The Stogie Guys

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 534th in the series.

1) On Tuesday, Camacho announced Nicaragua Barrel-Aged, a new four-vitola line that will launch in the U.S. on June 22. The blend includes and Ecuadorian wrapper, Mexican binder, and filler tobaccos from Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. “We began working with intense Nicaraguan-grown Corojo fillers, painstakingly aging them in extra-old Nicaraguan rum barrels for five months,” explains Dylan Austin, vice president of marketing at Davidoff, Camacho’s distributor. “To hit the mark, our master builders worked with the team at Flor de Caña in Nicaragua to hand select these barrels for optimal humidity, some of which had been filled with rum for 25 years. The result is a powerful new blend that invites aficionados around the globe to stare down the barrel of Nicaragua’s true spirit.” Camacho Nicaragua Barrel-Aged will retail in the $10 to $12 range.

2) Davidoff is releasing the new Master Selection Series, a collection of cigars from longtime master blender Eladio Diaz that were previously distributed non-commercially (and only in very small quantities) in celebration of Diaz’s birthdays. Six different cigars will be available—a toro from the years 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, and 2016—each with a retail price of $35. Three will head to Davidoff merchants, and three will be relegated to Davidoff stores.

3) Inside the Industry: Cubariqueño Cigar Company announced the release of three Protocol-branded coffees—Protocol Azul, Protocol Rojo, and Protocol Oro—in partnership with Layne Coffee Company. Black Label Trading Company is once again releasing Morphine, a limited release sporting a Mexican San Andrés maduro wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, made at the Fabrica Oveja Negra  factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

4) From the Archives: Our Cigar University page is a collection of articles handpicked for cigar smokers who want to expand their cigar knowledge. The 100-level articles cover the basics, while the 200-, 300-, and 400-level articles provide more advanced suggestions for understanding, caring for, and appreciating cigars.

5) Deal of the Week: Monday’s review praised the Padrón Serie 1964 Prototype Natural as “a compact, concentrated iteration of a blend we all know and love that delivers exactly as expected.” The cigar is available only at Smoke Inn and is currently still available. Make a purchase today and use the code “StogieDeal” at checkout to land a free triple-flame tabletop lighter (a $50 value).

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Davidoff

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 533rd in the series.

1) Altadis U.S.A. has announced a new collaboration with Nicaraguan cigar maker A.J. Fernandez that will be showcased at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas in July. Called Monte by Montecristo A.J. Fernandez, it is a spinoff of the original Monte line that was released in 2013 as the strongest Montecristo to date. “The new Monte by Montecristo A.J. Fernandez is a robust, medium- to full-bodied cigar,” reads a press release from Altadis. “Cloaked in a dark Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and bound with a Corojo ’98 binder, it delivers a stout, chocolatey aroma. A Criollo ’98 and Piloto Cubano Dominican filler yield a nutty and caramel sweetness. For those who like bold flavor, this smoke will not disappoint.” Four “horizontally-pressed” sizes will be available, each packaged in boxes of 20 and retailing in the $10.50 to $11.25 range: Toro (6 x 55), Robusto (4.5 x 54), Belicoso (6.1 x 54), and Corona (5 x 44). A.J. Fernandez has previously made cigars for industry behemoths Altadis and General Cigar, including H. Upmann by A.J. Fernandez and Hoyo La Amistad.

2) The Daily Caller reports the Trump Administration is moving towards rolling back Obama’s changes to U.S. policies regarding Cuba. The report cites comments by Senator Rubio and Congressman Diaz-Balart, both of Florida, along with anti-Embargo activist groups. All of President Obama’s actions on Cuba were done through executive action, meaning President Trump could undo the changes through the same process. Obama’s changes ended the policy known as “wet foot, dry foot” that gave Cuban illegal immigrants a path to legal status, opened travel to the island nation, and loosened restrictions on doing business in the country. Under the changes, although it remains illegal to import Cuban cigars for sale, it became legal for Cuban cigars to be imported for personal use when traveling overseas.

3) Inside the Industry: Davidoff is rolling out a limited edition belicoso that includes Florida Sun Grown filler tobaccos from Jeff Borysiewicz’s Orlando-area farm. The cigar is exclusive to the Davidoff Tampa Cigar Bar, a partnership between Davidoff and Corona Cigar Co., a Florida-based retailer owned by Borysiewicz. In addition to the Floridian filler tobacco, the cigar features a Habano 2000 Ecuadorian wrapper, a Habano Jalapa binder, and other filler tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. “This truly unique blend results in a rich, full-bodied, and luxurious smoke,” says Borysiewicz.

