Advertisement
Boutique Brands
- MACANUDO INSPIRADO TO LAUNCH BRAZILIAN SHADE
- La Gloria Cubana to Launch Medio Tiempo
- Cigar Dojo & Cubariqueño Prepare Protocol Taser Cigar
- PUNCH ROLLS OUT NEW LOOK FOR SIGNATURE
- Alec Bradley Cigar Co. to Release Second Limited Edition Release of Black Market Esteli Diamond
- Alec Bradley Cigar Co. to Begin Migrating Premium Cigar Products to 24-Count Boxes
We have 76 guests and no members online
PCA Represents Premium Cigar Industry Before National Academy of Sciences
| 
[Washington, DC, April 20, 2021] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) kicked off a series of presentations to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee on Health Effects and Patterns of Use of Premium Cigars this afternoon.
PCA's Head of Government Affairs Joshua Habursky presented an opening statement on the preliminary research questions of the committee that is undergoing a literature review of existing information on premium cigars in a study set to be published in 2022. The study is federally funded by the Food & Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health. Today's session was the second public meeting of the committee comprised of over a dozen public health and medical professionals. The third meeting will take place Friday April 23rd from 1—4:30pm where PCA's Executive Director Scott Pearce will present remarks on the retail perspective and the unique characteristics of premium cigars sold by tobacconists vs other tobacco products. The main stakeholder session on the 23rd will feature several organizations within the cigar industry, along with organizations such as the Truth Initiative and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
"It is important for PCA to assert positive research and data about premium cigars to this committee whose findings could have an impact on future policy considerations and regulatory recommendations", notes PCA Executive Director Scott Pearce.
The core function of the committee is to:
- Conduct a comprehensive and systematic assessment and review of the literature to include patterns of use for premium cigars, and how those may differ among cigar types and other tobacco products, as well as data on both short and long-term health effects of premium cigars.
- Establish a list of recommendations for future research.
- Prioritize the list of recommendations for future research to inform FDA’s regulation of premium cigars to protect public health.
Learn more about the committee's work and register to virtually attend Friday's session here.
###
About PCA
Founded in 1933, Founded in 1933, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is the oldest, largest, and most active trade association representing and assisting retailers, manufacturers and suppliers of premium tobacco products. PCA is a not-for-profit trade association and is recognized as the "Voice of Authority and Reason" on premium tobacco-related issues.
TAA Host 2021 Annual Meeting and Convention TAA 2021 Exclusive Series Products Announced
|
ATLANTA, GA – March 25 – The Tobacconists’ Association of America hosted their 53rd Annual Meeting and Convention virtually on March 23rd.
During the event, the new TAA 2021 Exclusive Series Product line was announced as well as the reveal of a new consumer website for the product line taaexclusive.com
TAA 2021 Exclusive Series Line-up:
Also announced were future dates for the TAA Meeting and Convention. TAA will hold a face-to-face event October 24-28, 2021 at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. TAA 2022 will be held March 20-24, 2022 at Hacienda del Mar, Los Cabos Mexico.
For more information about the annual event, or TAA, contact Executive Director Stephanie Guadagno at 770-597-6264 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
During the event, the new TAA 2021 Exclusive Series Product line was announced as well as the reveal of a new consumer website for the product line taaexclusive.com
TAA 2021 Exclusive Series Line-up:
- CLE Signature THT-EKE
- Crowned Heads – The Lost Angel TAA
- Drew Estate – Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana
- E.P. Carrillo – 2021
- General Cigar – Diesel Disciple
- Gurkha – Nicaragua Series TAA Exclusive
- illusione Cigars – TAA Exclusive 2021
- J.C. Newman – Brick House Beginnings
- Kristoff – 685 Woodlawn Box Press
- La Palina – White Label
- LFD – TAA 50 ORO Edicion
- Rocky Patel – “Bala” Vintage 2006 Nicaragua
- Villiger – TAA Exclusive 2021
Also announced were future dates for the TAA Meeting and Convention. TAA will hold a face-to-face event October 24-28, 2021 at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic. TAA 2022 will be held March 20-24, 2022 at Hacienda del Mar, Los Cabos Mexico.
