PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This is a guest article by Rob McKeon of CigarZen, manufacturer of the Blüme family of products. CW makes no product endoresements as a matter of policy.

It’s tough out here for us cigar smokers!

As we all know, tobacco has been highly regulated and the level of those regulations seems to keep climbing, almost by the day. For cigar lovers, it seems unfair that the products we use--to relax, to de-compress, to celebrate--are becoming more and more difficult to acquire.

While we can all appreciate the government’s desire to keep tobacco far away from kids, it’s hard to see the justification behind including cigars in its recent rigorous FDA rulings which were originally intended for smokeless tobacco only. The act of cigar smoking is almost artistic in its nature, viewed as a sign of sophistication, hard work and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each stick. While it’s easy for a teenager to get their hands on a cheap pack of cigarettes, they’re likely not going to get too far in an artisanal cigar store.

Springfield, VA (July 10, 2020) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce Fratello Cigars newest distribution partner in Switzerland, Importadora Corazza GmbH. Importadora Corazza has been in the cigar industry since 2010 and is headquartered in Switzerland.

“What first started as a friendly chat at one of the international trade shows years ago ended in a focused and highly motivated cooperation. After keeping in touch over all those years we soon realized that Omar is a straightforward, hardworking and fast thinking person. Since our industry truly is about relationships, we didn’t hesitate to agree on this venture. This does not take away the merit of the great product Fratello is - but puts emphasis on the big person behind the brand. But of course, it helps that Fratello is an amazing smoke with tremendous potential.”. said Dr. Marcello R. Corazza

“We are very excited to be partnering with Importadora Corazza GmbH. Being a young company that has its origins in the classic import trade, I’m certain it will be a great opportunity for us to expand Fratello’s footprint across Europe.” said de Frias.

Fratello Cigars currently has distribution in Germany, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Switzerland. This partnership will open new doors and continue to expand on Fratello Cigars accelerated international growth.

I am cnp'ing this raw from my PM inbox. I'm not quite sure what to do with it yet, but it is relevant and could easily be cleaned up for publication.

I smoke cigars to Celebrate. A wedding, a birth, a promotion. A Life.

Update: Alec & Bradley To Feature ‘Kintsugi’ at The Traveling Roadshow
Brothers and Second Generation Cigarmakers, Alec and Bradley Rubin To Ship Third Release in Fall

Fort Lauderdale, FL (July 8, 2020)- Alec & Bradley Cigars, founded by brothers Alec and Bradley Rubin in 2018, announced today that their third full line release- Alec & Bradley ‘Kintsugi’ (pronounced Kint-Su-Gee) will be featured at "The Traveling Roadshow", beginning July 13, 2020.

Alec & Bradley announced 'Kintsugi' in March of 2020. The goal was to have the new line completed for shipment in June. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 shutdowns, production of Kinstugi cigars and packaging was halted.  

Production has since resumed and the brothers are now prepared to present and sell 'Kintsugi' to tobacconists at "The Traveling Roadshow". Delivery to tobacconist shelves is slated for Fall 2020.

Alec & Bradley created an elegant, multifaceted medium bodied cigar for 'Kintsugi'. A silky-smooth Habano wrapper form the Trojes region of Honduras is set atop two binders (Nicaraguan and Honduran) and filler tobaccos from Honduras and Nicaragua. 

Alec & Bradley 'Kintsugi' is being presented in 24 count boxes, adorned with a golden filled-in crack pattern. The bands and inside box labels take styling cues from traditional Japanese themes and artwork. 'Kintsugi' is being produced at Alec Bradley’s critically acclaimed Raices Cubanas Factory in Danli, Honduras. 'Kintsugi' will be offered in four sizes: Robusto 5” x 50 ($7.95) , Toro 6” x 52 ($8.80), Gordo 6” x 60 ($9.85) and Corona Gorda 5 5/8" x 46 ($7.25). MSRP is per cigar before any applicable taxes. 

On June 11, 2020 the media announced that in response to the cancellation of the 2020 PCA Trade Show, four cigar companies banded together to create a 15 city mini-trade show tour dubbed "The Traveling Roadshow". Alec Bradley Cigar Company, the distributor of Alec & Bradley Cigars, is one of those companies.

FOR KINTSUGI PICTURES PLEASE CLICK HERE

Springfield, VA (August 8th, 2020) – Fratello Cigars and Omar de Frias are pleased to announce the Fratello Sorella.

