Señor José O. Padrón – the patriarch of the Padrón cigar empire, who has risen from humble beginnings to become one of the most recognised names in the cigar world aged 90 – will shortly release his memoirs.
Cigar Journal columnist Nick Hammond got a glimpse of a pre-production version of the long-awaited book over supper with members of the Padrón family in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Jorgé explained how the book reveals incredible details of his father’s past, including fleeing from Castro’s revolution, the building of his business in Miami and Nicaragua, the setbacks, including arson, death threats and intimidation and his relationship with the likes of Fidel Castro, VIPs, dignitaries, Presidents and politicians. There are also pages of never-before-seen images from the family archives.
“Strange as it might sound, cigars are a small part of my father’s story,” said Jorge over cigars on a warm restaurant terrace in downtown Esteli.
“He is a remarkable man and it’s a remarkable story, told in his own words with no holds barred.”
10,000 copies of the book, due for release in Summer 2017, will be printed, split between Spanish and English editions, and will be available through distributors across the world. All profits will go to the Padrón Family Foundation, which is about to break ground on an ambitious school and academy project in the heart of Esteli.
