Now here's the rest of the story which is of even greater interest.
It appears that he might have impersonated his employer, Alberto Noguera tonight, the National Sales Director of Cuban Crafters, and until recently the person who was handling the Cuban Crafters Facebook page.
I was not aware of the fact that Johnny Brooke was recently employed by them and had taken over operations of the CC FB page.
Tonight, 'Cuban Crafters' (who is now Johnny) posted a Weekly Cigar beer review video on the CC page. It cought my attention#1 because it had nothing to do with cigars or CC, and #2 because it was TWC. I have a relationship with Alberto with respect to reviewing several products for him, and have communicated many times with him over the past few months via email and on the phone. He is a man of dedication and respect for his craft, taking great interest and pride in his work, products and company name. He is a man of integrity.
As his friend, I sent what I thought was him, a private message through facebook, simply warning him of the goings on regarding Johnny and the THEFT of product.
I then got a reply from 'Cuban Crafters' acting shocked and surprised asking for the details, obviously very concerned. I replied with a link to this thread (which Johnny already knew about back when this happened). 'Cuban Crafters' then replied with a response that immediately let me know that was NOT Alberto I was speaking to. Further investigation showed Johnny as being hired by them just a couple days ago to handle the Cuban Crafters Facebook and Twiiter accounts.
That also explains why I was turned down for review of product, which didn't make any sense.
Here is the exact exchange tonight, which I doubt Albert has any knowledge of, at least until he reads his person email and calls me in a bit, since I figured this out before Johnny replied to this thread tonight.
Might want to think about supporting The Weekly Cigar
Between Cuban Crafters Cigars and You
Bryan Glynn September 23 at 6:18pm
Just a word of caution - Johnny, the guy behind The Weekly Cigar - doesn't have a very good reputation in the community. He stole some products for reviews a few months ago and actually bragged about it. There was a big stink about it on the forums and he didn't even apologize for it. I only tell you this because I see you just put up a link to one of his videos.
Cuban Crafters Cigars September 23 at 6
0pm
Stole products for review? Can you give me the details? Which forums?
Bryan Glynn September 23 at 6:34pm
http://www.cigarasylum.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18233 here's one of them. I let the owner of one of the software products know, since we are acquaintances online as well. Needless to say he was NOT thrilled and contacted Johnny also. Johnny actually had the nerve to hen not pull the review or even apologize for doing it - he apologized for TELLING people he did it!
After that I removed the links I had to his site from mine and blocked him from my pages. I do not associate with people of that caliber.
Cuban Crafters Cigars September 23 at 6:38pm
If you read his original post, he did explain his reasoning. Honestly, I don't encourage that type of flaming. It's a difference of opinions, and it doesn't warrant bashing people behind their backs. It's the same as downloading music IMO.
My actions here are 100% because I do NOT, as I have stated above - condone theft of product like that. ESPECIALLY of a fellow BOTL! I thought and still think that Cuban Crafters would want to know exactly what they are getting as far as connecting someone to their company name and internet presence like that.
NOW after tonights exchange and apparent impersonation I am a little dumbfounded.