Loading ...
Aug 30
1
Press Release: Gran Habano 3 SLS & Cabinet Selection
Posted on Monday, August 30, 2010 in Informational
Gran Habano 3 SLS & Cabinet Selection
Miami, Fl., August 30, 2010 – Due to the overwhelming success of our new Azteca cigar we have decided to cease production of the highly-rated 3 SLS and Cabinet Selection lines. This difficult decision will allow Gran Habano to maintain our high level of quality and consistency within our core lines and any special projects that may be in development. Gran Habano’s current inventory of 3 SLS and Cabinet Selection cigars will be depleted by the end of 2010. At the current pace we expect our final shipments to be sent out in September.
About Gran Habano Cigars
Gran Habano Cigars was founded in 1995 by Guillermo Rico and his son George Rico. Using only the best raw materials on earth, Gran Habano begins the growing process with Habano and Corojo seeds which are grown on company-owned farms in Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The process comes to fruition at our boutique factory, which focuses on quality control and high-end productivity making it one of the top cigar companies in the world.
Connect With Gran Habano
http://GHCigars.com
http://twitter.com/GHCigars
http://facebook.com/GranHabanoCigars
Media Contact
Robert Villalobos
Gran Habano / G.A.R Cigars
480-297-8372
Robert@ghcigars.com
Aug 30
Press Release: Cohiba to Launch Limited Edition Swiss Wristwatches
Posted on Monday, August 30, 2010 in Informational
For Immediate Release
August 25, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
Cohiba to Launch Limited Edition Swiss Wristwatches
New York, NY– August 25th, 2010 – Cohiba® has partnered with luxury Swiss watchmaker Frédérique Constant to create two bespoke wristwatches exclusively for the U.S. and its territories including the U.S. Virgin Islands. The “Frédérique Constant for Cohiba Limited Edition” timepieces will be unveiled exclusively at a private VIP reception on September 22nd, 2010 at Club Macanudo in New York City.
Designed in homage to the Cohiba brand, the handcrafted Swiss wristwatches boast an ivory-colored dial with tobacco brown Roman numerals, housed in a sleek case highlighted by a hand-sewn tobacco brown Croco-calf strap.
Presented in a handsome wooden humidor box that features a crystal window to showcase the handcrafted treasures contained within, only a total of 376 individually-numbered pieces will be available. Limited to 188 pieces, the steel wristwatch will be available solely at authorized Frédérique Constant retailers for a suggested retail price of $1,650 and the rose gold-plated watch, also limited to 188 pieces, will carry an SRP of $1,750. Each humidor will contain 25 Cohiba Robusto cigars, handmade in the Dominican Republic.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Cohiba comments, “An exceptional cigar with a rich history and luxury pedigree, Cohiba has inspired a devoted following among seasoned cigar enthusiasts. Our partnership with Frédérique Constant was forged to extend the Cohiba lifestyle to discriminating connoisseurs who are as passionate about their cigars as they are about their timepieces and we are quite pleased with the way in which Frédérique Constant has honored the Cohiba brand.”
Ralph Simons, President of Frédérique Constant USA, is thrilled about this captivating partnership. “Cohiba is synonymous with the world’s finest cigars. The exceptional quality of Cohiba cigars is the result of expertise and passion. It is this same passion that drives Frédérique Constant to create handmade, luxury timepieces of contemporary, classic design and exceptional value.”
About Cohiba Cigars
True cigar connoisseurs recognize Dominican Cohiba cigars as one of the finest brands available in the U.S. market. Critically acclaimed for their meticulous construction and refined taste, the core brand of Cohiba cigars is complemented by these premium collections: Cohiba Black, Cohiba Puro Dominicana and Cohiba XV.
Cohiba cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana® and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.
