Stogie News: Dona Flor Hits the Mid-Atlantic

Because there is no such thing as too many choices when it comes to selecting hand-rolled cigars, Stogie Guys is pleased to report that Brazil Cigars and Tobacco will be increasing its presence in the Mid-Atlantic region.

The company distributes the Dona Flor, Alonso-Menendez, and Aquarius cigar lines – all made with Brazilian Mata Fina tobacco. The owners of Brazil Cigars, Dana and Dennis Sheldon, received the U.S. distributorship from Menendez-Amerino less than two years ago, and are just now entering the U.S. Mid-Atlantic.

Their push into the region is being headed up by Mid-Atlantic Representative Paul Arneson, who recently ended 30-year career in the Air Force while smoking an estimated 20,000 cigars! “Brazil cigars thought that qualified me to sell theirs,” Arneson told the Stogie Guys.

Arneson will be covering DC, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. According to the manufacturer’s website, only six stores in the entire region currently carry Brazil Cigars (four in Virginia, one in Maryland, and one in Delaware). Arneson will look to expand that list. One way he is planning on doing that is through events “featuring, among other attractions, young ladies.” Good idea. A past event featured Brazil Cigars owner Dana Sheldon donating 500 cigars to American soldiers at Guantanamo Bay, accompanied by a young lady dressed in Brazilian decor (see photo).

The Stogie Guys have not yet tried Brazil Cigars’ flagship line, Dona Flor, but during a visit to Brazil I did try a few from their Alonso-Menendez line. That was a few years back and my memory might be a bit fuzzy from the caiprinhas I was enjoying at the time. I can say, however, that they were pleasant enough that I went back for more.

For more on Brazil Cigars, look for reviews in future Stogie Guys articles.

–Patrick S