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Interview with Eddie Ortega
By Jesse | February 21, 2008
Eddie Ortega of EO Brands was nice enough to answer a few questions for us. I got a chance to meet him while at the RTDA in Houston and looking forward to meeting him and the rest of the guys from EO Brands again soon. EO 601 Series is one of the hottest blends currently available. We’ve reviewed them all so far so check out the Cigar Review Index.
How did you get your start in the Cigar Industry?
Back in the 90’s, I was married to the youngest daughter of Rolando Reyes (Puros Indios). As you know, during that time period, the industry was experiencing a huge boom. At that time I was managing the IT department of a major vitamin manufacturer, my background is actually in computer science.
It was during that time, that Rolando asked me to come work at Puros Indios, and the rest as they say, is history.
Later, I got divorced and got fired :-))),,,,just kidding :-)
Your 601 line has really taken off, were you expecting them to take
off like this?
Believe it or not, we actually were. Prior to the 601, we also had a significant success with REO and VIBE made for us by Rocky Patel, unfortunately, due to inconsistency problems we lost all we had gained. With the 601, we knew this would not happen. Pepin not only makes a great cigar, but maintains a great consistency which is most important in order to retain customer loyalty.
What’s it like working with Don Pepin Garcia?
It’s great. Our relationship with Pepin and his family go beyond a business relationship, both my partner Erik Espinosa and I, have a great friendship with Pepin, Jaime, Almicar, Yanny and all his immediate family. We’ve shared many good times together.
What is the biggest challenge you think the Cigar Industry will face
in the next few years?
Well one thing for sure, the SCHIP bill comes to mind. We hope for the best, just have to hang on and see who is elected. We also have to keep in mind all these anti tobacco legislations and tobacco taxes being passed around the country.
Which cigar of your lines is your favorite?
I would have to say, the blue label which is our boxed pressed maduro, I love it. I actually prefer boxed pressed cigars, that’s just my preference.
Besides your own cigars, anything you smoke on regular basis?
Ohhh, lots. I enjoy Rocky’s Vintage, Ashtons, Padron, La Gloria Serie R, Pepin’s Classic line and many others. How would I be able to judge and compare the quality and taste of our cigars, without experiencing the quality and taste available from other manufacturers?
Anything you can tell us about new cigars you have in the works?
We are currently working on two brands that will be launched at this year’s RTDA show in Las Vegas, just testing some blends now.
Is there anything else you’d like the readers of CigarJack.net to know?
Just this, “We thank you, for your support”. We truly take pride and strive to make your smoking experience, a great one, every time you smoke one of our cigars. You deserve it.
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Tags: 601 Cigars, Eddie Ortega, EO Brands, Interviews
Topics: Cigar Talk |
February 21st, 2008 at 10:58 am
[…] he speaks with Eddie Ortega. Eddie is part of the duo that makes up EO Brands. You can read this interview along with all the EO 601 Cigar Reviews over at Cigar Jack’s Cigar Blog. Posted by stogielover Filed in Cigar Articles Tagged: 601 cigars, Cigars, eddie ortega, […]
February 21st, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Eddie’s a great guy and loves him some cigars. Good interview, Jesse.