For more information about the annual event, or TAA, contact Executive Director Stephanie Guadagno at 770-597-6264 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
IPCPR 2017: Day One
|
Top 10 things we learned on Day 1 at IPCPR 2017
- Mayor Rudy Giuliani is a bad ass. His keynote speech was what the cigar industry needed to hear from a politician in light of the recent FDA regulations. "President Trump realizes regulations are killing businesses," he said "Let businesses operate like businesses instead of government -regulated organizations."
- IPCPR knows how to party. Light up the Night with General Cigar was the best ever with food, drinks, cigars, drinks, T-shirt screening, cigars, drinks and cigars. And Mombacho parties-Enough said about that.
- Ventura Cigars is bringing back old favorites from their supplier and production partners in the case study line. They cleverly named them Case Studies 1-5. Try them and see if you can find your old favorites.
- Unfortunately this year we lost Avo Uvezian. David off has pledged to continue with the vision AVO began long ago.
- With the changing laws concerning medical cigarettes, two companies I have come up with unique products to aid those smokers. PDR's Devil's Weed (in red and dark) provides rollers with a quality tobacco leaf to use as their wrapper. Total Flame has marketed a Russian tube product that you can easily load with your own blend to make a smooth smoke.
- Stepping up the presentation standards, United-A luxury brand- has perfected beautiful humidified tubes sold with their cigars
- Davidoff once again presented their Gold Band awards to deserving partner retailers at a press event complete with fancy hors d'oeuvres, Champagne and of course their new Churchhill, Comacho and Avo blends.
- For every serious businessman's office, the new Hiram and Solomon pyramid humidor, complete with 30 of their cigars, is a must have.
- In a perfect example of how the cigar industry has helped the economies of multiple small countries, Crossfire Cigars has several blends whose profits roll directly back into the Dominican Republic people through hospitals, schooling and jobs.
- Warfighter Cigars is made up of six soldiers who bonded together to create cigars for other soldiers, naming all the cigars after calibers of ammunition.
DIESEL DEBUTS DISCIPLE, A TAA EXCLUSIVE
|
Diesel proudly presents its first TAA-exclusive cigar called Disciple.
Blended by AJ Fernandez, handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua and developed in collaboration between AJ and General Cigar’s Justin Andrews, Diesel Disciple is a robust and balanced cigar, blended in AJ’s signature style.
The blend is made with a Mexican San Andrean wrapper, an Ecuadoran Sumatra binder and its filler is exclusively comprised of Nicaraguan Habano from Esteli.
An unexpected layer of sweetness lends balance to Disciple’s bold and peppery smoking experience.
Cigar Regulations and the Little Guy
|
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.
MACANUDO PARTNERS WITH BARSTOOL SPORTS FOR NATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
|
Macanudo Inspirado announced that the brand is partnering with Barstool Sports, the maverick sports lifestyle platform, and has been named the official cigar of the Barstool Classic Golf Tournament kicking off today at the Innisbrook Island Course in Palm Harbor, FL.
This year, the Barstool Classic is executing 20 stops with 26 events in 19 states, plus a four-day Championship at Pinehurst Resort. Through its sponsorship of the Barstool Classic, Macanudo will deliver brand experiences at all 26 qualifying tournaments and the four-day Championship. A national online sweepstakes and in-store events will expand the program’s reach throughout the country.
Barstool Sports is a next-generation media company that combines sports with pop culture to engage fans through innovative programming that spans digital and experiential activations.
Industry (raw)
|
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.
I lost my paternal Grandmother a year ago, and I celebrated.
I celebrated a life of nearly 75 years. A life of handing down love, lessons, admonishments and accolades.
She was a woman of action with a strong will and a huge heart.
I sat on the porch at the farm where we shared countless conversations - the place where she imparted her wisdom upon me.
