The Stogie Guys

The Alec Bradley Cigar Company, maker of such blends as the Tempus, Select Cabinet Reserve, and MAXX lines, have announced the release of the new Vice Press blend, presented in three box-pressed sizes: “6T4” (5 x 64), “6T2” (6.5 x 62), and “6T” (7 x 60 torpedo).

The 5-country blend includes Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Mexican long-fillers with a double binder consisting of Costa Rican and Colombian tobaccos. The wrapper is a deep brown and oily Nicaraguan Jalapa leaf.

While the Vice Press is being introduced as a new line, in some regards it is a spin-off of the popular MAXX line. In 2007, Alec Bradley added the box-pressed “Vice” size to its MAXX series. Originally it was presented in a chest of 50 cigars with sliding Spanish cedar trays, but the new three-size Vice Press line will come in multi-level chests of 20.

The company will officially debut the new Vice Press cigars in New Orleans at the annual International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) trade show in August.

Vice Press 6T2 Tasting Notes

While not yet officially released, I recently had the opportunity to sample a single Vice Press “6T2″—the six and a half inch by 62 ring gauge toro. Please keep in mind that what follows are just my impressions of a single cigar, not multiple sticks (all StogieGuys.com full reviews, unless otherwise stated, are the result of multiple tastings.)

The dark brown velvety wrapper has only a few small veins and features small streaks with black colorations. Sharply pressed, the toro is slightly spongy to the touch, but even throughout. Upon snipping the head, I found an easy draw. There is a delicious pre-light aroma of cedar and cinnamon.

Once lit,  I found lots of black coffee, hints of cocao, and some roasted nut flavors. It has a bit a depth in the medium- to full-bodied flavors, though the taste is consistent throughout. With the exception of a only a slightly uneven burn, construction was flawless.

Overall, the Vice Press is a promising new addition to Alec Bradley’s portfolio that will be enjoyed by fans of its MAXX lines, as well as by those who prefer cigars with lots of coffee and chocolate flavors.  Similar cigars include the CAO Brazilia, Padrón Maduro, and Isla de Cuba Blend 376. I look forward to publishing a full review following the IPCPR trade show.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

President Obama signed the so-called “Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act” into law on June 22, placing tobacco under the jurisdiction of the FDA. While the bill, passed by the House and Senate last week, is primarily directed at cigarettes, it could have significant ramifications for cigars and other tobacco products.

Specifically, it includes restrictions on tobacco advertising (mandating all cigarette ads be black and white text only and eliminating tobacco sponsorships of sporting events); bars “flavored” cigarettes (including clove, spice, and “candy flavors” but not menthol); requires larger warning labels on packaging; prohibits describing cigarettes as “light,” “mild,” or “low tar;” mandates ingredient disclosure; and gives the FDA the sole authority to approve all new tobacco products.

Not once does the new law specifically refer to premium or handmade “large cigars,” but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a major threat to cigar manufacturers and the choices available to cigar smokers. Nearly every provision in the act would be a significant blow if applied to cigars.

So it is clear that the precedent has been set for the regulations to be applied to cigars as well, possibly even without an act of congress. Recently, when I spoke to a number of cigar makers at Famous Smoke Shop’s Cigar Expo, they expressed growing concerns over the prospect of FDA regulation of tobacco.

Charlie Toraño called FDA regulation of cigars a “grave threat” and predicted that politicians could move to regulate cigars sooner than three years from now. He was particularly worried about the marketing restrictions, and noted that holding promotional events where they give out free samples would almost surely be prohibited. He also observed that no one in the industry was prepared for ingredient disclosure, which would cost huge sums in testing and documentation.

Nick Perdomo also talked pasionatly about the threat from the bureaucracy on his business. The combination of FDA regulation, SCHIP tobacco taxes, and smoking bans led him to call the government his “biggest competitor.”

