During this Thursday night chat we were visited by Thomas Baldonado, co-founder of [url=http://www.tntcigars.com]TNT Cigars[/url] from their leather couches in their Flagship Phoenix store lounge.
Thomas told the story of how TnT Cigars began and how he joined up with Dimitri Rozenman four years ago. At the Time Thomas was working three jobs, when it was suggested from others that Dimitri and Thomas should work together. After an interview Dimitri didn't want to hire Thomas for what ever the reasons may have been. Determined, Thomas told Dimitri that he would take two days off of his three jobs and work for Dimitri for free, as to not waste Dimitri's time or money. After the two days Thomas had proven himself and he had the job at which point he promised that he would help the company grow. After a year and a half Dimitri trusted Thomas enough to have him help run his stores, and a year later they became partners in a new venture, that?s when Thomas and Dimitri began to build what we now know as, [url=http://www.tntcigars.com]TNT Cigars[/url]!
Cigarzilla members were interested in TNT's great alternative cigars and Thomas was more than happy to fill us in. Thomas discussed some of the intricacies associated with the creating and selling of alternative cigars and how it can be lucrative but there are many factors involved. Getting the blend just right, for the right prices and getting the consumer to take that chance are of great consideration. Getting the blend just right may not be as simple as you would think, some manufacturers have agreements with their tobacco suppliers to not allow anyone else to have access to their particular tobaccos. In the case of the cigar wrapper it can be difficult due to the fact that the wrapper greatly influences the flavor of the cigar. Thomas went on to tell about the time it takes to have an alternative cigar made. 'It takes time to have a factory make samples' Thomas remarked and in the case of the Padron Alternatives it took them three tries to get
it right. Only then, when they have decided can they move forward and then it still takes a good three months or so to get them going.
TNT is currently working on a Partagas Black Alternative and we can?t wait!
I really enjoyed our chat with Thomas and learning about the start of TNT Cigars and their alts. I look forward to next week.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the Partagas Black alternatives. A few years back I was obsessed with them and they still have a home in my humidor and I think its a fantastic idea to offer an alternative.
ReplyDeleteSo far the alts of TNT have been the best I have had. Partagas black are a good smoke but I have found some what one dimensional. I am looking forward to their efforts as their Padron alts taste better to me than the regular padron line at half or less than half the cost. Thanks for the info Lan.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys had a very interesting night. I wish I could say the same :(
ReplyDeleteAs i sit typing this, I am smoking a Padron Alternative (Toro Maduro). I'm about at the 1/2 way point now and I am very impressed. This is one hell of a cigar for the money, ill most definitely be buying more.
Oh, and it is probably worth mentioning that I just recieved the package tonight (After a 5 day trip from Arizona to Pennsylvania) and it is smoking great. I cant wait until these get a few weeks/months of age on them. I can only see them getting better.