I sat next to the black rocking chair with the word 'MA' emblazoned across the back in gold leaf. It was her throne during haying season, where she rested and surveyed the fields.
It occurred to me that I had never sat next to that chair without her sitting there next to me.
I smoked a 'Queen B' from Fuente. The name seemed fitting, and it was a solid smoke.
A few days ago, our community was rocked by the sudden passing of a childhood friend. He was my first 'best' friend.
I smoked a 'Queen B' from Fuente. The name seemed fitting, and it was a solid smoke.
A few days ago, our community was rocked by the sudden passing of a childhood friend. He was my first 'best' friend.
Some of my earliest memories are of the two of us discovering the world together. We spent countless hours exploring the woods, riding our bikes, camping, and dirtbiking. We played the Hero and we played the Villain. Saturday mornings full of Thundercats and Voltron cartoons and epic GI Joe battles. We Talked. The conversations were of people yet unburdened by the weight of the world.
The divorce of my parents changed everything in my world, and my friendship suffered as well. I moved away, and we drifted apart. Only after his passing did I realize what that friendship really meant. He died at 34 years old in an ATV accident. His name was Jason.
Soon I will go and find him, at the spot on our dirt bike trail where we would shut the bikes down and talk. I will take a Hemmingway 'Short Story'. The name seems fitting, and it’s a solid smoke.
I will celebrate a life.
J Norton
NEW MACANUDO INSPIRADO WHITE FRONTMARKS HITTING STORES
|
The Macanudo Inspirado White line is expanding with two new sizes created in response to demand from retailers and cigar lovers.
Steve Abbot, senior brand manager of Macanudo said, “The Macanudo Inspirado White portfolio had consisted of six popular sizes, yet our retailers and cigar smokers wanted more. We responded by creating a Corona and Cigarillo and are confident that the new sizes will become fast-selling additions to this highly successful brand.”
Introduced in 2017, Macanudo Inspirado White is counted among the top-sellers in the Macanudo portfolio. The blend spent several years in development and features tobaccos that have been refined and aged to perfection. This creamy, alluring smoke is known for its complexity and mellow, smooth-smoking qualities.
Macanudo Inspirado White is made with a proprietary Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper developed by General Cigar’s agronomists to deliver an aesthetic quality like no other. Aged for six years and refined to a creamy shade of gold, the wrapper crowns an Indonesian binder. The blend features Nicaraguan Condega and Mexican San Andres leaves, each aged for four years and Nicaraguan Jalapa aged for two years. All told, the blend delivers a layered smoking experience with subtle notes of earth and spice.
Both new formats have begun shipping to retailers. The Corona is handcrafted at HATSA in Danli, Honduras and the Cigarillo is made at General Cigar Dominicana in Santiago, D.R.
Macanudo Inspirado White Corona (5.5” x 42) – SRP per cigar $5.49; 20 cigars per box
Macanudo Inspirado White Cigarillo (4 3/16” x 32) – SRP per 10-cigar tin $15.99.
MACANUDO INSPIRADO TO LAUNCH BRAZILIAN SHADE
|
Macanudo will soon debut a new Inspirado collection featuring a rare Brazilian wrapper and a proprietary Cuban-seed filler, marking the first time these tobaccos have been used with Macanudo. Called Macanudo Inspirado Brazilian Shade, the limited-edition line brings together masterful blending with expert agronomy for a one-of-a-kind smoking experience.
Steve Abbot, senior brand manager of Macanudo said, “Macanudo Inspirado Brazilian Shade required a significant investment in agronomy, spanning Central and South America. This blend speaks to the lengths that we as a brand will go to in order to bring excitement to premium cigar smokers, and we’re confident that cigar lovers will be drawn to the singular experience this blend delivers.”
H&S Announces the CURAMUS
|
Hiram & Solomon Cigars Announces the CURAMUS.
Hiram & Solomon Cigars has announced their latest addition to the company’s core line of Freemasons branded cigars. The CURAMUS is a cigar that was specially crafted for MW Robert V. Monacelli, Grand Master of the Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Freemasons for the State of New Jersey.
