Ultimate Cigar Fantasy Day 1
In front of the cigar factory
Today started out as a roaring success as the winners of the contest were situated and getting ready for the big day ahead of them. To get the trip started, General brought our lucky travelers to the place where the magic happens for the La Gloria Cubana brand. This place is huge! It is in a free trade zone and, with the 2,175 employees here, it feels like its own city.
We were treated to a tour of the facility and got to fully learn about how different tobaccos are sorted and molded. What is truly astounding is the level of dedication each and every employee has. We met several employees who have been working here for decades, including one 84-year-old man who has worked with General for 39 years and helped build the factory. This dedication is not a one-way street though because General Cigar is just as committed to its community and offers literacy programs and support of higher education.
One thing that stood out to all of us was how truly handmade and hands-on the production is. One tobacco leaf is touched over 250 times, from farm to the finished product! The scope of production is unbelievable as well; over 350,000 cigars come out of this factory every day!
The picture-perfect day ended with everyone enjoying a fabulous meal at Rancho Steak House and then smoking the product we had just seen created.
Our cigar dinner
