Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 331
12 Apr 2013
As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post a mixed bag of quick cigar news and other items of interest. Below is our latest Friday Sampler.
1) Following last summer’s Habano-wrapped debut, Espinosa Premium Cigars has announced the release of the Espinosa Maduro, a four-vitola line with a dark Mexican wrapper. “Within this triple-capped cigar lies a premium blend of tobaccos that have been combined to form a rich cocoa, cedar, pepper, and spice base,†reads a press release. “This medium-full bodied cigar is the perfect combination of Erik Espinosa’s signature strength notes and the La Zona factory’s reputation for flavor.†The Havana-born Espinosa is best known for helping create the 601, Murcielago, Cubao, and Mi Barrio brands along with his partner, Eddie Ortega. La Zona is located in EstelÃ, Nicaragua.
2) Branching out from its base in the Dominican Republic, Davidoff is launching a new “Davidoff Nicaragua†line with a ten-year-old Havana-seed wrapper, a binder from Jalapa, and filler tobaccos from EstelÃ, Condega, and Ometepe. “This is a major step for us to expand to a new territory,†said Davidoff CEO Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard. “I wanted to develop products that were not necessarily origin-specific or rigidly tied down to one specific place. Davidoff is a brand, not a territory.†The Nicaraguan puro will come in three sizes: Toro, Robusto, and a Short Corona. The official introduction will take place at the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show.
3) Inside the Industry: Nat Sherman has launched a “retail humidor program” targeted to the hospitality industry, which includes special humidors to be stocked with a variety of Nat Sherman cigars. Studio Tobac, the branch of Oliva that includes Nub and Cain, is launching its World Tour 2013, with events featuring a special six-cigar sampler that includes two prototypes and four limited releases.
4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up a 1502 Ruby. Stogie Review reviews La Aurora Cien Años Edición Especial. The Tiki Bar kicks back with a Gurkha Ghost. Half Wheel checks out the Viaje Exclusivo Tower Cigars 45th. Cigar Inspector inspects an Illusione Epernay.
5) Deal of the Week: The “Stogie Guys Cigar Samplerâ€â€”offered by longtime supporter Corona Cigar—contains seven cigars for $29.95 (plus free shipping on your entire order). It includes limited edition cigars from Avo and Davidoff, plus cigars by Rocky Patel, J.C. Newman, Casa Fernandez, and two Corona “house†blends. Pick yours up here.
photo credit: Espinosa Premium Cigars
I'm tempted to try the Corona Cigar samplers that are offered on a regular basis, but not being able to know the size of the cigars I'll have to pass. Why can't they provide lengh/ring size?
Well you should take some comfort in knowing that the Davidoff only comes in one size and the AVO Lounge come in two sizes. The rest could be random, but frankly the Davidoff and AVO cover the total cost of the sampler.
Nice review. You have described it very well. I wish to smoke it. Hope its make me happy.