A 23-year-old Tapatio cigar connoisseur has beaten the Cubans at their own game, winning first place in Havana’s prestigious international Habano Sommelier competition earlier this month.
“Barely 18” when he smoked his first cigar, Luis Garcia was enraptured by the aroma and unique taste. Curiosity led him to try Mexican and Nicaraguan cigars, before “marrying” with Cuban Habanos.
He soon became a Habano Sommelier, someone qualified to offer, handle and prepare Habanos for smoking. A Sommelier should have in-depth knowledge of the history and flavors of the various brands and must be able to provide expert advice on the food, wines and spirits which best compliment any given cigar.
The international Sommelier competition was part of the 14th Habano Cigar Festival attended by smoking enthusiasts from around 80 countries between February 27 and March 2. In one of several tests, Garcia caught the jury’s attention with a mouth-watering selection of a Romeo & Juliet Wide Churchill cigar, an extra añejo Centinela tequila and a vanilla-flavored “borrachito” candy.
The Mexican was duly awarded first prize, with contestants from Chile and Cuba coming second and third respectively. “I felt really proud and really happy because I beat Cuba,” says a beaming Garcia.
Victory earned him a place on next year’s jury and a humidor made by one of the finest artisans in Cuba and brimming with quality Cuban cigars, plus a bag full of porcelain ashtrays, lighters and cigar cutters.
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