Rep. Pallone Introduces New Comprehensive Tobacco Bill

Yesterday, Congressman Frank Pallone (D-NJ), chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee, along with Congresswoman Donna Shalala (D-FL), introduced a comprehensive tobacco bill. The bill, “To amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act with respect to the sale and marketing of tobacco products, and for other purposes” (H.R. 2339), will be called the ‘‘Reversing the Youth Tobacco Epidemic Act of 2019”.While premium cigars have not contributed to this epidemic, they would still be significantly impacted by this legislation. The bill would amend the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, originally designed to curb youth access to cigarettes. This new legislation would extend the current regulations on cigarettes to all other deemed products, including cigars. It also introduces a number of new restrictions on tobacco sales.

IPCPR opposes this legislation. We will continue to engage with lawmakers to work to seek fair treatment of premium cigars by the FDA. Premium cigars are a 100% natural, artisan product and should not be regulated the same as cigarettes or electronic nicotine delivery systems. We are continuing to gain support and co-sponsors for our exemption bills in both the Senate (S.9) and the House (H.R. 1854). To read the House Committee on Energy & Commerce’s section by section breakdown CLICK HERE.


*This week, Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced his intentions to introduce a Senate bill raising the minimum tobacco purchase age to 21. Updates to come.


For questions regarding H.R. 2339 or other legislative concerns, contact Tori Ellington by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Diesel is rolling out Hair of the Dog, a limited-edition release that’s hitting retail this month.

Developed by AJ Fernandez with Justin Andrews and handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua, Diesel Hair of the Dog is a medium-to-full-bodied smoke with earthy flavor, notes of pepper and a heady aroma. The blend is made entirely of Nicaraguan Habano, which is balanced by an Ecuadoran Habano wrapper and an Ecuadoran Sumatra binder.

Senior Brand Manager Justin Andrews said, “Diesel Hair of the Dog was blended to have just the right amount of kick. It’s not an overly powerful cigar, yet it really delivers on the flavor. For the cigar lover who’s looking for the hair of a dog after a night of over-indulgence, or for anyone who seeks the complexity of Nicaraguan tobacco, Hair of the Dog is definitely going to do the trick.”

Diesel Hair of the Dog is available in one size, a box-pressed Toro (6” x 54). The SRP per cigar is $10.00 and the cigars are packed rustic wooden boxes, each containing 10 cigars. Just 5,000 boxes have been produced.

Hair of the Dog complements Diesel Whiskey Row, a top-selling cigar launched last year in partnership with Louisville, KY-based Rabbit Hole Bourbon.

About Diesel

Handcrafted by artisans in Esteli, 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 Whiskey Row which launched in 2018 and Diesel Grind which debuted in 2017. For more information, visit www.dieselcigar.com.

Springfield, VA (April 11, 2019) – Omar de Frias announced today that Fratello Cigars partnered with Adroit Brewery to create an Imperial Stout Beer named Terminal Descent.

“This is the part of me that geeks out about our space program. Terminal Descent occurs in the portion of the Entry, Descent and Landing phase of a mission in which final preparation for landing occurs.” said de Frias.

Mark Osbourne owner of Adroit and Omar wanted to create the perfect beer pairing with the Fratello Bianco. “Fratello Bianco is all about earthiness, cocoa, coffee notes and liquor.” said de Frias “We felt like Bianco would be fantastic for this pairing as we brewed Terminal Descent with Chocolate Malt for sweetness and Chocolate Rye for a spicy bite without the normal astringency or bitterness associated with such a deep roast.” said Osbourne.

Available May 1st in 19 Total Wine Stores in Virginia, 2 Total Wine Stores in Maryland Adroit’s tasting room and Fratello Cigar Events in Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia.

J.C. Newman Introduces Limited-Edition Brick House Cigar
Brick House Ciento por Ciento offered as TAA exclusive
J.C. Newman Cigar Company will release its first Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) exclusive brand, Brick House Ciento por Ciento.

Handcrafted in J.C. Newman's Nicaraguan factory, Puros de Estelí Nicaragua, S.A. (J.C. Newman PENSA), Ciento por Ciento only uses tobaccos grown in the rich, volcanic soils of Nicaragua. It is the first Nicaraguan puro blend in the Brick House line, hence the name, which means 100% in Spanish. The wrapper is a Habana-seed, corojo leaf grown in the Jalapa Valley which encloses binder and filler from three of Nicaragua's mountainous regions.

Production has been limited to 500 boxes and is only available for purchase by TAA members. The cigars will only be available for purchase at the 2019 conference and will ship by the end of May.

