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.

MIAMI, Fla. – The Royal Jamaica cigar brand makes its comeback as a Casa de Montecristo exclusive. Officially launching on Monday, December 14, the day marks a new beginning for a brand that carries a storied history filled with great successes, a natural disaster and now – a revival.

Founded in Jamaica in 1935 by James Frederick Gore, the Royal Jamaica brand earned a reputation for using high-quality local tobaccos and providing a unique smoking experience.  After the Cuban embargo, Royal Jamaica gained in popularity and became a go-to cigar for many. Sadly, disaster struck in 1988 as Hurricane Gilbert wreaked havoc throughout the Caribbean Islands, South, Central and North Americas. Jamaica sustained more than $700 million in damages and the losses for Royal Jamaica were immeasurable with its tobacco crops and a Kingston factory devastated.

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.

TAMPA, FL – Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. began shipping its new Perla del Mar cigars to brick and mortar retailers across the United States.  Handmade at J.C. Newman PENSA in Nicaragua, the new Perla del Mar is a significant refinement of the Perla del Mar cigars that J.C. Newman launched in 2012.  

THE FORGED CIGAR COMPANY LAUNCHES EL REY DEL MUNDO

National Distribution Network Premieres Top-Selling Internet/Catalog Brand at Retail

Richmond, VA (January 22, 2021) – The Forged Cigar Company, an independent national cigar distribution network that launched on January 13, 2021, announced today that the company will begin selling the legendary Honduran brand El Rey del Mundo to brick and mortar locations across the U.S. starting in February, 2021.

El Rey Del Mundo was previously available exclusively through JR Cigars and Santa Clara Wholesale and rose to become a top-selling, top-rated brand for more than 20 years. The brand has been handcrafted at Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s HATSA factory in Honduras since. Under The Forged Cigar Company, El Rey Del Mundo will debut at retail as a full-time line featuring six frontmarks.

“El Rey Del Mundo is exactly the type of brand that will flourish under The Forged Cigar Company. By introducing this established brand to brick and mortar retailers nationwide and supporting it with customized programming to drive interest among cigar lovers, my team and I will take a brand with great potential to the next level. We look forward to generating a lot noise at retail for El Rey Del Mundo, our first brand to debut under Forged,” said Sean Hardiman, national sales manager of The Forged Cigar Company.

CAO proudly presents Vision, a limited edition cigar inspired by the fans of CAO and the tutelage of the brand’s Blender/Ambassador Rick Rodriguez by the legendary Benji Menendez.

“Whether traveling across the world visiting cigar shops and even in doing virtual events as I have been for the last several months, the CAO fans always tell me that CAO Cameroon is one of the absolute best Cameroons on the market. It got me thinking about the time I spent learning the art of leaf priming and selection with Benji Menendez. Back then he loved Cameroon wrapper (he still does, by the way), and he spent a lot of time teaching me which tobaccos are the best for bringing out the Cameroon’s natural sweetness. I’ve never developed my own blend with a Cameroon wrapper, and I thought it was time to do it, to share my take on a Cameroon-wrapped cigar with Benji and the fans of CAO. It’s my way of saying thank you for this amazing career I have in the cigar business,” said Rick Rodriguez.

Last night, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) released the Final Substantial Equivalence (SE) and Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) Rules to address deemed products. While the rules apply regulations to a wide variety of products, FDA stopped short of applying the new regulations to "premium cigars" acknowledging that the agency is evaluating industry comments and its own research on the category.

“... at this time, FDA is not finalizing the proposed SE rule with respect to “premium” cigars. Rather, FDA will take appropriate action once it has further considered the comments submitted to the deeming rule docket that suggested FDA create a streamlined SE process for “premium” cigars...”

Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year and Siboney Reserve by Aganorsa Leaf Cigars Combine for an Exclusive Limited Time Offer

EASTON, PA — October 15, 2020 — Dubbing it, “A Perfect Pairing at a Perfect Price,” Famous Smoke Shop, a leading online distributor of discounted premium cigars, has teamed-up with Pinhook Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for an exclusive online promotion that showcases the bourbon maker’s newest release, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year and Famous’s Siboney Reserve by Aganorsa Leaf cigars for a limited time only. By texting “Pinhook” to 926-848, enthusionados can be the first to try the pairing which includes a box of 10 Siboney Reserve Toro and a bottle of Bourbon War 5 Year – a $135.00 value – for only $110.00.

Named for a colt who ran in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, the Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year is the second straight bourbon whiskey in the Vertical Series collection. Following a single group of bourbon barrels as they age from four to 12 years, Pinhook carefully selects, blends, and proofs those barrels to highlight the strengths of the liquor at a given point in time for each vintage.