-more-
2/2/2
About Frédérique Constant Genève
Frederique Constant is an independent family owned watch manufacturer based in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva. The company is involved in all stages of watch production, from initial design to final assembly and quality control. Frederique Constant watches are defined by their high quality, differentiation and precision in design and manufacture. Frederique Constant has a passion for design of beautiful watches. Their perceived value — through quality of design, materials, and manufacture — is a key component of its success. Each watch is assembled by hand and extensively controlled with latest equipment to ensure maximum quality. The company innovates to offer creativity and exceptional value. Its 3200 square meters factory in Plan-les-Ouates Geneva is ultra modern and offers the best environment for its passionate watchmakers. Production will reach 100’000 timepieces in 2010 and watches are sold in over 2500 POS around the world. More information can be found at www.frederique-constant.com.
® Cohiba, Macanudo, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Company.
Aug 27
Press Release: PARTAGAS ‘MAN OF DISTINCTION’ CONTEST
Posted on Friday, August 27, 2010 in Informational
For Immediate Release
August 26, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
PARTAGAS ‘MAN OF DISTINCTION’ CONTEST OFFERS A CHANCE TO WIN AN ALL-EXPENSE PAID TRIP TO NAPA
Richmond, VA—Lovers of the leaf and the grape take note: The Partagas® “Man of Distinction” contest offers a chance to win an all-expense paid, four-day, three-night trip to Napa Valley to enjoy a taste of the finer things in life.
The venerable brand of Partagas® cigars will award one lucky consumer and three guests with the grand prize in the Partagas “Man of Distinction” promotion: an all-expense paid, four-day, three night trip to Napa where they will tour four boutique wineries, participate in harvesting grapes, dine on epicurean cuisine and enjoy a cooking competition followed by a gourmet meal with a celebrity chef to be announced at a later date.
Consumers of legal smoking age are encouraged to visit their favorite U.S. tobacconist between now and September 26, 2010 to purchase a specially-marked, specially-priced four-pack containing one each of the following: Partagas Naturales, Partagas Black Label Robusto, Partagas Spanish Rosado San Agustin and the bespoke Partagas Limited Reserve Decadas No. II. On the pack, consumers will find details about how they can enter the contest via brief essays expressing their desire to be named the first Partagas “Man of Distinction” and win the trip to Napa.
Consumers can also enter the promotion by visiting partagasman.com. For official rules, visit the dedicated contest website at www.partagasman.com. While perusing the contest website, consumers can also whet their appetites for the grand prize by reading up on pairing Partagas cigars with wines from across the globe.
“As one of the finest, most sophisticated premium cigar brands ever made, Partagas is entrenched in the repertoires of connoisseurs who are passionate about living the good life. We created the ‘Man of Distinction’ contest to reward one deserving consumer with a chance to embrace the lifestyle of Partagas cigars in the picturesque setting of Napa and are confident that consumers response will be extremely favorable,” commented Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar, parent company of Partagas.
The winner of the Partagas Man of Distinction contest will be selected on or before October 6, 2010 and the trip to Napa will take place from October 21 to October 24, 2010. Additional details about the Partagas Man of Distinction trip will be posted on the official contest website.
About Partagas Cigars
Since their release in the U.S. in 1978 by legendary Cuban cigar master Ramon Cifuentes, Partagas cigars have set the standard by which all premium cigars are measured. In addition to the base brand of Partagas cigars, the brand also features these collections: Partagas Black Label, Partagas Serie S, Partagas Spanish Rosado, Partagas Cifuentes, Partagas Limited Reserve Decadas, Partagas 160 Signature Series.
Partagas cigars are produced by General Cigar Co. Inc., which manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo®, Cohiba®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana® and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.
® Partagas, Macanudo, Cohiba, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur, La Gloria Cubana and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Aug 20
Floods Devastate Honduras – Aid Sought
Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Informational
Floods Devastate Honduras
Miami, Fl., August 20, 2010 – Severe thunderstorms have devastated Honduras causing major flooding and landslides. The Gran Habano factory has sustained damage by the floods but we anticipate that we can recover without any loss to production or distribution. However, the families in the surrounding area and our own families were not so fortunate. Reports of the damages are still coming in but have indicated that 7 major bridges have been damaged, road infrastructure is ruined and hundreds of homes have been washed away or have become inhabitable. In all there are 15 neighborhoods and districts that are in need of major support.
