Q&A with Pete Johnson

A few weeks ago I was able to chat a little bit with Pete Johnson of Tatuaje Cigars at the Serious Cigar Holiday Party. Being the cool guy that he is, Pete agreed to answer some questions for me. So, here’s some questions and answers with Pete Johnson.

Me: Tatuaje has been a big name in premium cigars for a couple years now. What do you think is the biggest contributor to your success?
Pete: That’s a three-part answer.  First, I think that I am very fortunate to be working with Jaime and Pepin Garcia. They appreciate what I know about cigars as much as I appreciate them translating my vision every day in to wonderful cigars.  Second, some consumers might see me as an alternative idea in the cigar industry, but I think they like the fact I respect tradition.  Third is the internet.  The online buzz for the brand has been huge and people have been really supportive.

Me: Being in the cigar industry and getting to meet so many people must be cool. What is the best thing about doing what you do?
Pete: I think the best thing really is the creative process, but I love many people in the business. I have been a friend and fan of many of the big guys for close to half my life, and when I started my own brand MOST were very supportive. I also enjoy hanging with the guys who smoke the brand. I really just want to hang out and smoke.

Me: One of the things you say about your cigars is that you make them for yourself and if people happen to like them, then great. Which cigar of yours do you find yourself smoking the most?
Pete: I find myself jumping around from brand to brand, but I have been smoke a lot of La Riqueza lately. I love the sizes I picked for the brand… Classic.

Me: Being in the cigar industry a number of years now, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far that’s helped you along the way?
Pete: Don’t let your ego get in the way.  I have ideas that I love and think are great and maybe sometimes I do it only my way, but I always try to listen to the customer.  I’m happy to have a job thanks to people liking the same cigars I love.

Me: What was the last non-Tatuaje cigar you smoked?
Pete:I smoked a Don Pepin JJ Maduro Robusto; not a mild cigar. And a Cuban Montecristo No.4.

Me: And a slightly personal, get-to-know-Pete-Johnson question: what was the last artist and album uploaded into your iPhone?
Pete: I have tons of music on a hard drive, but to my iPhone from that drive, I loaded a couple of songs from Radiohead, Karma Police, and My Iron Lung. Also the Metallica S&M albums.

So, there it is folks, a little Q&A with Pete Johnson.  Pete says he’s been smoking the La Riquezas a lot lately, and from the latest review I just did, I can see why.

I’m looking forward to doing more Q&A sessions with other people in the industry so keep checking in.

No related posts.