Check out this exclusive cigar profile with former NBA® star Karl Malone. Karl unveiled La Aurora Barrel Aged by Karl Malone during the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show. His daughter Kadee Malone joined her dad for some two-on-one with Boveda host Rob Gagner.
NEW DM CIGAR—THE MAILMAN INDEED DELIVERS!
Explore cigars, cigar life and cigar enjoyment with Rob Gagner, host of Box Press, Boveda’s cigar podcast.
Subscribe to the Box Press podcast on the Boveda Cigar YouTube Channel or on iTunes.
CATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS:
- When did Karl Malone smoke his first cigar? (2:00)
- How is Karl Malone’s family involved in his premium cigar launch? (3:50)
- What are marriage tips from the former pro basketball player? (7:41)
- How to form fellowship through cigar smoking. (10:21)
- What you shouldn’t find in any good cigar lounge. (11:50)
- What’s distinctive about the Karl Malone’s cigar box? (15:36)
- How does a player’s reputation affect branding a cigar? (16:58)
“You guys have the best humidor packs anywhere,” Karl Malone said.
KARL MALONE’S PRO BASKETBALL CAREER:
- Retired NBA power forward
- Played for the Utah Jazz for 18 seasons (culminated his career as a Los Angeles Laker)
- Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Member
- Two-time NBA MVP
- 14-Time NBA All-Star
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist
High flying dunk by #32 Karl Malone. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
#32 is no longer running the floor as he did as a driving force for the Utah Jazz. When Boveda caught up with the former NBA power forward, he was running the show floor at the 2018 IPCPR.
At the daddy of cigar trade shows, Karl Malone launched his cigar brand La Aurora Barrel Aged by Karl Malone. And in celebrated Malone style, Karl and his hard-working family nabbed a Best in Show New Exhibitor Award at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas. Slam dunk.
Just some of the Malone bunch showing off their big win at 2018 IPCPR. Left to right: Karlee, Kadee, Kay and Karl Malone.
TIGHT-KNIT CIGAR FAMILY
Karl isn’t the type of celeb to just slap his moniker on a smoke. The hall of famer is a true cigar lover—has been since his mid 20s. And if he weren’t the real deal, he wouldn’t involve his family in the cigar industry the way he has.
“When we make decisions, everyone is involved,” Karl said.
Rob said, “After talking with Karl and his daughter, Kadee during the Box Press podcast, I loved how much this cigar launch is a family affair. Several of his seven children were involved in its creation.
I met Karl’s wife Kay at IPCPR after wrapping this episode. She for sure is the glue that keeps everything together for the Malone family.”
Karl and his family created the premium cigar with historic D.M. cigar maker, La Aurora.
Founded in 1903, La Aurora is the oldest cigar factory in Dominican Republic. Cigar aficionados recognize La Aurora for its well-known cigar brands, such as León Jimenes, Princes, Family Reserve and Imperiales. As with many other La Aurora cigar lines, Karl’s blend marries tobacco with time.
TOBACCO GOES INTO OVERTIME
Karl tried 20 blends of tobacco before selecting the one that wears his ring. The filler is a blend of tobacco from Peru, Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. The wrapper and binder are all Ecuadorian. After aging for six years, the tobacco for the binder and filler go into aging overtime. For an additional six months, this tobacco ages in rum barrels. Aging in rum barrels brings a toasted wood flavor to Karl’s cigars. Once rolled, the cigars are aged for three more months.
Even Karl Malone’s cigar box is an all-star. The embossed exterior has the look and feel of a basketball.
PLEASURES OF A PREMIUM CIGAR
Why was Karl so game to jump into the premium cigar industry? “…when you get your stick, it’s really a fellowship. [It] don’t matter how much money you got or what kind of car you drive.
There could be six of us in a room and we got one thing in common, all of us. We love a good smoke. Well, that’s the conversation. Then we get to where you from, what type of cigar you like. [Cigar smoking] is a fellowship that has no barriers. Race, religion, it doesn’t matter,” Karl said.
“Every time I ever walk into a cigar lounge anywhere or getting ready to light up, there’s a calm that’s amazing.”
Now Karl has provided that experience for his fellow cigar lovers.
Learn How to Taste Test a Cigar from halfwheel founder Charlie Minato.
PALM A BOX OF THE MAILMAN’S CIGARS
So where can you get your hands on Karl’s Dominican-made cigars? They’re coming soon to the Malone family’s smoke shop, Legends 32 Cigar and Vape in Ruston, Louisiana. Ruston is in northern Louisiana between Shreveport and Monroe. Ruston is also home to Karl’s alma mater, Louisiana Tech University. (Go Bulldogs!)
Although Legends 32 will not ship the cigars, tobacconists around the country will also carry La Aurora Barrel Aged by Karl Malone.
As Karl said, “Smoke ’em if you got ’em. If you don’t have ’em, come get ’em.”
Before you road trip to Legends 32 Cigar and Vape, give them a holler at (318) 224-7205 to check if the Karl Malones are in—his cigars, not the proud papa pictured here with his daughter, Kadee Malone, who manages the shop.