The people in the affected communities are currently being relocated to shelters around the country with little more than the clothes on their back. It is unknown when the communities will be able to rebuild as heavy rains are expected to continue in the upcoming months.
We are doing everything in our power to aid not only our Gran Habano families but the State as a whole. As a single company we will be limited to the number of families that will receive assistance – however as a cigar community we will have the opportunity to provide major relief to a greater number of people.
George Rico will be collecting toiletries, clothing and any other donations the good-natured people of the cigar community are able to provide. We will be accepting dropped off aid items at our Miami office or you can ship them directly to Gran Habano. All collected items will be personally flown to Honduras and distributed directly to those most in need.
Shipping Address:
Gran Habano Cigars
C/O George Rico
3261 NW 82nd Avenue
Doral, FL 33122
Contact Information:
888.958.7002
http://GHCigars.com
About Gran Habano Cigars
Gran Habano Cigars is a family run operation that was founded in 1995 by Guillermo Rico and his son George Rico.
Media Contact
Robert Villalobos
Gran Habano / G.A.R Cigars
Robert@ghcigars.com
Aug 20
Press Release: IPCPR DEBUT OF MOOCH®
Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Informational
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Albert J. Argenti
August 20, 2010 (800) 815-1155
IPCPR DEBUT OF MOOCH® STRIKES CHORD WITH RETAILERS
‘Everyday’ Cigar Brand Delivers Uncompromising Value and Craftsmanship
MIAMI – Berger & Argenti Premium Cigars announced that the unveiling of its new modestly priced MOOCH® cigar brand was a smash success at the 78th annual IPCPR Convention and Trade Show held August 9-13 in New Orleans. MOOCH will be available at fine tobacconists throughout the U.S this month.
MOOCH® is a medium-bodied, rich and creamy smoking experience that, along with the Berger & Argenti CLASICO®, represents the best value in the premium long-filler cigar market. Produced with a flavorful Nicaraguan Cuban seed filler and binder crop and enveloped in a sun-grown Ecuador Connecticut Seed wrapper, MOOCH® is aimed to appeal to the ‘everyday’ cigar enthusiast with suggested retail price points ranging from $3.99 to $5.79 per cigar, offering superior value and indisputable affordability for a completely handcrafted, long filler cigar brand.
“This brand is meant to fit the budget of consumers who want to enjoy the admirable everyday pursuit of smoking premium cigars yet have to deal with harsh economic realities each time they make a purchase,” stated Albert Argenti, vice president and co-founder of Berger & Argenti, Inc. “Whether it’s the current economic climate in this country or residing in an area where the tax burden on cigars is ridiculously high, I believe MOOCH® will not only ease the burden on their wallet, but also be greatly appreciated for its exceptional flavor and craftsmanship.”
MOOCH® is available in four uniquely christened sizes: ‘Minnie’ (4 ¾”x 42 Corona); ‘Schnorr’ (5” x 50 Robusto); ‘Loll (6” x 52 Belicoso); and ‘Windbag’ (7” x 49 Churchill). Thirty (30) MOOCH® cigars are delicately packaged in perforated Spanish cedar boxes. Tobacconists may also opt to dispense MOOCH® cigars in an eye-catching, space-saving display tray.
“I wanted this fantastic new brand to have thirty cigars in a box because of the ‘mooch factor’ when entertaining friends and colleagues”, continued Argenti. “Twenty cigars were never enough. But at these price points, I suppose cigar mooches can get their own now.”
Berger & Argenti Premium Cigars is a privately-held company headquartered in Miami, Florida with agricultural and production facilities in Esteli, Nicaragua. The company serves as the exclusive manufacturer, importer and distributor of world-class, super-premium cigar brands including ENTUBAR®, ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO, CLASICO® and MOOCH®. For more information, please call toll-free (800) 815-1155 or visit the Berger & Argenti website at www.bergerargenti.com.