“Our idea was to take a wine approach,” said Pinhook co-founder and sommelier, Sean Josephs. “Why not celebrate the variability instead of hiding it? That was really the ethos at the core of what we’re doing,”

After much anticipation and preparation Hiram & Solomon Cigars have announced that they have signed a new distribution deal for the UK market with Bright Leaf Distribution Ltd .

Bright Leaf Distribution Ltd are an established cigar and cigar accessories importer and distributor, suppling all main retail and on-line specialist tobacconist and cigar merchants throughout the UK. Phil Matthews, Sales and Operations Manager, has 30+ years’ experience within the tobacco industry.

With this agreement, Hiram & Solomon Cigars will join the ranks of premium and boutique cigar brands that the Company imports, such as Rocky Patel, Ashton, EP Carrillo, La Galera, Oscar, Te-Amo and Juliany.

We believe that our partnership in the UK market, with all the history and Values that it represents, will bring many mutual benefits for both companies alike.

Fouad Kashouty

Owner and co-founder

Take Control of Your Happiness, Again! 

Fort Lauderdale, FL (October 15, 2020)
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. today announced the Global Release of the Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro- the second cigar line in the 'Experimental Series' and a follow up to the critically acclaimed Project 40 line of cigars (Project 40 received a 93 Rating and Top 25 ‘Cigar of the Year’ nod from Cigar Aficionado, as well, the line garnered similar scores and accolades from Cigar Dojo, Cigar Coop and Halfwheel). Project 40 Maduro continues to represent Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin’s belief that cigars create a positive impact on both mind and body.

“The dark and rich Project 40 Maduro is another opportunity for Alec Bradley to enhance a positive experience through the tradition of cigar smoking,” Alan Rubin said. “Premium cigar enthusiasts truly accepted the original Project 40 cigar line and the underlying concept that it demonstrates. Project 40 Maduro is the next chapter of the story.”

National Distribution Network Represents Multimillion Dollar Investment in US Premium Cigar Category

Richmond, VA (January 13, 2021) – Scandinavian Tobacco Group A/S (STG) today announced that the company has formed The Forged Cigar Company, an independent national cigar distribution network, and will divide its portfolio of industry-leading brands between General Cigar Company (GCC), an STG subsidiary, and the newly-formed company.

Developed to deepen support for the brick and mortar channel, The Forged Cigar Company will serve as a stand-alone cigar distribution network with its own, initial team of 12 dedicated cigar sales professionals, bolstered by independent marketing and customized programming for its brands.

Southern Draw Cigars and Cigars International today announces the release of two NEW sizes of Fraternal Order White (Lancero) and Fraternal Order Black (Solomon) and a new blend - Fraternal Order Blue (Toro) which have been produced by Southern Draw Cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua. Exciting news for consumers, the Fraternal Order blends are no longer retail exclusives as Southern Draw and Cigars International will debut all three new releases at the 100% free event - Virtual CIGARFest 2020 on October 16^th and 17^th and provide the Fraternal Order portfolio to all retail store locations and online store for those consumers that are unable to visit one of the exciting retail store locations. https://www.facebook.com/CIGARfest

“It’s been a trying year for most all of us, and as we all adjust to the ever-changing environment in which we live, the Southern Draw family takes this opportunity to fellowship by sharing an integral part of our Fall Release Collection. The process for selecting the new Fraternal Order releases was unique in that we worked closely with members of Cigar Internationals product, marketing and merchandising teams (2019 we worked with the retail sales and management staff to make final decisions on the releases) and now we are pleased to share the expanded Fraternal Order cigar line as part of the innovative Virtual CIGARFest 2020. Cigars International has provided an ideal opportunity for consumers to learn more about these new releases via a special virtual appearance by Southern Draw Cigars at 3pm ET on October 17^th where we can share a cigar and maybe even offer some prizes and raffles during our scheduled 1 hour virtual visit. https://fb.me/e/1Lo1pCCVV Southern Draw is just a small part of a stellar line-up of brands so make plans to join Virtual CIGARfest for both days,” said Robert Holt on behalf of the entire family. “We would also like to extend our prayers and very best wishes for a full recovery to our friend and brother, Richard L. Monts, General Manager, CI Retail Superstore (Hamburg, PA).”

Crux Cigars and Privada Cigar Club connect again to introduce a new Epicure Vitola. Privada Cigar Club was the first to introduce the 6x54 Short Salomone at the beginning of 2019. The 6.5x44 Lonsdale is a favorite size of PCC founder Brian Desind.

