Here it is: the fourteenth edition of AromaG. And we are immensely proud of it. Not only because we have once again put together a beautiful magazine, but above all because we still take such enormous pleasure in creating it: the journeys, the encounters, the interviews, the tastings and the countless stories that make this extraordinary world so fascinating.
Producing an independent magazine, however, is not always easy. Our annual blind tasting is a perfect example. Thirty cigars are evaluated, and inevitably, not all thirty manufacturers can be happy with their ranking. Sometimes, it seems, independence is only truly appreciated when the results are favourable.
I still remember a brand representative who was so offended that his cigar finished “only” sixteenth that he withdrew all further cooperation. A pity, above all, for the manufacturer he represents. After all, in a world full of larger-than-life personalities, there are also small men with oversized egos.
But let us focus on the positive, because what a wonderful world this is!
Alongside Procigar in the Dominican Republic and Puro Sabor in Nicaragua, we are seeing new festivals emerge in Costa Rica and Honduras. Clearly, passion is contagious.
At the same time, life is becoming increasingly difficult for the cigar. Cuba continues to struggle under the weight of embargoes, sanctions and economic hardship. And in Europe, regulations are growing ever stricter. Cigars are gradually being pushed out of public life, while diplomats, ministers and business leaders still happily light one up themselves.
And then I look at my young daughter. Do I want her to grow up in a world where there is no longer room for this culture, these traditions and such extraordinary craftsmanship?
No.
Pleasure and responsibility can go hand in hand. And as long as we have that freedom, we will continue telling the story of the cigar.
Enjoy the read!
