2024 Event 3: Celebrating Dominican Cigars: A Night to Remember at the West Park Hotel – 25th April 2024

Celebrating Dominican Cigars: A Night to Remember at the West Park Hotel

On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, the cigar community of Yorkshire gathered for a remarkable evening dedicated to celebrating Dominican cigars. The stunning courtyard at the West Park Hotel provided a perfect backdrop for this event, which brought together enthusiasts, industry experts, and representatives from leading distribution companies, Bright Leaf Distribution and Scandinavian Tobacco Group.

A Gathering of Industry Titans

The event was graced by the presence of prominent figures from the cigar industry, including Phil Matthews from Bright Leaf Distribution and Dave Wright along with David Carlos Cruz from Scandinavian Tobacco Group. These seasoned professionals shared their wealth of knowledge and passion for cigars, making the evening both educational and enjoyable.

Phil Matthews: A Veteran’s Journey

Phil Matthews, a stalwart in the tobacco industry with 44 years of experience, captivated the audience with his incredible journey. Starting his career at a tobacconist in Cornwall at the tender age of 14, Phil’s dedication and expertise have seen him through various notable roles. After a stint in retail, he transitioned to sales with Gawith Hoggarth in 1998, and later with Murray’s, the specialist division of BAT, in 2000. By 2005, Phil was with Henri Wintermans/STG, selling both handmade and machine-made cigars. His career further flourished with a year at Davidoff Cigars before he co-founded Bright Leaf Distribution in 2018. Under his guidance, Bright Leaf has grown into a leading importer of top-quality cigars and accessories, showcasing brands like Rocky Patel, CAO, Freud, La Galeria, Chateau Diadem, and Oscar Valladares.

Dave Wright: Expertise from Scandinavian Tobacco Group

Dave Wright, the UK handmade cigar and specialist tobacco manager for Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), shared his extensive industry knowledge. With over 20 years at JTi before joining STG three years ago, Dave now oversees operations for Barkers, Wilson’s, and Gawith Hoggarth, as well as wholesale activities in Ireland and the Channel Islands. His insights into the market dynamics and consumer preferences were invaluable to the attendees.

David Carlos Cruz: A Legacy in Tobacco

Adding a touch of heritage to the event, David Carlos Cruz brought the legacy of his family’s four generations in the cigar industry. As the former general manager of El Titan de Bronze, his grandmother’s company, David’s deep-rooted connection to cigar craftsmanship provided a fascinating perspective on the artistry and tradition behind each cigar.

An Evening of Camaraderie and Celebration

The celebration was not just about cigars but also about the camaraderie among enthusiasts and professionals. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, shared experiences, and the unmistakable aroma of fine cigars. Attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of premium Dominican cigars, each telling a story of its origin and craftsmanship.