4) From the Archives: Introducing a newbie to cigars? Here are five suggestions to make sure they enjoy the experience.

5) Deal of the Week: We recommend Bespoke Post, a monthly collection of awesome items (think fine bar accessories, shaving kits, wine, workout gear, coffee kits, and more) delivered to your door for just $45. Available now are two cigar-oriented boxes. “Toast” features four cigars by H. Upmann and Romeo y Julieta, along with a cigar carrying pouch and a small desktop humidor. “Study” includes two Montecristo White cigars, two Glencairn whiskey glasses, a cigar tube, and a smoke-eating candle. You can skip or purchase every month. Sign up by Monday to get the June shipment.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: A.J. Fernandez

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 532nd in the series.

1) In support of its Camacho, Baccarat, La Fontana, Legendario, and National brands, Davidoff has announced the inauguration of a new factory in Danlí, Honduras. The factory sits on land bought by Davidoff in 2015 after the company acquired tobacco plantations in Condega, Nicatagua, and in the Jamastrán Valley in Honduras. “The site of the new facilities in Danlí is just under 450,000 square feet in surface area,” according to a press release. “The factory building, designed by Honduran architect Gonzalo Núñez Díaz, has several production halls, cold rooms, loading/unloading zones, a spacious guesthouse, and the refectory for employees, which meets the highest standards of technology and logistics.”

2) John Drew Brands has named Jonathan Drew CEO, Nancy Berkowitz president, Steve Chernoff national sales manager, and Frank Moreno national director of brand development. In addition, the venture will be supported by Joey Reichenbach and Sam Morales, the creative director and director of marketing at Drew Estate, respectively. Founded in 2015, John Drew Brands bills itself as “an authentic lifestyle company initially focused on the alcohol beverage category.” Its three introductory products were launched in April: Brixton Mash Destroyer (55% bourbon, 45% rum), Dove Tale Rum, and John Drew Rye.

3) The Hemingway Rum Company, maker of Papa’s Pilar, officially opened its new Rum Distillery & Experience Center in Key West  this week. The distillery building, originally built in 1878, once served as an all-brick tobacco warehouse. After a three-year renovation, the over 8,000 square foot facility now features a 350-gallon Hamilton pot still with a custom-made reflux column that can produce up to 80 gallons of rum per day, along with a visitor center, tasting room, and trading post shop.

4) Inside the Industry: Next month, select stores will receive the Davidoff Limited Art Edition 2017. The release features 5,000 boxes of 10 cigars equally split between 5 different boxes that feature works by Trinidadian artist Rodell Warner. The cigar sports an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and filler tobaccos from Brazil and the Dominican Republic. Each cigar carries a suggested retail price of $39.

5) From the Archives: In 2008, we featured a commentary on cigars and Memorial Day. Go back and read it here.

6) Deal of the Week: Oliva fans will want to jump on this sale featuring numerous boxes of popular Oliva blends for 40% off. Included are the highly-rated Serie V, Serie V Melanio, and Connecticut Reserve. 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: Davidoff

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 531st in the series.

1) On Monday, we learned a “strategic alliance agreement” was struck that makes tobacco giant Altadis the distributor for Boutique Blends Cigars. As part of the agreement, Rafael Nodal has accepted a position within Altadis, and the Boutique Blends brands—including Aging Room, Swag, La Bohéme, and Oliveros—will now be sold through Altadis. Cigar Aficionado reports that “Boutique Blends dismissed its sales force (made up primarily of independent contractors) and is in the midst of moving inventory from its Miami warehouse to Altadis’ in Tampa.” In his new position, Nodal will continue to oversee his own brands, as well as help with project development for other brands within the Altadis portfolio.

2) After success in the European market, Maya Selva Cigars is bringing its new Colección Aniversario No. 20 series stateside, with shipping expected to begin in August. For vitolas will be available with retail prices ranging from $9 to $14.50. The featured tobaccos include a Habano Jamastran wrapper, dual binders from Olancho and Azacualpa, and various Honduran fillers. The Colección Aniversario No. 20 originally debuted in Paris in June 2016.

3) DC Grays, an organization dedicated to promoting baseball in the nation’s capital, is hosting its annual “Cigars and Curveballs” fundraiser Monday. The event, hosted by radio host and Washington Times sports writer Thom Loverro, will take place at Shelly’s Back Room, a popular cigar hangout near the White House.

