The Journal.
Field notes from Estelí. Cigar industry essays, lessons from launching brands, and the kind of practical advice nobody tells you before you commit to a 5,000-cigar run. Written by The Mule, mostly on Sunday mornings, mostly with a cigar lit.
Latest
Five Mistakes I See New Cigar Brands Make
Patterns observed across 33 years of cigar industry work and a hundred-plus brand launches. The five most common mistakes new cigar brands make — and how to avoid each.
What to Pack for a Nicaragua Cigar Trip
A practical packing list for a Nicaragua cigar trip from someone who has hosted dozens. Travel humidor, layers, electronics, and what the cigar magazines forget to mention.
Factory tour vs. factory visit: what actually changes
A factory tour shows you tobacco and process. A real factory visit changes what you ask, what you buy, and what you build. Here's the difference.
Launching a brand
Cost, timeline, mistakes, and the decisions you make in the first 90 days.
Five Mistakes I See New Cigar Brands Make
Patterns observed across 33 years of cigar industry work and a hundred-plus brand launches. The five most common mistakes new cigar brands make — and how to avoid each.
How Long Does It Take to Launch a Cigar Brand?
A realistic, week-by-week breakdown of how long it takes to launch a cigar brand — from first call to cigars on the shelf. Real timelines from 33 years in the industry.
Nicaragua
Estelí — seasons, factories, the trip, and what to expect on the ground.
What to Pack for a Nicaragua Cigar Trip
A practical packing list for a Nicaragua cigar trip from someone who has hosted dozens. Travel humidor, layers, electronics, and what the cigar magazines forget to mention.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Nicaragua
Month-by-month guide to weather, harvest, and factory rhythm in Estelí.
More posts
Factory tour vs. factory visit: what actually changes
A factory tour shows you tobacco and process. A real factory visit changes what you ask, what you buy, and what you build. Here's the difference.
The honest cost of launching a cigar brand in year one
Before you budget a single dollar for bands or boxes, read this. Joe "The Mule" breaks down the real first-year costs of launching a cigar brand — no spin.