Sorella was introduced in June 2019 with the release of the Space Fresh Packs in 6 x 50 format and served as “market research” for Fratello as they investigated expanding their future product offering.

This “Same Blend, New Look” version of the Sorella will be available only for international markets only and debut in 2 vitolas, a 5 x 50 robusto and a 6 ½ x 54 toro and come in 10-count boxes. This special cigar is produced at the renowned Joya de Nicaragua, like the previous release.

Wrapper: Ecuador

Binder: Indonesia

Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican

“It’s fascinating to me how our international markets reacted to Sorella vs Arlequin. In every country outside of the US where I would have a tasting, Sorella took the center stage. For this reason, we decided to make Sorella an exclusive blend to our international partners.” Said de Frias.

Fratello plans to begin shipping October 2020.

Springfield, VA (June 11, 2020) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce that the Fratello Camo Bundles announced at this year’s TPE trade show are heading to stores this week. 

Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic that halted operations in the Dominican Republic and placed the US on a “Stay At Home” order for several weeks, the original March release was delayed.

“As crazy as the last few months have been for us all, it’s good to be able to get back to a little normalcy…and to share 3 great cigars at great price points for our retail partners and supporters.”

The 3 blends, Fratello Blue (Maduro), Fratello Rosso (Habano), and Fratello Verde (Connecticut), come in 15-count bundles, and are offered in two sizes; a 5 x 50 robusto and a 6 x 50 toro. Individual cigars are slated to retail starting at $3.25 each and $49.00 per bundle. 

The Fratello Camo Bundles are produced at the La Aurora Factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic.

A highly-anticipated release from Diesel is set to make its debut next month. Called “Estelí Puro,” the full-time addition to the Diesel lineup was created in collaboration with AJ Fernandez.

This tobacco-forward release is poised to become a core product in the Diesel portfolio.

The collection harnesses the strength and complexity of Estelí’s renowned tobacco which comes from the darkest and most dense of Nicaraguan soils. Each of the tobaccos that comprise Diesel Estelí Puro were hand-selected from AJ’s farms to meet specific requirements set forth by the Diesel team. The wrapper was harvested from La Lilia, the binder from San José and the fillers from several plots including AJ’s celebrated San Lotano farm.

Senior Brand Manager Justin Andrews said, “Estelí Puro represents the future of Diesel in that the story of the blend is told by the tobacco itself. With Estelí Puro, we made a collection that is completely unique in its bold flavor profile, yet has many of the attributes that have made the other Diesel expressions a cigar of choice among dyed-in-the-wool smokers. This is a cigar that demands the smoker’s full attention with deep and balanced flavor, a strong presentation and an attractive price point.”

Blended by AJ Fernandez, handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua and developed by General Cigar’s Justin Andrews, Diesel Estelí Puro is made with hand-selected leaves that are cultivated, processed and aged by AJ’s team. Heady aroma and spice dominate, lending body and dimension to the cigar, and delivering a smoke for experienced palates.

Diesel Estelí Puro will be available in three sizes, sold in 20-count boxes and will begin shipping to retailers on September 1.

Robusto 5.25” x 54 -- SRP per cigar $8.99

Toro 6” x 54 -- SRP per cigar $9.49

Gigante 6” x 60 -- SRP per cigar $9.99

About Diesel

Handcrafted by artisans in Estelí, Nicaragua, Diesel cigars are “bold by design.” The brand challenges the current conventions of the handmade cigar category through the bold, unapologetic style of its Cigar Master, AJ Fernandez. Diesel cigars are unified by their deeply complex flavor which is achieved through AJ’s steadfast adherence to time honored cigar making techniques and his insistence on using the highest quality tobacco. The Diesel portfolio includes Delirium which debuted earlier this year; Hair of the Dog which was released in 2019; Whiskey Row which launched two expressions, one in 2019 and one in 2018, and Diesel Grind which debuted in 2017. For more information, visit www.dieselcigar.com.

Punch is set to launch a full-time, wallet and palate-pleasing line called “Knuckle Buster.” The three-cigar collection will begin shipping to retailers in March.

Named for a phrase made famous by a university basketball coach who described a rough and tumble physical game as a “Blue Collar Knuckle Buster,” the Punch Knuckle Buster was created to deliver a hardworking blend for hard working people.

Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager for Punch said, “Punch is committed to staying true to what the brand has represented over the last six decades: a consistent, well-made, no-nonsense cigar at a price that’s fair and reasonable. Punch Knuckle Buster honors this commitment with a solid, enticing blend for the people who work hard to enjoy the good life.”

