Episode 139
Why Does the Bad Guy Smoke Cigars? | Alex Estrella, Actor | Porto Real Cigars | Box Press Ep. 139
Protect your cigars from bad guys like mold and low humidity by using Boveda in your humidor, click here to get emails: https://hubs.la/Q01BLsBF0
Unlike a bad guy, his Maduro cigar won't kick you in the head. Discover Porto Real, actor Alex Estrella's boutique cigar brand. Porto Real cigars are tasty Dominican and Nicaragua blends that are affordable. Cigars are from $8 to $12.
When playing a ne'er-do-well in a film or series, Alex would often smoke a cigar. (Hey, cigar smokers are not so bad!) So it's natural that the actor parlayed his love of smokes into a cigar biz. Alex and Boveda's Drew Emmer talk cigar storage and more at PCA 2024, the preeminent event for premium cigar and pipe industry.
00:00 This is Box Press
00:01 This IS the actor/producer Alex Estrella
01:29 The actor who has a cigar brand and the cigar brand run by an actor
02:31 Started in cigars when he started acting for TV
03:05 Sampling the Porto Real Maduro cigar
03:44 Maduro cigar that's not going to kick you in the head
05:07 Living la vida loca
06:02 A cigar is a moment of time spent with a friend
06:18 Estrella watch Porto Real cigar edition based on his late dad's watch
08:51 Why Boveda for cigars?
11:15 Cigars don't have to be too expensive to be good
What is Boveda? Cigar makers recommend Boveda 2-way humidity control wherever you store cigars. Boveda preserves the flavor and character of premium cigars by keeping them at ideal humidity. Use Boveda B84 packets to season your wood humidor before adding cigars. And then keep cigars well-humidified with Boveda B69 packets in your humidor. Boveda prevents cigars from drying out and mold growth. With Boveda in your humidor, you'll enjoy full flavor and a perfect smoke from every cigar.
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Transcript
- I was joking when I said
Speaker:the actor Estrella-
- Yeah.
Speaker:- And then you pull up the Instagram,
Speaker:you're the guy.
Speaker:- I'm that one.
- Okay.
Speaker:- Yeah.
- So you're an actor?
Speaker:- I'm an actor and a producer.
Speaker:- Okay.
Speaker:- Well, this is really nice
Speaker:because when I becoming an actor,
Speaker:I started in NYU in New York.
Speaker:I had a scholarship.
Speaker:- My daughter studied at NYU.
Speaker:- And yeah, I was there
Speaker:and then I got the acting
Speaker:and production for film and
movies, you know, and TV,
Speaker:and then all the opportunity
Speaker:and then after that I went in Spain.
Speaker:And then two years in
Spain working in movies
Speaker:and then back to Miami.
Speaker:So in Miami and I start working on TV
Speaker:and also in a couple movies too, yeah.
Speaker:- Well, all the odds are against you,
Speaker:but I think things are gonna work out.
Speaker:- Yeah, actually, when I
started the tobacco industry,
Speaker:it is because my dad,
Speaker:he started in 1993 in Dominican Republic
Speaker:and then one time when
I moved back to Miami,
Speaker:my dad told me, "You're an actor, "why not
Speaker:we can put that together-"
- Right.
Speaker:- "The cigars, like a
luxury product, a nice one.
Speaker:"You can represent the cigar,
Speaker:"but you also can be in the industry,
Speaker:"in the tobacco industry."
Speaker:And I say, "Why not?"
Speaker:So I become at that time
Speaker:and the actor who have a cigar brand
Speaker:and the brand become the
brand who have an actor.
Speaker:- That's great
- As a face.
Speaker:- So is Porto Real the brand?
Speaker:- Yeah, Porto Real is the brand.
Speaker:Our family's company.
Speaker:It's a United Tobacco
here in United States.
Speaker:- Okay.
- And in Dominican Republic
Speaker:is Estrella Tobacco Company.
Speaker:- Okay.
- So, yes.
Speaker:- Okay, and how long
have you been at this?
Speaker:- In the acting stuff?