The Freemasons are the largest and oldest fraternal organization with a mission to:
“Promote a way of life that binds like-minded men with the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth in order to serve God, Family, Country, Neighbor and self.”
Hiram & Solomon Cigars has donated, through their cigar sales, 10’s of thousands of dollars to Masonic charities including the Shriners Children’s Hospital and also to non-Masonic community events.
Owner Fouad Kashouty noted: Our latest addition to the company’s portfolio is named CURAMUS a Latin word which translates to “We Care “, a simple, yet important mantra for Freemasons. Like those that preceded them, CURAMUS will follow in the tradition of giving as noted in a letter from the MW Grand Master, which states a portion of the proceeds will go to:
La Gloria Cubana to Launch Medio Tiempo
|
La Gloria Cubana to Launch Medio Tiempo
New Release Highlights Blending Expertise of the El Credito Factory
La Gloria Cubana will debut “Medio Tiempo,” a distinctive, three-cigar collection shipping to retailers on May 4. Medio Tiempo is a full-time addition to the La Gloria Cubana lineup, and comes on the heels of “Spirit of the Lady,’ a limited-edition release that launched in March.
Steve Abbot, senior brand manager for La Gloria Cubana said, “The artisans of El Credito set out to highlight a rare tobacco leaf with ‘Medio Tiempo’ and ultimately delivered another fine example of their masterful blending techniques. All of the tobaccos that comprise this new collection are interwoven to perfection, and together, they tell a memorable story.”
LGC Presents Spirit of the Lady
|
La Gloria Cubana Presents Spirit of the Lady
Limited Edition Release Celebrates the Artisans of the Original Boutique Brand
La Gloria Cubana, the original boutique brand, has created a special five-country blend that celebrates the masterful artisans of the El Credito Cigar Factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic.
Called “Spirit of the Lady,” the limited edition collection will be available exclusively at U.S. cigar shops beginning on March 2 and includes two box-pressed vitolas made from the finest aged tobaccos.
La Gloria Cubana and its Spirit of the Lady collection are distributed by The Forged Cigar Company.
Cigar Dojo & Cubariqueño Prepare Protocol Taser Cigar
|
In 2018, Cigar Dojo and Cubariqueño Cigar Co. collaborated for thefirst time, unleashing the Protocol K9 in limited quantities. K9 was
followed by the Protocol Night Stick in 2019, and the third release in
the series for 2021: Protocol Taser.
Since the beginning, this series has highlighted the various assets at
the disposal of law enforcement, now including the tactical taser.
This weapon has become an indispensable asset for our police officers,
with its non-lethal shock incapacitating perpetrators at distances
unattainable by the night stick.
AMENDOLA DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH ILLUSIONE CIGARS
|
(Miami, Florida) March 1, 2021—Amendola Family Cigar Co. announces that they have reached a distribution deal with Illusione Cigars. Illusione Cigars casts a wide net of retailer relationships across the US and internationally which will further expose Amendola’s premium cigars to smokers.
Jeffrey Amendola, a proud New York native, launched Amendola Family Cigar Co. in 2017, but his tobacco journey began in 2010. In his previous profession as a police officer, Jeffrey became immersed in what started as a cigar hobby. His passion for cigars grew and traveled to Ybor Cigar in 2012. There he learned to blend and roll premium cigars under the direction of Odelma Matos. In 2011, his blending and rolling education led to opening a small factory and tobacconist shop in Durham, N.C. In his mind the next logical step was to create his own brand, named in honor of what he cherishes most, family.
Jeffrey Amendola said: “I am grateful every day to my grandparents who arrived in the United States from Italy, penniless, and created a better life for us. Amendola cigars was created in honor of them and my Italian heritage. Together with my business partner and best friend, Christopher Monaco, we look forward to working closely with the Illusione Cigars team to further expose our story and Amendola Cigars to the smoking public.”
