Special Course | BHI Invites Top Cuban Cigar Quality Inspectors and Rollers to Deliver a Public Lecture on Cigar Culture

To cultivate students' professional abilities and comprehensive qualities, and to implement the student-centered educational service philosophy, continuously optimizing immersive education, the Teaching Affairs Department of BHI  has specially invited Ms. Li Ran, Chief Operating Officer of Beijing Qiepin Cultural Communication Co., Ltd., and Mr. Wang Zhen, Chief Cigar Sommelier of Lige Rong Tobacco and Cigar Lounge (Beijing), along with top Cuban Cigar Quality Inspector Yordanka Minguez Varona and top Cuban Cigar Roller Yordanis Betancourt Laffita, to deliver a theme lecture on 'Cigar Culture and Practical Knowledge' for students and faculty

This public lecture primarily focused on three core aspects: cigar culture, distinguishing genuine and fake cigars, and cigar rolling techniques. General Manager Wang Zhen began by explaining the differences between Cuban and non-Cuban cigars. Using recent retail and sales data for domestically produced handmade cigars, he analyzed the development stages and future trends of Chinese-style cigars. Students expressed particular interest in domestic cigar brands and engaged in lively discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of domestic cigars compared to Cuban cigars.

Ms. Li Ran introduced her company's main business and provided an overview of the overall framework of the current course for students and faculty

Wang Zhen delivered a presentation

Wang Zhen, with 18 years of experience in the cigar industry, has held various roles such as Senior Cigar Sommelier, Great Wall Cigar Brand Ambassador, and Cigar Expert. He possesses profound insights into both domestic and international cigar culture and industry development. Wang Zhen remarked, 'Cigars are the ultimate symbol of tobacco products, an essential element showcasing the taste of sophisticated individuals, and a necessary skill in high-end social circles. Engaging with cigars and acquiring knowledge in this area can facilitate communication between hotel professionals and high-end users.'

Lecturer Yordanka Minguez Varona, drawing from her practical work experience, explained to students how to differentiate between genuine and fake cigars by examining details such as the printing quality and delicacy of cigar labels, the appearance, materials, and printing effects of packaging boxes, as well as the details of the cigar itself, including the cap, body, and foot

Based on the lecture content, both faculty and students observed the relevant details of cigars

Practical Application in Progres

Cuban 9th-grade cigar roller Yordanis Betancourt Laffita conducted a complete cigar rolling demonstration for students and provided guidance as some faculty and students used locally sourced tobacco and instructional tools from Cuba. Following the traditional crafting process, they produced high-quality cigars.

Students who participated in the hands-on experience expressed, 'Making cigars may seem simple, but it requires profound skills. Despite facing various challenges during the process, the patient guidance from the teachers helped us successfully complete the production. Making cigars deepened our understanding of the craftsmanship involved and elevated our overall awareness of cigar culture.'

This event not only broadened the teaching perspectives of the college faculty but also allowed students to firsthand experience authentic cigar-making techniques, gaining insights into the differences and similarities among cigar materials. The open lecture on cigar culture and practical knowledge is an extension of ZHONGRUI's distinctive practical courses, representing a deeper exploration of ZHONGRUI's international and applied educational philosophy. In the future, the college will continue to enhance course development, providing a broader platform for ZHONGRUI students to broaden their horizons.