Speaker:- All of it.
Speaker:The acting, the cigars.
Speaker:- Well, acting for my
whole life I've been,
Speaker:since I was-
Speaker:- You were a child actor?
Speaker:- Yeah, eight years.
Speaker:I was eight years and
a really, a little guy.
Speaker:- We gotta look up an IMDB
Speaker:and figure out what this guy's been up to.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- And then this,
Speaker:how long have you personally
been involved in the cigars?
Speaker:- In the cigars?
Speaker:Well, for my whole life,
Speaker:I grew up watching the tobacco around me.
Speaker:But in the business, doing business,
Speaker:I came from 2011.
Speaker:- Okay, so it's been a while.
- Yeah.
Speaker:When I start acting at the TV in Miami,
Speaker:I start cigars at the same time.
Speaker:So it was a really, really good experience
Speaker:because the people say,
Speaker:"Hey, this guy, he's a good guy for it
Speaker:in those roles, the character,
Speaker:like the bad guy, right.
Speaker:Because every time when
I'm doing a bad guy,
Speaker:I'm with a cigar and the
people love it for some reason.
Speaker:- What do you call the cigar?
Speaker:- The name?
Speaker:Well, Porto Real that one is the Maduro.
Speaker:It's a special blend between
Dominican and Nicaragua.
Speaker:All our cigars that we making,
Speaker:it's Dominican/Nicaragua.
Speaker:We have a factory in Dominican Republic
Speaker:and also in Nicaragua.
Speaker:So the idea with the cigars
is the perfect balance
Speaker:in between those countries.
Speaker:And that one has a binder,
Speaker:it's a Brazilian binder which is Arapiraca
Speaker:and the wrapper is a natural San Andres.
Speaker:- But this is effortless draw.
Speaker:Yeah, it's a dream draw.
Speaker:It just fills your mouth up with smoke.
Speaker:- Yes
Speaker:- And it starts out just so delicious.
Speaker:- Thank you so much.
Speaker:So the idea with this particular cigar,
Speaker:which is the Maduro one,
Speaker:it's you can enjoy,
Speaker:it's not something that
is gonna be too strong
Speaker:or kick your head, no.
Speaker:It's something that you can enjoy.
Speaker:Imagine, in that one
you have those fillers,
Speaker:Dominican and Nicaragua.
Speaker:You have a Ometepe, right?
Speaker:Which is it has a lot of minerals.
Speaker:So, and that one, also the Brazilian.
Speaker:- I'm not usually an Ometepe fan.
Speaker:- Well, but that one has
a little bit of Ometepe
Speaker:to give that kick,
Speaker:and also has the Arapiraca from Brazil.
Speaker:You can taste the soil.
Speaker:And also the wrapper,
Speaker:it's San Andrés from Mexico.
Speaker:The soil is like more
like chocolate stuff.
Speaker:So you can have all those-
- This is fabulous.
Speaker:- You know, flavors on your palate,
Speaker:so that's the idea with
that specific thing.
Speaker:- So when did this cigar come out?
Speaker:- It's already on the market.
Speaker:We got in Miami.
Speaker:We opened up a different state.
Speaker:We've been in here in U.S.,
Speaker:also in Latin America and Europe.
Speaker:So the cigars is doing
really good, thank God.
Speaker:And we just working and having fun.
Speaker:- It's good.
- Oh yeah.
Speaker:- Oh, you are having fun.
Speaker:You can tell people that are
having fun with their lives.
Speaker:- Yes, yes.
Speaker:- Living the, it's like,
Speaker:was it Ricky Martin that used to say-
Speaker:- La vida loca.
- Living la vida loca.
Speaker:- Yeah (laughs).
- Right.
Speaker:Isn't that the story?
Speaker:I mean, it's-
Speaker:- Yeah, like when they
say living la vida loca,
Speaker:it's live your craziest life.
Speaker:- Your best life.
Speaker:- Yeah, your best life.
- Yeah, yeah.
Speaker:- But in this case we living our life
Speaker:with some complementary, right, our cigar.
