Nick Hammond — cigar journalist, author, and storyteller live at the Light 'em Up Lounge

Topic: Around the World in 80 Cigars: There and Back Again with Nick Hammond 🔥 Episode Overview Nick Hammond — journalist, author, and storyteller — returns to the lounge to discuss his upcoming book sequel, the philosophy of "cigar literature," and the grit behind the glamour. From surviving minus 15-degree nights in a hammock to ghostwriting the life story of Nick Perdomo, Hammond explores how curiosity and craftsmanship define the epicurean lifestyle. 🧭 Key Discussion Highlights 1. The Essence of a British Gentleman Nick discusses his background, emphasizing that he didn't come from an affluent or "posh" environment. His journey into the cigar world was driven by curiosity and a desire to learn without pretense. He views writing as his primary tool for expression, allowing readers to "be there" with him through keen observation. The concept of luxury is redefined not by cost, but by the ability to appreciate and savor a single moment. 2. Why "Cigar Literature" Matters Nick notes a lack of deep educational content in the industry compared to wine or whiskey. Much of modern social media content is criticized as "narcissistic" or superficial, focusing on aesthetics over substance. Literature provides "wisdom held between pages" that requires a level of commitment and mental immersion that digital soundbites lack. The goal of his work is to provide both information and entertainment in an eloquent, lasting form. 3. The Crowdfunding Journey To maintain independence and commercial viability, Nick is self-publishing the sequel to *Around the World in 80 Cigars*. The campaign offers exclusive rewards, including limited-edition covers and a chance to travel to Nicaragua. A partnership with Cigar Journal provides a free one-year digital subscription to all backers of the campaign. Self-publishing allows the author to capture the true "brand story" of manufacturers without the restrictions of traditional advertising laws. 4. The Perdomo Project Nick reveals he is currently ghostwriting the semi-autobiography of Nick Perdomo. The book details the "American Dream" story of an air traffic controller who built a global cigar empire from a garage. Hammond highlights the "Perdomo Way" — a unique approach to business and family that "zags" when the rest of the industry "zigs." The project involves deep-diving into the family's history, interviewing relatives, and capturing Nick Perdomo's unique voice. 5. Inclusivity and the Cigar Lounge The group discusses the "intimidation factor" for newcomers entering high-end cigar stores. Personal anecdotes reveal that cigar lounges are often great "equalizers" where cab drivers, celebrities, and billionaires share common ground. Breaking the ice through a shared love of the leaf usually reveals a welcoming community. Social anxiety is acknowledged as a real barrier, but one that is often overcome once a conversation begins. 6. Giving Back to the Source A core pillar of Nick's work is supporting the communities that grow tobacco. Proceeds from his first book supported a school in Estelí, Nicaragua, providing nearly $10,000 for children's education. The new project will fund full scholarships for children in the slum areas of León through a Belgian charity. Education is viewed as the "golden bullet" to improve life chances and lifespans for children in tobacco-growing regions. 💬 Final Thought Cigars are more than the sum of their parts; they are a medium for travel, history, and human connection. Whether through a book or a shared smoke, the journey is about keeping the curiosity of the heart alive. With that — light ’em up.