4) Inside the Industry: Davidoff’s Avo brand is expanding its Avo Syncro line with a new blend called South America Ritmo, a cigar featuring tobaccos from seven different countries. The cigar uses an Ecuadorian wrapper, Mexican binder, and filler from Nicaragua, Peru, Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil. The cigar, which will ship later this month, comes in four box-pressed sizes with prices ranging from $10.90 to $13.90. It is rolled in the Dominican Republic.

5) From the Archives: For a decade, we’ve been periodically recommending Gold Star Smokes, cigars we feel are especially worthy of your  dollars and attention. Take a step back in time to find our very first choices here.

6) Deal of the Week: Gurkha fans will want to jump on this deal on the Heritage line. All boxes are discounted 25-40% for a limited time.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: AgingRoomCigars.com

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 530th in the series.

1) This week, Scott Gottlieb—a 44-year-old physician, clinical assistant professor at New York University School of Medicine, and internist at Tisch Hospital—was confirmed as the new commissioner of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Gottlieb takes over the agency at a crucial time for premium cigars, though cigars are not expected to be his top priority (according to the Los Angeles Times, he will first and foremost focus on the epidemic of opioid drug use). That said, we know cigars are on Gottlieb’s radar; his vocal criticism of FDA authority over cigars is the reason cigar industry trade groups have supported his nomination to head the agency. Yesterday, Cigar Rights of America (CRA) reaffirmed its support of Gottlieb in an email. “Confirmation of Dr. Gottlieb is a welcomed sign for the premium cigar industry. CRA looks forward to communicating with Dr. Gottlieb on addressing the bureaucratic overreach in the regulation of premium handmade cigars, consistent with sentiments he expressed in an op-ed that appeared in the New York Post.”

2) In that same CRA email yesterday, the organization is calling for 100,000 petitions to Congress to support an exemption for premium cigars from FDA regulation. “Take action now, and let your voice be heard. Contact your member(s) in the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate today and ask that they support H.R. 564 and S. 294, respectively… Don’t just sign the petition, spread the word. If you are a consumer, send the link to your friends. If you are a retailer, share it with your customer base. Let’s grow the numbers and make sure Congress hears from all of us.” The petition can be found here.

3) Minnesota state representative Greg Davids is pushing a budget compromise deal that includes lowering taxes on premium cigars, but Minnesota Governor  Mark Dayton is opposed to the deal. Under current rates, cigars are taxed at 95 percent of the wholesale price with a maximum tax of $3.50. Davids’ tax bill would cut the maximum tax to 50 cents. “At a Capitol press conference on Tuesday, the governor repeatedly mentioned the cigar tax cut being added after the state’s revenue commissioner had been told she had the final version of the bill. Davids called the governor’s statement false, saying that the commissioner had been warned more things may be added to the bill. Davids noted the cigar tax language was part of the House tax bill… He said he backs the tax cut because Minnesota’s taxes on cigars are among the highest in the nation.”

4) Boat International Magazine has a few tips for smoking a cigar on a boat, which isn’t always easy given wind, waves, and humidity.

5) Inside the Industry: Gurkha Cigars announced last week its acquisition of the American Caribbean Cigars Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, the company’s first factory. Gurkha’s partnership with the factory began five years ago. Currently, five million Gurkha cigars are produced at the factory each year.

6) From the Archives: Few words are more frightening to a cigar collector than “tobacco beetle.” You’ll learn how to prevent and deal with the pests here.

7) Deal of the Week: We recommend Bespoke Post, a monthly collection of awesome items delivered to your door for just $45. Available boxes include a mint julep set, fine bar accessories, shaving kits, wine, workout gear, coffee kits, and more. You can skip or purchase every month. Sign up today.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Scott-Gottlieb.com

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 529th in the series.

1) In response to multiple legal challengess, including a lawsuit brought jointly by the Cigar Association of America (CAA), Cigar Rights of America (CRA), and the International Premium Cigar and Pipes Retailers Association (IPCPR) that was filed in July 2016, the FDA on Monday agreed to push back all future tobacco regulation deadlines by 90 days. This applies to deadlines that were scheduled to hit within the next 90 days (including the date to apply for substantial equivalence), but not to deadlines that have already passed. In a press release, IPCPR CEO Mark Pursell praised the news, stating, “This is certainly good news for our retail and manufacturing community, given the nature of the rules the industry is facing, and the uncertainty they create. This gives everyone, the industry and the administration alike, time to revisit the regulation, to determine the best path forward.” Meanwhile, attorney Frank Herrera, whose boutique law firm specializes in cigar trademark and FDA compliance issues, told StogieGuys.com he thinks “the new administration is causing the FDA to be cautious and to reevaluate these deeming regulations with a fresh look. I don’t believe the deeming regulations will be wiped away. Rather, the FDA was previously shoving these regulations down our throat without any pause for reason. The arguments made in litigation are sound and demand the FDA reevaluate the regulations. Had the regulations been solid, the FDA (under any administration) would have pressed forward with summary judgment.”

