with all attendees trying to get to each manufacturer to collect their cigars. Every year there are certain manufacturers that have extremely long lines. This year it was Rocky Patel, La Palina, and Montecristo. But, with a little patience you can get to all the stations. I met several people who watch my videos. It was nice to have you come up and recognize me. I really appreciated that.
The next morning at 9:00 was the all access breakfast and presentations. The breakfast was sponsored by Oliva Cigars. When we entered we were given an Oliva O maduro toro. Shortly after arriving we had a presentation on the top 3 cigars of 2020. We started with number 3 for 2020 which was the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Hermoso with Jorge Padron.
Shifting away from the top 3 we got to hear from the Winners Circle. 3 people who described their reactions upon hearing they were named the number 1 cigar of their respective years; Rafael Nodal, Litto Gomez, and Cory Bappert of Oliva Cigars. They described their reactions at the moment they heard their cigar was named number one. A very interesting account from each. Rafael Nodal won in 2019 with Aging Room, Litto Gomez won in 2016 with La Flor Dominicana, and Cory Bappert with Oliva Cigars won in 2014. They described in detail what it was like to be named number one and the repercussions after that.
Next we moved on to the number cigar of 2020, the Funete Fuente Opus X Double Robusto with Rich Dolak of Fuente Cigars. He surprised everyone with a rather rare Opus X lancero!
One small change to the itinerary was the addition of the CA editors in a panel to discuss the rating system and how the number one cigar is decided. It replaced the Tale of three wrappers due to an unforeseen circumstance where the presenters could not be present. Dave Savana described how the cigars are tested and rated. They are done in a blind tasted test where no bands are on the cigars. Only a blank white band with a number that corresponds to the name of the cigar. The panel does not know the name of the cigar until after the ratings are performed. They also told us that the winner of the cigar of the year finds out they are selected at the same time we find out when the rating is shown online.
We then moved on to the number one cigar of 2020, the EP Carrillo Pledge Prequel with Ernesto Perez Carrillo.
All 3 of these cigars, along with others, were given to us when we arrived. You could sample them as each one was described on stage, or take them home. Finishing up the session there was a paring of fine rums from Bacardi. They had samples of their Bacardi Reserva Ocho and Bacardi Gran Reserva Diez.
They were paired with the Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Toro. Rafael Nodal described the cigar with the paring of each rum.
After that it was time for lunch. We moved to another room where lunch was provided and sponsored by La Aurora Cigars. Upon entering we were given a box of 5 cigars, all different La Aurora cigars. The lunch was very nice; a Caribbean prime rib with fantastic salad, potatoes, and dessert.
After a short break it was time for the Saturday evening event. Since Connie and I had used our tickets on Friday night we could relax and enjoy the evening. We took advantage of the fine food that was provided at several stations around the room. I also visited with some manufacturers and got some pictures.
One thing I enjoyed was having the chance to meet some of the people from JC Newman, a sponsor of my blog. I met Adria Rebbecchi, who is my media contact, and Drew Newman, 3rd generation owner and Vice President of JC Newman Cigars.
They also brought the now-famous replica of the JC Newman factory in a smaller version. A totally cardboard creation in exact detail of the factory in Tampa.
As far as what I brought home, here are the cigars I received. Since I got to have Connie's cigars I actually doubled up!
It's a little hard to see but the large cello bag is packed with cigars. And there are several spare bags full of cigars, as well as the 3 boxes of La Aurora Cigars.
All in all it was a very enjoyable weekend. I think we'll do it again. And, it was very nice meeting some people who watch my reviews. The event is run very well and you will not be disappointed if you attend.
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