Hello everyone, I am John Keats, your friendly neighborhood tobacco expert. I’ve had the privilege of being deeply entrenched in the complex yet fascinating world of tobacco for over three decades now.

I was born and raised in Kentucky, the heartland of America’s tobacco industry. Today, I live just outside Louisville, surrounded by the beautiful bluegrass fields that I’ve always called home. I fell in love with the rich, earthy aroma of tobacco leaves at a young age, which led me to pursue a career in the industry.

My journey began with a modest role at Philip Morris International, where I was part of the team responsible for assessing and grading the quality of tobacco leaves. Over the years, I climbed the ranks, immersing myself in every aspect of tobacco cultivation, processing, manufacturing, and marketing.

After spending a decade at Philip Morris, I moved to British American Tobacco, where I headed their research and development team. During my tenure there, we made some significant breakthroughs in developing lower-risk tobacco products, an accomplishment that I am particularly proud of.

I am deeply honored to have received the Golden Leaf Award from the Tobacco Reporter Magazine twice for my contributions to the industry. It was a testament to the years of hard work and dedication that I, along with my incredible team, put into our work.

Outside of my professional life, I have a keen interest in photography. The changing seasons of the tobacco fields offer a stunning palette for my lens. Additionally, I love to travel, explore different cultures, and understand their unique tobacco traditions. My personal favorite was the hand-rolled cigars from the heart of Havana, Cuba.

I am also an avid reader and enjoy a good mystery novel. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, often accompanied by a glass of bourbon and a quality cigar.

I welcome you to connect with me and engage in enriching discussions about the tobacco industry. You can reach me via phone at +1-575-283-4277.

If you prefer email, feel free to write to me at mailto:[email protected].

You can also follow me on Facebook at facebook.com/johnkeatstobaccoexpert and on Twitter @JK_tobaccoexpert.

Remember, my door (and inbox) is always open for any queries, discussions, or even a friendly chat about life. Let’s stay connected, and together, we can deepen our understanding of this fascinating industry.

Stay smoky, stay curious, and keep exploring!

Cheers,
John Keats