PCA Magazine Show Issue 2021

PREMIUMCIGARS.ORG SHOW 2021 | PCA The Magazine 23 T H E B L E N D not completely fulfilled. We realize as we celebrate our successes that much still needs to be done—more avenues to explore, more lives to touch, more charities to donate to, more educating to do. Creating the brand, as hard as it is, was the easiest part. The hardest part is to keep building on our success.” The brand name, Hiram& Solomon, is taken from stories in the Old Testament: King Solomon, son of David; and the Phoenician king Hiram— whose names and histories figure prominently as a basis of Freemasonry teachings. So it is that each of Hiram& Solomon’s 10 lines of cigars carries a Freemasonry-themed moniker. “The name of each one of our cigar lines refers to a specific degree, event, teaching, or a suborganization from within theMasons. We wanted each name to recall some memory that affected one’s life as aMason and, as such, to evoke an emotional response while smoking a specific cigar, such as the Entered Apprentice, the FellowCraft or theMaster Mason.” You don’t have to be aMason to appreciate the fruits of a creative process inspired by the organization. The idea of Masonic cigars has been embraced by a large cadre of smokers who appreciate excellent quality, however inspired. Even still, Kashouty says a few have voiced reservations, even a touch of fear, at the sight of cigar bands carryingMasonic symbols. It is, after all, a fraternity that is selective about who gets in, and this leads to a sense of mystery and even mistrust. Curiously enough, however, that touch of mystery also worked in the company’s favor. “Unexpectedly, Hiram& Solomon became a discussion topic among smokers and the media,” says Kashouty. “Increasing numbers of people became intrigued and even wanted to knowmore about theMasons. Somehow the brand became an ambassador to the fraternity and people worldwide started getting in touch with us to learnmore about it and became members. But really, our only hope was that the creation of these cigars would bring a positive experience to all types of people who love cigars the world over. Perhaps it will bring someMasons closer together as they bond over a smoke after or before a meeting. Andmaybe it will induce a non-brother to learn about Freemasonry and its history. Maybe, too, our experience can inspire someone else to follow their dream and never give up. At the very least,” Kashouty summarizes, “we are confident we have provided a consistently tasty, quality cigar that appeals to everyone’s palate. If it represents Freemasons all over the world with pride, so much the better.” The Hiram& Solomon lines run the gamut of tastes. Care was taken in choosing the names and the blends, each to fit a specific degree or teaching in the progression of Freemasonry: Entered Apprentice First degree of three—a mild cigar with a Connecticut wrapper but with Paraguayan leaf and some Pennsylvania broadleaf to add some kick to the mildness, the idea being to prepare you for the next level. Fellow Craft Second degree of three—again, a cigar blended to prepare you for the next degree up. This is a mediumblend with a ligero. Master Mason Third degree of three—a full- bodied cigar; a nice, strong Maduro with a sweetness that reminds the brother that he is to be strong but also to have a sweet heart. Shriner A cigar dedicated to the Shriners, who operate 20 top- notch hospitals, which are free for whoever cannot afford to pay. This is a mediumblend with leaf fromfive countries and six regions, signifying the universality of Freemasonry. Traveling Man AMasonic name signifying the search for the light, truth and knowledge. AMasonmust “The brand name, Hiram & Solomon, is taken from stories in the Old Testament: King Solomon, son of David; and the Phoenician king Hiram— whose names and histories figure prominently as a basis of Freemasonry teachings.”