Speaker:- Yeah, this is lovely.
- Thank you.
Speaker:And then we put a lot of love,
Speaker:effort and passion.
Speaker:And first of all, what we looking for,
Speaker:or what I'm looking for as a person
Speaker:is not just to give you a cigar,
Speaker:or, "Oh, taste this
cigar because it's good,
Speaker:"because it's different," no, no.
Speaker:It's because the relationship
that we can create,
Speaker:it's like back in the days.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- All those gentlemen,
you know, doing business.
Speaker:It's not just doing business,
Speaker:it's more the relationship,
- Yeah.
Speaker:- That we can, you know, have each other.
Speaker:- Yeah, an OG in the cigar industry,
Speaker:said to me once,
Speaker:"This isn't really a cigar,
Speaker:"it's a moment in time
spent with a friend."
Speaker:- Yeah, and also that
we have here in the PCA,
Speaker:we have a different specials.
Speaker:Well, we selling cigars,
Speaker:but we give away humidors.
- Really?
Speaker:- And also we launched in
here in this show a watch.
Speaker:- Really?
- So, which is this one.
Speaker:- Oh, tell me about the watch.
Speaker:- So the watch is a idea came up-
Speaker:- Thank you very much.
- Thank you.
Speaker:- It's the nicest thing anybody's
ever done in an interview.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- This is the watch.
- There you go.
Speaker:That's the watch.
Speaker:The name is Estrella and
it is under our brand.
Speaker:It's a Porto Real edition,
Speaker:it's called in Spanish,
Speaker:the name it's el tiempo es oro.
Speaker:which is that time is gold.
Speaker:- It's a beautiful watch.
- Thank you so much.
Speaker:That watch is really special to us
Speaker:because we create that
watch based on my dad,
Speaker:what [was] my dad's daily watch, right.
Speaker:But he passed away
Speaker:and then he gave us that,
you know, mentality,
Speaker:like let's create
something for the future.
Speaker:Like back in the days,
Speaker:it's not for the moment,
Speaker:it's for the future.
Speaker:And when I start,
Speaker:I love watches and I say,
Speaker:"I gotta create something different."
Speaker:It's not just to smoke,
Speaker:it's because of we wants to be
part of something different.
Speaker:And imagine if you grab this
watch and a cigar together.
Speaker:- What interests me is
you're talking about
Speaker:creating timeless moments.
Speaker:- Exactly.
Speaker:- And a watch is a part of the-
Speaker:- Exactly.
Speaker:It's not just luxury stuff
Speaker:because cigar is already luxury.
Speaker:- Yeah.
- We already know that.
Speaker:So when you have your watch,
Speaker:you manage your time, right?
Speaker:But right now, you give me
Speaker:one of the most valued thing
in your life is the time.
Speaker:I have to be grateful
Speaker:because you give me the time,
Speaker:you give me the opportunity
to be here also,
Speaker:and that is the value.
Speaker:So why not?
Speaker:That's one of the things.
Speaker:- No, it's a beautiful thing.
Speaker:And the nice side effect is
Speaker:it's going to completely
blow up our social media
Speaker:to have you on our social media.
Speaker:- Yeah.
It's gonna be beautiful.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- Because it's just gonna expand,
Speaker:it's gonna blow up
Speaker:because you're a very
captivating character.
Speaker:- Thank you, thank you.
Speaker:I'm just want to be a good friend.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- I wanna be a good guy
for you, for everybody
Speaker:and give my best.
Speaker:If it's not a cigar,
Speaker:I want to be myself to you guys.
Speaker:- So what strikes me about this is
Speaker:it says premium on the label.
Speaker:- Yes.
Speaker:- There's obviously a
commitment to quality.
Speaker:- Yes.
Speaker:- Our ethic is all about quality.
Speaker:- For sure, yes.
Speaker:- How did you get connected with Boveda?
Speaker:- Well, I've been using Boveda
Speaker:since many years back in the day.
