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Feb 15
1
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.”
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 Capas”, 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.”
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!
Sep 18
Humidor Cologne
Posted on Friday, September 18, 2009 in Informational
OK how cool is this? Humidor cologne! Yes it’s exactly what you are thinking…have a look!
These guys have a TON of other really cool ‘flavors’ as they put it – I can pick out at least a dozen really cool scents I would love to try. Finally, stuff made for MEN the way we always wanted!
Leather, bonfire, dirt, fireplace, pipe tobacco, saw dust – come on!
They should make a sampler pack for guys!
Aug 17
GREAT Sampler on Cigar.com
Posted on Monday, August 17, 2009 in Informational
I’m not sponsored by cigar.com or anything, but just have to say this latest catalog that came today has what I consider to be a GREAT sampler deal, especially for anyone relatively new! Not only is the price very good at $199 for 60 sticks – but they are ALL really good sticks! No $2 duds or house blends. I have had most of them and REALLY like almost all of them. If I had the funds I would pick one up just for pleasure smoking right now! Check this thing out:
Includes two each of the following:
CAO Black (reviewed here)
Graycliff 1666 (reviewed here)
Padilla Miami
Torano Signature
Oliva Serie ’O’ (reviewed here)
Perdomo Habano
Puros Indios Viejo
601 Oscuro
Bahia Blu (reviewed here)
Gurkha Regent
And five each of:
5 Vegas Limitada ’09
G.A.R.
Padilla 1932
Nub Habano
Romeo y Julieta Viejo
Rocky Patel Vintage 1990
Man O’ War
Gurkha’s Park Avenue (reviewed here)
Jun 2
Limited Time Offers from Altadis
Posted on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 in Informational
Romeo y Julieta Habana Reserve
Four Cigar Trial Sampler
$7.95 shipped
Montecristo Classic Cigars
Three Cigar Trial Sampler
$9.95
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real
Four Cigar Trial Sampler
$7.95 shipped
Apr 10
Mold!!
Posted on Friday, April 10, 2009 in Informational
I had a bit of a fright last evening, as I was picking a stick to review. I routinely check my stock and rotate my inventory, but hadn’t done so in about 3 days. About a week ago I had installed two new humidifier cases with new gel inside. Prior to that I had used foam blocks and have never had any problem in all my years keeping stock. Well, the gel obviously lets off a LOT more moisture, because the sticks immediately around the cases sprung some MOLD.
The worst sticks were right next to the cases, and there were also some directly below them effected. Obviously there was quite a humid pocket of air right there. I quickly pulled the infected drawers for segregation and closer inspection. Luckily, only one stick had spores at the foot, with 99% of it on the head to about the bands, and some down the shaft. Also luckily, most of the sticks directly below were wrapped in cedar sleeves, which seemed to slow down the spread – hardly any had them growing beyond the band at all. UNfortunately, it was about $200 worth of sticks infected so I quickly wiped them all down, further inspecting them for the spread. Except for the one with growth at the foot I have all the infected and cleaned sticks laying out for the next couple days to make sure no further growth takes place. In my panic I didn’t even think to take pictures of the outbreak, but it was pure white, looking fluffy and cloudy. At first I was tempted to believe it was merely bloom, but no – clearly spores. Don’t let the internet guides that say mold HAS to be a certain color or stain the wrappers fool you. It comes in pure white too and doesn’t leave a mark when removed. I did take shots of the infected foot though, so you can see what I mean. FYI the large white fibers in the picture is not mold, it’s paper towel from wiping it.
I then separately bagged all the other stock, and wiped out the entire humidor and shelves with alcohol to kill any stray spored that may have been on the wood. I let that air out and put the good stock back in. Hopefully after another day or so sitting out I find no further growth on the infected sticks and they too can go back in.
As for the gel, it went to the trash! I just ordered a large tube of 65% beads that will prevent such a pocket of over humidified air from happening again.
Mar 24
‘Black Band Project’
Posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 in Informational
There is a new ‘viral’ marketing campaign going on, revolving around a cigar company. Word is, it’s a well known manufacturer hyping an upcoming line of cigars. The premise is, you sign up with them at this site:
http://www.blackbandproject.com/
…watch 4 installments of videos, one released each week from this week forward – and you’ll receive 4 free sticks. If you are worried about spam, create a new gmail account or whatever you like.
So far, the vids have poor acting, but have a couple funny lines at least – and they are short. Plus, I actually think they pose a 100% valid point regarding the ‘ratings’ system used by many. Sign up, watch, and think for yourself. It happens to be exactly what I’m doing with my site!
Mar 11
All About The Humidor
Posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009 in Informational
So you just got a new humidor, and you aren’t sure what to do with it? Well we’re here to help with a quick video! Don’t risk your cigars, make sure you properly season and maintain your humidor! Photography by BG Pictures.
Feb 25
Welcome to Cigar Obsession
Posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009 in Informational
Hi, I’m Bryan Glynn Editor of Cigar Obsession.
This project is going to be a labor of love for me, simply taking you through my ongoing quest for the ‘perfect’ cigar. What I bring to the table is both popular and unique. Let me explain!
I am not an aficionado. I am not an expert. I am simply a regular guy who happens to LOVE cigars. I give honest reviews without the subjectiveness. Just the facts – how does it burn and what does it taste like?
I will be providing video reviews, from this exact perspective. I want to give everyone else the kind of information about each and every puro I encounter, that will help you decide if a particular stick is something that may appeal to you. Perhaps like myself, you are out to discover all the endless combinations of flavor, taste, aroma, strength, etc. Maybe like myself you also have an ideal in your mind that you hope to someday match to a particular stick.
I am fully aware that tastes range wildly. Both perceptually and chemically. What one person describes as full-bodied, another may consider mild! I will bracket my experiences, providing as many reference points as possible with my reviews.
My goal is to provide a complete review of the experience from start to finish, not simply a cursory reading of a stat sheet and a quick pan of an unlit stick or box. No, I want to convey the full sensations, exploring the nuances of each cigar fully.