A cigar that even tempts death...
A skeleton dances gracefully and with ease in the center of the band, while two others lie down and enjoy a cigar...This is an unusual and equally innovative presentation of the Skel Ton – xReLaxx.
This strikingly designed cigar is a creation from Tonio's Tabaco. The name – Skel Ton - is a combination of Skeleton and the first name of its creator, Tonio Neugebauer. Sophisticated and memorable.
The pale skeleton on the artistically decorated band forms the perfect contrast to the dark, characterful San Andrés wrapper from Mexico. Inside, a harmonious blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos is bound by two wrappers from Indonesia and Nicaragua. This premium product is manufactured in the renowned Plasencia factory in Nicaragua.
The figure of the skeleton has always been associated with death. More than two thousand years ago, there was already the idea of dancing skeletons accompanying people who were (still) alive on their way to the afterlife. At first glance, this idea seems to have negative connotations, but it contains a deeper and timeless message for humanity.
Every single person, whether poor, rich, famous, or lonely, is treated equally on their way to the afterlife. No one is spared, and no one receives special privileges.
This makes our present life more important. The life we are currently living.
This is precisely Tonio's message: “Enjoy life and try to make your dreams come true.”
What cigar is better suited for this than the xReLaxx? It is an invitation to mindfulness
and a reminder not to forget your own relaxation.
The cigar series from Tonio's Tabaco are more than just a luxury item. They are profound
reflections on life and how to live it.
As a fitting addition, the inside of each band features a philosophical quote from a great
thinker. I would like to conclude with one of these quotes, which I just read on my Skel Ton:
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Mae West -
This was written by a good friend of mine and cigarlover: Valentin Bonert
I can only guess why Rocky Patel named the cigar after an emerald. However, when you see this beauty, the reason becomes irrelevant. Nevertheless, the choice of name for a cigar line is identity-forming and of great importance. The image of the rich green Emerald paired with the box-pressed format is reminiscent of the shape of raw emerald crystals when mined.
Emeralds have been used as jewelry since at least ancient Egypt and have been considered extremely rare gemstones ever since. Important areas for emerald mining are in South America, especially Brazil and Colombia. This gemstone, which is derived from the mineral beryl, must meet high quality standards in terms of color depth in order to be considered an emerald. This rare gemstone and its journey to becoming a jewel is a wonderful analogy to Rocky Patel's premium cigars.
Incidentally, in ancient times, the color green was considered to strengthen the eyes. The Roman emperor Nero held an emerald in front of his eye so that he could better follow the spectacles in the Circus Maximus. Some may prefer to look at an emerald, while others may prefer to look through it. For my part, I prefer to smoke it... the Rocky“Emerald.”
This beautiful cigar is not only eye-catching, but also a “small” innovation from Rocky Patel. The new Emerald cigar series is available in three different vitolas: Toro, Robusto, and Sixty.
It is the first box-pressed cigar with a mild to medium-bodied profile offered by Rocky Patel. The previous box-pressed series are stronger and more full-bodied. A subtly spicy tobacco from Ecuador was chosen for the wrapper. Underneath are two binder leaves from Nicaragua and Mexico. The filler, consisting of tobaccos from Nicaragua and a single tobacco leaf from the Jamastrán Valley in Honduras, provides the special aromas.
This Story was written by a good friend and cigarlover: Valentin Bonert
Oscar Valladares - From tourist guide to cigar Icon
Oscar Valladares is regarded as one of the most recognized figures in the international boutique cigar scene. His path into the industry, however, did not begin as a cigar maker. In Honduras, he initially worked in tourism as a guide and driver for international visitors — among them was Rocky Patel. During this time, Valladares was introduced to the cigar-making world at close range and developed a deep fascination for the craft.
Rocky Patel offered him a full-time position in quality management. Later, he worked as an independent sales representative for Rocky Patel. Despite the valuable experience he gained, this phase ended with financial setbacks and debt. Valladares ultimately repaid these obligations in full and made a conscious decision to start over.
In 2012, together with Bayron Duarte and his brother Héctor, he founded Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Danlí, Honduras. The company’s first major attention came with the release of “2012,” a cigar uniquely wrapped in a raw tobacco leaf — a deliberate reference to the way tobacco was originally consumed by the Maya. This unconventional concept became the foundation of the brand.
