The cigar industry has long relied on brands hosting events at shops nationwide, engaging the community and exposing them to their blends and stories. These events provided a unique opportunity to learn about new product releases, the craftsmanship behind each blend, and the history of the brand. Attendees could enjoy exclusive event-only cigars, raffles, delicious food, and enticing discounts. It was the perfect gathering for local cigar enthusiasts and the broader community.
However, while these events were enjoyable, they often followed the same formula. This predictability wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it did lead to a sense of routine.
Recognizing this, brands have started innovating, breaking away from the traditional format. One such company leading this charge is Apostate Cigars, among others, which has been redefining consumer engagement with fresh, interactive experiences. I was fortunate enough to be part of an exciting new event by Apostate Cigars—an experience that truly changed the game.
A New Kind of Cigar Event
Apostate Cigars, founded by Brandon and Kendrick in Utah, has introduced an educational and immersive approach to their events. Their goal? To give consumers a deeper understanding of their blends, starting with the Liahona cigar.
The Experience
As I took my seat, I found a paper in front of me accompanied by four puritos—small cigars composed of a single type of leaf. These particular puritos were slightly more robust than the usual single-leaf versions, as they included a binder and wrapper to hold them together. This setup allowed us to fully experience the flavors of each individual leaf.
The paper provided details about the region and characteristics of the tobacco, offering insight into what we were about to experience. However, it did not explicitly list tasting notes, acknowledging that flavor perception is subjective and varies from person to person.
Brandon and Kendrick began by introducing Apostate Cigars and their journey in the industry. They engaged us with questions about our previous experiences with educational cigar tastings and explained what made this one unique. They shared their passion for cigars, discussing how they chose to integrate this educational element into their events, the factory they work with, and the intricate process of blending cigars.
Their depth of knowledge was impressive, particularly when explaining how factors such as the tobacco’s country of origin, priming, and curing methods influence the final flavor. They also detailed how a blender’s mindset affects the structure and burn of a cigar, including whether the ash forms straight or into a cone.
We explored the distinct characteristics of each tobacco leaf, discussing the flavors we detected and how they compared to one another. At one point, we were encouraged to smoke multiple puritos simultaneously to observe how the flavors interacted. This hands-on approach offered a rare glimpse into the artistry behind blending a cigar.
One participant remarked that this experience completely transformed his understanding of cigars. He wished he could go through this process for every cigar he smokes moving forward.
The Future of Cigar Events
As a consumer, I’m excited about the evolution of cigar events and the growing opportunities for education within the industry. Apostate Cigars has set a new standard, offering an immersive experience that enhances appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every blend.
To learn more about Apostate Cigars, click HERE. Follow them on social media to stay updated on upcoming events near you.
Have you ever attended an educational cigar tasting like this? What did you enjoy about it, and what would you like to see done differently?
I’m John Cardenas, also known as Johnny Havana in the cigar industry. What I love about being involved with Cigar Public is that I have the opportunity to learn and share the stories of those in the cigar industry. I’ve formed lifelong relationships over a cigar and conversations. I’m committed to providing honest reviews of cigars and sharing my experiences with you. @JohnnyHavana
