Cuba Day 4: Visiting Cuba's Famous Tobacco Fields | The Heart of Tradition | Kirby Allison

In today’s episode, we leave the gently aromatic corridors of Havana, with their seemingly ever-present scent of freshly rolled tobacco leaves, to visit the Cuba’s famous tobacco fields where the region’s fertile soil, high humidity, and abundant sunshine create the ideal growing conditions for tobacco, allowing the leaves to develop their renowned full flavor and beautiful aromas which have made Habanos cigars the best in the world.
First, we step into the verdant landscape of San Juan e Martinez, a name synonymous with the finest tobacco fields in the world, where we have the honor of visiting Raul Cruz Rodriguez, a local farmer whose family has been cultivating sungown tobacco in Vuelta Abajo for generations. We witness firsthand the incredible passion of simple farmers like Raul who have dedicated their lives to the cultivation of this sacred crop.
We next travel to Tobacco Experimental Station in San Martin where dedicated scientists utilize cutting-edge technologies to ensure that Cuba’s famous, and economically important, tobacco is able to withstand the challenges of the 21st century. And, finally, we end in shade grown tobacco fields of Partido to explore the shade grown tobacco fields which specialize in cultivating the pristine wrapper leaves that grace each Habanos cigar.
Discover the humility and deep respect that define every aspect of tobacco cultivation, an art perfected by the intuition of generations of Cuban farmers. It's a journey of exploring quality, craftsmanship, and tradition deeply embedded in the Cuban spirit.
🙏 Thank you to those who helped make this series possible:
🔸 Jemma Freeman and Hunters & Frankau
🔸 Daymi Difurniao and the entire Habanos marketing team
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#cubatravel #habanos #myhabanosmoment
🎬 Chapter Time Codes
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:45 Visiting the Tobacco Fields
00:19:52 Entering the Curing Barn
00:28:32 San Juan y Martínez Tobacco Experimental Station
00:46:37 Shade Grown Tobacco Fields
01:03:25 Curing Barns of Vizcaino Farm
📽 WATCH ALL THE VIDEOS IN OUR CUBA SERIES:
🧳 Packing My Luggage for Cuba: • Packing for Cuba! My F...
🧳 Packing My Cigars for Cuba: • Selecting Cigars for t...
1️⃣ My First Day in Cuba!: • My First Day in Cuba! ...
2️⃣ Habanos Festival Opener & Welcome Night: • Cuba Day 2: The 23rd A...
3️⃣ Havana Sit Down Smoke with Edward and Eddie Sahakian: • Cuba Day 3: A Dream Re...
4️⃣ The Glorious Tobacco Fields of Cuba: • Cuba Day 4: Visiting C...
5️⃣ Bolivar Festival Night
6️⃣ El Laguito Factory Tour
7️⃣ Humidores Habana
8️⃣ Havana Walking Tour with Edward and Eddie Sahakian
9️⃣ Hotel National Tour
🔟 Habanos Festival Black Tie Gala and Auction
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[@Ben-rq6gn]

When you actually sit back and think that it takes Hollywood studios years and millions of dollars to knock out an hour and 20minute film, it really puts into perspective how much hard work Kirby and his team do to create content for us! On behalf of all of your viewership a massive thank you for all you have produced to far! Merry Christmas to you and all involved behind the scenes

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Certainly feels that expensive and difficult to me in many moments… 😅

[@Ben-rq6gn]

@@kirbyallison I can imagine. Once again, thank you for all you produce. I hope you had something akin to a rest over the festive period 😊

[@lilbopeep6059]

Very interesting and thought provoking perspective. You may have just cured my desire for him to upload more frequently! The quality of this series was well worth the wait in my opinion.

[@simonschmid1936]

I agree 💯

[@1nickynoodles]

Here we go. My Saturday just got better!

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

Absolutley! Just started to light my Cuban friend and what do I see; the beloved Cuban series, couldn't be any better!

[@vaas-one]

Yessir!

[@The.Epicurean]

Same. 😄

[@jony6toes307]

Definitely

[@magnificumimperium8392]

Soils in Cuba are bo longer fertile due to iver growing and lacks of funds for proper soil fertilizers. Very few are high quality and you know it well. PENDEJO

[@a053303]

Everytime Kirby says the words honor, craftmanship, quality and tradition you need to go iron a shirt

[@paulmcgee1867]

Snd clean your shoes 😂😉

[@deltatrash]

😂

[@hatna7802]

don't forget to wax your belt..

