Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 406
7 Nov 2014
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) Sam Leccia took to Facebook on Wednesday to provide an update on his new gig at General Cigar. You’ll recall that, back in late September, Leccia was hired by General as a “Cigar and Blend Specialist†shortly after it was revealed General had acquired the brands associated with the Toraño Family Cigar Company (the Leccia Tobacco Co. brands were formerly distributed by Toraño). “I truly couldn’t be happier with how everything is going,†says Leccia. “The Leccia Tobacco brands of Black & White and Luchador will not only stay the same, but will continue to be made at the factories that I have been using since day one. I have a great relationship with my two factories, and not only will they continue to manufacture my products, but they will be used for future projects of Leccia Tobacco and we will be using them for future Foundry projects as well.†In addition, Leccia said he had been “planning a packaging update for Black & White long before this transition, and those changes are currently being finalized and should be on shelves sometime early next year.†Finally, Leccia said, “Outside of Leccia Tobacco, I am responsible for new product development and innovations. I will be, and already have been, working on the entire General Cigar portfolio to some degree… Expect big things!â€
2) After a six-week renovation, Casa Fuente is reopening for business. Located in an upscale mall in Las Vegas, the famous cigar shop/lounge had to make changes to bring the smoking area from the patio—which ventilates into the main mall—to within the shop itself. Casa Fuente is a popular hangout during the IPCPR Trade Show (when Las Vegas is the host city) and during Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smoke. It carries rare Arturo Fuente smokes including the two Casa Fuente blends that are made exclusively for the store.
3) Inside the industry: An under-appreciated aspect of the cigar industry is its unwavering support for worthy charities, especially those that help Americans who serve their country in the military. Continuing that tradition, Viva Republica is releasing a special charity cigar for Veteran’s Day. The5.1-inch, 42-ring gauge cigar features a Nicaraguan wrapper and will retail for $6. Proceeds will benefit the “Operation: Cigars for Warriors” charity.
4) Deal of the Week: This deal really is a mystery, but it still might be worth picking up if you want to try new cigars and get some good value. If you’re up for little gamble, $30 gets you ten cigars.You’re promised to “always get more than you paid for.”
photo credit: Leccia Tobacco