My journey at InterTabac takes me to Vivian Eiroa, the friendly representative of Aladino Cigars. She has her own stand at the trade fair for the first time this year. „How are things going for you so far?“ I ask curiously.

5 minutes

My sister has to come with me next year
Almost lost my voice
New: Fuma Noche
What do you think?
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The author behind these articles is Oliver - survivalist, winter griller, TV fuzzie from Bonn. He constantly fails at trying to stay sporty, loves cigars, rock'n'roll, barbecues, bad jokes and single malt whisky. He is now too old to grow up.
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My sister has to come with me next year

„It was a success, we were extremely busy,“ she replies with a beaming smile. „Next year my sister will have to come along because we definitely need more people to help us. But it was very nice.“

I remember how she had a tiny stand at the International Cigar Pavilion last year. „You're just about to open up the European market, right?“ I ask. Vivian nods enthusiastically. „Yes, definitely. It feels like we've arrived. We are present in many markets and are still opening up new ones. So we're making very good progress.“

Almost lost my voice

„And how did people react to your own stand?“ I want to know. „I think everyone was very happy to see us here,“ she says. „Lots of familiar faces came by, but also lots of new ones. It was really great to meet so many people.“ - „Did you enjoy it yourself?“ I continue to ask. Vivian laughs. „Yes, I really enjoyed it. Although it was also exhausting, of course. I smoked a lot of cigars and almost lost my voice, but luckily it's still there.“

We both laugh and I ask about a particular highlight this year. Vivian's face is beaming: „We won the prize for the best boutique cigar from Honduras at the Cigar Jornal Awards - for the Aladino Cameroon, my favourite cigar! That was a really great feeling.“

I can see the enthusiasm in her eyes and ask: „Was there anything else you particularly remember?“ - „Yes,“ she replies, „It was great to see so many friends from the industry. Not just professionals, but also people who are more on the consumer side. That made the trade fair really special.“

New: Fuma Noche

„So do you think there will be more to come in the next few years?“ I follow up. „Definitely,“ she says with conviction. „You can also see that there are more brands than last year. It feels like we're continuing to grow as a brand.“

Curious, she finally asks me about my favourite cigar. I think about it for a moment. „Difficult to say, but I think the Corona Reserva is my favourite. Although the Maduro is also very good.“ -„So you like strong cigars?“ she states. „Yes, very much,“ I confirm with a smile.

„You'll love our new cigar - the Fuma Noche,“ Vivian reveals. „It's a stronger version of the Corojo Reserva, but without the Corojo. The intensity comes from other types of tobacco that we grow ourselves.“

„I'm looking forward to trying them,“ I reply. Vivian nods contentedly. „Perfect.“ I was quite impressed by her reserved yet open and enthusiastic manner. She comes across as very authentic, which is rare these days. She comes across as very natural and likeable. You can really feel her passion and sincerity, which makes her even more impressive in my eyes.