The Big Smoke Takes On Sin City Once Again
The Big Smoke Las Vegas made a lively—and even spooky—return to Sin City on Halloween weekend. It was the 29th Big Smoke Las Vegas, and it kicked off Friday, October 31, in what was the perfect adult version of trick-or-treating, with plenty of costumes and even more cigars and spirits. Saturday matched the energy with illuminating seminars by day and a second night of the world’s greatest cigar party, with appearances by actors Martin Kove and Michael Cudlitz. The stars were joined by industry luminaries and thousands of aficionados from all corners of the country and beyond to celebrate cigars and fine spirits in the entertainment capital of the world.
The Big Smoke Las Vegas weekend began on Friday afternoon at the Horseshoe at a small party reserved for All-Access attendees, people who were going to both evening sessions (Friday and Saturday nights) plus the seminars. Brothers Bond Bourbon poured cocktails while Casa Carrillo Cigars (with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo himself in attendance) handed out two cigars, the Encore Black and Endure. Agua Caliente Casino/Pívat Cigar Lounge passed out a leather case and a Nicaraguan cigar.
Soon after, it was time for the Big Smoke to begin. Many had lined up well before the start, and there was a fresh mix among the VIP crowd—some had attended more than 20 Big Smokes, while others were there for the first time. The ballroom was elegant and spacious, with plenty of room for guests to mingle as they lit up one of their newly-acquired smokes, handed to them from the world’s most famous cigarmakers. Spirits booths (particularly whisky and Scotch) were spread throughout the space as well, ready to keep everyone sated. A live band amped up the mood, striking the first tune at 5:30 p.m. on the dot. The general admission crowd followed at 6:30 p.m., bringing with them an extra dose of enthusiasm and more remarkable Halloween costumes, which included everything from a knight in chain-link armor to a group of Masters caddies. Just like many children on that Halloween night, guests had a bag full of goodies, specifically a Cigar Aficionado tote bag, which was soon packed with more than 30 cigars.
The festivities continued on Saturday, kicking off with a cigar-friendly brunch hosted by Oliva Cigar Co. Guests were treated to a hearty dish of eggs Benedict (with succulent short rib replacing the traditional Canadian bacon) and an Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro Torpedo, Cigar Aficionado’s No. 6 Cigar of 2024.
The full lineup of seminars would soon follow. More smokes were passed out, including the top three of 2024: the My Father The Judge Grand Robusto (No. 1), Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Espeso (No. 2) and Casa Carrillo Encore Celestial (No. 3). The cigars coincided with seminars that included the cigarmakers behind them: Don José “Pepín” Garcia of My Father Cigars and his family, Rafael Nodal of Altadis U.S.A. and Perez-Carrillo of Casa Carrillo. Guests were also given a trio of large-ring-gauge smokes—Casa Carrillo Inch Natural No. 62s, The Big Payback 70s by Room101 and Asylum April Fools—to enjoy, or experiment with, during a seminar on oversized cigars. The cigarmakers behind the extra-large smokes, Perez-Carrillo, Matt Booth and Christian Eiroa, rounded out the seminar panel. A special treat came next in the form of an exclusive interview with actor and cigar lover Michael Cudlitz, from “The Walking Dead” and “Band of Brothers.” The interview was followed by rum tastings from Bacardi and Santa Teresa Rum, along with a rum Old Fashioned cocktail for each guest. The three rums poured were Bacardi Reserva Ocho, Santa Teresa 1796 and Santa Teresa 1796 Arábica Coffee Cask Finish.
Cigar Aficionado’s team of editors—executive editor David Savona, senior features editor Jack Bettridge and managing editor Gregory Mottola—moderated the panels, with Savona serving as host for the seminars.
The Big Smoke Las Vegas attracted visitors from all over the United States, as well as from such far-flung international locations as Australia, New Zealand and Dubai.
Save The Date The Big Smoke will return to Las Vegas on November 6 and November 7 for the 30th anniversary of the event. Be sure to watch cigaraficionado.com for tickets, the seminar lineup and more information.