Aug 20
Press Release: Berger & Argenti ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO
Posted on Friday, August 20, 2010 in Informational
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Albert J. Argenti
August 20, 2010 (305) 644-2114
ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO LIGHTS UP IPCPR NEW ORLEANS
MIAMI – Berger & Argenti Premium Cigars announced the debut of ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO at the 78th IPCPR Convention and Trade Show in New Orleans, LA was an overwhelming success and enthusiastically received by retailers and consumers alike.
ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO is a full-bodied, super-premium extension of the sensational ENTUBAR® cigar brand which was unveiled to the public a year ago at IPCPR. Like ENTUBAR®, the QUAD MADURO pays tribute to the time-honored Cuban cigar making technique known as ‘entubar’ while also establishing a revolutionary new process of manufacturing premium cigars.
Each deeply aged Nicaraguan filler leaf that comprises the ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO blend is carefully rolled creating delicate ‘scrolls’ of rich, flavorful tobacco. This age-old method ensures open chambers of air flow from the foot to the head of the cigar. The ligero tobacco, which lends the cigar its unique full body, are bunched independently and then placed into the center of the remaining ‘entubar’ rolled filler blend. This ‘channel’ of ligero tobacco ranges the full length of the cigar and extends ¼” beyond the finished trimmed foot, creating a startlingly unique ‘fuse like’ appearance that assures a superior draw, flawless conical burn with a long white ash, and a myriad of complex flavors channeled directly onto the palate. ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO is ‘cuadrado’ pressed Habano and comprised of all Cuban-seed Nicaraguan (viso and ligero) and Dominican (seco) fillers, a savory Nicaraguan binder, and skillfully enveloped in a rich, dark Jalapa Valley-grown Maduro wrapper crop aged eight years in seasoned oak barrels.
Due to the meticulous small batch production of ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO, only ‘friends’ and authorized ENTUBAR® merchants in the United States will have access to the brand. ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO is delicately packaged in rustic Spanish cedar boxes of 20 cigars and available in four (4) distinct vitolas characterized by sumptuously large ring gauges: Corona Macho (4 5/8” x 48); Robusto (5 3/8” x 54); Double Corona (7 5/8” x 54); and Torpedo (6 7/8” x 56).
Berger & Argenti Premium Cigars is a privately-held company headquartered in Miami, Florida with agricultural and production facilities in Esteli, Nicaragua. The company serves as the exclusive manufacturer, importer and distributor of world-class, super-premium cigar brands including ENTUBAR®, ENTUBAR® QUAD MADURO, CLASICO® and MOOCH®. For more information, please call toll-free (800) 815-1155 or visit the Berger & Argenti website at www.bergerargenti.com.
Aug 5
Press Release: Cubanero Enterprises Introduces Premium Cigar Brand REINADO
Posted on Thursday, August 5, 2010 in Informational
Cubanero Enterprises Introduces Premium Cigar Brand REINADO at the 78th Annual IPCPR Convention and International Trade Show
Innovative brand employs unique fermentation to produce an upscale, distinguished blend.
Oradell, NJ, August 05, 2010 –(PR.com)– Cubanero Enterprises will unveil its new cigar and brand, REINADO, at the 78th Annual International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association Convention and Trade Show.
REINADO, meaning “Reign,” communicates a regal lifestyle and sophisticated smoking experience.
“Under development for many years, we sought to create a unique blend that exudes a smooth, rich, and complex experience like no other,” said Antonio Lam, creator of the brand. “With REINADO, our early customers and retail partners have told us we have succeeded.”
REINADO cigars are handmade and grown from Cuban seeds. Meticulously constructed from select premium tobacco grown in the rich fields of Nicaragua, REINADO is a Nicaraguan puro from premium crops aged up to 5 years.
