Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 338

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) Big changes are afoot at Camacho Cigars, a Florida-based cigar manufacturer known for producing full-bodied cigars that has been owned by the Davidoff Group since 2008. For starters, the brand is embracing its reputation for strength with a new scorpion logo and distributing marketing materials that trumpet “bold is back with a vengeance” and “the world’s leader in bold cigars.” It is also revealing new branding that’s a major departure from Camacho’s older, more traditional look. It has hired Mike Ditka, Matt Booth of Room 101 Cigars (Room 101 has always been made by Camacho), and screenwriter Rob Weiss to be on the “Board of the Bold.” And it is narrowing its portfolio of 11 blends down to 6—Corojo, Corojo Maduro, Connecticut, Criollo, Triple Maduro, and Diploma—most of which will be entirely re-blended. We hear some prices may also drop as part of the reboot. This reinvention will be celebrated at a national release party in Dallas on June 20, and the new cigars will go on sale following the 2013 IPCPR Trade Show.

2) Hendrik Kelner, Jr., son of Henke Kelner of Davidoff fame, is releasing his own brand called Smoking Jacket Cigars. This inaugural release is the first cigar created in Kelner, Jr.’s newly opened Kelner Boutique Factory in Santiago. The cigar is a blend of Dominican, Brazilian, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan tobaccos and will be available in 4 sizes for $7-10 apiece.

3) Inside the Industry: Kristoff is introducing a new line of four blends called the Galerones Series, all of which will be made at Abe Flores’ factory in Tamboril. While still available from some online sellers, Cubao (now distributed by Espinosa Cigars), which has not been made since 2010, will be relaunched with slightly changed packaging. Miami Cigar is debuting the My Father Cigars-made Casa Miranda Chapter Two.

4) Around the Blogs: Cigar Fan fires up a Guayacon Torpedo. Stogie Review reviews the Fuente Don Carlos Lancero. Doc Stogie lights up the Quesada Selección España. Halfwheel smokes the Fonseca Singature Series TAA. Robby Ras checks out the 7-20-4 Lancero. Cigar Inspector inspects the Casa Magna Colorado Corona.

5) Deal of the Week: Because of the forthcoming changes detailed above, now is an excellent time to stock up on discount original blend Camacho cigars. Corona Cigar Co. is featuring 42-45% off a large selection of Camacho boxes (plus you get a Camacho hat and free shipping on your entire order). Get your cigars here.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Camacho