Punch’s blending team at the HATSA cigar factory set out to make a medium-bodied cigar that would appeal to both new and seasoned smokers. They selected only Habano-seed tobaccos from Nicaragua and Honduras to deliver when it comes to balancing flavor and strength with complexity. Knuckle Buster has a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a Nicaraguan Habano binder and its filler tobaccos are from Nicaragua and Honduras.

Springfield, VA (July 23, 2020) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce Fratello Cigars’ newest distribution partner in Brazil, Reality Cigars. Since 1995, Reality Cigars has been dedicated to the import and distribution of tobacco products in the Brazilian market.

Currently, the company is the largest importer and distributor of cigars, tobacco and accessories in Brazil. They have grown and enhanced their reputation by representing some of the most successful brands in the industry and are excited to add Fratello Cigars to the distinguished list.

“I first met Omar when he came to Brazil. He told me his story and told me who was supporting him in production…and I believed his brand could be a success. We conducted a trial in the Brazilian market and got awesome feedback, so we decided to make the product available in our current portfolio. Our expectation is to have a good market share and to make Fratello one of the most sold cigars in the country” said Daniel Teixeira, Marketing and Sales Director Reality Cigars.

“When I first met Daniel and the Reality family, I was so impressed not only for their years in business but also because of their extensive knowledge and approach to the distribution of premium cigars. We are committed to their team and clientele and hope to soon get to Sao Paolo and expend our footprint” said de Frias

Fratello Cigars currently has distribution in Germany, The Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, Thailand, Norway, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Switzerland. This partnership will open new doors and continue to expand on Fratello Cigars accelerated international growth.

Crux Cigars will begin shipping two new vitolas of the Epicure Maduro next week.

• Corona Gorda 5.375 x 46 (MSRP $9.25) - NEW
• Robusto 5 x 50 (MSRP $10.00) 
• Toro 6.25 x 52 (MSRP $11.50) 
• Robusto Extra 5.75 x 54 (MSRP $10.75) 
• Gordo 6 x 60 (MSRP $12.50) - NEW

CAO Pilón was named “Cigar of the Year” by celebrated international cigar magazine L’Amateur de Cigare.

The magazine’s prestigious tasting panel rated a total of 450 cigars, with Pilón ultimately winning out against the finest cigars available in France, one of the world’s leading markets for handmade cigars.

Regis Broersma, president of General Cigar said, “We are extremely proud that CAO Pilón received this honor from such a distinguished and respected international publication. When we created Pilón, we developed the brand according to a 19^th-century Cuban fermentation technique, so it is ironic that Pilón beat out the best of the best cigars from Cuba, as well as other top cigar-producing countries.”

L’Amateur de Cigare described Pilón as “elegant” and hails its “great complexity and agreeable persistence,” while praising Pilón’s “satisfying finish” and “excellent value.”

CAO Pilón was introduced in the U.S. in 2015 and launched in France in 2018 at an exclusive event in Paris at the DuPont headquarters.

Handcrafted in Nicaragua at STG Esteli, Pilón was created by Rick Rodriguez and the CAO blending team who utilized the labor-intensive pilón process of natural fermentation to maximize the flavor and color of the Cuban seed Ecuadoran wrapper, delivering a taste and appearance unattainable through other methods. The blend consists of spicy Nicaraguan filler and binder leaves from the distinctive growing regions of Esteli and Ometepe. CAO Pilón bears a deep, rich color and an incredible depth of flavor, featuring notes of wood, spice and a touch of sweetness.

CAO Pilón is available in the U.S. and in select markets worldwide in these formats:

Churchill 7x 48 – SRP per cigar $8.49

Robusto Extra 5 x 52 – SRP per cigar $7.49

Corona 5.5 x 44 – SRP per cigar $7.09

Toro 6 x 58 – SRP per cigar $8.49

Torpedo – 7 x 54 - SRP per cigar $8.89

Doral, Florida, February 19, 2020 – Gran Habano is announcing that as of February 19, 2020, we will be implementing a price increase of five cents per stick on all our cigar lines.

Due to an increase in our importation costs, we are forced to increase prices in order to allow us to continue producing cigars without compromising quality control.

At Gran Habano we strive for quality in every leaf and cigar in production. We would like to express our appreciation and apologize for the inconvenience. We are currently looking into finding a resolution to remedy the issue with the hope that we can go back to our regular prices in the near future.

