On tobacco road
Wirtz resident finds out first-hand what goes into making a fine cigar.
Where did you go?
We flew into Tegucigalpa, [Honduras] and then drove by van through Danli to El Paraiso. [Go to YouTube and look up flying into Tegucigalpa. There are some great videos. It's a tough airport to get to.] The purpose of the trip was to tour all the aspects of making Rocky Patel premium cigars. The tour was hosted by Rocky Patel employees. We toured a box-manufacturing plant, greenhouses, fields, curing houses, fermentation buildings and manufacturing plant. We stayed at a Rocky Patel compound in El Paraiso that had a pool, garden, many bedrooms, kitchen, dining room and basketball court.
Who went?
David Meyer (co-owner of Milan Tobacconists in Roanoke) and 12 customers.
When did you go?
March 22-25
How long were you there?
Three nights
How did you hear about your destination?
I heard about it at a Milan Tobacconist cigar function. Rocky Patel sponsors tours to his facilities in Honduras on a regular basis.
What did you like best about your trip?
I enjoyed learning about the premium cigar industry and all of the steps that go into making a great cigar. I would compare it to what goes into making great wine. The people were friendly and very hospitable. The food was incredibly fresh and flavorful. The terrain reminded me of western High Sierra. The valleys were lush.
What, if any, were the negatives?
We didn’t have the opportunity to really visit the area or get into the towns. It was a very compact trip.
What advice would you give to lake residents who are considering this destination?
If you plan to take a Rocky Patel trip, then try to plan to put a few days on one side or the other of the trip and see some of Honduras. There are Mayan ruins and the island of Roatan to visit.
What attractions should people make sure they visit?
If you like cigars, do the tour.
October 09, 2009 Smithmountainlake