PUNCH ROLLS OUT NEW LOOK FOR SIGNATURE
|
Punch is rolling out a new look for its “Signature” line of cigars. The revamped packaging began hitting stores this month, housing the same, award-winning blend that made Punch Signature a fan favorite in the Punch portfolio.
Ed Lahmann, senior brand manager of Punch said, “Punch Signature represents the best of Central American cigars. It has a great blend and a medium-plus profile that people really love. This blend was out of stock recently while we updated the packaging so with pent-up demand and the new box design that really pops at retail, we’re sure Punch Signature is going to fly off the shelves.”
The new look of Punch Signature eschews the acrylic window from the original, wooden-box packaging and replaces it with bi-fold panels that tell the story of the blend and expand the brand vista, optimizing the box for display on retailer shelves.
Punch Signature debuted in 2015. The five-cigar collection pays tribute to the original Punch blend by using tobaccos from the same countries of origin, adding layers of complexity through a blend of proprietary aged and younger tobaccos.
MASQUERADE 2021 Ltd. Edition is Now Available
|
Most have only heard rumors of this cigar! It's one of the rarest Ezra Zion unicorn blends of all time!
MASQUERADE was originally released over 3 years ago...and it's taken us this long to procure the phenomenal and rare tobaccos needed to make this extremely special cigar!
Frankly, I'd need an hour to tell you the backstory of this blend. It's taken us literally years of searching--countless miles traveled--and going to some places you've never even heard of--to get the ultra-rare tobaccos that are in MASQUERADE 2021 Ltd. Edition!
So yes, MASQUERADE 2021 Ltd. Edition holds a very special place in our heart. And yes, I have some secreted away in my personal humidor. (And no....I'm not gonna share any of it!)
Just gotta warn you though...This is a cigar for the true aficionado! (The novice smoker probably needs to pass on this one!) The flavors and character are deep, heavy, and rich...with a complexity that is absolutely astounding!
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. to Release Second Limited Edition Release of Black Market Esteli Diamond
|
Proprietary Diamond Shaped Cigar Slated for June 2021 Release
Fort Lauderdale, FL (March 25, 2021)- Alec Bradley Cigar Co. today announced that the second release of the Limited Edition Black Market Esteli Diamond is slated for June 2021. Only 1500, sixteen-count boxes will be produced for global consumption in 2021. Alec Bradley confirms that tobacconists are currently being offered the opportunity to secure allocations of Black Market Esteli Diamond boxes.
Based on the Cigar Aficionado 93-Rated Black Market Esteli blend, the first edition of the Esteli Diamond was announced in March of 2020 for a June 2020 release. Subsequently, due to Covid19, production was interrupted, and the cigars weren’t shipped to tobacconists until October 2020.
“The 2020 Black Market Esteli Diamond cigars were an immediate success,” said Alec Bradley Director of Sales & Marketing, Jonathan Lipson. “Covid19 disruptions changed the game for us in 2020, but consumer demand for the limited edition cigars and the ability to slot production in 2021 happily allows us to target a June release. We are elated that we are able to provide this treat to our partners and advocates!”
CAO ZÓCALO BECOMES FULL TIME LINE
|
CAO announces that Zócalo will return, this time as a full time addition to the CAO lineup.
CAO Zócalo, named for a celebratory city square in Mexico, was a limited edition blend released in just one size in 2018 and at that time marked the first CAO cigar to be made with a Mexican wrapper. Today the blend returns with three classic frontmarks.
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. to Begin Migrating Premium Cigar Products to 24-Count Boxes
|
24-Count Boxes to Begin Shipping in July 2021 and Displayed at Premium Cigar Association Trade Show 2021
Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 7, 2021)- The Alec Bradley Cigar Company announced today that beginning in July 2021, all regular production premium boxed Alec Bradley cigar products will arrive to tobacconists in 24-count box configurations. Alec Bradley will also showcase the new boxes at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show at the Sands Convention Center Las Vegas, July 10-13.
Filthy Hooligans are Back for 2021
|
|
|
|
