Introduction

If Disneyland is the happiest place on earth, then the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival (RMCF) is the happiest place with smoke. There’s something about thousands of cigar lovers gathering in the Colorado sunshine that feels like a family reunion, even if you’ve never met half the people there. And in 2025, this festival proved once again that cigars aren’t just about smoke — they’re about stories, connections, and a whole lot of laughs. I had the pleasure of covering this as Media this year. More on that later with posts and video/podcasts to come. But I can tell you for sure that my dear friend from Beyond the Humidor, Greg Perry was there, and I got to really see the ins and outs of this event, and it was awesome.

Walking Into the Smoke Cloud

The moment I stepped onto the grounds, I was hit with that glorious blend of aromas — toasted cedar, coffee, spice, and sweet tobacco rolling through the air like holy incense. Vendors lined the paths with tables stacked high with cigars that looked more like treasures than products.

I caught myself doing a double take more than once. A cigar lover’s dream, laid out booth after booth. Everywhere I turned, there were reps handing out cigars, lighters flashing, and people comparing notes on the latest blends like sommeliers at a wine tasting.

People Make the Festival

One thing that sets RMCF apart is the people. It’s not just cigar aficionados flexing their knowledge; it’s regular folks, blue-collar guys, businesswomen, veterans, young beginners, and old pros — all sitting down, lighting up, and becoming instant friends.

At one point, I found myself at a table with three strangers. We started with small talk about cigars, but before long we were sharing life stories, laughing like we’d known each other for years. That’s what a good cigar does: it slows life down long enough for relationships to spark.

The “Ash Trophy” Competition (Unofficial, Of Course)

Now, let’s talk about the unspoken competition at every cigar festival — the ash game. People walking around like proud parents, balancing an ash longer than some people’s cigars. I complimented more than one stranger: “Nice ash.” (And yes, I got the sideways looks, but also the laughs.)

Some folks measure a good cigar by flavor, others by draw. But at RMCF? Sometimes, it’s all about how long you can keep that ash standing tall.

Entertainment & Energy

Music filled the air, cold drinks were flowing, and laughter was constant. Imagine a mix between a county fair and a classic lounge night, but add premium cigars into the equation. Bands played, people mingled, and you could feel the energy buzzing like a humidor full of freshly aged sticks.

Everywhere you looked, people were smiling. Even the guys working the booths — who’d been talking cigars for hours — still had energy to chat and share their passion.

The Treasure Bag

No one leaves empty-handed. My backpack was loaded with cigars, swag, and a few new accessories I didn’t know I needed but couldn’t resist. (Do I need a travel humidor for just five cigars? Of course. Will I use it? Absolutely.)

I also walked away with memories that will last longer than the cigars themselves. That’s the thing about festivals like this — you get more than products; you get experiences.

Reflections at the End of the Day

As the sun dipped behind the mountains, smoke still drifted in the air like a farewell salute. I realized this wasn’t just an event about cigars. It was about slowing down, connecting, and remembering that life’s best moments are often the simplest — a chair, a cigar, and good company.

Call to Action

If you’ve never been to the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, put it on your calendar for next year. Bring your lighter, your favorite travel humidor, and an open heart for conversation. You’ll leave with more cigars than you can count, but even better — you’ll leave with stories you’ll be telling for years.

👉 See you at the next one. Until then, keep your humidor full and your ash long.
#RMCF2025