Brand: Brick House Ciento por Ciento
Size: 6 ¼" 54
MSRP: $7.40
Box Count: 25

About J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America. J.C. Newman rolls its El Reloj, Factory Throwouts, and Trader Jacks cigars by hand-operated, vintage cigar machines at its historic cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. It also hand rolls its Brick House, Perla del Mar, El Baton, and Quorum cigars at the J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. J.C. Newman's Diamond Crown, MAXIMUS, Julius Caeser, and Black Diamond cigars are handmade by Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic. With its longtime partners the Fuente family, the Newmans founded the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which supports low-income families in the Dominican Republic with education, health care, vocational training, and clean water.

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, will convene a hearing titled, "Keeping Small, Premium Cigar Businesses Rolling" on Friday, April 5, 2019, at 1:00 PM. Directly following the hearing, Rubio will hold a brief media availability.
 
The hearing will look at the climate of overregulation of the premium cigar industry, an iconic staple to Florida's economy. Earlier this year, Rubio re-introduced the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2019, which seeks to exempt premium cigars from excessive and overly burdensome U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and fees. Last year, Rubio spoke on the Senate floor on behalf of his amendment to save the premium cigar industry after leading a bipartisan letter to the FDA that urged an exemption of premium, hand-rolled cigars from these overreaching regulations, which threaten American premium cigar manufacturers and retailers, and could force this industry of mostly small businesses across the country to close. In 2016, Rubio visited Tampa's J.C. Newman Cigar Company to meet with workers whose paychecks are being threatened by destructive regulations from Washington. In 2014, Senator Rubio penned an op-ed that called for "a halt to unnecessary federal regulations that threaten" this industry.
 
The hearing will be live-streamed on Senator Marco Rubio's Facebook page.
 
Members of the media planning to attend must RSVP to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
 
Witnesses
Mr. Charles Maresca, Director of Interagency Affairs, Office of Advocacy, U.S. Small Business Administration
 
Dr. Brad Rodu, Endowed Chair, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research, University of Louisville
 
Mr. Jeff Borysiewicz, President and Founder, Corona Cigar Company and Florida Sun Grown, Florida's only tobacco farm
 
Mr. Drew Newman, General Counsel and great-grandson of the Founder, J.C. Newman Cigar Company
 
Hearing Details:
Keeping Small, Premium Cigar Businesses Rolling
Friday, April 5, 2019
1:00 PM, EDT
Hillsborough Community College, Ybor City Campus
Performing Arts Building
2112 North 15^th Street
Tampa, Florida
Note: Directly following the hearing Rubio will hold a brief media availability.

Doral, FL, March 18, 2019 – Gran Habano is happy to announce as of April 1, 2019, the start of direct distribution of its full catalog to its retailers in the state of California, one of the largest cigar markets in the U.S. Gran Habano hopes that by providing this service to California, the brand will grow into an important part of the retailers offering to the clients who love Gran Habano cigars. “We have long looked at California as one of the company’s strongest markets and we look forward to continuing our growth in the state through this new distribution opportunity”, says President of Gran Habano, George Rico. Through its expansion, Gran Habano looks forward to bringing its core line of products to more retailers in the state of California. In addition to its most popular Connecticut #1, Habano #3, and Corojo #5 core lines, Gran Habano’s portfolio of brands includes the highly rated La Conquista, S.T.K. Black Dahlia, Blue in Green, Persian King and others, all manufactured at its factory in Honduras. Terry Coleman from TMC Sales Inc. will be happy to assist California retailers with any questions and purchasing needs here. Retailers can also contact Luis Pascual at Gran Habano to obtain more information on the required paperwork and documentation needed to open an account. Such items needed would be a new customer application package, a valid retail tobacco license in California, and establishment of payment options to make this new transition as smooth as possible.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Altadis U.S.A., maker of world-renowned premium cigars, is reinventing a timeless product – to offer the Montecristo Classic as a Mini Cigarillo in a convenient and stylish tin carrying case.

Montecristo is a brand known the world over and has garnered countless accolades. While the saying “never mess with perfection” seems apt, what if that perfect cigar could be reimagined and offered in a compact form? Imagine being able to enjoy that award-winning cigar during a 10-minute coffee break,

Imagine no more. The Montecristo Classic Mini Cigarillo is here and boasts the same Connecticut shade wrapper and premium Dominican fillers that made the original a pinnacle cigar brand.

As Altadis U.S.A.’s senior brand manager Eddy Guerra explains, “The idea for a Montecristo Mini Cigarillo comes from our desire for a quality cigar experience even when time is short. I really look forward to enjoying this product when sipping my Café Con Leche coffee after my lunch break, for example. Just because you don’t have a lot of time, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a beautiful cigar experience.

“We look forward to ushering in a new way for Montecristo fans to enjoy a classic Montecristo experience in this new mini cigarillo form.

