Drew Estate has announced it has cancelled the 2020 Virtual Barn Smoker Event due to the increase in COVID-19 cases throughout Florida.

The decision was made for the health and safety of both the Drew Estate and Florida Sun Grown Farm staffs who would have been supporting the virtual event that had been scheduled for November 14th.

In a press release, Jonathan Drew, President and Founder of Drew Estate, notes, “It is with a heavy heart that we make this decision, but it’s clearly the right thing to do in this precarious moment. Many stakeholders, including DE staff, tobacco farmers, and a multitude of suppliers have contributed a great deal to creating such an amazing experience … all for the love of the leaf, love of our special relationship with each of you, and to celebrate our industry and culture. Keep your heads up, stay safe, and support your friends and loved ones during these times. We love you guys and look forward to being together soon under the big tents at the farms.”

The Virtual Barn Smoker was originally slated to replace the five live Barnsmoker events scheduled in Florida, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Those live events had been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drew Estate had also previously announced that as part of the Barn Smoker Goodwill Act, it would be donating $50,000 to Cigars for Warriors. Despite being unable to move forward with Barn Smoker Live under the current conditions, Drew Estate will still be making the full $50,000 donation to Cigars for Warriors, a charitable organization to whom Drew Estate has donated over $250,000 to date.

Image Credit: Drew Estate