The earthquakes and tsunamis that ravaged Japan earlier this year may no longer be in the headlines, but that doesn’t mean all has returned to normal in the archipelago nation. The process of cleaning up and recovering from the disaster will take years, with a high cost that is nearly impossible to accurately estimate.
The experience of watching the many video clips as they made their way around the globe was one of shock at the immensity of it all, and futility at knowledge that there truly was nothing we could do but watch. The charitable Para Japón project arose out of the desire to do whatever we could do to help the Japanese people as an avid group of cigar smokers. I say “we” because I was involved in the initial discussion, and was actually the one that recommended “Para Japón” name. Of course, the real credit goes to Mario for coming up with the concept, and Guillermo Leon of La Aurora for actually producing the cigars. But I’m flattered and honored that I was able to contribute in some small way. For the official details, please see the press release excerpts below.
I’m not here today just to announce the existence of the project, you’ve probably already heard about it by now. Today’s post serves to let you know about Para Japón Virtual Release Party and to give Stogie Review patrons the opportunity to win one of a number of Para Japón two-packs we have to give away.
How to Enter the Contest
To enter to win a Para Japón two-pack, all you have to do is answer the following questions using the comment functionality below. Get your entry in by 4/24/11. Easy as that. Winners will be selected at random and contacted by email for shipping information.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
Note: This is a part of a larger contest with numerous participating cigar blogs. You can only win one two-pack, total. (If you’ve already won one elsewhere, no need to enter again, but feel free to say say hi.) We’re doing this to maximize the number of people who get to it out. More winners, bigger release party. Of course, don’t even think about entering if you’re under 18, or cannot legally enter for any other reason. Void where prohibited and all that other stuff too.
AND THE WINNERS ARE…
FF184
Brad
Mike
Jeff (jkpiper)
Jeffrey
Kaz646
858 Nick
Matt
Check your email guys, and respond with your address so we can get you your cigars in time for the virtual herf!
Para Japón Virtual Release Party Information
Date & Time: April 29 (Fri), 2011 from 7PM
Live Location: in Miami Cigar & Co. Headquarter
Streaming via: http://www.paraJapon.com
You can communicate@: Ustream Chat, Twitter, Facebook
A short history of the “Para Japón” concept:
In March 2011 La Aurora hosted a media event at their factory in the Dominican
Republic. Invited to this event were many members of the online cigar blog
community who have become a vital part of the cigar industry today. During an
evening discussion at the hotel where the attendees were staying the topic of
the recent devastation in Japan came up. Cigar Explorer founder Mario
Takayama (a native of Japan) described the area of Japan most impacted by the
earthquake/tsunami, and just how much this destruction of that region will set
back the country as a whole. As most conversations of this manner play out, the
idea of “what can we do to help?” arose. Guillermo quickly came to the decision
that he really had to do something, so the idea for a cigar (Now know as “Para
Japón”) will be produced, and all the proceeds from the sale of the cigar will be
donated to the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief fund thought JAPAN
TOBACCO IMEX CO. LTD, La Aurora Distributor in Japan.Details of the Virtual Release Party
The Virtual Release Party will be a live online event hosted by Team of Project
Para Japón that is open to anyone who wishes to join in on this significant
occasion. The event will be streamed live via UStream (Link will be on
ParaJapon.com) and Guillermo will be on hand to answer any questions about
the Para Japón cigar, or any of the La Aurora products. Also attending the event
via UStream Chat, Twitter, and Facebook are all of the cigar bloggers who
attended the La Aurora media event in the Dominican Republic. These bloggers
will share stories from the trip, and give their opinions on the “Para Japón” cigar.For more details on the La Aurora Para Japón cigar please visit ParaJapon.com
to read the official press release from La Aurora Cigars.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
The 107 Robusto is one of my favorites.
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
With any luck, it will be the Para Japon! (if not, it will be a Guillermo Leon Classic Corona).
Brian,
I just wanted to thank you for your involvement in this humanitarian project. As a Sansei, it does hit pretty close to home. Kudos to all the others involved as well.
Of course, the next La Aurora would have to be a Para Japón.
Thanks again,
Jeff
1. My favorite La Aurora is the 107 Lancero.
2. My next La Aurora I plan to smoke will likely be the Corojo.
Favorite La Aurora cigar ? The 107 lancero
Next? La Aurora Cigarillo (As we speak.)
Can’t wait to try the Para Japon. Great cause.
Thank you for promoting the awareness of this worthy cause.
1. Pueblo Domincano II
2. 107
I have never smoked any, for that I am sorry. I would love the chance to though!
My favorite is the 100 Anos and my next will be a 107 Corona. Thanks for the contest!
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? 107 Toro
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? 107 lancero
1) The 107 in lancero is my favorite La Aurora cigar.
2) The next La Aurora cigar I plan on smoking is the Preferidos Platinum.
