A Night of Smoke and Magic: Our Experience at La Gran Fumada 2023

Carlito Fuenete, Najat Abdo and Woody Ghsoubi

Greetings, dear friends and cigar aficionados! We, Woody Ghsoubi and Najat Abdo, the proud owners of Club Mareva Beirut, are thrilled to share our recent experience at an extraordinary event – La Gran Fumada 2023. This unique gathering, held on May 11, was organized by the Arturo Fuente Cigar Club in the heart of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a land renowned for its world-class tobacco.

As staunch lovers of the Arturo Fuente brand, we were among the 500 privileged guests to attend this exclusive event, a testament to the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the cigar industry in the Dominican Republic. The illustrious gathering was held at the El Embajador Hotel, marking the second edition of this annual event after its successful debut last year.

What made this event even more special was the celebration of the 26th anniversary of the Arturo Fuente Cigar Club, an institution synonymous with passion, love, and a commitment to excellence in the world of cigars. As Ciro Cascella, the Club’s president, fondly reminisced about his journey and the evolution of the Club over the past two and a half decades, we were reminded of the power of perseverance, dedication, and the pursuit of quality.

The night was a sensory feast, meticulously curated by Chef Paolo Bonolo, with pairings from Manuel González Cuesta, La Bodega, and Brugal. Live music performances, featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Arturo Sandoval, Sandy Gabriel, Bossa Nova, and Dj Poche, set the rhythm for the evening. These diverse elements, combined with the delightful taste of Kah Kow chocolates and exquisite distillates from The Winery, made for an unforgettable experience.

But the star of the night was, undeniably, the Arturo Fuente cigars, particularly the ‘Impossible 13’ Collection. This handpicked selection of thirteen non-commercial, unpublished cigars came from the personal vault of Carlos ‘Carlito’ Fuente Jr. A gift to the attendees, these rare cigars, not available for sale, symbolized the exquisite craftsmanship, painstaking attention to detail, and the sheer passion that the Fuente family brings to their work.

Each attendee was gifted a numbered box, a tangible token of this magical night. As Sergio Mourelle, General Manager of the Cigar Club, aptly put it, this was an experience designed for each Fuente fan to treasure among their most cherished memories.

The Arturo Fuente brand is more than just a producer of exquisite cigars; it is a family. From the moment we stepped into the beautifully adorned El Embajador Hotel, there was an undeniable sense of kinship in the air. A feeling that transcends mere business or commercial interest, and cuts to the very soul of what Arturo Fuente stands for.

One of the most striking aspects of the Arturo Fuente brand is its commitment to family values, which have been its guiding light since its inception over a century ago. The company, led by the charismatic Carlos ‘Carlito’ Fuente Jr., exudes a warmth and inclusivity that is simply infectious. This sense of familial bond permeates every facet of their operations, from the meticulous handcrafting of their cigars to the way they treat their customers and guests.

At La Gran Fumada, this familial ethos was palpable. We weren’t just attendees at an event; we were part of the Arturo Fuente family, welcomed with open arms. This sense of belonging, coupled with the shared appreciation for fine cigars, created an atmosphere of camaraderie that was both heartwarming and inspiring.

The Fuente family’s commitment to their craft is unparalleled, and their passion is infectious. Every cigar they create is a testament to their legacy and a reflection of their soul. Each puff not only offers a taste of the finest tobacco but also a glimpse into the heart of a family that has dedicated generations to perfecting their craft.

As we reflect on our time at La Gran Fumada, we are filled with gratitude for being a part of such a memorable celebration, an event that truly encapsulated the spirit of the Arturo Fuente brand. The night was a testament to the phrase ‘Only Fuente is Fuente,’ reminding us once again why we are passionate about this world of good smoke.

Till next time, keep enjoying the exquisite pleasure of a good cigar, for each puff tells a story of tradition, passion, and the relentless pursuit of perfection.