We’ve been handed a lot of cigars, but only one booth has given us chocolate-covered bacon. Vato Cigars is based out of Binion’s in downtown Las Vegas, Nev. and it only seemed fitting that they made their debut at this year’s IPCPR. While most of its cigars are probably new to anyone that doesn’t make a regular appearance at the downtown casino, they also brought a new Black Diamond, their strongest cigar.

Vato Cigars 1

Vato Cigars 2

Vato Cigars 3

The Booth
Chocolate-covered bacon, a grill, picnic tables. Vato is a party, decorated by Sarah Vato herself.

Vato Black Diamond

Black Diamond
It’s the strongest cigar in the portfolio, something that they made given the demand. It’s produced in Miami, like the majority of the portfolio. And yes, that wrapper is two different colors.

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Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.