Props to everyone involved in making this cigar a reality to support the cause in Japan.
Favorite the 1495, next one the 1495 🙂
1. Favorite so far has been the 1495.
2. Next I plan on, thanks to this effort, will be the Para Japon.
Since it’s illegal to import tobacco without paying the taxes and what not, I can’t enter this contest. Still, I think this is a great innitiative and I do hope that legislators take note: the cigar industry is supportive of the Japanese efforts. Perhaps tobacco people aren’t all bad people who’s products should be outlawed for health benefits…
favorite would be the 1495
next to smoke will be the 107 lancero
1. The 107 2. Poss. all makes.
Easily my favorite La Aurora cigar is the 1495 Belicoso. Smooth, creamy, and yet medium to full-bodied. They’re a bit hard to find, but I’ll track down a couple for the Para Japón Virtual Release Party.
Great cause. Keep fighting the good fight!
1) Tough question. I’m going to have to go with Preferido Cameroon.
2) The next LA I plan on smoking is a 107 tonight.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
100 Anos Lancero
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
Leon Jimenez 300 series
Favorite is the 107 lancero
Next cigar, the 107 lancero! 🙂
To be Fair I haven’t tried a La Aurora product yet, I’m still fairly new into the cigar world, but if I were to buy one now it would have to be the 107 I hear so much about. I hope the Para Japon does well and would love to try it one day. Good luck and great work
1. Favorite is 1495
2. Next cigar to smoke- 107 lancero
An excellent cause.
1) La Aurora 107
2) La Aurora Broadway
Thank you.
1. La aurora 1495 robusto
2. La aurora 107 lancero
1. La Aurora Preferido Cameroon #3
2. La Aurora 107 Toro
Looking forward to the virtual release.
The 107 Robusto is my favorite La Aurora stick. The next on will be the same. I have purchased a box recently from my local b&m.
1. The new Guillermo Leon Belicoso has taken my top spot.
2. Either a Guillermo Leon Belicoso, or maybe a 107 Robusto. Both are tasty.
1. La Aurora 107 Robusto
2. La Aurora 1495 Corona
1. La Aurora 107 Belicoso
2. And with alot of luck the new Para Japon
1. La Aurora 107 Robusto
2. Guillermo Leon Belicoso
1. 107 lancero
2. GL corona
thanks for the contest!
1.) My favorite La Aurora is the 107 Robusto.
2.) The next La Aurora I’ll smoke is another 107 Robusto. I recently bought a box.
1. My favorite La Aurora is the 107 Robusto.
2. The next La Aurora I’ll smoke? The Para Japon of course! LOL
mango
Take my name out of contest. I won a pair.
1. Favorite is the 107 lancero
2. Next up is 1495 robusto
1) Guillermo Leon corona
2) Same as 1 above
Would love to try the #4, but can’t find’em.
1) La Aurora 100 anos belicoso
2) I would love to try the puro vintage
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? 107 Petit Robusto
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? 1495 Series
1. My favorite La Aurora is the 107 Corona.
2. The next La Aurora I’ll smoke is the Corojo Torpedo
Thanks Guys!
Smoking the 107 lanceros right now. Love these things. Looking forward to trying the para japon as my next La Aurora cigar!!
1.) 100 Anos Corona
2.) 107 Lancero
1- Preferido
2- Para Japon
1). Preferidos Cammy
2). Preferidos Cammy
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? 107 Toro
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? Probably the 107 Lancero unless I can get some of the Para Japon
Give me! lol
Guillermo Leon Corona Gorda. Probably the 107 Corona. Both are favorites of mine :-). Thanks for the contest!
1. Favorite La Aurora…guillermo Leon corona gorda
2. Next la aurora..probably 107 robusto.
107 lancero.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
—So far it’s the 107, tasty stick!!
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
—Guillermo Leon Gran Corona, just picked it up yesterday at my local B&M.
1.) Preferidos 1903 Maduro
2.) hopefully a Para Japon!
1. I would say 1495 series in robusto
2 Hopefully the Para Japon
Thanks for the contest Guys
1-La Aurora 107 Robusto
2-Preferido Corojo
Favotite: La Superiore
Next to smoke: Hopefully La Superiore if ever reintroduced
Favorite so far is defintiely the 107, however have been hearing alot fo chatter about the 100 anos…..
1. Favorite is the La Aurora Preferido #2 Ruby
2. Next to smoke is the La Aurora 1495 Belicoso
1) 107 lancero
2) 107 robusto
Great work guys!
1. I wuold like to have The La Aurora Preferidos Cameroon any size.
2. As an Asian myself that I’d like to support my Asian brothers and sisters. I will buy as much as I can afford the Para Japón cigars. When is the Para Japón Cigar hitting the B&M. The local B&M at my town don’t have them.
It is hard to win a cigar on the Stogie Review guys. I have been tried for years.
