EP# 8-12-24 Exploring David Blanco's Cigar Blends and Brands The Aging Process of Cigars

The Cigar Dudes Podcast interview David Blanco, owner and founder of Blanco Cigars. David shares the history of Blanco Cigars, which dates back to his family's tobacco business in Cuba. He discusses the challenges they faced during the Cuban Revolution and their eventual relocation to the United States. David also talks about the different blends and brands of cigars they offer, including the Above and Beyond, which honors fallen heroes, and the Prince Hall, which has a Masonic history. Technical difficulties with the audio and video cause some interruptions during the interview. In this part of the conversation, the hosts and David Blanco discuss technical difficulties with the audio, the different types of phones they have, and the importance of using an iPhone for better audio quality. They also talk about David's background as a firefighter, paramedic, army veteran, and former deputy sheriff. David explains the process of blending cigars, including the importance of farming, fermentation, blending, and rolling. He also discusses the impact of weather and humidity on tobacco crops. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the different cigar blends and brands that David has created, including the Gambino cigars and the Cigar Obsession series. In this final part of the conversation, David Blanco discusses his experiences at the Medal of Honor groundbreaking and his interactions with Medal of Honor recipients. He also shares his insights on the use of cedar in cigar packaging and the process of aging cigars. David emphasizes the importance of setting clear goals and having the financial resources to succeed in the cigar industry. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on the industry and the advantages of brick-and-mortar cigar lounges.