But perhaps the most striking comment on the FDA bill came from someone all too familiar with oppressive government. Jaime Garcia, son of famed cigarmaker Don Pepin Garcia and a top maker in his own right, told me through a translator that coming from Cuba, he couldn’t believe that in America so much power would be given to the government to control his business.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Art of Obama

This past Saturday I attended Cigar Expo, an event put on by Famous Smoke Shop, an Easton, Pennsylvania-based retailer with a thriving online and mail-order operation. Around 600 cigar enthusiasts attended to enjoy plentiful amounts of cigars, beer, food, and good company.

Participants had the chance to talk to some of the biggest names in the business, many of whom were on hand to personally distribute their smokes. And when they weren’t talking to consumers, more than a few opened up to me with some nuggets about what we can expect in the coming months.

Jorge Padrón, for example, gave me the inside scoop on the upcoming Family Reserve release. While the details are still being worked out, he expects the blend to be ready by September 8, the anniversary of the company’s founding. The plan is to release one blend annually in one size every September thereafter.

Additionally, José and Jaime Garcia of Don Pepin Garcia cigars said they’ve been busy setting up their Nicaraguan factory, but they’re also putting out an expansion to the My Father line. Jaime was excited about the new Tobacco Baez SF, which consists of 70% long-filler and 30% short-filler to provide consumers with a lower price point of $3 per cigar.

Charlie Toraño told me that the contents of the 50th Anniversary will be revealed soon as the line rolls out. The Solomon size, which is featured in the Exodus sampler, won’t be part of the regular line.

Eddie Ortega of EO Brands gave me some details about the company’s upcoming new releases: the Cubao Maduro and the Murcielago. The Cubao Maduro will feature a similar blend to the original Cubao line, this time with an Ecuadorian broadleaf maduro wrapper. The Murcielago contains a blend of Nicaraguan and Mexican tobaccos.

George A. Rico, maker of G.A.R. cigars and also the popular Gran Habano line, is releasing the G.A.R. Vanguard, a Nicaraguan puro that uses plenty of ligero tobacco. Also on the agenda is a new limited size (6 x 66) of of his Gran Habano Corojo No. 5 blend called the “Czar,” and a Gran Habano No. 5 Double Maduro featuring a San Andreas wrapper that is due out in November. Additionally, the Gran Habano 3 Siglos line is being rebranded as the Gran Habano 3SL in response to trademark issues due to Altadis’ new Siglo cigar.

Alan Rubin (pictured above) of Alec Bradley Cigars talked about his many new releases, including the SCR, Family Blend, Vice Pressed, and Mudial. Rubin seemed most excited about the Family Blend, which was originally created as a personal blend for his father. He described the new line as a “Cuban-style” cigar that can be smoked anytime of the day, and will only be available at retailers who host Alec Bradley events.

While Rocky Patel wasn’t in attendance, his representative did give me some juicy news about what the cigar superstar is working on. One blend, called “Patel Brothers,” is being crafted with his brother Nimesh. Also on the horizon is a 12th Anniversary cigar.

Gene Arganese told me that Arganese would be releasing a CL/ML double wrap cigar, based on the CL3 and ML3 lines. He also said that he and others in the industry were concerned about the recent fire in the Picas factory in the Dominican Republic, which makes cigar boxes for a number of companies, including Arganese.

Nick Perdomo said Perdomo Cigars will be releasing a tubo version of its 10th Anniversary Champagne smoke and a Grand Cru Connecticut. He also had the quote of the day when he described the government as his “biggest competitor” during a discussion about the challenges that face the cigar industry.

Finally, I also heard that Oliva will be releasing Cain in August, a triple-fremented all-ligero cigar; Kristoff is coming out with a Sumatara-wrapped line; and Flor de Gonzalez is preparing to release the Obay Fuerte, which features an Ecuadorian habano wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder tobaccos.

And while other cigar makers were more tight-lipped about their up-and-coming projects, they hinted at big releases for the IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans. Rest assured that StogieGuys.com will be on hand to cover the event.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

With smokers looking for more bang for their stogie buck these days, it should come as no surprise that cigar companies are becoming more innovative with their efforts to market cigars to consumers. Two promotional efforts that illustrate just how far companies are willing to go to highlight their brands are “National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day” and the “Partagas Cigar Cave Contest.”

