The North Carolina Mason

G rand Master Larry B. Thompson Jr. began to consider the possibility of a custom- blended cigar several years ago after taking note of just how many brothers were bonding over cigars following meetings and other gatherings. With a little research, he also learned that since 2000, cigar consumption in the United States has increased by a whopping 85.2 percent! Thompson contacted Brother Larry Payne of the Gold Leaf Cigar Lounge. He, in turn, reached out to Brother Fouad Kashouty of Hiram and Solomon Cigars. Brother Fouad's wife, Remy, developed the blend that was ultimately selected to be the Revival cigar, and it was an instant hit! The cigar has been so well received that Hiram and Solomon has added it as a main line that is now being carried by retailers across the country! When asked about the cigar's success, MW Thompson responded: The cigar was released at the Gold Leaf Cigar Lounge in Mooresville on March 12. Brother Fouad and Remy made the trip to North Carolina and joined 127 brothers and friends for the cigar launch. Holly Hopkins entertained the packed house with jazz and blues selections in between speeches and drawings for free gifts. More about the cigar: "A smooth, creamy medium body cigar with moderate strength that produces a thick smoke with roasted cashew notes and dry black soil. Crafted exclusively in the Dominican Republic at the PDR factories by Abe Flores, a member of the Elite Pro Cigar (Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers), for MW Larry B. Thompson, Jr., Grand Master of Ancient, Free and Accepted Masons in North Carolina." To purchase a box of "Revival" cigars, contact Brother Larry Payne at: 704-400-9712 or visit the Gold Leaf Cigar Lounge online store at https://www.goldleafcigarlounge.com/shop. Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Claro; Binder: Ecuador; Filler: US Broadleaf, Seco Dominican FDR2, Ligero Dominican FDR2 Corojo "I knew we had the right blend as soon as I sampled the first cigar. It was incredible. What's even more incredible is to see so many pictures on social media of the cigar being enjoyed by others in so many states! I would love to continue this initiative by releasing a new blend next year." SUMMER 2 0 2 2 | 13

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