The discussion dwelled around sales of cigars around the world (which were clearly impacted by the economic recession in 2009) as well as favorites cigars purchased in the factory by people of various nationalities... There were some interesting debates, in particular around the use of thicker bands and whether that is a necessity of the industry (getting more torcedores - apparently the bigger the band, the easier it is to roll them) or a request from the smokers... During the seminar everybody was smoking a cigar. I decided to enjoy the Hoyo de Monterrey from Ajay's goodie bag - a double corona from a 2001 cabinet of 50. A relatively light but classy smoke.
In this image you can see my brother Marco - who also attended the seminar - with Cueto and La China while rolling cigars during the seminar. My brother had to leave early as he was helping his wife Anna organising her bday party BBQ for the evening... In the evening, I briefly attended my sister in law's party but I couldn't miss the Gala Dinner in Matelica...
Both the Cena di Benvenida and the Cena di Gala were in fact tasting menu with wine to complement each (local) dish. All the wines, except the Champagne and Spumante, were also from the area and amongst the ones I sampled I have to spend some special words for the Ceresi of the Gagliardi winery made with Ciliegiolo grape (or big Sangiovese) - Umberto Gagliardi is now leading the winery and is a member of the Cigar Club Matelica - he was getting married the following week and therefore received a special cigar courtesy of Cueto...
Here is a snapshot of what we ate... the menu included porcini pasta, gnocchi with duck sauce, veal, etc. Note to the left a snapshot of Don Alejandro Robaina. More about the Gala Dinner to come in the next post!
looks like a great event.
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