The REINADO blend uses a proprietary fermentation process to enhance the flavors that resonate throughout the smoking experience.
Sizes include:
* Robusto: 5 1/2 X 50
* Torpedo: 6 1/8 X 52
* Churchill: 7 5/8 X 48
REINADO cigars are available at $7.95-$9.95 per cigar in boxes of 20 depending upon size. REINADO cigars will be available at fine tobacconists across the United States.
More Information:
To learn more, obtain samples, or carry the REINADO brand, visit us at booth #2358 at the IPCPR 78th Annual Convention and International Trade Show, online at http://www.reinadocigars.com or contact Cubanero Enterprises at:
REINADO Cigars
201.820.1851
info@reinadocigars.com
About Cubanero Enterprises:
Cubanero Enterprises, LLC develops premium cigars delivering a sophisticated smoking experience. Leveraging the Cuban heritage of its founders, Cubanero Enterprises incorporates passion and innovation to deliver the highest quality cigars.
###
Contact Information
REINADO Cigars
Antonio Lam
201-820-1851
press@reinadocigars.com
www.reinadocigars.com
Jul 19
Press Release: GENERAL CIGAR TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Posted on Monday, July 19, 2010 in Informational
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2010
Contact: Victoria McKee Jaworski
General Cigar Co. Inc.
732 721 0317 or 732 580 5215
vmckee@gcigar.com
GENERAL CIGAR TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY
National Cigar Event Series to Kick Off in July
Richmond, VA—General Cigar will commemorate its golden anniversary with a ten-city tour that will hit chic, cigar-friendly venues across the U.S. beginning on July 27 at Chicago’s swanky Vertigo Lounge in the Dana Hotel, and ending on November 11 at the legendary Foundation Room in Las Vegas. The complete event schedule appears on the General Cigar 50th anniversary website www.cigarcelebration.com.
At each event, General Cigar will welcome tenured cigar enthusiasts and fellow connoisseurs drawn to the lure of handcrafted cigars to celebrate the company’s past 50 years of artistry in cultivating venerable brands such as Macanudo®, Punch®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey® and La Gloria Cubana®.
Benji Menendez, the legendary cigar master who recently celebrated his 58th year in the premium cigar business will be on hand to regale event attendees with glorious stories spanning five decades of tobacco cultivation across Latin America, South America, the Caribbean and the U.S. Emerging cigar masters Michael Giannini and Rick Rodriguez and other key General Cigar staff will also be present to pair a selection of the company’s new and critically-acclaimed cigars with fine wines, spirits and hors d’oeuvres.
Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar comments, “At General Cigar, we take great pride in our heritage and our unparalleled tobacco expertise. We developed this event series to celebrate the people whose passion and mastery have made General Cigar one of the world’s foremost producers of premium cigars. Invited guests will not only have a chance to experience the premium cigar lifestyle in a connoisseur’s setting, but will also have a rare opportunity to learn about tobacco cultivation and blending from Benji Menendez, our cigar sage, and from the emerging cigar masters who will take our company into the next half century.”
General Cigar Co. Inc. manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar also produces Macanudo, Cohiba®, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur®, La Gloria Cubana and several other leading premium brands. In addition, the company grows its own premium Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.
® Macanudo, Punch, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, La Gloria Cubana, Cohiba, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Jul 15
Press Release: TORAÑO FAMILY, ARMED WITH A NEW LOOK, IS BACK IN CONTROL OF ITS OWN DISTRIBUTION
Posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010 in Informational
Date: July 15, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
Bruce M. Lewis
info@torano.com
305.661.9121
TORAÑO FAMILY, ARMED WITH A NEW LOOK, IS BACK IN CONTROL OF ITS OWN DISTRIBUTION
(Miami, Florida) July 15, 2010—The Toraño Family, makers of some of the finest cigars in the world, is proud to announce that effective August 1st the family will distribute its own brands. To add to this exciting news, Toraño launches a new company name, a new logo and two retail exclusive cigar brands.
