If you’ve seen ads for the Cain Straight Ligero cigars then you’ve seen Sam Leccia. He’s that tough looking, biker-like dude that adorns every Cain advertisement. But judging a man by his looks is always a mistake, as I was about to find out.
Being a fan of both the Cain and Nub lines (both Sam’s creation), I was delighted to find that the Cain F Road Show was coming to Southern California, affording me a opportunity to meet the man who had created a vitola that had never existed before.[i] When Sam first entered The Cigar Lounge in Granada Hills, CA, I was surprised to see someone of such slight build, soft voice and gentle manner. Very approachable and eager to discuss all things cigar, you could tell that being on the road suited him. So well, in fact, that he has been promoting his wares, across America, for three years…and still loving it.
Like the young rock musician who sets up his own gear at a nightclub, Mr. Leccia assembled his small rolling station and stage area with a sense of purpose. With everything in its place, Sam opened three plastic Ziploc bags containing wrapper tobacco. The Habano, Connecticut Broadleaf, and Maduro looked so luscious as to seem almost edible. Inviting us to bury our noses in the leaf was a sublime experience. The aromatic quality of the tobacco was mouthwatering, with the Maduro having a slight ammonia scent…this tobacco was still fermenting.
While watching Sam roll cigars, it becomes clear that this guy is a tinkerer. His dexterity is superb and his focus razor sharp. Without these skills and his creative curiosity, the Nub might not have ever happened. He tells of, as a young smoker, moistening cigars, removing their wrappers, and “Frankensteining” them onto other cigars. Just to see how the taste would change. It’s that kind of “out of the box” thinking that would ultimately lead to new cigar creations.
At one point Mr. Leccia seemed more focused than usual. At a closer look, you could see him creating a cigar that would become a work of art. He was crafting a leaf cigar band (ring) by cutting ultra thin strips of tobacco and applying them to the outside of a finished cigar. When I remarked at how beautiful it was he told me “It’s not done yet”. 
I couldn’t imagine any more ornamentation but soon enough, his masterpiece was finally revealed. It was beautiful cigar. Sam’s use of different leaf colors made for a floral design with great detail. This was a cigar worthy of display and to smoke it would be just…well…wrong.
It was a great evening all around; hanging with Sam, the Lakers beating the Celtics (sorry Boston Fans), and the discovery of a great new Cigar Lounge. I’d like to thank Ashley, owner of The Cigar Lounge, for the good food and company, and for hosting this great event. If the Cain F Road Show rolls into your town, don’t miss it.
Event date was June 15, 2010.
[i] The Nub cigar line introduced a number of blends in the 4X60 range. Since then others have followed suit and the trend seems to be growing.
I enjoyed your review and couldn’t have said it better. In fact I would have said the same thing. I too had the pleasure to meet Sam at a Cain F Tour stop. My experience was identical and it made for a great evening of cigars. It was nice to meet someone with passion,excitement and the creativity to bring us some truly great new cigars. I look forward to more great sticks and continued growth and success for Cain/ Nub.