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Just got back from Nicaragua

U

uptown_isy

The Man Uptown
Joined
Nov 27, 2007
Messages
3,002
Location
formerly of Kingston, NY....now in West Palm Beach
I wanted to share my experience in Nicaragua with everyone here. It was definitely the most incredible trip I've ever made. First, I went to Pepin's farms and his new factory. I was able to see every aspect of his operation....literally, from seed to smoke. His new factory is extremely impressive, with several buildings that seem to flow from one to another. I was able to see the production of everything, from his own lines, to the lines he makes for Ashton, Espinosa and Ortega (601, Cubao, Murcielago---Eddie Ortega was on the trip as well) Tatuaje, including the new El Triunfadors, and even some new projects that Pepin is working on that will be released later on in the year. I then took a day trip to the Drew Estate factory, which is mind blowing. They have a beautiful set up and their quality control is on par with the Padron family.
On Wednesday, I was picked up by Jorge Padron and spent the remaining 3 days with him and his father. We went to his factory, of course, and I was also taken by them to their fields in Esteli, Condega, and even the Jalapa Valley, which is about 2.5 hours away from Esteli. I was fortunate enough to stay with them at their family home on the factory grounds. Their factory has been there for quite a while, so it's not as new as the Pepin or Drew factory, but it definitely was the most impressive. We visited their several warehouses scattered around town that stores aging tobacco and their various farms. Spending 3 days talking to the Patriarch of the Padron family about every aspect of tobacco growing and blending, along with everything else is an experience I'll never forget. Also, the food at the Padron home was AMAZING.....breakfast, lunch, and dinner each and everyday was incredible. I'm honored to have been invited to their home. If anyone is interested in pictures, I'll be posting them in the next day or 2 on Uptown Cigar Company's facebook page.
 
Isy that trip sounds fantastic! Some day I would really like to make it out to a cigar farm/factory to see what happens from start to finish. Quite an experience I am sure so get those pics up so we can all live vicariously through you :p
 
WOW! Now thats some trip my bro :) What a memorable experience i'm sure it was! It couldn't have happened to a more deserving BOTL :thumbs:
 
Thank you Jay....I appreciate that. But I feel very fortunate and very humbled to have been invited to both Pepin and Padron's place. Since Jon Drew and Pepin are friends, Jon invited us once he knew we were there. So we were also lucky to spend the day at Drew's. He had already been there for a sales meeting with his staff.
 
Sounds like you had a great trip Is, I can't wait to see the pics.

Did you bring home any souvenirs? :whistling:
 
Isy, thank God you're back! I called the store with a question, and I felt like a lost child. Luckily, Dennis helped me out. ;) Unfortunately, I don't have FB, so no photos.

Also, did you bring me back any My Fathers? :sign: Glad you made it back safe my friend.
 
souldog said:
Isy, thank God you're back! I called the store with a question, and I felt like a lost child. Luckily, Dennis helped me out. ;) Unfortunately, I don't have FB, so no photos.

Also, did you bring me back any My Fathers? :sign: Glad you made it back safe my friend.
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I heard about that Jon.....I spoke with Dennis while I was there and he told me you called with a question. Glad he helped you out. Unfortunately, didn't make it back with any cigars (except just a few special ones).
 
Glad you had a great trip Isy and that you are home safe. I can't wait to see the pics from the Padron's.

Art
 
So that's where you've been Isy, I was wondering why your name wasn't popping up in threads. Seeing a cigar factory, meeting the owners, and how they store and process tobacco must be the coolest thing. I don't even have to ask if you got to smoke more cigars then you usually do at work. How about posting some of the pics on a thread here for those that don't use FB?
 
Damn Isy you and Pepin are like drinking buddies now. Glad you had a great time...you deserve the fine treatment for all the work you do for those fella's.
 
Glad you made it back safe, I'd love to see pics as well as this sounds like a dream vacation.
 
Hey Isy, Wow that sounds like a damn good trip. It always makes me feel a little better to hear folks behind the companies are cool....it just makes it a little easier to buy a box or even a single knowing its going to good folk. Glad you had a great trip, and I am looking forward to the pics.


Joe G
 
Sounds like an amazing trip you lucky dog.

I met Eddie a couple of years ago. Super nice guy.

A trip like this is one of my dream shots.

Glad you had a fabulous time.

G-
 
very cool, something I'm thinking about doing. did you get to meet any of the locals? Is it a really depressed, economically, place?

very cool trip!
 
4cbln3 said:
So that's where you've been Isy, I was wondering why your name wasn't popping up in threads. Seeing a cigar factory, meeting the owners, and how they store and process tobacco must be the coolest thing. I don't even have to ask if you got to smoke more cigars then you usually do at work. How about posting some of the pics on a thread here for those that don't use FB?
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Good idea, Dave...On Monday or Tuesday, I'll start a thread with some pictures for all to see. Most of us know how much goes into making a single cigar, but it's really mind blowing to see it up close.
 
That is amazing Isy. Nice trip! That just sounds nothing like work :thumbs:

I would love to have that opportunity one day...will never be able to be that close with the families like that, but definitely touring a factory and seeing the farms is on my list! Having breakfast, lunch, and dinner cooked by the padron kitchen is just a dream :sign:

Thanks for sharing Isy,
Can not wait to see the pics.
 
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