[@Vitalyklopot]

Or the words… “you know”

[@Christoph.500]

Best comments ever... 😂 Good examples of friendly humor! 😊

[@lukemilton8510]

The amount of passion that Kirby put into this series is truly incredible. This series on Cuba will no doubt go down as the best of all time. So glad you got to experience visiting the Vuelta Abajo. Every Habanos aficionado/connoisseur should visit Cuba. May you and your family have a wonderful and Happy Holiday Kirby. Thank you for all you do.

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. You are very kind. I won't hold my breath for my Emmy...

[@jackwolfskin5451]

Hear hear! I agree 100% with your comments. I've been watching cigar videos on KZbin for many years, and this Cuban series is truly the best content I've ever watched on cigars! Thank you Kirby!

[@YummoWickersham]

Kirby’s cameraman and editor is actually so good

[@kirbyallison]

Very kind! It's hard work. After all these years, I still find myself in awe of the amount of work involved in producing these videos.

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

Incredible! I like the very thorough interview style of Kirby; I can tell he is genuinely interested in understanding and getting to know the secrets/history of Cuban tobacco. Those guys are really passionate about their craft and that translates into the beautiful product we all learned to love and enjoy! But I have to disagree slightly with the Dr. Nelson at around 43:00-44:00 when it comes to New World farmers and how they are (or not) able to replicate the quality of Cuban tobacco. In my view they very well were/are able to replicate it. There are many wonderful, rich and superb non-Cuban cigars out there. I think Cuba cannot rest on their laurels/oars, or else they get eclipsed by other passionate and hardworking farmers in Dom. Rep. and Nicaragua etcetera. They have a lot to offer. But still there is something special and sentimental about Cuban tobacco which is why it holds such a special place in our hearts. Well done, Kirby! I salute you and your team for this masterpiece! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Kenny! Yes - if we were to put Cuban and New World farmers around a table and give them some beer, they would fight about who grows better tobacco and rolls the best cigars until the crows come home...

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

@@kirbyallison 🤔😂

[@thechairman74]

@@kirbyallison This is the ultimate question. If Cuba were an open market, would Habanos still use only 100% Cuban tobacco, or would they use other countries'?

[@alantinoalantonio]

Superb, Kirby. May you and the family have an increadibly blessed Christmas full of love, hope, faith, and tradition. Can't wait for what you have in store for us in 2024! 🙏🕊

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Merry Christmas!

[@gabrielvillegas6071]

The quality of this videos is incredible. Congratulations Kirby and Happy Christmas!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you for your kind words! It is no small amount of effort that goes into editing these. 😅

[@rudyfuentes1245]

Well done Kirby, you handled this with dignity and respect to the Cuban people and there prized God given natural product. And the interpreters did an excellent job in translating... I followed both languages.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! It's a relief to hear this. Translation performance so far, based on comments, seems to be debatable.

[@mybourbonjourney]

Absolutely fantastic series! As an American, I'm looking forward to one day visiting Cuba 🇨🇺 and what the country has to offer.

[@Ryan35130]

Kirby this series is absolutely incredible. As someone just starting their journey into the world of cigars you have provided a perfect introduction. This series, showcasing the production process, brings all the others together. You've even spurred me to get out my late father's ST Dupont vintage lighter and have it serviced, so I can enjoy lighting a fine cigar with a lighter to match.

[@kirbyallison]

That's exciting! What a sentimental item! Enjoy in good health!

[@user-tf9ov4ph6u]

Phenomenal video once again! This series was one that I have been looking forward to for so long with such high expectations, and I must say that you have far exceeded it. Thank you for such good content :)

[@kirbyallison]

Excellent! I am glad you are enjoying it so much!

[@Sandman328]

Yes!!! I can’t wait to watch I love this series 🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺🇨🇺

[@kirbyallison]

Only Episode 4 of 10! So much great content ahead of us!

[@Sandman328]

@@kirbyallison keep them coming Kirby, I love all of your content especially cigars videos !!!!!🇨🇺🇨🇺👍

[@s_lovescigars]

As always.. Kirby Delivers!