The company name is changing from Toraño Cigars to Toraño Family Cigar Company to truly capture the family legacy and emphasize that this is a family-owned company. The taking over of its distribution is the result of the family’s decision to enhance its personal relationships with the trade and consumers.
“We are energized and excited to be announcing these positive changes,” said Charlie Toraño, the company’s president.
The new logo, which combines a contemporary, yet classic look, is symbolic of the company’s new direction, one which will focus on the introduction of innovative cigar brands, unique blends and building a strong Toraño Family Cigar community.
“We recognize the value of building communication,” Charlie said. “There’s no better way to reach cigar smokers and the trade than through social media, the Internet, the use of viral campaigns and the personal touch and interactions at cigar events that only the family can provide.”
The IPCPR in New Orleans will be the platform for the unveiling of Master by Carlos Toraño and Single Region, two retail exclusive brands. The company is also offering a value priced bundle cigar named Brigade.
“I am looking forward to seeing everyone at our upcoming annual trade show and personally showing all of the changes which are taking place,” Charlie said.
A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four-generation company currently based in Miami, Florida. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and cigar manufacturing.
For media inquires and interviews, please contact Bruce M. Lewis at: info@torano.com or via phone at: 305.661.9121.
May 17
Press Release: Primer Mundo Cigar Company, LLC
Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 in Informational
Contact:
Sean Williams
Primer Mundo Cigar Company, LLC
2625 Piedmont Road, Suite 56-436
Atlanta, GA 30324
Phone: 404-963-0552 Fax: 404-963-0553
877-MADUROS
Atlanta, GA — May 17, 2010 — Primer Mundo Cigar Company’s agreement with Los Blancos Cigar Company to sell and distribute Primer Mundo’s line of premium boutique cigars will expire on June 27th of this year. Primer Mundo Cigar Company is preparing to market, sell and distribute their current and future offerings independently to retailers throughout the country.
Primer Mundo has enjoyed a solid relationship with Los Blancos over the last few years and looks forward to continuing with a solid working relationship going forward. Primer Mundo Cigar Company’s current line of cigars will continue to be produced at Nestor Plasencia’s Segovia Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua through our current arrangement with Los Blancos Cigar Company.
Primer Mundo cigars have been on the market for four years in limited distribution and as the line expands its reach and offerings it is imperative that we continue to build and strengthen our brand identity. This requires a more hands on approach to our sales and distribution model as well as other initiatives. In this current cigar market driven by informed, discerning, and active consumers Primer Mundo Cigar Company is committed to providing the best cigar smoking experience possible. To do this we will continue to engage with our consumers at the grass roots level while providing solid support to our retailers.
Primer Mundo Cigar Company currently offers three lines: Black Label(Rosado Oscuro), Red Label(Criollo Maduro), and Blue Label(Connecticut Shade). We are looking forward to the release of a new line in the next few months and new lancero vitolas for our Black and Red Labels.
Please feel free to contact Sean Williams directly at 404-542-6914 with any questions. We appreciate your interest in the Primer Mundo line and we look forward to communicating with you in the future.
Apr 6
The Worst Sticks You Have Ever Had?!
Posted on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 in Informational
We all have our favorite go-to brands and sticks – they tend to leave a lasting impression on us and we are quick to share and recommend them to anyone! I would bet that the opposite is also true. What are some of the worst you have had the displeasure of trying?
I would have to say The Football Cigar is hands-down the worst in my book, so far. Horrible, horrible taste, and a major PITA to smoke.
Feb 15
Press Release: Joya de Nicaragua, S.A.’s Cabinetta Serie Release
Posted on Monday, February 15, 2010 in Informational
Esteli, Nicaragua – Joya de Nicaragua, S.A. (JdN), the makers of the respected JOYA DE NICARAGUA® brand of premium handmade cigars, announced today that they will continue to slowly expand their release of their Cabinetta Serie® line to select retailers. Well known for their powerhouse Antaño® line, the Cabinetta Serie is an unexpected departure from their classic full-bodied style of blends. This new blend is a marriage of a creamy, milder filler recipe of tobaccos complemented by the spicy taste sensation of its unique double-wrapped, Habano-Seed leaf head.
