Providencia Hostage Cigar Review

Behind every name is a story, whether it is the name given to you by your parents, the name of a corporation, the name of the wine, or, in this case, the name of a Cigar.

The Story

Jim Faber, a professional soccer player/coach and a missionary, was in Honduras from 1997 – 2011. During this time, he had the opportunity to help build the community around Soccer, teaching the kids, coaching teams, and creating a soccer field for the community to come and enjoy the game. Drug gangs and cartels also surrounded the community. This posed a danger to Jim and the community, but that didn’t stop them from their work. Jim and his partner Ray can tell the next part of this story much better than I, so if you ever have the opportunity to meet them, ask them. Jim speaks about one particular day that he was taken at gunpoint and forced into the car of a drug gang. He reminisced about the part when the fathers of the kids he taught and coached soccer came to his aid. Amidst all of the gunfire, he was able to escape to safety. The police spoke with Jim afterward and told Jim how the Mexican gang had moved into the area and heard about his work improving the community, and felt the need to stop him. Had Jim not escaped, thanks to the community, he likely would not be here.

While Jim was in Honduras, he grew to learn more about cigars and love them. The cigars line started with the El Padre and El Santo in 2016 and began their reputation for quality blends in the boutique market. The Hostage is their fourth cigar in what is now an excellent portfolio of incredible blends and is named in honor and memory of Jim’s escape.

The Review

The Hostage is a Mexican San Andreas wrapper with Ligero fillers from Indonesia, Nicaragua, and Honduras giving it a full body yet complex profile. The cold draw, nose, and initial draws will provide hints of cream, chocolate, and subtle hints of star anise. Throughout the smoke, these hints of notes will stay. However, you will notice wood and peppery spice notes as you transition towards the final third of the smoke. Paring this cigar in the morning with a nice coffee or in the evening with a Wheat Bourbon or Cognac will present nice complimentary flavors and help create an enjoyable evening.

While you are out on your cigar hunting expeditions, pick up on one from Providencia, and pay close attention to the names of what you smoke. There’s a story to be heard.