[@kirbyallison]

9:00 AM CST... thanks to our studio team!

[@tjaulak4549]

Thank you for shining light on all the different processes and people involved in the various stages of a Cuban cigar’s development. I find myself checking your channel every day looking for your next update. Beautifully done.

[@snowdrop50]

As a cigar smoker of many years but by no means an expert, thanks for taking the time for all your videos, extremly informative and interesting

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!

[@paulff3]

Outstanding work Kirby. This is the most comfortable and confident you've ever looked behind the camera. Kudos.

[@kirbyallison]

You’re very kind. Thank you!

[@poesaste]

Agreed 👏

[@TheFourEyedGamer]

This was an incredibly engaging watch! I learnt more about the process of making Cigars than I never new before, thank you for this.

[@kirbyallison]

thank you for watching!

[@trashpolicy]

Kirby, you deserve a statue! Thank you for sharing this marvelous piece of history

[@muntazirpyarali8606]

Thank you Kirby and all the Kirby Allison team for these videos, so much good informations

[@kirbyallison]

You’re very kind!

[@Alex_thestronk]

My birthday is just over a week away, as much as i want to see this, i think ill save this episode for that day, after a big lunch with a Davidoff Royal Release (Robusto) ive been saving!

[@kirbyallison]

That's an amazing cigar to save!

[@teakey]

Both men have a hat to keep off the hot sun above. Both hats work the same, providing shade. One hat has far more care with the fine weaving. This hat is only cherished by the wearer and not a prize to the other. Cheers

[@vfigueroa62]

This Cuban series has been amazing. Thank you Kirby and your crew for presenting this rich custom and culture of the people of Cuba and their passion for art and love of the Habano cigar. 🙌🏼🔥🔥🙌🏼

[@kirbyallison]

Our pleasure!

[@kevinsenior8155]

Thank you Kirby. All in all, this is an excellent series of videos. I watch with a malt whisky in one hand, and a Cubano in the other. Heaven!

[@kirbyallison]

I could think of no more perfect way! Thrilled to know this!

[@markmckenzie1605]

Once again a great example of Cuban culture and tradition. Thank you so much for sharing this with us, to make everyone understand the great work being done in Cuba to make the best Cigars in the world. I am so jealous of you Kirby, what an honour to travel to Cuba with everyone. look forward to the next instalment.

[@kirbyallison]

It was, indeed, a profound honor to have been trusted to tell these stories! Thank you!

[@rob7819]

Excellent.Thank you Kirby.Greetings from Dublin Ireland 🇮🇪

[@kirbyallison]

Thanks, Rob!

[@AVA2129]

Two years ago I started to read about cigars and I found the cigar that I love. Montecristo no 4. I bought a small humidor and a 25-pack box and I enjoyed them very much! Then I found your Chanel Kirby and I just want to expand my horizon in the cigar world. Thank you for taking me out of my comfort zone Kirby! I look forward to keep watching your videos. Especially the cigar ones. And even more so, the Cuba series. It’s amazing. Again, thank you for what you do. ❤️

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! More great videos to come!

[@gregorydelost3324]

Christmas came early! Thank you! Excellent work as always

[@dirtriderz6881]

Absolutely the best video I could ask for. The quality, storyline, filming, and people. Can’t get better. Great job!

[@kirbyallison]

Wow, thank you! You're too kind! But, not to spoil anything, this Saturday is the El Laguito factory tour! It's going to be one for the books!

[@dan3565]

This is just fantastic content - really the pinnacle of how informative and enjoyable KZbin can be. Thank you so much.

[@kirbyallison]

Wow, thank you! We try our best!

[@CigarAttache]

I was really looking forward to this episode. You have to appreciate the farmers, especially those in Cuba that do so much with so little, that provide us with so many amazing tobaccos & cigars. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@kirbyallison]

Yes, I couldn’t agree more. There is such honor and humility in the vocation.

[@stephencurry8552]

I was stressed as it was finals week. I was walking passed a tobacconist shop. Bought my first cigar in order to relax. Later on, I would smoke a cigar with my father. A nice leisurely smoke. Cannot watch this series without having those wonderful thoughts. Cigars for me are wonderful things.

[@kirbyallison]

Congratulations! I can't think of a better way to relax!