The Montecristo Classic Mini Cigarillo will be offered in a convenient 20-count tin with a MSRP of $13.75US.

About Altadis U.S.A.

Altadis U.S.A. has been crafting fine premium cigars since 1918 and is responsible for many of the world’s most renowned brands, including Henry Clay, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann and Trinidad.  If you have ever enjoyed a premium cigar, there's a good chance you've enjoyed a cigar crafted by Altadis U.S.A.  Visit www.altadisusa.com for more information. 

(Miami, Florida) March 14, 2019— With much excitement, Villiger Cigars will introduce a European favorite, the Villiger La Meridiana to the U.S. consumer. Recently obtaining a 92 rating by Cigar Journal, the Villiger Meridiana was released in 1998 and has gained a loyal following, among full-flavored cigar enthusiasts in Europe. The Villiger Meridiana was conceived by Heinrich Villiger, as a way to pay tribute to some long lost Cuban cigar heritage.

The Villiger La Meridiana bases its historical roots, in a long forgotten Cuban factory named “La Meridiana”. The factory owned by Pedro Murias, was once of the largest and most well-known cigar factories, which determined the cityscape of Havana at the end of the 19^th century. Sadly, Murias was forced to sell La Meridiana factory due to unrest in Cuba during the Cuban War of Independence. The sale went through shortly after the war ended in 1898, and just like that, Pedro Murias along with the original La Meridiana cigar factory became a fading memory.

Crux Cigars Launches Limited Edition Epicure Short Salomone

(Miami, Fla.) - Crux Cigars has announced the first of their Short Salomone Series, the Epicure
Short Salomone, will be landing this week at their retail partners.

Each cigar within the Short Salomone Series be produced in limited quantities, and debuted in
short run fashion. The initial production will be 10-count boxes of 500 or less. The Short Salomone
is a 6 x 54 vitola.

“The Short Salomone Series is really a showcase of craftsmanship, due to the difficulty this vitola
presents. Only the best rollers can execute this shape,” shared Crux Cigars President Jeff Haugen.
Additionally, for the first time, the initial shipment of the Epicure Short Salomone will include the
Privada Cigar Club, a monthly membership subscription service.

DENVER, CO (Friday, March 15, 2019) ——

Cigar Dojo, the first and largest social cigar app, and Cubariqueño Cigar Company, a rapidly growing favorite in the craft cigar industry, have collaborated for the second time, introducing the Protocol Night Stick—a swift and just assault on the palates of die-hard cigar enthusiasts.

Following in the footsteps of 2018's Hit Release: Protocol K9—a limited edition project that proved to be among Cigar Dojo's most acclaimed and fastest selling cigar collaborations—the two community-focused companies have combined talents once more, now upping the ante with a 6½" x 54 toro gordo; a commanding cigar truly befitting its "Night Stick" title.

Ybor City is not only famous for its world-class cigars, but also its beautiful chickens. Regardless of where you walk around in Ybor City, you will certainly see colorful cocks leading their packs wandering the streets of the cigar capital of the world. These chickens are descendants of the backyard birds raised by the neighborhood’s first residents over 100 years ago, around 1885.

At Xurvivor Cigars, we want to raise awareness about the historical importance and dangers these beautiful creatures are facing. In 2018, it was estimated that the chicken population plunged from over 89 chickens to just 29, due to human intervention.

Green Cock is a 1,000-count special edition cigar. It’s a first in multiple fronts, including our first cigar produced in Nicaragua, our first Candela wrapper, and our first Churchill cigar.

Smoking this cigar might surprise aficionados. You will find some of the grassiness of the Candela has smoothed out, crafting an interesting smoking experience. This is due to the 8 month aging process we started in August 2018, in our Spanish cedar humidors, making the Green Cock a true collector's edition.

Green Cock Candela Bag of 10
$120.00

The artisans of Cohiba are proud to unveil COHIBA CONNECTICUT, a super-premium release that marks an important milestone for the brand, as this is the first Cohiba to be wrapped in Connecticut Shade.

Cohiba Brand Ambassador Sean Williams said, “Our agronomists partnered with an independent grower in Ecuador’s Los Rios province to produce a silky and lustrous Ecuadoran Connecticut Shade wrapper. Unlike cloth-covered fields that shield the tobacco from the blistering sun in Connecticut, this special wrapper is grown beside Ecuador’s Vinces River and beneath the thick, natural cloud cover that blankets the region. The volcanic soil yielded a wrapper that was intentionally developed for its aesthetic qualities, with veins that are barely perceptible. Looks aside, the wrapper is ideal for blending, as it maximizes the filler and binder leaves.”