The decisive breakthrough followed when U.S. retailer Jim Robinson (Leaf & Bean, Pittsburgh) discovered the cigar. What began as a private-label project evolved into "Leaf by Oscar", a line that quickly gained international recognition. In honor of Jim, later Oscar also created the cigar “Island Jim”. Valladares became known for an experimental yet thoughtful approach: tobacco leaves instead of cellophane, innovative wrapper concepts, artistically driven packaging, and a strong narrative connection to Honduras and its cultural heritage.
Today, Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. produces several million cigars annually, relies largely on its own tobacco cultivation across multiple regions of Honduras, and employs hundreds of people.
This limited-edition box-pressed cigar has been released exclusively for the German
market. As a tribute to Germany and its values, this rather strong and intense Maduro comes in a 5 x 48 Robusto vitola.
It was rolled in the Tabacalera Palma by master blender Jochy Blanco in the Dominican
Republic. Only 800 boxes of 20 cigars each were produced in this limited edition.
****************************************************
The history and symbolism of the cigar:
This cigar is based on the highly successful Villiger line “Cuellar Black Forest,” which was only available on the American market. This American version paid tribute to the German Black Forest, which is famous around the world. Unfortunately, the line could not be sold in Germany because the cigar was not produced in the Black Forest. In Germany, a product may only bear a geographical name if it has something to do with its origin and manufacture.
Villiger came up with something special to address this issue - the German exclusive edition “Alemana.” The black eagle on the golden band refers to the “imperial” eagle on a golden background, which has been in use since the Middle Ages.
The feathers on the wide-open wings are decorated in the German national colors – black, red, and gold. These German national colors first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century as a symbol of freedom, unity and sovereignty.
The colors were rejected several times by various governments, most notably by the
Third-Reich. After Germany's liberation from the Nazi-regime, the national colors
“black, red and gold” were reintroduced as a symbol of what they stood for.
Villiger also came up with something unusual for the cigar box. The first row of cigars consists of 9 cigars, the second row below consists of 11. The reference to November 9, 1989. On this day, the wall between East and West Germany fell. The beginning of German reunification.
Incidentally, the name “Alemana” is a historical designation for several ‘Germanic’ tribes, which in some countries was used as a synonym for the local population of the "German” territory. The “Germans” themselves and the term are, to put it bluntly, an
invention of Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor. He referred to all tribes that had characteristics different from the Gauls as Germans. Strictly speaking, “The Germans” did not exist. There were many different tribes. Like the Alemanni.
This text was written by my good friend and cigar enthusiast: Valentin Bonert
__________________________________________________
You get a little insight into how I create my videos without a studio or a budget.
Since I don’t have a studio, I film everything at home. I set up my lighting and scene from scratch for every shooting day and take everything down afterward. You probably know how it is: if you leave the stuff around too long, the wife gets annoyed 😆
Time-wise, two videos per week is the maximum output I can currently manage, because besides my many hobbies, I also spend a lot of time with family, the house, and work. Too many things I’m interested in and too little time.
I usually film in the evenings — either when the kids are asleep or out of the house for a few hours. Smoking is always done outside! Sometimes I light the cigar indoors for the camera and then quickly run outside. I hope my neighbors don't think I'm always smoking weed outside 😂
Often I film the unboxing and cutting of the cigar at home, and then do the second part — lighting and smoking — on another day. Preferably somewhere out in nature at a beautiful, quiet spot.
I limit myself to two or three cigars a week. I want cigars to always remain something special for me. The cigars you see in the videos are actually the ones I smoke myself.
Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to film and want to focus on the cigar and enjoy the moment — without a camera and without extra thoughts. In the end, it's a lot of effort for a 20-second video, but it's also a lot of fun!
Old World Smoke
A cigar series that hasn't been produced for years. Anyone who has one of these in their humidor can consider themselves lucky ;)
2 days ago | [YT] | 713
View 1 reply
Old World Smoke
A cigar that even tempts death...
A skeleton dances gracefully and with ease in the center of the band, while two others lie down and enjoy a cigar...This is an unusual and equally innovative presentation of the Skel Ton – xReLaxx.