[@stuartcraig2544]

Kirby, this episode is hands down your best to date, and I love watching all your high quality work. What a fantastic tribute and insight into Cuba, the people and their next level quality work and care. This episode would not look out of place within documentary series on Netflix or Prime. Class work Sir!!!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Please send them a message for me! Would love to actually make some money filming this stuff! haha

[@davidpujol9910]

What a great lesson of humbleness.

[@kirbyallison]

there is a deep humility and respect at every stage of the tobacco growing and cigar rolling process!

[@jackwolfskin5451]

Another excellent quality production! Made fantastic Saturday watching whilst enjoying a premium Christmas cigar! Quality footage showing all the brilliant hues of green of the tobacco in the fields, contrasted with the warm blue skies and palm trees on the horizon, and the golden oily browns of the leaves in the curing barns. Excellent descriptive content from the interviews with the Cuban people. If only I could afford a box of Partagas lusitanias I would go online now and order some 😊 let's hope the prices become more affordable in the New Year! Thank you Kirby for putting in the hard work to produce this content and have a fantastic Christmas Day. Cheers from the UK 🎉🎄🍻

[@carloscuba31]

I have learned so much from these videos that it makes me love more and enjoy smoking a cigar, knowing its process and how my beautiful country Cuba its a key part of this amazing world of the cuban Habano. Thank you very much for this and for you to show the world the tradition that is past from generation to generation and the hard work of the farmers in Cuba. Merry Christmas to you and your family and a bless new years

[@kirbyallison]

I know! And it's hard to believe that even by the end of this series, we will have only begun to scratch the surface!

[@juniorbor5888]

Kirby this one was Fenomenal! All your videos are always exquisite,but this one has culture and knowledge; has exquisiteness and heart! Great one!

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! You're very kind! I appreciate your support and taking the time to comment!

[@guitarplayer5611]

Wonderful video!

[@MSL1976]

Another artfully produced episode. It brings me back to my childhood growing up here in KY, Spending many late summers and early fall days, cutting, stripping and hanging tobacco. I did not see or respect the plant like I do today, especially after watching this. Well done, Kirby.

[@kirbyallison]

Amazing. Is there still much tobacco grown in Kentucky?

[@MSL1976]

@@kirbyallison We produce a decent amount of tobacco. Nothing like it used to be. We still hold our annual tobacco festival in the town I live in with the tobacco cutting race as the keystone event. Many farmers took the buyout and converted to row crops like corn and beans. We have seen a resurgence in tobacco farming for medicinal research in the last 10 years though.

[@ShootatASL]

This is an exceptional series, both in content, and production. Few things on the youtube have captured my attention so intensely. I hope your cigar content never ends.

[@kirbyallison]

You're very kind! I hope so also!

[@dwetz33]

Great series thus far! Thank you for putting so much heart into this project. I hope it pays dividends to make it worth while for you as I can only imagine the costs involved. Look forward to many more years of great content such as this.

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Make sure you visit kirbyallison.com! It's the only way we support this content! KZbin doesn't really monetize our channel because of the tobacco... and I'm, unfortunately, not in the business of selling cigars! We do, however, sell some really beautiful S.T. Dupont lighters! ;)

[@johnnymossville]

Pulling plows with animals. Very much like the Amish. After three generations I imagine Raul is a complete master at growing tobacco.

[@kirbyallison]

What's interesting (and challenging) about people like Raul is that their vocation is so innate that it's difficult for them to even talk about it. It sits entirely at an almost a subconscious level!

[@baluba006]

They are using pulling ploughs with animals because there are no tractors, spare parts or fuel in the country because of the boycott from USA

[@billsinnett]

Great series. Kirby is a master of his craft. Super high quality videos. So in-depth

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Hats off to the editing team. They deserve the majority of the credit! My part is the fun and easy part. They're the ones that have to sit for weeks editing through it all!

[@billsinnett]

@@kirbyallison you do have a great editing team. And also great videographer. I don’t miss a show and have turned many friends onto your channels

[@bigd2829]

Kirby, thank you so much for this series. It’s one of my dreams to visit Cuba and I will refer to your series before I go in future hopefully! The idea of getting a tour of these amazing tobacco fields and would be incredible. Awesome video Kirby!