2) Several notable cigar makers took to social media this week to react to the news about the FDA delay. “I know I should be happy, but I gotta admit I am kind of pissed off,” said Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT). “I just spent well over 80 man hours preparing DTT’s warning label plan submittal to comply with the original May 10 deadline! Plus $$$ on legal counsel. Our government has simply no understanding or care for the burden these type of regulations place upon us small business owners.” Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac agreed. “From where I’m sitting, not much has changed in terms of the risk and uncertainty to my business since May 2016. Clearly, there is a lot of work being done and a lot of resources being invested that may change something in the future, but a short delay nine days before a compliance deadline doesn’t help a great deal…”

3) Inside the Industry: General Cigar announced the appointment of Sean Williams as a full-time ambassador for the Cohiba brand. Williams is former owner of El Primer Mundo. “We have brought Sean on board as part of the continued expansion of our experiential platforms,” said General Cigar President Régis Broersma. “Our focus is on deepening retailer and consumer engagement around this pivotal brand in our portfolio. With Sean, we are gaining a passionate cigar maker who is also a connoisseur of the finer things in life.” El Primer Mundo will continue with Williams’ partner Will Bolling at the helm.

4) Today is Cinco de Mayo. Here’s a rundown of related content: Thoughts About Mexican Tobacco on Cinco de Mayo. Cigar Spirits: The Perfect Margarita Recipe. Cinco de Mayo Pairings with Corralejo Tequila.

5) From the Archives: Enjoying a cigar is one of life’s great, simple pleasures. Just a little technical expertise can go a long way. In that spirit, here are a few tips to help ensure you’re properly cutting your smokes.

6) Deal of the Week: The cigars are a mystery, but you do get a lot of them. They’re all name brands, not house brands or no-name bundles, and they come for less than $3 per cigar. These Grab Bags tend to sell out fast, so if you need to fill up your humidor on the cheap, act quickly.

–The Stogie Guys

photo credit: Stogie Guys

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 528th in the series.

1) General Cigar is expanding its Cohiba brand with a new line called Blue. “The Cohiba blending team created a velvety, medium-bodied cigar with a rich, complex taste and enticing aroma,” reads a press release. “To achieve the desired flavor, they began with a silky, rosado-hued Honduran Olancho San Agustin (OSA) wrapper and took a unique approach by selecting Honduran OSA for the binder as well. The layered wrapper-binder deepens the smoking experience and imparts subtle, earthy notes. The blend consists of Honduran Jamastran, Nicaraguan Ometepe, and Dominican Piloto Cubano to provide hints of cocoa and caramel, with a light touch of sweetness.” Four vitolas will retail in the $8.99 to $10.99 price range, each packaged in bright blue boxes of 20: Churchill (7.5 x 50), Robusto (5.5 x 50), Rothschild (4.5 x 50), and Toro (6 x 54).

2) Drew Estate announced on Wednesday it will begin shipping Kentucky Fire Cured Swamp Thang and Swamp Rat, two cigars that debuted at the IPCPR Trade Show last summer. Both represent the company’s first foray into Candela-wrapped cigars. Three formats will be offered—Swamp Thang Toro (6 x 52), Swamp Thang Robusto (5 x 54), and Swamp Rat (6 x 46)—each of which will be packaged in 10-count bundles (similar to the current Kentucky Fire Cured lines). “Pairing the smokiness of fire-cured tobacco with the sweetness of Candela wrapper… [creates] a uniquely balanced, complex, and savory cigar,” reads a Drew Estate press release. “We continue to demonstrate our leadership in the fire-cured tobacco segment, making history as the first company to blend Candela and Kentucky fire-cured tobaccos in the premium segment,” said Jonathan Drew.

3) You don’t have to pay an arm and a leg for good bourbon or rye. Here’s a list of solid American whiskeys you can actually find on the shelf of most decent liquor stores.

4) From the Archives: Warm days were made for rum, whether you prefer light, dark, golden, or spiced. Here are five delicious concoctions you’ll want to try.

5) Deal of the Week: For today only, here are 100 deals including cigars from Fuente, L’Atelier, E.P. Carrillo, Davidoff, Drew Estate, Tatuaje, 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: Stogie Guys