• Corona Gorda 5.375 x 46 (MSRP $9.25)
• Robusto 5 x 50 (MSRP $10.00)
• Toro 6.25 x 52 (MSRP $11.50)
• Robusto Extra 5.75 x 54 (MSRP $10.75)
• Short Salmone 6 x 54 (MSRP $11.99)
• Gordo 6 x 60 (MSRP $12.50)

Southern Draw Cigars, the family owned premium cigar brand announced two unique line extensions for the DESERT ROSE cigar blend. The first “new bloom” is the Famous Exclusivo (Famous Smoke Shop) and the second is for general distribution to all valued retail partners.

Leading off Southern Draw Cigars’ exciting 2020 Fall Release Collection, are two new renditions of the Desert Rose cigar blend. This includes sizes intended for any consumer who wants to experience the heartier Rose of Sharon blend in the ever-popular Toro 6.0x52 and the company has heeded the overwhelming requests and now offers an elegant Lonsdale 6.0x44. Southern Draw has also made a commitment to expand the award winning 2019 release Desert Rose Belicoso Finos 5.5x54, production is set at 80,000 cigars per year and these are now available for purchase in standard 20 count boxes and a limited amount of 20 count bundles.

Commenting on these developments, Southern Draw Cigars’ Boss Lady and the namesake of the Rose of Sharon blend, Sharon Holt said “We had to wait much longer than desired but the Desert Rose now headlines the 2020 Fall Release Collection in sizes that I find most enjoyable, offering a wider variety of smoking experiences of the blend. Simply put, the two new sizes of Desert Rose provide consumers, what I personally consider the two best smoking experiences for the blend and I have tried it in many sizes and formats. That said, we understand that our customers are sometimes very focused on new releases, wanting products that are specifically tailored to uniquely highlight the blend, so these are my gifts to them. These product line extensions address this desire for new releases while honoring the character of the original blend and by working closely with Famous Smoke Shop over the last 18 months, we were able to bring yet another exciting exclusivo cigar offering to their loyal consumers.”

Southern Draw Cigars is elated to announce the Desert Rose Toro 6.0x52 Famous Exclusivo. A toro size in an eye-catching round format, each cigar is dressed in the iconic pink main band with a unique Exclusivo secondary band each produced by Cigar Rings, Estelí, Nicaragua. Production of the Famous Exclusivo has been limited to just 250 boxes of 10. “Considering Southern Draw’s continually growing popularity,” added Jim Charnley, Director Purchasing & Merchandising at Famous Smoke Shop, “we’re expecting the cigar to sell out quickly. This is not one to sleep on.”

The Famous Exclusivo is available for purchase during a live virtual event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop & Southern Draw Cigars from 7 – 9 pm ET on September 30^th. Now in their 81st year of operation as a private, family-owned business, Famous Smoke Shop owner Arthur Zaretsky noted a special connection with Southern Draw: “To work with another family-owned company, it's a connection that allows our families to collaborate so easily, and create exciting cigars our customers will enjoy.”

https://zoom.us/j/95135283424?pwd=V1NvTU51cXl3ZElZaE00c0xDay9Idz09

Meeting ID: 879 7929 7165

Passcode: 176484

For those unable to attend the virtual event, all remaining 10 count boxes will be made available via the Famous Smoke Shop website on October 1, 2020 by clicking on the link: https://www.famous-smoke.com/brand/southern-draw-rose-of-sharon-cigars

The second Desert Rose line extension is a subtly sophisticated Lonsdale 6.0x44, also rolled at AJ Fernandez Cigar Co. in the traditional “redondo” format with a “flag” cap and packaged in artful 12 count box designed by Humidif Group USA, a shelf friendly design that offers an eye-catching display for the new size. Production is slated for 4,000 boxes per year and all valued retail partners can now pre-order the initial 1,000 boxes that are expected to begin shipping in October 2020.

Alec Bradley Cigar Co. Now Shipping 10 Year Anniversary Fine & Rare Sets

The First Boxes Featuring 5 Iterations of the Fine & Rare Blends to Arrive at US Tobacconists
 
Fort Lauderdale, FL (December 18, 2020) Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced today that the first boxes of the 10 Year Anniversary Fine & Rare sets will soon be arriving to tobacconists in the United States. In total, 500 limited edition boxes were created.

Ten years ago, Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin introduced the world to the Alec Bradley Fine & Rare. More than just a cigar, Fine & Rare was a novel concept and challenge for Rubin to create blends using an unheard of 10 different tobaccos. To date, Alec Bradley has released five different iterations of the project. The 10 Year Anniversary Fine & Rare sets feature examples of all five iterations from their original release years.

Retailer Announces Exclusive Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Cigar

EASTON, PA – [September 30 2020] – Famous Smoke Shop has bolstered their Exclusivo Series of cigars, collaborating with Southern Draw Cigars on a new exclusive size of their renowned Rose of Sharon Desert Rose cigar.