[@orenrubin2711]

A+ Kirby!! Just wanted to add a tidbit of information: The irrigation system, “drip technique/technology” was developed in Israel.

[@alaskajohn907]

Israel agriculture is a marvel. Incredible

[@davidbesterman7289]

Great video Kirby. 😅I am watching this video on Christmas day smoking a cigar. Very informative. Life is good.

[@sebastianbolt7886]

Kirby you're too good at this. Marvelous channel. 10/10🏆

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you! Very kind!

[@vicentegregorio6476]

Beautiful video, Congrats! Very informative. And thanks for letting me see a part of my homeland I have not seen in over 50 years.

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@neilsaunders6525]

So educational thank you Kirby, never seen such a in depth video, brilliant

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@simoneciliomusic]

This is magical!!!

[@kirbyallison]

You're very kind!

[@superfast30]

Outstanding video once again, Kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

Very kind! Thank you! Make sure you share it with all of your friends! ✅🙏🍿

[@bheinatz1]

White pants for your trip to the farm?! A bold choice, sir! I salute it!

[@kirbyallison]

Haha. Given how late we were out the night before trying to get our equipment out of customs, I'm surprised I showed up at all!

[@anthonydef3000]

Wow what a beautifully filmed trip…Ive never seen cigar manufacturing…this is beautiful❤

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you very much! This next Saturday is El Laguito! Get ready!!

[@jimmysoncookland5446]

Amazing Kirby. Your production quality is a real treat, thanks for sharing

[@kirbyallison]

Much appreciated! Very thankful to our dedicated team of editors. They take our footage and make it look 10x better.

[@gavinburt3750]

This will make a good dent into my flight back from NYC to the UK this evening.

[@kirbyallison]

Excellent!

[@MichaelBSteeleAviation]

What an amazing way to kick off this holiday weekend. Ya’ll did an amazing job with this Kirby. Merry Christmas 🥃

[@kirbyallison]

Yes! A nice, long 90 minute episode for the long weekend! Hopefully, you were able to enjoy over a cigar!

[@KTB-Bourbon]

I would love to see it myself one day.

[@freebird6360]

Woot woot! Gotta love it, great content kirby!

[@kirbyallison]

Glad you enjoy it! Thanks!

[@AngelMenendezFitness]

Ven aca que no entendi nada de lo que me dijo aqui 😂😂😂😂😂😂. Got to love my Cubans. What an amazing video my friend.

[@zcargulia9203]

I’m enjoying every episode and this is only episode #4

[@kirbyallison]

Six more to go! Full list in the description

[@Kenny-yl9pc]

Wow!!!

[@kirbyallison]

Always great to see you around here in the comments, Kenny!

[@anubhavsgarg]

Really good content Kirby! On some occasions these videos might turn into a drinking game. Have a shot every time Kirby says "quality, craftsmanship and tradition".

[@kirbyallison]

Ah, yes, the good 'ol Kirby Allison drinking game!

[@josephseymour9658]

Always a great show👍👍

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!

[@AbdulSensational]

Great video! Very informative 💨🫡

[@kirbyallison]

Thank you!

[@matthewfunk4969]

Kirby as a farmer myself, thanks for this view of production of a different crop in a different country. Have you considered exploring the world of pipes at some point? I picked one up this winter when it got too cold to smoke my Olivias outside, and the world of pipes is diverse and fascinating and fits the criteria of your channel perfectly.

[@ColourFreeStyle]

Great, informative video Kirby. Your respect and appreciation of the Cuban cigar, the people making them and the traditions is clear. But with the price of Cuban cigars going sky high!!!! I can't help but think about how much of that will trickly down to these farmers and workers.

[@kirbyallison]

I sincerely hope as much as possible! Wages no doubt need to rise to keep this trade alive and healthy!

[@user-ib1dd9er2l]

I grew plant in MN ! thinking maybe I could make a cigar - after looking at the process require I decided to let the professionals do there work. The plant was beautiful and I have a great respect for the people and process involved

[@estebanmaldonado1395]

Between minutes from 23 to 26 you can feel the ancestor's presence. Check it up, slowly and carefully. Such an amazing spiritual phenomenon

[@kirbyallison]

Interesting!

[@user-jb3hm5vn5h]

Importance of having an accurate translator. This translator is taking a lot of creative license with his translation.