Protocol Cigars announces a special limited edition release cigar called the Protocol Pool Party Year 1. The cigars were produced at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Protocol Pool Party Year 1 is offered in a Corona Gordo: 5 5/8 X 46 vitola. They are presented in a 10 count paper bundle. Only 100 Bundles have been produced. The packaging is symbolic of fun summer time pool parties. This cigar is wrapped in a Mexican San Andreas Maduro Leaf, Connecticut Shade Binder, and Nicaraguan Corojo from Esteli and Condega filler. The Protocol Pool Party Year 1 is a solid medium to medium plus with spicy rich flavors and a long sweet creamy finish. 

The Protocol Pool Party will not be for sale. These limited edition cigars will instead be given to the first 100 attendees to the Protocol Pool Party on Saturday, August 1st, 2020. This is a ticketed event in Neptune, NJ.  The event is not the first of its kind. In the past the Protocol Pool Party was held at the home of co-owner Kevin Keithan. The event has steadily outgrown that location. The company has decided to make the party a yearly ticketed event. This event is 100% outdoor and on a 7 acre picnic ground with an Olympic size pool. This event is 100% compliant with all NJ State Covid Rules and Regulations. The company has implemented several levels of protection to all attendees.  “We wanted to do something special for our supporters, especially since everyone has been locked at home for the last several months. The demand to attend and numbers have grown exponentially for this event and needed move to a bigger venue. We have implemented safety precautions to ensure everyone’s wellbeing. The health of our supporters is of the utmost importance to us.  With that said everyone will be safe and a phenomenal time will be had by all!” Juan Cancel, co-owner Protocol Cigars. For more detailed event information visit the company’s website at ProtocolCigars.com or their social media platforms. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Today, United States District Court Judge, Amit Mehta, threw out the warning requirements for premium cigars contending that the FDA did not properly analyze the different usage patterns between premium cigars.

The Court pointed to evidence that “premium cigars have different usage patterns than other cigar and tobacco products, they are almost never used by youth, and they are instead used by older, higher income, and better educated consumers.” According to the Court, the FDA did not adequately deal with this evidence when it imposed 30 percent health warnings on premium cigars. The opinion vacates the labeling requirements for premium cigars and remands a portion of the rule for further analysis by the FDA.

FAMOUS SMOKE SHOP ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF FUENTE DON CARLOS PERSONAL RESERVE FAMOUS 80^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Limited Release of Don Carlos Edición de Aniversario Personal Reserve,

“The Man's 80th” Pays Tribute to Two 80 Year Milestones

EASTON, PA — (July 21, 2020) — Famous Smoke Shop, a leading online distributor of discounted premium cigars, has announced the arrival of the Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve, “The Man's 80th” selection in a special, limited release box of 10 Robusto made exclusively for Famous Smoke Shop's 80th Anniversary.

This release also represents another important 80-year milestone. Released in 2015, the Don Carlos Personal Reserve Robusto was made in honor of the late Don Carlos Fuente Sr.'s 80th birthday.

At the heart of this selection is a core of select Dominican tobaccos grown on Fuente's estate farms, seamlessly rolled in a specially-aged, sweet-spicy African Cameroon wrapper. It's a slightly modified version of Don Carlos Sr.'s blend made for his own private use, yet faithfully reflects "The Man's" personal flavor profile.

“Don Carlos was my grandfather’s blend,” said Liana Fuente. “He loved it very much. Until the day he died, he always had two sticks in his pocket – one to give to a guest, and one for him to smoke.”

The Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80th Anniversary Edition also represents the last chapter in the company's 80th Anniversary Cigar Series, which has also included special editions from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, A.J. Fernandez, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, and Romeo y Julieta.

“We are pleased that we were able to collaborate with Carlito Fuente in making this special selection to honor our establishment,” said Famous Smoke Shop CEO, Arthur Zaretsky. “The Fuentes have been doing business with our family since 1970. We go back a long way and are honored that Carlito and his family would do something like this to honor our 80 years in business.”

Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80^th Anniversary Edition

Size: 5" x 50

Strength: Medium-Full

Wrapper: African Cameroon

Binder & Filler: Dominican

Presentation: Box of 10 Robusto

Famous Price: $144.99/Box (at press time)

Those interested in learning more about Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80^th Anniversary cigars or Famous Smoke Shop should visit https://www.famous-smoke.com/ or call 1-800-564-2486.