“Desert Rose headlines the 2020 Fall Release Collection, offering a wider variety of smoking experiences of the blend,” said Sharon Holt, co-founder of Southern Draw and namesake of the Rose of Sharon line. A 6 ½"x 52 Toro, Holt says, “It’s a size I personally consider one of the best smoking experiences of the blend.” The Desert Rose line extension first appeared in 2019; Sharon noted, “We understand that our customers are sometimes very focused on new releases, wanting products that are specifically tailored to uniquely highlight the blend. This product line expansion is intended to address this desire for new releases while honoring the character of the original.”

Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Famous Exclusivo is made at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua with premium tobaccos hand-selected by Southern Draw Founder and Chief Evangelist, Robert Holt. The blend includes an Ecuador Cloud-Grown Claro wrapper, a Nicaraguan Habano binder, and long filler leaves from Honduras and the Dominican Republic. Modeled on Rose of Sharon’s Toro size, it’s the first cigar in the Desert Rose line to be rolled traditionally and not box pressed.

“Southern Draw has always attracted a more experienced palate,” said Famous Smoke Shop Purchasing Director, Jim Charnley. “But what we love about the Desert Rose is that it gives new cigar smokers the chance to taste more flavorful tobaccos, without overwhelming their palate. The blend is a perfect bridge between enthusiasts of any experience level. That’s why this was the perfect cigar to add to our Famous exclusive series.”

Now in their 81st year of operation as a private, family-owned business, Famous Smoke Shop owner Arthur Zaretsky noted a special connection with Southern Draw: “To work with another family-owned company, it's a connection that allows our families to collaborate so easily, and create exciting cigars our customers will enjoy.”

Production of the Famous-exclusive Desert Rose has been limited to just 250 boxes of 10. “Considering Southern Draw’s continually growing popularity,” added Charnley, “we’re expecting the cigar to sell out quickly. This is not one to sleep on.”

The Desert Rose Famous Exclusivo will debut tonight during a live virtual event hosted by Famous Smoke Shop & Southern Draw.

Cigar Information

Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Famous Exclusivo

Size: Toro (6 ½” x 52) Introductory Price: $99.95
Presentation: Box of 10 cigars

Wrapper: Ecuador Cloud Grown Claro

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Honduras Corojo ’99 and Dominican Piloto Cubano

To find more information on the Rose of Sharon Desert Rose Famous Exclusivo by Southern Draw click here

About Famous Smoke Shop 

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.

Famous Smoke Shop
90 Mort Drive
Easton, PA 18040
800-564-2486

DECEMBER 19, 2020 - Happy Anniversary Sharon.

Austin, TX — The Southern Draw Cigars family have commissioned the AJ Fernandez Cigar Co. to produce our contemporary blend cigar, a humble effort to share the legacy of Traditional Tobacco, that is tobacco and other plant mixtures used by Native Americans for the same reasons as our family, for sacred rituals, ceremony, healing and giving thanks. FUN FACT: Research shows that Native Americans were smoking tobacco more than 1,000 years before Europeans arrived with their own domesticated variety, possibly dating back to 2500 BC.

The blend is being called MANZANITA — a term coined years ago during a planning session as AJ, Rafael, Freddy, Sharon, and Robert inspected bales of rich Habano hybrid, noting the deep red oily leaves, indicative of the shimmering “red” bark of a manzanita tree, these superbly fermented leaves were destined to be the wrapper. Each tobacco involved in the blend brought an undisclosed origin during blending, which included varieties of Pelo d’Oro, Corojo 99, Habano and the compulsory, ligero. The company has decided to keep the countries and farms of origin confidential as not to form notions prior to each person’s own actual smoking experience.

Springfield, VA (September 25th, 2020) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce the launch of The Pennsylvanian. This blend will be sold exclusively to retailers in Pennsylvania and will be part of a series of state releases by Fratello.

The blend uses an Habano Ecuador wrapper with a Dominican binder and Nicargua filler tobacco.

“Pennsylvania has been critical to the success of Fratello from the beginning, and what better way to say “Thank you” to the retailers there than with a blend exclusive to the state.” said de Frias.

MSRP: 11.00

Size: 6x52

Box of 10 Cigars

Strength: Medium Body

Factory: La Aurora Factory in Dominican Republic.

Official Launch: November 2020

Fratello released the DMV in November 2018 to be sold exclusively in D.C. Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. The Texan joined the ranks of the series of state releases in November 2019.

The production is limited to 300 Boxes.

Fratello Cigars was established in 2013. Since inception Fratello has grown to be sold in 800 brick and mortars in the US and 11 international destinations. Fratello is considered one of the fastest growing manufacturers in the last five years.