My favorite is the 107. I will be reaching for a 100 Anos next.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
La Aurora 107 Toro
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
I have a La Aurora 107 Robusto resting…unless I win these 🙂
Fav would be the 107
Next will probably be another 107.
Favorite is the 107
my next one will be 1495
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
107 Robusto
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
107 Robusto – I just recently had a 107 and some Corojos. I loved the 107 and can’t wait to get my hands on some more
1) 100 anos
2) 107 lancero
Favorite is 1495 robusto
Nexxt is 107 robusto
1. Cameroon Robusto
2. Hopefully the Para Japon!
🙂
1) 107 toro
2) G Leon Signature Series – have them waiting in the humidor for me, just waiting on a nice day to kick back and enjoy
1- Preferidos #2 cam
and likely to be another Preferidos #2
1. Fav is the 107 Corona
2. Next to try will hopefully be the Japon.
1. 107 lancero
2. 107 robusto
1.) Guillermo Leon corona
2.) 107 corona
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? 107 Toro
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? Probably another 107 Toro
Favorite: 1495 Belicoso
Next: would like to try the 107 (or the Para Japon, depending on what I get first)
My favorite is the 100 Anos.
My next one will (hopefully) be the Para Japon.
My favorite La Aurora cigar is the 107 robusto
The next La Aurora cigar I plan on smoking the 100 anos
1. 100 Anos Perfecto
2. 100 Anos Perfecto
Favorite La Aurora is the 100 Anos.
Next is prob the 1495 robusto.
thank you for rasing awareness, japan will come back stronger then before.
1) Favorite is the 1495 Robusto
2)Guillermo Leon Corona Gorda and the Para Japon
My favorite is puro vintage i tried it just once but it was a great cigar the next on my list is the 100Anos
Favorite: Preferidos, probably the Ruby first or the Platinum
Next: Of course, the next La Aurora will be the Para Japón I’m going to win!
1. Favorite so far has been the 1495.
2. Next will be the Para Japon.
Thanks
So far my fave has to be the 107, but I haven’t tried a Preferido yet…be picking one up this weekend. Great contest
Favorite: 107
next smoke: 100 anos
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
The 107 corona size.
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
Gonna give the Para Japon a try … great cause. I heard an ATL BOTL had something to do with the naming of the cigar.
I have not tried any of the La Aurora brand yet.but I’m looking at the
Aurora Preferido Maduro for my first tasting,
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? La Sirena The Prince (love the Connecticut Broadleaf)
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? Guillermo Leon Corona Gorda
1.) Guillermo Leon Corona
2.) Para Japon
Me again. Brian if my name gets picked drop me. Cause I enter over at the tiki bar online I won their contest for the Para Japon cigars. So I don’t need to double dip.
1) My favorite is La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Magnifico
2) Next to purchase is La Aurora Puro Vintage
I just won a pack but I still wanted to say hi.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? – 107 Lancero without a doubt!
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? – Para Japon
My favorite is the 1495 and that will be the next one I smoke 🙂 Vintage Cameroon. Very nice.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? – My favorite LA cigar is without a doubt the 1495. It performed very well ans received very high ratings when I sampled one that a had a few years of age on it.
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? My next LA cigar is going to be Preferido Cameroon Robusto. Probably tomorrow night. Can’t wait!
Favorite :La Aurora 107
Next Cigar: Para Japon
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar? 1495
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking? 1495, lol
The 107 Lancero is my recent favorite. The next Aurora I smoke will be the 107 Lancero resting in my humidor!
Great idea to help those in need in Japan.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
The 107 in any size is on my top 3 list!
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
With any luck, it will be the Para Japon! Otherwise, I’m sure it will be another 107! Happy Easter!
Favorite was the 100 Anos. I just finished a box of Coronas that I had bought 4-5 years ago. They just kept getting better and better. But, sadly now they are all gone up in smoke.
Next up is a sampler of Chateau Fuente (black and green ribbons) Rothchild’s that I put together last summer. Time to smoke them now that the weather is getting nice.
Smoke them while you can….
Opps, My mistake. I should not be typing and thinking at the same time….
The next La Aurora’s are some of the Famous Smoke shop 70 Anniv that I got for Xmas.
I dont know what my favorite la aurora cigar is because I haven’t tried them yet ,but i would like to win some and have a go at it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved the 1495 BME Dominicana, smoked a few last summer and by far the best. I have a Guilermo Leon in the humidor Im anxious to get around to smoking soon as my next Aurora.
1.) What is your favorite La Aurora cigar?
Preferidos Tubos De Luxe Red Maduro
2.) What is the next La Aurora cigar you plan on smoking?
1495 Belicoso
And the contest has finished. Winners selected and posted shortly. Thanks everyone who entered!
I’m so excited, thanks Brian, Stogie Review, and La Aurora.