It was due to this dramatic difference from any other Joya de Nicaragua cigar that it was initially decided to release the product on a store-by-store basis. “We believe it is important to not only explain this cigar and its blend to each retailer, but to share this smoke directly with cigar consumers. It is an exceptional smoke, but the customer who is expecting Antaño may not be satisfied, while connoisseurs who might not typically select a Joya de Nicaragua given their notoriety for strength may avoid even trying it out. This would be a terrible shame as it is an exceptional cigar of mild-medium body,†explains Michael Cellucci, Vice President of Drew Estate. Drew Estate is the exclusive importer and distributor of the Joya de Nicaragua brand in the United States. He adds, “We believe educating everyone about this cigar is critical, so we decided to not adopt the typical, nation-wide release approach with this product. Although launched during the late spring of 2009, we did not display it at the IPCPR, nor have we offered it for general sale. To date, it is only available at seventy-five Class A tobacconists, but almost all are experiencing brisk sales of this new cigar. We believe this type of release is in everyone’s best interest and we intend to continue the practice of slowly expanding its availability during 2010.â€
At first glance, you will notice the Cabinetta Serie features two wrappers, a top-grade Equadorian Shade which covers its entire length with the head then finished in a second cover leaf of rich, Nicaraguan Criollo. Aptly named by the factory as “Dos Capasâ€, this technique allows the smoke itself to be creamy and smooth, yet provide a spicy flavor for the consumer without making the smoke itself to strong. “Unlike the common, double-wrapped ‘barber pole’ cigars, which is primarily for appearance sake, this Dos Capas-style actually offers the cigar smoker a different and unique flavor and aroma,†states Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, JdN’s owner and master blender.
The Cabinetta Serie is cello-sleeved and is available in 24-ct, sliding lid boxes in four sizes:
Frontmark Size MSRP
Cabinetta Serie No. 2 Belicoso 6 x 54 $6.55 p/cigar
Cabinetta Serie No. 4 Robusto 5 x 52 $5.55 p/cigar
Cabinetta Serie No. 7 Toro 6 x 50 $6.05 p/cigar
Cabinetta Serie No. 11 Corona Gorda 5 ¼ x 46 $5.05 p/cigar
Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca continues, “We at Joya de Nicaragua have always been known for creating full flavored, full bodied cigars in our Antaño line. I found that there was a demand for a cigar that the consumer could smoke at any time of day. Because of that, we’ve created the Cabinetta Serie; this cigar was exactly what we were looking for, something that’s not too strong, but still has that distinct Nicaraguan flavor profile. This cigar is almost always my first of every day. As for Drew Estate’s decision to continue introducing it slowly into the marketplace, I am confident that it is the right decision for this particularly unique cigar and will afford it the opportunity to be sampled and enjoyed by all.â€
For additional information or inquiries regarding the Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta Serie, please contact Drew Estate via phone at 888-224-6376.
About JOYA DE NICARAGUA S.A.
JOYA DE NICARAGUA, S.A., is a family owned, Nicaragua-based cigar factory that handcrafts traditional cigars for the premium luxury cigar market. First opened in 1968, it is Nicaragua’s eldest factory in operation and home to the legendary JOYA DE NICARAGUA® brand of cigars. JdN is regarded by many as the patriarch crafter of robust, unique puro blends of locally grown black tobaccos. For more info, please visit www.joyadenicaragua.com.ni.
About Drew Estate, Inc.
