A lifelong cigar lover, Aldo has been a curious and enthusiastic smoker since his teenage years, deeply fascinated by everything a cigar can reveal. He has worked in the industry for many, many years and considers himself lucky to have turned his passion into his profession.

His professional passion is technical innovation. He applied this standard and research spirit to the private cultivation of over 50 tobacco varieties since 2002, continuously perfecting their complex fermentation and cigar rolling. Since 2013, he has brought this deep practical expertise and analytical precision to the Tasting Panel.

Andres Díaz-Cote is based in the sunny yet cold city of Bogotá, Colombia. He is working as industrial engineer specializing in security solutions.For more than 28 years, he is smoking cigars. Piloting airplanes, playing golf, and restoring classic cars and watches are his passion.

Aniello is an Aeronautical Engineer and cigar enthusiast from Napoli. For many years he worked in this business as a sales director and cigar selector, developing a new approach to tasting, creating a tasting training, and publishing the book “Degustazione Razionale” (Rational Tasting). AIS sommelier, professional cigar taster, and the first Italian to become a CJ panelist.

Darren Cioffi is the founder of Principle Cigars and a tasting panelist for Cigar Journal. He is deeply involved in the world of antique paper, specializing in cigar label art, tobacco advertising, historic financial documents, photography, and other works on paper.

David Garofalo is a self-proclaimed Cigar Authority, hosting the podcast since 2010, and operating Two Guys Cigars since 1985. Over 40 years in every facet of cigars, enthusiast, retailer, educator, and author, having written David vs. Goliath: How to Compete & Beat the Online Giant. Honored as a Cigar Journal Ambassador of Cigars, among other industry accolades.

My journey with cigars began in 1998 – a moment that shaped my life forever. Since then, this wonderful product has accompanied me every day in my private and professional life. As a young boy, I’d stand in awe in the old tobacco shop when I was allowed to fetch cigars for my uncle. Today, I’m proud to be part of a select tasting panel – where experience, craftsmanship, and enjoyment come together in a unique way.

Felix Wallenhorst is a brand ambassador for the Villiger Söhne Group in the handmade premium cigars division. He is also in charge of press relations in Germany and Switzerland. In addition to his own Villiger Brand Ambassador Tour, he represents the company at numerous events in Germany and abroad.

Franca studied sensory science and applies sensory analysis and consumer research at Cigar Sense to help cigar lovers understand their palate and choose with confidence. She supports cigar brands in creating and communicating cigars that genuinely resonate with consumers, and teaches sensory evaluation to marketing and sales teams, with a focus on perception and real-world preference drivers.

I am an 86 year old retired physician and hospital administrator with Boards in 4 specialties. I have been smoking cigars for over 50 years. I love strong full bodied cigars, but truthfully enjoy almost all types of sticks.