National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day

In a celebration of the the 20th Anniversary of the Miami Cigar & Company and the release of the Nestor Miranda Special Selection 20 Aniversario, the company has declared Friday, June 12 “National Nestor Miranda Cigar Day.”

In a first for cigar marketing, the company will be giving away samples of its new release (which normally retail for $9 each) without requiring consumers to buy anything from the company. According to a press release from Miami Cigar and Company, “All the smoker has to do is to buy a cigar—any cigar, made by any cigar maker—at one of the 500 Nestor Miranda Special Selection authorized dealers. Again, that’s any cigar; made by any cigar maker. The tobacconist will give him the ‘Danno,’ with Miami Cigars’ compliments.”

The limited edition 20 Aniversario “Danno” has received two four and 1/2 stogie-ratings, for it’s Habano Rosado and Habano Oscuro versions. To locate a participating dealer, smokers can go to NestorMirandaCigars.com.

Partagas Cigar Cave

Meanwhile, Partagas has teamed up with former NFL defensive lineman and TV personality Tony Siragusa to giveaway the ultimate Cigar Cave. Siragusa, the host of “Man Caves” on the DIY network, will be giving $10,000 away to one lucky smoker to build the ultimate cigar room.

According to the Partagas Cigar Cave website, the winner will be chosen in August and judged according to four criteria. With cigar smokers being forced out of bars by smoking bans, Partagas thinks they’ve tapped into a trend.

Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigars, says, “The trend toward in-home ‘caves’ where men can be men continues to gain momentum. To connect with the lion’s share of cigar enthusiasts who are forced to enjoy the pleasure of a fine cigar in undesirable locations, we found it only fitting to tap Tony Siragusa to convince cigar smokers to share their stories with us. For a cigar lover, having an in-home smoking lounge is the ultimate nirvana.”

–Patrick S

photo credit: PartagasCigarCave.com

Spokane, Washington ran into some resistance recently when it’s public officials attempted to expand the city’s already expansive outdoor smoking ban to include municipal golf courses. Only after “an outcry from players and smoking rights advocates” did the city council back off on its attempt to ban cigar smoking on the city golf course. At least for now.

Ban advocates on the city council said they’d “wait for people to calm down” before trying to pass the bill again, possibly in a year or so. Apparently they see no connection between the lack of “calm” and their action to sever the longstanding link between golf and cigars.

Many professional golfers, including Rocco Mediate, Davis Love III, and Darren Clarke, are cigar smokers who will take their stogies on the course with them. Spanish golfer Miguel Ángel Jiménez (pictured), winner of 18 professional tournaments, is often seen playing tournaments with a Cohiba.

Amateur golfers are even more likely to light up a cigar, given that, for them, the golf course is simply a place to relax and have fun, not a job. In fact, with it’s open spaces and generally smoke-friendly attitude, the golf course may be the ideal place to smoke a cigar. But that doesn’t mean anti-tobacco advocates aren’t trying to ban smoking on the golf course, and even with some success.

While the Spokane golf course ban failed, such a ban would hardly be unique. Jurisdictions in Hawaii, California, Colorado, Indiana, Texas, and Minnesota have already pushed smoking bans to include the greens, fairways, tee boxes, and bunkers of local golf courses. A public smoking ban that covered Torrey Pines, host to last year’s U.S. Open, meant that spectators were banned from smoking, although golfers were still permitted to smoke.

Patrick Reynolds, the turncoat heir to the R.J. Reynolds tobacco fortune who is now a spokesman for the Foundation for a Smokefree America, stated that the golf course smoking ban was “cutting edge” but “reasonable.” He also told a local reporter that the law would combat litter.

