Last week I had the pleasure of smoking the Flor de Cesar Red Label. As it turns out, someone who knew the manufacturer dropped them a line to inform them about the review. Shortly after, we received a comment on the review by one Abe Flores, who is responsible for the blend. Shortly after the comment was left we received an email asking if we would be interested in reviewing Pinar del Rio Cigars.
This is where the story gets interesting. Generally Brian, Jerry, and I trade off on samples so that all receive cigars to review. This time it was my turn to accept, I sent Abe my shipping information and looked forward to receiving them in the mail. Several minutes later I received another email from Able letting me know that he was in my neck of the woods on business.
After a few more emails were exchanged, we had a meeting scheduled for Sunday afternoon my local shop, Kensington Tobacconist. Abe and I smoked several cigars and spoke about the business for a few hours. Amongst our discussion I asked Abe if he would be interested in doing a quick video interview for the fine folks at Stogie Review, and he agreed.
Below is the video from my interview with Abe Flores of Pinar del Rio Cigars. Abe spoke about a number of topics including:
- Family History
- Blends produced by his company
- The fascinating Pennsylvania wrapper on the Flor de Cesar Red Label
- His favorite cigar among the line
- One thing he would change about the industry
After nearly four hours of talking and smoking, Abe and I had to part ways. It was an absolute pleasure meeting Abe and I wish him the best of luck with his cigars. I hope you all enjoy watching the interview as much as I did conducting it.
MP3 Version: Right Click > Save As
The title you have says, Pinal del Rio instead of Pinar del Rio. Just thought you’d want to know. Otherwise, cool!
Seems like a very personable guy, glad you could chare your interview with us. I now find myself wanting to try one of those smokes because I’ve never had one!
Cheers
Thomas
Great timing! I just posted a review of the Pinar Del Rio Habano Sun Grown on http://www.herhumidor.com.
The link is: http://www.herhumidor.com/2008/10/pinar-del-rio-habano-sun-grown.html
I also reviewed the Pinar Del Rio Habano Oscuro last month. The link is: http://www.herhumidor.com/2008/09/pinar-del-rio-habano-oscuro.html
Hey Walt..Thank you for taking the time to interview Abe..Very nicely done..Abe seems like a great guy..Someone who really loves what he does..and is very exicited about it..I love to see that kind of enthusiasm..I am looking forward to givng the Pinar del Rio a try..
Rob
Wonderful job, Walt! I’ve been smoking and enjoying both the Habano and Oscuro for two months but knew nothing about them at all. The use of Lancaster County tobacco was a real surprise. Very educational! Keep up the good work.
Abe seems like a very nice and well grounded; he made a heck of an impression. With all the big business crap in this world, its great to ‘meet’ someone that actually makes me want to go out and support his business. Great interview – Thanks!
I have a Cigar shop in Pearland, Texas and we are one of Abe’s accounts in TX.
If you guys want to try the Oscuros, we carry them.
Give us a call at:
713-340-1488 and we can help you out!
Thanks,
Jimmy
R & J Cigars
Well, finally got around to watching this. 🙂 Great job with the interview Walt, you’re getting some mad interview skills. I must say I’m a big fan of the Flor de Cesar Black, as you can tell if you checked out my review on the fan forum. I’d like to try the Pinar del Rio, if the construction and flavor are anywhere close to the FdC Black.
the only PDR ive smoked I got in my cigar om the month club
from thompson it was a pig tail corojo and excellent.ABE seamed so
down to earth I got order a box of his oscuro.checked some prices
on line and they where great