In the cigar world, he is well known for his definitive book: The Ultimate Cigar Book, which in its third edition is now completely sold out and awaiting a revised fourth edition. He is the author of numerous pipe books including, Pipesmoking: a 21st Century Guide; and Rare Smoke: the Ultimate Guide to Pipe Collecting.

But there is much more to the story of Richard Carleton Hacker. He has published audio and videotapes, numerous books and literally thousands of articles for pipe and cigar publications around the world. And there’s still more… he travels the world in search of adventure, whether it be drinking the finest Scotch in Scotland or wines in Australia; viewing the longest day of the year during Summer Solstice at Orkney’s “Ring of Brodgar,” or test-driving new Porsche’s; and somehow managing the time to mix it up with famous actors, politicians, playwrights, and chefs.

And yet, this still doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the man who travels worldwide as an author, wine and spirits judge, exhibitor at cigar and pipe tradeshows, and is a much-sought-after consultant, writer and presenter.

Amid all this hustle and bustle, I was duly impressed with Richard’s willingness to provide the following interview for our Stogie Fresh readers. After meeting and talking with him and his lovely wife at the recent 2007 RTDA Trade Show in Houston, I was even more impressed with his genuine interest in each person who visited his booth. I am pleased to bring you but a small chapter of the seemingly never-ending-story of Richard Carleton Hacker.

DOC: You are an accomplished writer and have an eclectic resume of writings, including cigars, pipes and libations. How in the world did you develop such a wealth of knowledge about such a wide array of topics, and, how can I sign up to do the same?!

RICHARD: Everybody asks me that question. The truth is, ever since I can remember, I knew I was born to write. Sounds corny, but that’s the way it has always been. I didn’t know what kind of writing it would be, but I knew I was destined to share information of some kind with like-minded people via the printed and spoken word. 

I was first nationally published at 17 years of age – won the grand prize in a Boy’s Life writing contest with a story called The Cowboy and the Steer. It was a western fiction story, and that told me that someone beside myself also believed I was a writer. So while in school, I wrote westerns and science fiction for the pulp magazines that flourished at the time, (I got paid five cents a word!) and eventually – in college – began smoking cigars and pipes and drinking whiskey to relax and yes – to look cool. (I have never smoked cigarettes – can’t stand them). And I found I really enjoyed it. I started out with Robert Burns at ten cents each and A&C Grenadiers and Medico pipes because that as all I could afford. But gradually, I began discovering that – yes! - there were some really good cigars out there. And some really well made pipes. And some great aged whiskies. Once you sample any of these premiums cigars or spirits, you can’t go back. So that’s when I developed my philosophy that I would rather smoke one great cigar a week instead of a bad one every day of the week. 

Below at the Coonawarra railroad station in South Australia, on the

trail of Wynn's Coonawarra Estate Cabernet and Syrah

Being naturally curious, it was not enough just enjoying these “vices of life,” I had to find out how they were made and who made them, and where. I sought out the cigar makers, traveling to Cuba (journalists can legally go there if accredited), the DR, Honduras, Canary Islands, etc, etc. and visiting distilleries in Scotland (I’ve been to 150 of them so far – only 100 more to go!), Kentucky, Mexico...you name it. If there’s a pot still or column still there, I’m going.

I’ve been fortunate inasmuch as I can now afford to smoke and drink the best. And being a writer, I learned everything I could about how they were made, so that I could share this information with others. I believe that’s what I was destined for. 

I’ve been called an expert, but I’m not. An expert knows everything. I don’t. And I’ve never met anyone who did. And I’m still learning – you never know it all. 

DOC: You have been described as “The Most Politically Incorrect Author in America.” Is that a bum rap or do you come by it honestly?

RICHARD: Actually, I’m pretty proud of that title. I think ABC first used it when they interviewed me years ago, during the cigar boom. Then one of the newspapers picked it up, and it caught on.

There’s nothing worse than being politically correct. That’s a compromise and compromises are boring. I’d rather follow my own interests and instincts. Always have, all my life. So if that leads me down the politically incorrect path, so be it.

DOC: How would you describe yourself and what you do for a living?

RICHARD: I am a luxury lifestyle writer, specializing in whiskies, wines, pipes, and cigars. I work 12-16 hours a day, so it’s really not a 9 to 5 job. I don’t think I could handle a “real” job. All my ties have cigars or whiskey bottles on them.

Below: 2008 Porsche Cayenne at

the Las VegasMotor Speedway.

Quipped Richard:  “I reached speeds of 135 mph -

and that was before even I got on the track!”

RICHARD: Yes! There is a decided lack of marketing savvy among many in the industry. Not all, but enough to get me riled. Many folks in the industry don’t take the time to analyze current cigar smoking trends to se what the smoking public really wants. They just made a figurado or mild cigar or limited edition or whatever and hope somebody will buy it. Sometimes they do. Other times.... well, that’s why we have such great “close out” deals in the mail order catalogs.

And they often give these cigars repetitive or mundane names. Do you realize how many “Habana” and “Limitada” stogies are out there?

I also wish everyone would put the country of origin on their cigar bands, which would be especially helpful for newcomers to our hobby. They do this on wine labels and whiskey labels. Why not on cigar bands?

DOC: Stogie Fresh is primarily a cigar publication, however on my weekly podcast (Stogie Fresh 5), I always feature a cigar AND a libation. In fact, I can’t imagine smoking a cigar without drinking…. SOMETHING! Can you give our readers some generic advice about pairing cigars and various libations?

RICHARD: Believe it or not, this is one of the questions I am asked most often. And it’s a very valid question. Basically, don’t let your cigar overpower your drink and don’t let your drink overpower your cigar. They should complement each other, not just in taste, but also in strength. That’s why I devoted an entire chapter in The Ultimate Cigar Book to this one topic.

DOC: What exciting adventures does Richard Carleton Hacker have planned over the next 12 months?

RICHARD: Well, as I mentioned to you at the RTDA, the Third Edition of The Ultimate Cigar Book is completely sold out. I think I only have four copies left. So that means I’ve got to start writing a new Fourth Edition for next year.

I’m also writing articles for publications with back-to-back deadlines, so that takes up most of my days (think of writing four term papers a week!). 

But later this year I will be traveling to the British Virgin Islands to search for new rums, then back to the Dominican Republic to check on the tobacco fields again, and later to Nicaragua in 2008. I’ll also be revisiting Scotland and a few more distilleries. 

I really do love what I do!

Contact Information:

Richard Carleton Hacker

info@richardcarletonhacker.com

http://richardcarletonhacker.com