Established in 1996, Drew Estate Inc. is a privately held manufacturer and distributor of innovative and classic premium handmade cigars for today’s cigar smoker. Drew Estate Inc. is also the exclusive distributor of all Joya de Nicaragua handmade cigars in the United States. Regarded as the pioneer and leader in the infused cigar® market, Drew Estate handcrafts in its Esteli, Nicaragua factory ACID by Drew Estate®, Natural®, Java by Drew Estate®, and other unique cigars along with its traditional Chateau Real®, La Vieja Habana® and Liga Privada® marks. For more information, please visit: www.drewestate.com.
Feb 15
Reviews Delayed
Posted on Monday, February 15, 2010 in Informational
The reviews are going to be delayed for a few days, I’m having some computer hardware problems at the moment on my main system and am waiting for a parts shipment. When I get going again I’ll catch up with a few in a row!
Jan 5
Help For International Customers
Posted on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 in Informational
I have a request from one of our readers, looking for help getting some of the fine cigars he sees reviewed and advertised. You see he lives in Europe and is finding it extremely difficult to get shipments from US establishments.
So here’s your chance to help!
Are you an overseas customer that knows of good shops? Are you a retailer that ships overseas? Are you a manufacturer that sells direct overseas? Or are you simply a reader with some good information to share?
If so we want to hear from you! Comment below about how we can help our friends across the pond share in our experience!
Dec 22
A Year End Note From Illusione Cigars
Posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 in Informational
Fellow Tobacconists,
2009 is drawing to an end, and in the midst of the economic downturn, we’re surviving, and in some cases, growing both in business and as a family. I’d like to thank all of you for your ravenous support of the illusione brands. I’d also like to take this opportunity to re-affirm my commitment to keep illusione cigars small, manageable, and a protected brand in the future.
With the coming of 2010, I’ll be meeting with my reps, assessing the market value of the product, the brand identity, and the relationship with some of my retailers. We as tobacconists know that the sale of a cigar or brand goes beyond ratings and marketing. It’s up to passion of the individual retailer to sell a brand such as illusione. Sure, ratings and ad’s help, but it’s the involvement and relationship of the tobacconist and the client that makes all the difference in the world.
Being a retailer, I’ve practically made all of my box footprints in the 5 on 5 format. Many of you, as do I, appreciate companies that release product in this format. The 12 on 13 boxes take up a lot of space and are cumbersome, unless you have a 1000 square foot humidor, which many of us can’t afford the luxury to have. There are also brands in my humidor that practically sell themselves like Davidoff White Label, Tatuaje, and a few others. I go out of my way to carry everything within the line to give them a powerful presence, and as gratitude for making such an excellent product. I’ve also realized over the years that it takes 8-10 of anything to sell one beit, cigars, lighters cutters etc. Clients like variety and choice.
As of new releases coming in 2010, Nosotros – the cigar I blended At Drew estate will be released sometime in March. It is an excellent blend of the most flavorful and aromatic tobaccos that Nicaragua has to offer. As with all of my blends, power and balance walk hand-in-hand, and Nosotros is no different
In the spirit of the limited edition e c c j cigar I released last year, I will continue the LE series under the name illusione Singulare’. They will be a different blend and size each year, and will come in 15 count boxes, as did the e c c j. I will only make 1000 boxes each year. This LE cigar will not go to the retailers that spend the most money with illusione, but rather the retailers who spread a true and generous representation of all illusione brands in their humidor.
Thanks again for all of the comments both positive and constructive, and know that my staff and I are here for you, the Retailer – first and foremost.
Dion Giolito – illusione cigars
Dec 17
Cigarfriendly.us Video Tour
Posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009 in Informational
This is a quick rundown of an exciting new site that launched recently. It’s an evolving endevor but already has huge potential of becoming an invaluable resource to cigar smokers worldwide. This video tour will quickly take you through the major features of the site and show you how easy it is to use! After watching, hop on over to http://www.cigarfriendly.us/, make an account, add some of your local spots and take a look around!
Oct 6
$10 Print on Wozofoto Today Only
Posted on Tuesday, October 6, 2009 in Informational
Another of my art prints is available today super cheap on http://wozofoto.com/www/ for anyone interested!