Cigar Aficionado

A black-coated server places a basket of pastries in the middle of a set table. Another shuttles a shoulder-height tray of cocktails across the room while yet another is folding napkins. This is the choreographed hospitality of Resorts World and on this particular morning, they are preparing for what is about to be the smokiest brunch in Las Vegas. Once every last utensil is in place and the coffee is brewed, there’s a calm in the room. And then, the guests pour in.

The late-morning air was full of anticipation as hundreds of hungry cigar fans entered the dining section to kick off the Big Smoke Las Vegas seminars. Brunch was sponsored by Oliva Cigar Co. and spirits giant Bacardi. Everyone who entered was given an Oliva Serie V Churchill Extra—Cigar Aficionado’s No. 5 cigar of 2022—and was greeted by a brief introduction by David Savona, the magazine’s executive editor. 

“Welcome to Las Vegas Big Smoke,” Savona said. “Eat your breakfast and get your base going. This is going to protect you. What won’t protect you is the drinks.” 

He was referring to Bacardi’s free-flowing cocktails: a Teeling whiskey Irish Coffee or a Dewar’s 12 Lemon Wedge, served on trays as the guests walked in. Angel’s Envy Bourbon and Santa Teresa Rum was also poured.

By the time guests found their seats, each table was already set with croissants, scones and pastries, along with plates of sliced fruit, berries and grapes. Some wanted to get some food in their stomachs and establish that “base” Savona mentioned before lighting up the Oliva, which is understandable. The Churchill Extra is no mild smoke. But others lit up right away, not waiting for the hearty course of short rib hash and poached eggs on brioche topped with hollandaise and togarashi (a Japanese seven-spice) in what amounted to a sort of fancified Eggs Benedict. The dish was bolstered by fingerling potatoes and Chasseur sauce, agave-roasted Heirloom carrots, pine nuts and brown butter. 

José Oliva opted to light up immediately. He’s a founding member of the Oliva Cigar Co. and now serves as chairman of the company, which is owned by Vandermarliere Cigar Family. After a brief educational video of Oliva’s farms and factories played on a large screen, the well-dressed Oliva addressed the room.

“First, I’d like to thank Cigar Aficionado,” he said. “The boom they created when they started the magazine is still with us today.”

Oliva reminded the crowd how the manufacturing of cigars has remained a handmade process since the cigar was invented, as neither farming, fermentation of tobacco nor construction has become automated. Cigars, Oliva added, are also one of the world’s few true affordable luxuries. The Nicaraguan cigarmaker has cultivated a loyal following by creating world-class cigars at a reasonable price—cigars that could easily be more expensive than they are. 

“If you want the finest wine today, you’ll pay $1,000 or so per bottle,” he said. “If you want the finest Cognac or the finest clothes, all of it is going to cost you a mint. But the finest cigar is attainable. The Cigar of the Year is attainable… I thank you all for helping to keep this incredible industry alive.”

Victor Carbonara from Santa Teresa Rum also was on hand, describing the spirits of Bacardi and wishing everyone a good Big Smoke weekend. 

The brunch was an hour-and-a-half affair that seemed to go by quickly. People were well into their cigars and vying for one last cocktail before the plates were cleared and the meal was coming to its end. By this time, it was 1 p.m. and a more in-depth cigar education was about to begin. Guests filed into the next room where they were about to start an afternoon of cigar seminars that would lead with Cigar Aficionado’s No. 2 Cigar of 2022 and continue with some of the industry’s most captivating characters.

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Don’t Miss A Big Smoke: The Big Smoke Returns To Las Vegas On Friday November 1 and Saturday November 2. Save the date.