Speaker:So last year I was here in the PCA
Speaker:and I just stopped by here
Speaker:because one of my dreams,
Speaker:that's really for me important is to be-
Speaker:- On this wall.
Speaker:- Oh, that's why I still buy it.
Speaker:I say, you know what,
Speaker:I'm not gonna use Boveda
Speaker:because oh, they are a brand,
Speaker:or I wanna be there, no,
Speaker:because I've been using it.
Speaker:But I say one of my
dreams in this industry,
Speaker:it could be here, so-
Speaker:- I think that's a dream
that could easily come true.
Speaker:- Well-
- if you keep making cigars
Speaker:that perform the way this is,
Speaker:this is as good a start to a cigar.
Speaker:- Thank you so much-
- Of anything I've had.
Speaker:- Thank you.
Speaker:It's-
- And there's a lot of,
Speaker:I mean, be real about it,
Speaker:there's a lot of mediocre cigars.
Speaker:There's a lot of basic cigars-
Speaker:- Yes.
Speaker:- But there's some really
fine premium cigars
Speaker:and I think you're on the
right track with this.
Speaker:- Thank you so much.
Speaker:Yeah, what I consider about it,
Speaker:all cigars, they're different.
Speaker:It's like people, right?
Speaker:It's all about the love
that you put there,
Speaker:the passion, the effort,
Speaker:and then the result that you want.
Speaker:That's my concern, right.
Speaker:So you have a cigar, they not expensive.
Speaker:You have a median,
Speaker:you have a premium cigar,
Speaker:but everybody they have different
palate for cigars, right?
Speaker:So it's a cigar for everybody.
Speaker:- Well, and our Mike
Stous asked me a question
Speaker:when you handed me this cigar
before we started the video.
Speaker:- Yes.
- And he said,
Speaker:"I want you to tell me what the cost
Speaker:"or the price is on this cigar."
Speaker:I think this is an expensive cigar.
Speaker:- Well, what do you think is the price
Speaker:and maybe we can be in the same?
Speaker:- What size did I just light?
Speaker:- Well, that one is a Robusto.
Speaker:- Okay.
Speaker:- This is the size that we
using for the trade show,
Speaker:one of the best sellers is the Toro one.
Speaker:We got Robusto, Toros,
Speaker:we got Gorditos, which is-
Speaker:- I would guess the retail on this Robusto
Speaker:is probably $14 to $16.
Speaker:- No, no.
Speaker:- Am I close?
- I'm so sorry.
Speaker:You are close,
Speaker:but we work to give
something really affordable.
Speaker:Cigars doesn't have to be
too expensive to enjoy.
Speaker:So this cigar, it's about $8.
Speaker:- That's a great bargain.
- To $10.
Speaker:- It's a great bargain.
Speaker:- Why?
Speaker:Because that's one of the thing.
Speaker:As a cigar maker,
Speaker:we have a factory, right?
Speaker:Why I'm gonna put a
high price in the cigar
Speaker:if I know the cigar,
Speaker:it could be affordable for $8 or $10?
Speaker:So it doesn't have a sense.
Speaker:Imagine if I want to be in a good spot,
Speaker:I have to give value,
Speaker:but I don't have to be
extremely expensive, no.
Speaker:I want people enjoy.
Speaker:Not people says like,
Speaker:"Oh no, this is too expensive.
Speaker:"It looks good, but
it's too expensive," no.
Speaker:I want people they can enjoy,
Speaker:they can buy.
- Yeah, that's a good price.
Speaker:- Exactly.
Speaker:- That's a very good
price for this quality.
Speaker:- Yeah, all our price,
Speaker:it's in between $8 to $12.
Speaker:But we have the special edition,
Speaker:the ones coming with the watch,
Speaker:that cigar is just $20.
Speaker:That one is a special
blend that is unique blend,
Speaker:has eight years already in
the humidor sitting there
Speaker:because my dad, he made that.
Speaker:So we have it there as a special edition
Speaker:and we just made 500 boxes of them.
Speaker:- That's great.
- Yeah.
Speaker:- See we're at PCA 2024
with Alex Estrella.