With statements like that, it seems that there is likely to be many more fights over outdoor golf course smoking bans in the coming months and years.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Timeinc.net

A $1-per-ounce tax on cigars has passed the Florida State Senate, but only after an amendment was added that would lessen the damage to the Sunshine State’s historic cigar industry. That amendment exempts cigars produced in Florida that are shipped out of state from the tax.

Padilla, Don Pepin Garcia, Tatuaje, J.C. Newman, and La Gloria Cubana are just some of Florida’s many cigar producers. Tampa’s Ybor City and Miami’s Little Havana have longstanding historic ties to the cigar industry, and both are the centers of cigar culture in the United States.

According to Jeff Borysiewicz, owner of the Florida-based Corona Cigar Company and board member for Cigar Rights of America, the hike will result in a 50 cent to $1 per cigar increase on the retail price of cigars, on top of a similar increase already in effect due to the recent federal SCHIP tobacco tax increase.

The amendment is considered a partial victory since it will exempt the estimated 85% of Florida-made premium cigars that are shipped out of state. However, after just being hit by the SCHIP tax, that percentage is little solace to Florida-based retailers who, if the Senate tax becomes law, will have raised the price of many cigars by over one dollar in just a few months.

Last week, cigar smokers took to the streets as part of protest organized by Cigar Rights of America. Over one hundred protesters showed up to demonstrate their opposition to tobacco taxes and warn of the devastating impact that more tax hikes could have. One Florida state senator predicted as many as 10,000 jobs would be affected by an increased cigar tax.

Fortunately for the Florida cigar industry, the tax is far from certain at this time as an alternative budget proposal from Florida House leadership doesn’t include any new tobacco taxes. Both state houses of government have large Republican majorities.

Republican Governor Charlie Crist has also made statements suggesting he would be opposed to tobacco tax hikes.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys

The 700 percent excise tax increase on “large” cigars that Obama signed into law on February 4 goes into effect today. The tax is part of a series of increased tobacco taxes raised for the controversial State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP).

Under SCHIP, large cigars will be taxed at 52.75 percent, with a cap of 40.26 cents per cigar. This enormous increase, up from the previous rate of 20.719 percent with a cap of 4.875 cents per cigar, has many worried that it will devastate an industry already under siege due to state tax hikes and smoking bans.

Along with the tax on premium “large” cigars, the following tax increases will take effect on April 1:

• –Cigarettes: $1 per pack (up from 39 cents)
• –Small cigars: $50 per 1,000 (up from $1.80)
• –Snuff: $1.51 per pound (up from 58.5 cents)
• –Pipe tobacco: $2.831 per pound (up from $1. 097)
• –Chewing tobacco: 50.3 cents per pound (up from 19.5 cents)
• –Roll-your-own tobacco: $24.78 per pound (up from $1. 097)
• –Cigarette wrappers: 1.2 cents per 50 (up from 1.2 cents)
• –Cigarette tubes: 12.4 cents per 50 (up from 6.3 cents)

Despite the tax increases, studies show that millions of new smokers will be needed for the SCHIP hike to produce the revenue needed to meet funding requirements.

Industry Braces for Impact

While the exact affect on the industry remains to be seen, retailers and consumers are bracing for the negative impact of the massive tax increase.

In an interview earlier this year, CAO President Tim Ozgener told StogieGuys.com that the SCHIP tax increase had the potential to devastate not only cigar retailers, manufacturers, and consumers, but could also lead to widespread unemployment and crime in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua—the three main sources of premium handmade cigars. He also told us that taxes, even more so than smoking bans, could devastate retailers since cigars are a “non-addictive luxury item,” which smokers could easily cut back on in response to higher prices.

Ultimately, the fear is that taxes could end the cigar industry as we know it. That’s why Rocky Patel of Rocky Patel Premium Cigars said, “I don’t worry about the competition. Every night I go to bed and I worry about the government putting us out of business.”

Is today the day that the government puts cigars out of business? Or will the industry take a hit but eventually weather this SCHIP storm? Only time will tell.

–Patrick S

photo credit: Stogie Guys