Out of the Humidor, August 2018
Dear Marvin,
I want to congratulate you on another marvelous edition of your magazine. I particularly enjoyed each of the Churchill articles. I have read several biographies of him and there seems to be no end to the stories and revelations of the incredible character that he was. I thoroughly enjoyed the cigar perspective [“Smoking and Drinking Like Churchill,” May/June 2018] as this is an angle that I had not read about, at least from the point of view of those who know cigars. I must say that I burst out laughing at the segment that stated he “smoked a staggering amount of cigars by any reasonable standard.” (Written by someone who very nearly smokes cigars for a living.)
On another note, it is refreshing to read a publication that takes pride in the writing. I’m sure, at some point, you have read a “publication” that had more spelling and grammatical errors than an elementary school term paper. Thank you for having exceptional writing skills and enlisting guest writers and others that take the time to create a coherent and enjoyable piece of writing.
Ashley Troutman
Thompson’s Station, Tennessee
Dear Marvin,
Superb article about Churchill as one of the most unassuming yet powerful leaders of our time. He was a magnificent orator with the conviction to see his beliefs through. He always told the truth, never having to wonder what he said. Gary Oldman masterfully captured Churchill through film and no doubt did complete justice to the history. Keep up the great work.
Frank Kohler
Scottsdale, Arizona
Dear Marvin,
As I was about halfway through the terrific piece on Churchill, I turned back to learn the author’s name—Jon Meacham. Of course. Absolutely first rate. Thank you.
Ken Platzer
New York, New York
Dear Marvin,
I’ve been a faithful reader of your fine magazine for over 20 years now. As a member of the International Churchill Society, I must congratulate you on a great read. Although he’s been gone for many years, we can still draw from Churchill’s wisdom in our present times.
On another note, I want to thank you for putting out such a wonderful publication. Cigar Aficionado is a respite from the craziness which seems to permeate our society. The time spent with a Bourbon and a cigar reading Cigar Aficionado always brings me back to center.
Moe Fox
Valley Stream, New York
Dear Marvin,
Without yielding to the urge to make uncharitable comments regarding a few of the actors you chose to highlight, or their individual performances as Churchill, it remains inconceivable to me a publication of the quality of Cigar Aficionado would produce such a special issue without including the actor responsible for the single best interpretation of Churchill ever, Robert Hardy. While he may be best known for his role as Cornelius Fudge in Harry Potter, he should be revered for his riveting performances as Churchill, which began with the 1981 miniseries “The Wilderness Years,” which covers the darkest period of Churchill’s career. At this point in his life, almost all of England viewed Churchill as a man of great intellect, but one unfit for office, lacking in judgment and substantially past his prime. Hardy’s riveting portrayal is so redolent and so touching, it uniquely captures the spirit of a man who spent his life in the arena but was by then nearly broken by the vicissitudes of fate and of a life lived so publicly.
I suggest any serious Churchill enthusiast make the time to view and enjoy Mr. Hardy’s rendition—drink in one hand and cigar in the other, of course.
Gerard Toohey
Chicago, Illinois
Editors’ Response: We never tire of watching actors bring Churchill to the screen, big or small. It sounds like we have another program to watch.
Dear Marvin,
I just got back from my third trip to Cuba and things have changed. We were able to visit a charity that takes impoverished children and trains them to try out for the Cuban National Circus. They organized a performance just for my wife and I that was incredible. We made a large donation, but the children were more fascinated with the backpack full of candies we had brought them. They had never seen a Starburst!
We found the best cigars. All the shelves were well stocked. The menu at Santy was all about tuna the day we were there and they are adding items due to your magazine. The service is wonderful, the fish incredible and the kindness sures anything you will find anywhere.
The Cuban people love Americans. I would beg the current istration to swing the door wide open for America. The government is not being hurt by the decline in tourism, but the spirit of free enterprise is being smothered by current policy. I will be returning in July since my humidor could always use a few more quality cigars.
Craig Smith
Odessa, Texas
