Stogie Guys Friday Sampler No. 465

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) Davidoff has announced Cusano Dominican Connecticut, a new line that features “fine Dominican filler tobaccos and an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper.” The blend is “designed for aficionados seeking the daily pleasure of a great-tasting cigar at excellent value.” Four sizes will be available in April—Robusto, Toro, Churchill, and Gordo—in the affordable $4.49 to $5.99 range. “As part of Oettinger Davidoff’s mission to meet key aficionados’ needs through a diverse portfolio of cigar offerings, and to be the indispensable business partner of retailers, the new Cusano Dominican Connecticut range will delight aficionados seeking to enjoy fine-quality cigars at great value,” said Charles Awad, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Innovation at Davidoff. Davidoff purchased Cusano in 2009, about nine months after its purchase of Camacho.

2) Casa de Montecristo—a successful three-location tobacconist in Chicago—has launched an online retail website, which notably includes numerous exclusive releases from brands like My Father, Tatuaje, Drew Estate, E.P. Carrillo, and more. “CDMCigars.com will not only feature a fantastic selection of the finest cigars available, but will bring the consumer interactive features such as wish lists, a virtual lounge, chances to purchase extremely rare cigars, and periodic raffles,” reads a press release. “The newest cigar releases, limited edition products, certified aged vintage cigars, and the finest accessories will also be featured.”

3) Inside the Industry: Altadis USA, whose parent company owns a major share in Habanos S.A., this week launched “Exploring Cuba,” a “knowledge hub” on the Montecristo Social Club website that includes “exclusive information about Cuba’s culture, history, and cigar heritage…” and highlights “everything from Cuba’s tobacco-growing regions to the anatomy and creation of Cuban cigars.” Former Miami Cigar & Co. sales executive Rene Castañeda has been named president of Villiger Cigars North America. The oldest cigar maker in the Dominican Republic has announced La Aurora Cigar Institute, “the first institution in the world to educate and teach about the world of cigars in a didactic manner.”

4) From the Archives: Plenty of attention gets paid to the most recent best-of lists but, if you want to find some gems you may have overlooked, we suggest going back to the best-of lists from a few years ago. For example, our “Best of 2013” list contains a very interesting combination of discontinued cigars, limited release runs, and cigars that you can still get (and may even be in the discount bin) at your local shop. Check it out here.

5) Deal of the Week: StogieGuys.com recommends Bespoke Post, a monthly collection of awesome items delivered to your door for just $45. Past boxes include barbecue accessories, shaving kits, coffee, and exclusive cigars. You can skip or purchase every month. This month’s options include a serious upgrade to your cocktail accessories, a kit for making barrel-aged cocktails, everything you need (but the booze) for an authentic Moscow Mule, and others. Click here to sign up today.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Davidoff