Manufacturer Spotlight was, as many of you know, created specifically to forge a direct relationship between manufacturers and consumers. This month, we feature a truly unique individual whose business model is not based upon making the most money or the most popular smoke, but based instead solely on the values of those who created it. He is not clamoring for the spotlight or for the highest rating in a magazine... although he is succeeding in both. This month we present, Robert Holt of Southern Draw Cigars.
His goal is to make the finest products he can while showcasing what his company describes as the tradition of the southern gentleman. After sitting down with Chief Evangelist Robert Holt, I felt inspired, not just because I am such a big fan of his work, but because he emits a kindness, compassion, and warmth that is hard to find, particularly in this industry.
Robert Holt, like the other founders of Southern Draw Cigars, is a veteran of the US Armed Forces. It wasn't until after he exited the military that he first took up cigar smoking, with which he immediately fell in love. To him, it evoked ideas of camaraderie and relaxation, themes that are very important to a man in the military.
Working in the telecommunications field, Robert began helping to build wireless networks around the world, including in Central and South America, where his journey into the cigar industry really began. He became enthralled with the culture of these areas; he loved the food, the traditions, and the welcoming attitude of the people he came in contact with. The tobacco culture in Latin America truly spoke to him, the idea of celebrating at the end of a hard day's work with family, food, drinks, and, of course, cigars.
After losing his way slightly in corporate America, Robert made it his goal to once again get in touch with his roots and the values that had made him who he is. He joined a group of veterans to begin a cigar company based upon what they describe as a culture of honor, a culture in which people avoid intentionally offending others and maintain a reputation for not accepting improper conduct by others. This set of principles, combined with his ever-growing knowledge of tobacco and the cigar industry, led Robert toward the one man he knew could help produce the high-quality product he desired.
To this day, all Southern Draw cigars are crafted with A.J. Fernandez tobacco and handrolled in his legendary Tabacalera Fernandez, nestled deep in the hills of EstelÃ, Nicaragua. Southern Draw's first release was the Kudzu, a wonderful Habano oscuro-wrapped smoke that pairs well with a variety of spirits and craft beers. The company's inventory has expanded with several popular blends, including my personal favorite, the Rosado-wrapped Firethorn.
Until now, Southern Draw was one of the most popular boutique cigars in the South, while very few northern cigar fans had even heard of it. Now, cigar smokers around the world are enjoying the immense flavors and warm hospitality each time they light one up. We here at Cigars.com are damn proud to carry this line and we hope that you enjoy all of Robert Holt's exquisite products.
Browse Southern Draw Quick Draw Cigars hereBrowse Southern Draw Kudzu Cigars here
Browse Southern Draw Firethorn Cigars here
Stay tuned for Southern Draw Jacob's Ladder and Rose of Sharon cigars, coming soon.