What a whirlwind the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta has been this year. From October 4th to 12th, the skies over Balloon Fiesta Park burst with color as hundreds of hot air balloons lifted off at dawn, turning the desert landscape into a living painting.
The mass ascensions, evening glows, and the electric energy of pilots and spectators from around the world made it a spectacle like no other. For us at Montes Cigar Shop, nestled right here in Albuquerque, the event is more than a local tradition. It’s a chance to blend the magic of the skies with the grounded pleasure of a fine cigar, and this year, it brought some unforgettable connections.
We set up a pop-up lounge near the park’s edge, where the morning chill gives way to that crisp fall sun. Picture this: the faint whoosh of burners firing up balloons in the distance, the aroma of fresh coffee mingling with tobacco, and folks wandering over after chasing the dawn patrol.
Our table was stocked with samplers from our latest arrivals, including smooth Dominican robustos and bold Nicaraguan toros that pair perfectly with the festival’s adventurous spirit. We even had a few weather-resistant ashtrays and cutters on hand, turning a simple stop into a mini escape.
Welcoming Out-of-Towners with a Smoke
One of the highlights was meeting so many of you who traveled from afar. We chatted with a group from Texas who drove up for their first Fiesta, wide-eyed from the Special Shapes Rodeo where balloons like the giant pumpkin and the roaring dinosaur took flight.
They shared stories of long road trips and late-night glowdeos, and over a shared Liga Privada, we swapped tips on the best spots for sunset views. Then there was the family from California, fresh off a red-eye flight, who ducked in after the pinata-breaking at the Kids’ Zone. The dad, a self-proclaimed cigar novice, lit up a mild AVO Syncro and declared it the perfect chaser to the festival’s sweet chaos.
Visitors from Colorado and even a crew from back east stopped by, drawn by the smoke signals rising from our setup. We heard tales of chasing balloon chases across the Midwest, debating the merits of churchills versus coronas while the morning launches unfolded. It was humbling to see how a simple cigar could bridge the gap.
Whether it was recommending a creamy Connecticut-wrapped stick for the cool mornings or a spicier Habano for those warmer afternoons, these moments turned strangers into friends. We loved hearing about your journeys and what brought you to Albuquerque. Your energy made our corner of the Fiesta feel like the heart of the action.
Pairing the Skies with Tobacco
There’s something poetic about combining the Balloon Fiesta with cigars. Just as each balloon ride is a leap into the unknown, guided by wind and whimsy, a good cigar is a journey in every draw. The festival’s rhythm, the slow rise at dawn mirroring the gradual build of flavors in a well-aged blend, felt like fate.
We encouraged pairings that echoed the event: a robust Padrón with the earthy notes of green chile from nearby vendors, or a Davidoff for the refined elegance of the evening balloon glows, where lit envelopes dance like fireflies against the night.
If you missed our pop-up, don’t worry. The Fiesta spirit lingers, and we’re still buzzing from the connections we made. Head over to our events page for details on upcoming tastings, where we’ll recreate that open-air vibe with exclusive blends and stories from the skies. Whether you’re a local who’s Fiesta’d a hundred times or planning your first visit next year, stop by Montes Cigar Shop. We’ve got the sticks to match your adventure, and who knows, maybe we’ll share a light and a laugh.
Thanks to everyone who made this Balloon Fiesta one for the books. The balloons may have soared, but the conversations we had grounded us in the best way. Until next October, keep the flame alive.
