La Fumarosa
Blueprint is a reflection of the “mental blueprint” that defines the identity and aspirations of Eric Josefson and Justin Heisig, who are also the creators of The Burn Down Podcast.
Read in the magazine (rotate your device for a better reading experience):
This Robusto Gordo boasts a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and a blend of Nicaraguan Estelí, Pennsylvania, Corojo, and Criollo ’98 filler tobaccos. With a rich earthy base and notes of espresso coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark chocolate, it offers a truly indulgent smoking experience.
– What motivated you to create your own cigar brand, and what sets it apart from others in the market?
– Since we ventured into the cigars word and launched our podcast, having our own brand seemed like a distant goal, but thanks to Jonás Santana of Blackbird Cigar Co., our dream came true sooner than expected.
What really makes us unique is that we are one of the few cigar brands that emerged from a podcast community, and this strong connection with our audience is something we deeply value.
What sets us apart is our commitment to quality, and we are very proud of the craftsmanship of The Blueprint. It wasn’t an easy process, as it took two years to perfect the blend, and after going through 13 different versions, we were determined to launch the product only when we were truly satisfied.
Thus, our dedication to quality ensures that every smoke of The Blueprint is an exceptional experience.
– How do you source and select your tobacco, and what do your blending and production processes involve?
– We source our premium tobacco from a network of reliable growers in six different countries, each known for their unique flavor profiles. This global perspective allows us to offer a distinctive and balanced smoking experience. Creating the blend is an art form. Our Master Blender is an expert with an exceptional palate and meticulously evaluates each batch of tobacco, selecting leaves from various origins.
In developing Blueprint, we implemented a ten-category rating system that, beyond flavor, considers factors such as aroma, body, strength, burn characteristics, and overall balance. This ensures that each of our cigars provides a consistent, complex, and thoroughly enjoyable smoke.
– What challenges have you faced and how have you overcome them?
– We faced a significant challenge, but in a good way. Our first production sold out much earlier than planned; understandably, there was higher demand than anticipated. To address this exciting development, we are reinvesting every dollar into the business, ensuring that we can meet future demand.
– Can you discuss the importance of branding and marketing in the industry, and how to build a loyal customer base?
– The cigar industry is a competitive landscape dominated by well-established brands. Building brand awareness from scratch can be challenging, but fortunately, we had an initial advantage.
Three years before introducing our cigars, we launched The Burn Down Podcast, a platform that created brand recognition by cultivating a community of listeners we could rely on. Our strong social media presence has also played a crucial role in promoting the product.
– Can you share a success story or milestone that you’re particularly proud of on this journey?
– There was a moment of pure joy when we held the first box of cigars in our hands. All the countless hours spent tasting flavors, meticulously designing the logo, and crafting the perfect marketing strategy converged there. It was almost enough to make us cry!
We are incredibly proud of this success story. Thanks to Blueprint’s growth in its first two years, we are excited to announce the launch of our second line of cigars this summer.
– How is the industry evolving, and what growth and expansion do you anticipate?
– The future of cigars is bright. There are legislative obstacles to overcome, but we are fortunate to have strong advocacy groups, such as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA), fighting for our passion. Even better, we are seeing a new generation of enthusiasts, with young people in their twenties starting to smoke cigars.
Success extends beyond the cigars themselves. We have expanded into experiences by organizing private events, corporate meetings, fairs, and even creating customized labels. It’s clear: people love Blueprint.
Photos: Matthias Clock
Web: www.burndownpodcast.com
Instagram: @burndownpodcast
YouTube: The Burn Down Podcast