[@kirbyallison]

In the future, I think we might employ the use of subtitles (which allow professional translation that doesn't have to be real-time). I was actually back in Cuba recently filming and we broadcasted the translation into an earpiece instead of having it be a part of the dialogue. We're still working through these challenges... time and money... time and money...

[@omenjivar86]

Fascinating video would be cool if you have the opportunity to visit and film tobacco farms in the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. Regardless of location It’s amazing how farmers have the ability adapt and manage regardless of the hand they are dealt with (climate change, politics, economy, consumer demand, etc).

[@kirbyallison]

I'm working on it!

[@julianarbelaez2928]

Cheers up to the translator, he's doing an amazing job.

[@nathanhawee5373]

Ooooo ya here we go again... Had to come back for the comment! Thanks K.A

[@kirbyallison]

Welcome back!

[@nathanhawee5373]

@@kirbyallison I never venture to far from my digital smoking buddy.. there are hundreds of cigar channels to choose from, and honestly few stand up to the more elegant and proper side of fine smoking. Most have all the same content,.. how to cut a cigar, where to keep your humidor, and the ol' cigar review. Which are all fine, I'm a newbie so there is a lot to pick up but you do real content! Meeting with Eddie and Edward of Davidoff, and poking around the humidor with Max Foulks (I think that's right) and now the Cuban cigar festival! Magnifico 🤌

[@felixcappuccio6644]

Well done kirby.

[@SamFBM]

gonna be a banger this one kirby

[@kirbyallison]

What did you think?

[@1mpulse565]

Again great video Kirby, The way you speak with the farmer reminds me very much of the Cannabis strain hunters videos, which if you think about it is a very similar process. Would love to know your views and opinions on that, as it can be looked down upon depending on the region of the world. Thankyou

[@jony6toes307]

Well, Kirby Sir.... you really knocked this one out of the park.... absolutely outstanding. Thank you. Probably the best in-depth program I have seen. The Cuban people really are a jewel in the crown of Quality, Craftsmanship and Tradition. Merry Christmas from 🇦🇺

[@kirbyallison]

Wow, thanks! Very kind! Yes, I couldn't agree more. The spirit of the Cuban people is incredible. There are such inspiring examples of quality, craftsmanship, and tradition to be found throughout the country. And, despite the very real and obvious hardships, they still approach their work with passion and pride! Their spirit is as strong as it has ever been.

[@ikalenichenko]

Fantastic video as always, the only thing is the guy that does the translation on the shade grown part of the video is clearly on toooooooo much coke) 😂

[@chrisvan4328]

@ 20:40 he's like "the hell you saying" 😂

[@djesonic]

Kirby, you are such a romantic . Keep up the amazing work. 👏

[@kirbyallison]

Haha... yes... yes, I am! 😅

[@aandk2594]

Big difference between Cuban and Dominican/Nicaraguan is the curing process (and subsequent warehouse fermentation process) is barely 3-6mths before rolling in Cuba, but manufacturers like Davidoff, Fuente and Padron that are based in the Dominican and Nicaragua are even more meticulous and patient than the Cubans… taking on average 18-24mths of curing and fermentation, at which time the leaves are then put into bales and aged for 5-10yrs more years before rolling and releasing to the public (ex. Don Carlos No. 2 uses 10yr old tobacco after 2yrs of curing and fermentation. Davidoff Royal Release is a ten year journey from “seed to cigar”). Hence why these new world’s are so elegant and refined on your palate and have much lower concentrations of tar, nicotine and ammonia than Habanos. Thorough fermentation is critical and why Cubans need to sit for 5+yrs before you can properly enjoy them but Dominicans and Nicaraguans are ready out the gates.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Probably more modern practice to obtain a healthier product

[@aandk2594]

@@paulmcgee1867not really. They just take more time in the process because they can afford to. Habanos SA puts unfair and incredible amounts of pressure on the farms to over produce. Leaving the farms increasingly less time to properly cure, ferment and age. Mainly because they are so dependent on the industry. More so than the DR for instance. Pinar Del Rio is being over farmed to epic levels and is slowly distorting the soil’s micronutrient balance (less zinc, magnesium, etc in the soil than 20-30yrs ago). Very sad. A lot of research online about whats happening. Sustainability is a big problem Habanos SA refuses to properly address. They are doing a bit, But need to do much, much more. The government also does not have the resources to help the farms who lost their curing barns during the last hurricane. If you love Hananos, stock up. They wont be getting better anytime soon. Stock up, store and age ASAP.