This strikingly designed cigar is a creation from Tonio's Tabaco. The name – Skel Ton - is a combination of Skeleton and the first name of its creator, Tonio Neugebauer. Sophisticated and memorable.
The pale skeleton on the artistically decorated band forms the perfect contrast to the dark, characterful San Andrés wrapper from Mexico. Inside, a harmonious blend of Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobaccos is bound by two wrappers from Indonesia and Nicaragua. This premium product is manufactured in the renowned Plasencia factory in Nicaragua.
The figure of the skeleton has always been associated with death. More than two thousand years ago, there was already the idea of dancing skeletons accompanying people who were (still) alive on their way to the afterlife. At first glance, this idea seems to have negative connotations, but it contains a deeper and timeless message for humanity.
Every single person, whether poor, rich, famous, or lonely, is treated equally on their way to the afterlife. No one is spared, and no one receives special privileges.
This makes our present life more important. The life we are currently living.
This is precisely Tonio's message: “Enjoy life and try to make your dreams come true.”
What cigar is better suited for this than the xReLaxx? It is an invitation to mindfulness
and a reminder not to forget your own relaxation.
The cigar series from Tonio's Tabaco are more than just a luxury item. They are profound
reflections on life and how to live it.
As a fitting addition, the inside of each band features a philosophical quote from a great
thinker. I would like to conclude with one of these quotes, which I just read on my Skel Ton:
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” - Mae West -
This was written by a good friend of mine and cigarlover: Valentin Bonert
1 week ago | [YT] | 1,288
View 2 replies
Old World Smoke
Born in the earth, completed as a jewel.
I can only guess why Rocky Patel named the cigar after an emerald. However, when you see this beauty, the reason becomes irrelevant. Nevertheless, the choice of name for a cigar line is identity-forming and of great importance. The image of the rich green Emerald paired with the box-pressed format is reminiscent of the shape of raw emerald crystals when mined.
Emeralds have been used as jewelry since at least ancient Egypt and have been considered extremely rare gemstones ever since. Important areas for emerald mining are in South America, especially Brazil and Colombia. This gemstone, which is derived from the mineral beryl, must meet high quality standards in terms of color depth in order to be considered an emerald. This rare gemstone and its journey to becoming a jewel is a wonderful analogy to Rocky Patel's premium cigars.
Incidentally, in ancient times, the color green was considered to strengthen the eyes. The Roman emperor Nero held an emerald in front of his eye so that he could better follow the spectacles in the Circus Maximus. Some may prefer to look at an emerald, while others may prefer to look through it. For my part, I prefer to smoke it... the Rocky“Emerald.”
This beautiful cigar is not only eye-catching, but also a “small” innovation from Rocky Patel. The new Emerald cigar series is available in three different vitolas: Toro, Robusto, and Sixty.
It is the first box-pressed cigar with a mild to medium-bodied profile offered by Rocky Patel. The previous box-pressed series are stronger and more full-bodied. A subtly spicy tobacco from Ecuador was chosen for the wrapper. Underneath are two binder leaves from Nicaragua and Mexico. The filler, consisting of tobaccos from Nicaragua and a single tobacco leaf from the Jamastrán Valley in Honduras, provides the special aromas.
This Story was written by a good friend and cigarlover: Valentin Bonert
German Distributor: MK & Söhne
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 243
View 0 replies
Old World Smoke
Oscar Valladares - From tourist guide to cigar Icon
Oscar Valladares is regarded as one of the most recognized figures in the international boutique cigar scene. His path into the industry, however, did not begin as a cigar maker. In Honduras, he initially worked in tourism as a guide and driver for international visitors — among them was Rocky Patel.
During this time, Valladares was introduced to the cigar-making world at close range and developed a deep fascination for the craft.
Rocky Patel offered him a full-time position in quality management. Later, he worked as an independent sales representative for Rocky Patel.
Despite the valuable experience he gained, this phase ended with financial setbacks and debt. Valladares ultimately repaid these obligations in full and made a conscious decision to start over.
In 2012, together with Bayron Duarte and his brother Héctor, he founded Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. in Danlí, Honduras. The company’s first major attention came with the release of “2012,” a cigar uniquely wrapped in a raw tobacco leaf — a deliberate reference to the way tobacco was originally consumed by the Maya. This unconventional concept became the foundation of the brand.