[Cigar/box image]

Contact Information

Famous Smoke Shop

90 Mort Drive

Easton, PA 18040

1-800-564-2486

About Famous Smoke Shop 

Celebrating its 81^st year in business, Famous Smoke Shop is the nation’s #1 discount retailer of premium cigars online, offering one of the largest selections of handmade cigars, machine-made cigars, cigar humidors and accessories. Famous offers the web’s lowest prices on a wide selection of cigar brands including Acid, Davidoff, Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, Ashton, Padron, Oliva and Perdomo cigars, and many more. Famous offers their customers the best prices on all premium cigars as well as friendly and knowledgeable customer service.

Limited Release of Don Carlos Edición de Aniversario Personal Reserve,

“The Man's 80th” Pays Tribute to Two 80 Year Milestones

EASTON, PA — (July 21, 2020) — Famous Smoke Shop, a leading online distributor of discounted premium cigars, has announced the arrival of the Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve, “The Man's 80th” selection in a special, limited release box of 10 Robusto made exclusively for Famous Smoke Shop's 80th Anniversary.

This release also represents another important 80-year milestone. Released in 2015, the Don Carlos Personal Reserve Robusto was made in honor of the late Don Carlos Fuente Sr.'s 80th birthday.

At the heart of this selection is a core of select Dominican tobaccos grown on Fuente's estate farms, seamlessly rolled in a specially-aged, sweet-spicy African Cameroon wrapper. It's a slightly modified version of Don Carlos Sr.'s blend made for his own private use, yet faithfully reflects "The Man's" personal flavor profile.

“Don Carlos was my grandfather’s blend,” said Liana Fuente. “He loved it very much. Until the day he died, he always had two sticks in his pocket – one to give to a guest, and one for him to smoke.”

The Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80th Anniversary Edition also represents the last chapter in the company's 80th Anniversary Cigar Series, which has also included special editions from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, A.J. Fernandez, Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust, and Romeo y Julieta.

“We are pleased that we were able to collaborate with Carlito Fuente in making this special selection to honor our establishment,” said Famous Smoke Shop CEO, Arthur Zaretsky. “The Fuentes have been doing business with our family since 1970. We go back a long way and are honored that Carlito and his family would do something like this to honor our 80 years in business.”

Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80^th Anniversary Edition

Size: 5" x 50

Strength: Medium-Full

Wrapper: African Cameroon

Binder & Filler: Dominican

Presentation: Box of 10 Robusto

Famous Price: $144.99/Box (at press time)

Those interested in learning more about Fuente Don Carlos Personal Reserve Famous 80^th Anniversary cigars or Famous Smoke Shop should visit https://www.famous-smoke.com/ or call 1-800-564-2486.

[Cigar/box image]

Contact Information

Famous Smoke Shop

90 Mort Drive

Easton, PA 18040

1-800-564-2486

About Famous Smoke Shop 

Celebrating its 81^st year in business, Famous Smoke Shop is the nation’s #1 discount retailer of premium cigars online, offering one of the largest selections of handmade cigars, machine-made cigars, cigar humidors and accessories. Famous offers the web’s lowest prices on a wide selection of cigar brands including Acid, Davidoff, Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, Ashton, Padron, Oliva and Perdomo cigars, and many more. Famous offers their customers the best prices on all premium cigars as well as friendly and knowledgeable customer service.

WITH A NEW LOOK, “LA MANDARRIA” BY CASA CUEVAS CIGARS ADDED AS PART OF CORE LINE

Originally a limited-edition brand, LA Mandarria now part of regular production

(Miami, Florida) January 24, 2020— Casa Cuevas Cigars, makers of handmade premium cigars to add the “La Mandarria” (translates to the sledgehammer brand) to their core line up of cigars.  La Mandarria was initially a limited Edition 500 count box run. The brand was born out of the unfortunate burglary which occurred in February 2019 at the Casa Cuevas Cigars distribution center in Miami.  Burglars used sledgehammers to break in and steal over 25,000 units of the Casa Cuevas brands, which included the Casa Cuevas Limited Edition Flaco, and Casa Cuevas core line of cigars. The Cuevas family made the decision to forge ahead and create a cigar, that will mark the era where they faced and overcame adversity.

La Mandarria will also sport a secondary band which elegantly highlights the “La Mandarria” logo.

President of Casa Cuevas Cigars, Luis Cuevas Jr. said;” We were completely overwhelmed by the response for La Mandarria. This brand was a smash hit at the 2019 IPCPR and sales have remained strong. We are grateful to the public for accepting the product with open arms.”