[@kirbyallison]

It's an interesting subject. I'd actually wager that the capitalist pressures on the New World stuff actually presents more of a risk of rushing the fermentation process. I find that a lot of the new world cigars have too much ammonia, which presents itself as a harshness in the texture of the smoke. My Cuban cigars smoke much more smoothly than the average New World cigar (at least for me).

[@aandk2594]

⁠@@kirbyallison First off, I love your content Kirby. You have a lot of fans up in Toronto, Canada. To your response, its a fair point Kirby. But I am mainly referring to the best new world products vs. the best Cubans. In no universe does the best Cuban smoke better and cleaner than a Davidoff Oro Blanco (now aged 23yrs since the original 2000 crop that was reserved in 2002), or a Davidoff Royal Release (aged 10yrs), Opus X Angel’s Share (13yrs), Padron 1964 Anniversario, etc. When it comes to the top tier. No top-tier Cuban is more refined and elegant than a top-tier new world. The fermentation process is far more involved and even in your video it was clear. 3mth vs New World 12mths is no comparison. But I agree, for the regular level cigars its different. If you haven’t already, I suggest you try one of the cigars I noted above and see for yourself. Curious what you think. Kind regards my friend,

[@The.Epicurean]

Lots of Habanos SA/H&F royalty on this!

[@kirbyallison]

You just wait... there is so, so much more to come! It, honestly, only gets better!

[@befee]

i'm enjoying this series so far. i also like the catchphrase but there is no need to force fit it so much.

[@boomboxbadboy1]

Kirby spends more money on one cigar than the plant worker makes in a month...so wholesome...Bless him.

[@kirbyallison]

Without Kirby spending money on cigars, plant worker would have no job... isn't this how it works? And last I checked, labor rates in the globalized economy aren't the same across all countries.

[@diggintheblueswithaparrot1329]

I assume with all the research and meticulous planning to make these (very informative and good content) videos, you know the salary of a farmer? Would you like to share? My guess is $150-$200 per month.

[@csrossetti]

Kirby, may I inquire what brand of hat you’re wearing? I hope you see this! Amazing videos as always.

[@kirbyallison]

This one is from Optimo Hatmakers in Chicago

[@nealk999]

I give Kirby a hard time a lot for being a Jim dandy and a bit of a poseur but this was a great video and I learned a lot.

[@kirbyallison]

You’re too kind… 😅

[@artidix]

Kirby, please advise me which cigar to choose to try for the first time, thank you!

[@kirbyallison]

Ah, that's a question for your local tobacconist!

[@artidix]

@@kirbyallison Kirby, thanks for your response. My local store has a huge selection, so I wanted to know about the first cigar for your taste.

[@estebanroman8897]

I wish you had subtitles instead of the translation in real time, more like a documentary maybe. Or wait until the person finish talking and then, start translating. As an english and spanish speaker I often feel the conversation doesn't flow as well as it could have. Either way, thanks for producing fantastic content. I enjoyed the video

[@testchannel6743]

I have to agree. I found it very distracting the way it was done, so yeah some good constructive criticism for the next video Kirby.

[@kirbyallison]

Yes. Well, this was the first time we ever filmed in a foreign language and to say that it was difficult would be an understatement. It’s actually 3x as difficult to film, at least. And that doesn’t even account for it being 5x more difficult to edit. We’re reworking our workflow in the future to cut out the translation and instead use subtitles. Please support this effort by joining our Patreon.

[@stevejanicak9540]

Kirby, i am not a cigar smoker, but my son-in-law is. We are about to become grandparents and i have watched your videos on the trip to Cuba. I would like to buy him a really great Cuban cigar to celebrate his new baby. What would you recommend?

[@kirbyallison]

This is really a question best-answered by your local tobacconist. Cohiba, Trinidad, Partagas, Ramon Allones - these are some of my favorites!

[@jarodbaker7718]

do they grow other crops for the soil to recover nutrients, crop rotation

[@kirbyallison]

Yes. This is discussed around the 1:00:00 mark at the shade grown tobacco fields segment.

