Weekly Cigar News Sampler: Michael Giannini Joins Ventura, Astros Celebrate with Cigars, and More

As we have since July 2006, each Friday we’ll post our sampling of cigar news and other items of interest from the week. Below is our latest, which is the 554th in the series.

1) Michael Giannini has joined Ventura Cigar Co. as the California-based operation’s new creative director. In addition to serving as a brand ambassador for existing lines–including Archetype, Case Study, Psycho Seven, and Project 805–Giannini will help develop new cigars. Previously, Giannini had worked at General Cigar Co. for 17 years, coming over after Swedish Match bought Ernesto Perez-Carrillo’s successful boutique brand that made La Gloria Cubana. Giannini is perhaps best known for his work at the helm of Foundry Cigar Co., a subsidiary of General that launched in 2012 and operated as a boutique with exotic packaging, obscure brand names, baroque themes, limited editions, and elaborate stories about the tobaccos. “I’m super excited to be joining the team at Ventura Cigars,” said Giannini in a Ventura press release. “This is a brand that has been flying under the radar, and I know people are going to love what we come up with next… So stay tuned!”

2) The Houston Astros clinched a riveting World Series on Wednesday and, naturally, celebrated with cigars. Pitcher Justin Verlander, who also happens to be marrying his supermodel girlfriend Kate Upton this weekend, was pictured smoking a cigar in the clubhouse. From the pictures, his cigar of choice appears to be a Cuban Cohiba Maduro.

3) Now is the season for rare bourbon and rye releases. Almost certainly, the most sought-after is the Pappy Van Winkle line. The suggested retail prices range from $60 to $270 each, but all regularly sell for five to ten times those prices. This year, one regular fixture in the lineup won’t be appearing. The sole rye, Van Winkle Family Reserve 13 Year Old Rye, won’t be released due to a lack of sufficiently aged inventory.

4) Inside the Industry: Viaje has released its annual Halloween-themed cigar, Full Moon. The 5-inch, 58-ring gauge Nicaraguan puro features 100% Aganorsa tobacco, including a Corojo wrapper. It comes in a 24-count box. The price has been reduced from last year’s release and now sells for $11.41 each.

5) From the Archives: It’s a few days late to help with this year’s costume, but here’s a list of a dozen cigar-related costumes. Start planning now; next Halloween is only 363 days away.

6) Deal of the Week: Here are 100 deals, including cigars from Ashton, Oliva, CAO, My Father, Tatuaje, Rocky Patel, Padrón, Drew Estate, and more. Free shipping is included on any purchase. If you really want to stock up, add promo code “GBP20D” at checkout to knock $20 off an order of $150 or more.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Facebook