Padilla and Don Pepin Split

[Hank Koestner]

If you enjoy the Padilla cigars blended by Don Pepin Garcia, the 1932 and Miami 8 & 11, purchase some extra stock soon. Don Pepin will no longer be blending for Padilla. The split was amicable, as Padilla wants to try new ideas.
I am a big fan of the 1932. I am sorry to see this happen, but such is the world of cigars.

[KINGSTON]

That has been a Rocky friendship from the start. I wish the best for Padilla but he bombed on all three Padilla blends before he hooked up with Pepin. Hopefully he can a few winners on his own.

[Torpnubber]

I think the business agreement between Don Pepin Garcia and Rob Levin, owner of Ashton Distributors and Holts Cigar Co, had a rather large influence on the demise of this relationship.

Levin has recently contracted Garcia to make several brands for Ashton and Holts. San Cristobal, Casa Royale, Little Havana Overruns, Old Henry and Holts Connoisseur to name a few. Holts catalog is stuffed with other Garcia offerings as well. Pete Johnson, owner of Tatuaje, is a Levin acquaintance of several years.

It's obvious to me, that with the increased investment from Levin, that there is precious little capacity for Ernesto's boutique blends. I hope he's successful in his new venture in Miami.

[Hank Koestner]

I believe Padilla's 1968 blend was blended by Nestor Placencia. It received good ratings, and I like the cigar myself. I think Padilla will be working more with him, and maybe with the Olivas again. I will miss the blends Don Pepin did for him, though. I really love the 1932.