[@Williampaiement]

No they don’t rotate crops and rest the land.

[@nigelbarker8726]

Brilliant! Just brilliant.

[@kirbyallison]

The Cuban people are, indeed, brilliant! It was such an honor to be able to film with them!

[@randomperson1815]

The Castro Family is one of the most richest families in the world.

[@kirbyallison]

I'm pretty sure the richest families in the world live in America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia... not Cuba.

[@Richard-mt4zi]

I believe the estimates of Fidel's Estate @ $188 Million dollars to $900 Million dollars. There are (reportedly) 7-9 children who are heirs..

[@Williampaiement]

Wow this was a great video but it revealed what we all know is true coming from Cuba is that all of their tobacco is still green tobacco. The farmer spends only 1 month with the tobacco in the pilones shocking compared to other countries they spend 12 times that even at least.

[@cradlenyalungu5563]

Can you grow n make cigars in South Africa?

[@julianarbelaez2928]

I'm pretty sure in Africa there is a famous leaf, it's known as Cameroon, give it a check

[@kaleefhernandez7976]

Translator was ok, he's definitely not used to doing this. Ill go with you next time 😊😂

[@kirbyallison]

Translation a massive pain... and this was literally our first shoot together and he had no previous experience with tobacco.

[@poesaste]

Where is your jacket from Kirby? Linen?

[@kirbyallison]

It’s a linen safari shirt. Worn over a shirt. Also called an “over shirt”

[@josekacv0420]

Kirby, have you thought about learning spanish yourself? It would be such a more intimate experience for your next visit to cuba to communicate with all these wonderful people. As a spanish speaker having the translator interrupt your guest every 5 seconds is a bit distracting, you live in Texas after all it would be useful in your hometown as well! I enjoy your videos! Ive just started this wonderful jurney, over time i will work my way up to the more exclusive pieces you and the Sahakians enjoy!. Thank you

[@donmcshitz2163]

No shot. Look at his outfit.

[@paulmcgee1867]

Who is a legend he's a person not a thing

[@Dash_Akol]

Two shirts!!!! Why?

[@kirbyallison]

It's an overshirt...

[@moeciejek5710]

When Kirby takes a dump he looks upon his fine work before flushing and admires the QuALiTY, CrAFTsMeNShIp and TrAdItIOn

[@kirbyallison]

Who doesn’t??

[@moeciejek5710]

Omg love you for responding! Love all your episodes on cigars with davidoff, hunters and frankau and now Cuba!

[@alaskajohn907]

Its sad how far behind the new world that Cuba has fallen in terms of tobacco production. Aside from taste preference and sentiment, the claim that Cuban tobacco is the best in the world is one that can not be supported objectively

[@testchannel6743]

I agree and it makes me wonder why people like Kirby and others in his videos exclusively smoke Cubans, with the exception of Davidoff for obvious reasons. Why don't they smoke any new world cigars? Does it not fit the persona or class? I have a hard time believing they just dislike them...

[@alaskajohn907]

@@testchannel6743 Christian Eiroa in Honduras and AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua arguably have the most advanced and precise means of producing tobacco, and they are vertically integrated.

[@kirbyallison]

This is like saying French wine is so behind California wine. Only someone who exclusively drinks California wine would say that. Production techniques here are without question different here in Cuba. A lot of that is by virtue of restrictions from the US Embargo. But it’s exactly these constraints that allow Cuban tobacco to be so different and so great. Every product is a function of its environment. French wine wouldn’t be French wine if it weren’t for French culture (and a rigid, social labor market). Cuban cigars wouldn’t be Cuban cigars if it weren’t for Cuban culture, tradition, and the political system. (For better or worse). I try to not get moral about these things (“good” or “bad”) and instead seek to appreciate it for its differences. You should try to do the same. You’d see much more beauty out there when you take those glasses off.

[@alaskajohn907]

@kirbyallison comparing this to wine in terms of production is apples and oranges. I do appreciate cuban tobacco for its taste, but the quality of the end product is behind many new world farms and factories. You constantly claim Cuban cigars are the best in your films, but this is scientifically false. Cuba doesn't even draw test very many (if any at all) of their cigars and its not uncommon to have several duds. As new world cigars proliferate into Europe, the Cuban market will shrink.

[@cuy50]

@@alaskajohn907 based