Hamlet Paredes Leaves Rocky Patel, Joins Bond Roberts

Hamlet Paredes, one of the world’s most famous cigar rollers, resigned from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc. late last month.

In both a post on the Friends of Habanos forum and in a phone call halfwheel had with Nish Patel, it was announced and then confirmed that Paredes would work for Bond Roberts, a cigar auction platform from James J. Fox, the Dublin, Ireland-based retailer, and Friends of Habanos, an online forum and store based in Australia. Paredes is currently on vacation in Europe, but is expected to begin working on projects for Bond Roberts and Friends of Habanos later this month.

Patel, the executive vice-president of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc., told halfwheel that Paredes left on “really good terms” and that his decision to leave will allow him to travel more internationally, something he did in his previous life working for Habanos S.A. In 2000—after working as the in-store roller at various Cuban cigar factories—Paredes began traveling on behalf of Habanos S.A. to international destinations to conduct rolling events. During these trips, he became friends with a number of people, including Rob Fox of James J. Fox. In 2015, he left Cuba for America and took a job at Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc.

During his seven years at the company, a number of lines were launched using Hamlet’s name, including Tabaquero by Hamlet Paredes, Hamlet 25th Year, Liberation by Hamlet and Hamlet 2020. Nish Patel told halfwheel that the company would continue to sell all of these lines with the exception of Tabaquero, which is being discontinued.

Patel added that Paredes’ son will continue to work for BURN by Rocky Patel and was recently promoted to humidor manager.