Brazilian Mata Fina and Dominican Piloto Cubano lend complexity to the blend, and Nicaraguan Jalapa enhances the strength of the cigar, while Dominican Olor adds depth to the smoke. A Mexican San Andrean binder complements the filler leaves and delivers optimal combustibility. This is a mild-to-medium-bodied smoke with a rich aroma and compelling notes of sweetness and spice.

The Americano 661 is the crown jewel of the planned 2019 releases for Xurvivor cigars, and the first cigar in American history to be aged and infused inside Florida Bourbon barrels.

This is a very exclusive, limited edition of 500 Nicaraguan/Dominican long-fillers, rolled in a flawless Nicaraguan Habano or Connecticut wrapper. This Toro cigar proudly stands 6.5 inches tall and 54 ring gauge. The Americano 661 is nothing like you have tried before. We used a unique aging process for over 10 months, which started using charred oak barrels from the St. Augustine distillery in Florida. If amazing cigars are a crime, the barrels would be guilty of the unique and amazing taste and aroma from these cigars. The infusion of bourbon and the notes of caramel and spice will make this a cigar to remember. This is a short, limited edition batch of only 500 cigars.

The launch of the Americano 661 also coincides with our inaugural event for the new Ybor City showroom courtyard. Don't miss this private event in Ybor City, Florida, taking place on April 11th. You can register on our website if you are interested in attending this private event... Don't wait, seating is limited!

Dunbarton, NH – On February 6th, 2019, David Lafferty was named the future Vice President of Sales at Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT).

Lafferty spent eleven years employed with Drew Estate in a sales position. He began his career as the New England Sales Representative to be promoted to the East Coast Regional Sales Manager and then again, he worked his way up to become the Director of National Accounts prior to his departing in May 2018. Lafferty then served as the Executive Director of Nat Sherman International in their premium cigar division until his scheduled departure on February 28th, 2019. He will assume the responsibilities of his new position with Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust on March 1st, 2019.

On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture held a hearing on member priorities. Congressman Posey (FL-08), a long time premium cigar champion, took this critical opportunity as a chance to shed light on the harmful impact FDA regulations have had on the premium cigar industry.

FRATELLO CIGARS AND W.CURTIS DRAPER ANNOUNCE 
PARTNERSHIP TO HELP FURLOUGHED GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Springfield, VA (January 24, 2019) – Omar de Frias announced today that Fratello Cigars, in partnership with W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist, will be offering relief to federal employees in the DC area. Over 800,000 federal workers are going without pay as the government shutdown enters the record books as the longest in history.

“Having been furloughed myself back in 2013 while working at NASA, I can tell you the uncertainty and the worry was real for me and my family”. – Said Frias.

“Being in Washington, DC we see stress of furloughed government employees and we want to help them in their time of need. Smoking a cigar is a fantastic way to relax and we would like to offer all furloughed government employees a discount on Fratello cigars in their time of need.” Said Anderson.

Omar de Frias has decided to extend this partnership to all of his blog in DC, Maryland and Virginia to offer a bit of relief to all furloughed government employees. 

(Miami, Fla.) - Crux Cigars will begin shipping the much anticipated Limitada Redline this week to their retail partners across the country.

Announced at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show, the Redline is the first line extension of the popular Limitada line from Crux Cigars since the introduction of the Limitada IPCPR in 2016. The Redline is a 6 x 50 Toro finished with a Cuban box press.

As with the previously released Limitada PB5 and the Limitada IPCPR, the Redline is produced once per year as a limited edition of 1,000 10-count boxes. It features the proprietary Nicaraguan Engañoso wrapper.

Available vitola:
Toro Cuban Box Press 6 x 50 (MSRP $11.99)
10-count boxes.
For questions or additional details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

(Miami, Fla.) - Crux Cigars has announced the introduction of the Crux Short Salomone Series. 

The initial production will include three of their popular blends; Epicure, Guild, and Limitada.

Each will be debuted in short run fashion, produced in limited quantities. The initial production
will be 10-count boxes of 500 or less. The Short Salomone is a 6 x 54 vitola.

The company are taking pre-orders through December 31st.

“We are excited to announce these short run releases. We are continually looking to enhance
our portfolio and the smoking pleasure of our brand,” shared Crux Cigars President Jeff Haugen,
“and frankly, we enjoy challenging ourselves and our team.”

The cigars are rolled by a single pair at the La Catedral de Tabaco factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Epicure Short Salomone $12.99 MSRP/Cigar Initial Production: 500 boxes
Guild Short Salomone $11.99 MSRP/Cigar Initial Production: 200 boxes
Limitada Short Salomone $13.99 MSRP/Cigar Initial Production: 300 boxes

Release Date: Spring 2019

For questions or additional details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.