Back in 2013 I met Antonio Lam, the owner of Reinado Cigars, at Cigar Emporium in Lyndhurst, New Jersey. I subsequently saw him at a couple of IPCPR shows where I interviewed him and he was in one or two of my IPCPR special videos. One of the more memorable moments was the video where I asked everyone what their brand’s them song would be, and we had to do several takes because he kept calling the Star Wars Imperial March, the Imperial Death March. Much hilarity ensued. I really enjoyed his Reinado cigars, the Grand Empire Reserve, made by Yadi Gonzalez in Nicaragua was an exceptional cigar. I was disappointed when he dropped out of sight, but with the FDA regulations, and him being a very small brand, I wasn’t terribly surprised. I figured he was another casualty of the times. As it turns out, it was familial obligations that took focus away, as he, his sister and brother-in-law have been assisting his mother in taking care of his father who sufferes from dementia. Antonio says: “My father always taught me to excel at whatever I chose to do, work hard and never give up. He worked in this country all his life since receiving his visa from Cuba in 1968, holding factory jobs to provide for his family. He was a lawyer in Cuba but his diplomas and degrees were not recognized in the USA. After several years he was finally able to get an entry level position job at Chase Manhattan Bank in NYC and climbed up the corporate ladder to hold the title of VP. It was a proud moment for him. With this product line I am paying tribute to his “Apex”, his climb and the efforts we all make to reach our Apex, that highest
point of success. Reinado will be contributing a portion of our proceeds to the Dementia Society of America to help find a cure for his illness. Although my father will not know it, we will make the climb just as he did to make him proud.”
Photo Credit: Elisa Bailon
Reinado Cigars is returning with The Grand Apex, which will be made at Aganorsa Leaf Company in Nicaragua. They plan to offer it. in boxes of 20, and will retail between $10 and $13. The blend is yet to be disclosed. The Grand Apex will be offered the Reinado’s original retailers and will also be offered to new accounts. Ruben’s Smokestack in Hackensack, NJ should be expected to be one of the first retailers to carry them as the owner, Ruben Abreu, has been a personal friend and mentor to Antonio over the years. This is not expected to be a limited release. I’m personally looking forward to smoking this and catching up with Antonio again, it’s been far too long. I wish the best to him and his family through a difficult time.
That’s all for now, until the next time,
CigarCraig