The decisive breakthrough followed when U.S. retailer Jim Robinson (Leaf & Bean, Pittsburgh) discovered the cigar. What began as a private-label project evolved into "Leaf by Oscar", a line that quickly gained international recognition. In honor of Jim, later Oscar also created the cigar “Island Jim”. Valladares became known for an experimental yet thoughtful approach: tobacco leaves instead of cellophane, innovative wrapper concepts, artistically driven packaging, and a strong narrative connection to Honduras and its cultural heritage.
Today, Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. produces several million cigars annually, relies largely on its own tobacco cultivation across multiple regions of Honduras, and employs hundreds of people.
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 297
View 3 replies
Old World Smoke
VILLIGER Edición Alemana
*****************************************
About the cigar:
This limited-edition box-pressed cigar has been released exclusively for the German
market. As a tribute to Germany and its values, this rather strong and intense Maduro comes in a 5 x 48 Robusto vitola.
Wrapper: Mexico (Maduro)
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republic
It was rolled in the Tabacalera Palma by master blender Jochy Blanco in the Dominican
Republic. Only 800 boxes of 20 cigars each were produced in this limited edition.
****************************************************
The history and symbolism of the cigar:
This cigar is based on the highly successful Villiger line “Cuellar Black Forest,” which was only available on the American market. This American version paid tribute to the German Black Forest, which is famous around the world. Unfortunately, the line could not be sold in Germany because the cigar was not produced in the Black Forest. In Germany, a product may only bear a geographical name if it has something to do with its origin and manufacture.
Villiger came up with something special to address this issue - the German exclusive edition “Alemana.” The black eagle on the golden band refers to the “imperial” eagle on a golden background, which has been in use since the Middle Ages.
The feathers on the wide-open wings are decorated in the German national colors – black, red, and gold. These German national colors first appeared at the beginning of the 19th century as a symbol of freedom, unity and sovereignty.
The colors were rejected several times by various governments, most notably by the
Third-Reich. After Germany's liberation from the Nazi-regime, the national colors
“black, red and gold” were reintroduced as a symbol of what they stood for.
Villiger also came up with something unusual for the cigar box. The first row of cigars consists of 9 cigars, the second row below consists of 11. The reference to November 9, 1989. On this day, the wall between East and West Germany fell.
The beginning of German reunification.
Incidentally, the name “Alemana” is a historical designation for several ‘Germanic’ tribes, which in some countries was used as a synonym for the local population of the "German” territory. The “Germans” themselves and the term are, to put it bluntly, an
invention of Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor. He referred to all tribes that had characteristics different from the Gauls as Germans. Strictly speaking, “The Germans” did not exist. There were many different tribes. Like the Alemanni.
This text was written by my good friend and cigar enthusiast: Valentin Bonert
__________________________________________________
3 weeks ago (edited) | [YT] | 160
View 0 replies
Old World Smoke
You get a little insight into how I create my videos without a studio or a budget.
Since I don’t have a studio, I film everything at home. I set up my lighting and scene from scratch for every shooting day and take everything down afterward. You probably know how it is: if you leave the stuff around too long, the wife gets annoyed 😆
Time-wise, two videos per week is the maximum output I can currently manage, because besides my many hobbies, I also spend a lot of time with family, the house, and work. Too many things I’m interested in and too little time.
I usually film in the evenings — either when the kids are asleep or out of the house for a few hours. Smoking is always done outside! Sometimes I light the cigar indoors for the camera and then quickly run outside. I hope my neighbors don't think I'm always smoking weed outside 😂
Often I film the unboxing and cutting of the cigar at home, and then do the second part — lighting and smoking — on another day. Preferably somewhere out in nature at a beautiful, quiet spot.
I limit myself to two or three cigars a week.
I want cigars to always remain something special for me. The cigars you see in the videos are actually the ones I smoke myself.
Sometimes I’m just not in the mood to film and want to focus on the cigar and enjoy the moment — without a camera and without extra thoughts.
In the end, it's a lot of effort for a 20-second video, but it's also a lot of fun!
1 month ago | [YT] | 24
View 0 replies