Speaker:he actor, the entrepreneur,
Speaker:now the watchmaker.
- Thank you.
Speaker:- Really a treat to sit with you.
Speaker:- Well, thank you so much.
- Thank you so much
Speaker:for this cigar, Porto Real.
Speaker:- Yeah, and I would love
to give you something.
Speaker:This is one of,
Speaker:just to say welcome to the family.
Speaker:This is the star.
- We're family now.
Speaker:This is exciting.
- This is the star.
Speaker:So there is my last name on you.
Speaker:- Oh, that's beautiful.
Speaker:- (laughs) Thank you.
Speaker:- And that's what the name Estrella?
Speaker:- That's my last name.
Speaker:- Yeah.
- Yes, and-
Speaker:- Well, I'm putting this right on here.
Speaker:- Please, thank you.
Speaker:- Right here.
- Yes, you can put it there.
Speaker:- Well, we've done a lot of interviews
Speaker:and nobody's ever pinned
a star on my lapel.
Speaker:- Wow.
Speaker:You know, what does Estrella means here
Speaker:in the military stuff?
Speaker:It's general, right.
Speaker:So here we got the general (laughs).
Speaker:- There you go.
Speaker:Generally speaking, it's a unique cigar,
Speaker:high quality cigar.
Speaker:Super impressed with you
and with your cigars,
Speaker:and with your watch, and-
Speaker:- Thank you so much.
- Your attitude.
Speaker:It's a delight to talk to you.
Speaker:- I just want to do my best
Speaker:and I just want to be a
good guy in this industry,
Speaker:work in the best way, too.
Speaker:- If that isn't the best description
Speaker:of the general ethic
in the cigar industry,
Speaker:be decent, be kind, be loving.
Speaker:- Yeah.
Speaker:- Welcome people, be interested in people.
Speaker:- Exactly.
- What a treat.
Speaker:- Like I said, this is
a gentleman's business
Speaker:we have to have respect each other, right?
Speaker:We gotta work in that way
Speaker:and we have to get this passion,
Speaker:this love together.
Speaker:So I'm really grateful also
Speaker:because of Boveda has
a really unique thing.
Speaker:It's not just, it is
something to put in the cigar,
Speaker:it's like a humidity pack,
Speaker:it's not just that one.
Speaker:It's also something that is a gift,
Speaker:something to our product
Speaker:just to keep the humidity, which is okay,
Speaker:we already know that.
Speaker:But also give us the opportunity
to be in the right spot
Speaker:because a lot of people has
a lot of respect to you guys
Speaker:and we like to be involved in all of that.
Speaker:I'm really clear, I'm like that.
Speaker:I'm not just here because,
Speaker:oh, well it could happen,
Speaker:I can be there.
Speaker:No, I have to be honest,
Speaker:it's something that is
a gift to our product.
Speaker:Back in the days when you
never once in the business,
Speaker:we have a lot of tobacco,
Speaker:so many issues.
Speaker:So right now, you guys are the solution.
Speaker:You guys are the solution.
Speaker:A lot of people,
Speaker:they want to be the solution,
Speaker:but you already,
Speaker:you are the solution for all of us.
Speaker:- That was unsolicited,
Speaker:just for the record.
- Yeah.
Speaker:- You're a gracious guy.
Speaker:- Thank you.
- I really appreciate that.
Speaker:- Thank you so much.
Speaker:- And thanks for sitting with us.
Speaker:- Well, it's a big pleasure.
Speaker:We can be here for three days, boy.
Speaker:- Yeah.
- We don't have too much time.
Speaker:- Yeah, but congratulations.
Speaker:- Thank you so much.
- Congratulations.
Speaker:What a treat.
Speaker:- It's a big pleasure.
- Yeah, it's a pleasure.
Speaker:Thanks for-
(upbeat music)
Speaker:- For sure.
Speaker:- I can get in anywhere now.
Speaker:- Well, well now it's there (laughs).
Speaker:- I'll always point at the star.
Speaker:(upbeat music)
