Meerapfel Richard Double Robusto
The first vitola of a line in homage to Richard Meerapfel.
For decades, the Meerapfel family has been a renowned name in the world of tobacco. Its history begins in 1876 when the family business was founded in Untergrombac, in the north-east of Stuttgart, by Maier Meerapfel. Today, the company is involved in various activities of the tobacco industry, such as culture and trading of tobacco leaves, and is also in charge of the worldwide distribution of reputed brands such as Padrón, Opus X and Arturo Fuente.
Since 1600, the Meerapfel family started growing tobacco in Germany until 1876, when they decided to start manufacturing hand-rolled cigars for almost 150 years. A business that will abruptly end with the arrival of World War II. Following this catastrophe, the family emigrates to the United States where Ernest, Maier's son, builds connections with tobacco production located both in this country and in Cuba.
Later, Richard or "Rick" Meerapfel, who lived in Cuba for almost a year in the late 1970s, learns all about the culture and production of tobacco and becomes the first American to enter the famous Vuelta Abajo where he will buy the "brown gold" and exports it to Europe. He will then become the master of Cameroonian tobacco, highly recognized for saving it from extinction. That is the main reason why the family is a legendary figure in the cigar industry besides its expertise with Cameroonian tobacco wrapper which is appreciated for its distinct appearance, its flavour but also its rarity.
Jeremiah, Richard's son and president of the Meerapfel company, is now dipping into this heritage to develop a new line of cigars reflecting the brand's image. This project started 20 years ago, when his father died in 2004. In fact, the latest creation of Meerapfel cigars, which is intended to be very high-end, is named "Richard" in honour of one of the most influential men in the tobacco industry. This vitola represents luxury by reinventing its fabrication and production methods. As a result, they are made with some of the oldest leaves kept by the family for a very long time: "This is the time when we can dig into our past," says Jeremiah Meerapfel, who wants to bring back the rooted traditions of the house's history.
The double-robusto (52 x 146 mm) that compose this line are described as "UberLuxury". In other words, an ultra-premium standing that can also be reflected by the packaging. These beautiful pieces are displayed in a box described by the brand as a chest: 10 vitolas presented on a gold and scarlet tray that can also be used as an ashtray.
Regarding the cigars, they are decorated with a splendid ring designed by a Belgian lace maker and produced by Van Tintelen Printing Art B.V. in the Netherlands. These details reflect the luxury of the product with an European style and know-how.
The blend will remain a well-kept family secret, Mr. Meerapfel chooses to remain silent about its composition, but admits the presence of the famous Cameroonian wrapper. He also reveals making the cigars from significantly old capes, considering the long time experience of the company in tobacco culture.
Finally, the cigars are rolled in the Dominican Republic, but here again Jeremiah Meerapfel refuses to go into details or to name the cigar maker behind the brand.
However, the unusual "Flagtail" head of the cigar can be explained by the relationship between the Meerapfel and the Fuente family, known for their expertise in sophisticated heads.
The Meerapfel Double-Robusto will soon be joined by 6 other vitolas including the Corona Gorda, Lancero, Robusto, Lonsdale, Churchill and Pyramid. Future blends will also pay tribute to other members of the Meerapfel family such as Jeremiah's grandfather, Heller.
These cigars, only available in the shops selected by the brand, are limited to 613 boxes per year. They are available through allocation or waiting lists from a small amount of premium cigar stores.
MEERAPFEL Richard Double Robusto - Box of 10
Vitola: Double Robusto (52 x 146 mm)
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