IPCPR thanks Fratello Cigars for their generous sponsorship of the 2017 FDA Compliance Update Seminar at the 85th Annual Convention and International Trade Show in Las Vegas. The seminar takes place on Monday, July 10, 2017 from 5:00 to 6:00 PM in the Westgate Paradise Event Center.

The FDA Compliance Update Seminar will be moderated by current IPCPR president, Craig Cass of Tinder Box in Charlotte, North Carolina. Subject matter experts on Mr. Cass' panel include:

• Thomas Briant, Executive Director - National Association of Tobacco Outlets (NATO),
• David B. Clissold, Director - Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, PC, and,
• Daniel Trope, Director of Federal Affairs - IPCPR.

Make plans now to attend this dynamic, informative seminar, and be sure to visit Fratello Cigars at booth #2350 to thank them for their sponsorship and to pick up a free gift.

May 1, 2017 -- General Cigar announced today that the company has appointed Sean Williams as a full-time brand ambassador for Cohiba. Williams is former owner of El Primer Mundo Cigar Company, a boutique collection of highly-rated cigars made in the Dominican Republic.

“We have brought Sean on board as part of the continued expansion of our experiential platforms,” said General Cigar President Régis Broersma. “Our focus is on deepening retailer and consumer engagement around this pivotal brand in our portfolio.  With Sean, we are gaining a passionate cigar maker who is also a connoisseur of the finer things in life. We are confident he will make great strides in further aligning Cohiba with luxury lifestyle activations.”

Sean will bring the Cohiba brand to life at in-store events held at premier cigar shops across the U.S, and will activate the brand at an array of luxury venues across the country. He begins his new role today. Sean joins the company’s expanding team of brand ambassadors featuring Rick Rodriguez (CAO), Jack Toraño (Toraño) and Justin Andrews (Foundry Tobacco Company).

Sean will report to Gus Martinez, director of marketing, and will be based in Atlanta.

As his first order of business, Sean will spend several weeks at General Cigar Dominicana, working closely with the artisans who handcraft Cohiba to become fully immersed in the brand.

Prior to joining General Cigar, Sean founded El Primer Mundo Cigar Company in 2006 and successfully grew his brand internationally with distribution in the U.S., Southeast Asia, Australia and Russia.  His commitment to creating superior cigars has resulted in numerous 90+ ratings spanning the cigar industry’s most respected publications.

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of handcrafted cigars for the premium market. The company is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®,  La Gloria Cubana®, Partagas®, CAO®, Punch®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends and has a dedicated R&D practice that develops new varieties of tobacco and revitalizes vintage seeds. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. In 2010, General Cigar entered into a joint venture agreement with Plasencia Group to expand its leaf growing and processing expertise and increase its access to tobacco.  Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists in the U.S. and exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, visit www.cigarworld.com.

(Miami, Florida) June 16, 2017— Villiger Cigars proudly announces that the Villiger - La Flor De Ynclan will be presented at the 2017 IPCPR in Las Vegas this coming July 2017. The creation of every cigar carries a story, and this is no different. The La Flor De Ynclan is a special cigar, diligently crafted by Heinrich Villiger and master blender Jose Matias Maragoto of ABAM Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic.

Heinrich Villiger, chairman of the board of Villiger Soehne AG, came across a young ambitious Cuban native 22 years ago in the Dominican Republic. That Cuban, Jose Matias Maragoto was an unknown cigar maker, who was beginning a new life in a new country. Fast forward two decades, the once untested Matias Maragoto is the overseer of all Villiger made product made in the DR. The Flor de Ynclan cigar, is the fruition of a bond between two different men from different backgrounds, over the love of tobacco.

Villiger Cigars produced a small batch of La Flor De Ynclan over a decade ago. Unsatisfied with the final result; the decision was made to cease production. The tobacco was set aside and aged, while Matias meticulously tweaked the amount of the Indonesian, Dominican, and Nicaraguan tobacco within its Ecuadorian wrapper. Present day, the La Flor De Ynclan is what both imagined it could be.

Heinrich Villiger stated: “The La Flor De Ynclan cigar has been an ongoing labor of love for us. We feel that there is a difference between a good and great cigar, Matias Maragoto and I hope you feel the same.”

The La Flor De Ynclan is a cigar that presents a distinct full-flavor experience, due to the extended aging of the tobacco. Choice Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobacco, along with a true Indonesian binder, wrapped in a beautiful Ecuadorian wrapper make the La Flor De Ynclan a cigar that has been worth the wait.

The Villiger – La Flor De Ynclan is expressed in three sizes and comes in 25 count boxes.

Robusto 5X50         $11.00

Torpedo 5X52         $12.00

Churchill 7X48        $12.00

ABOUT VILLIGER SONS LIMITED AND VILLIGER NORTH AMERICA:
Villiger Sons Limited was established in 1888 by Jean Villiger in the small town of Pfeffikon, Switzerland, where Villiger remains headquartered to this day. The company manufactures and sells more than 1.5 billion cigars annually, world-wide. Today, under the leadership of Heinrich Villiger, the company prides itself in its commitment to quality, in all their products made in many countries around the globe.

Villiger North America was established to service the premium cigar enthusiast primarily in the United States. With production from some of the most respected manufacturers in Dominican Republic, Central America and elsewhere, it is the goal of the company, to introduce the finest smoking experience a premium handmade cigar has to offer. Today, and in the future, one can rest assured that when they choose a Villiger cigar, the quality of the leaf, the manufacturing, and even the packaging will be second to none.

Follow the NEW Villager Cigars North America on social @VilligerCigarsNorthAmerica #TheOriginalClassic

The world’s finest tobaccos create the most enduring experiences. Cohiba Blue is indeed the cigar for all who desire to live the good life.

Cohiba has always been synonymous with luxury smoking experiences. The brand’s latest collection, Cohiba Blue, takes this to an entirely different level by introducing the notion of inclusive luxury.

Andres Maturen, brand manager of Cohiba said, “With Cohiba Blue, we present collection that speaks to the ethos of the Cohiba brand. Made with a curated selection of tobaccos, handcrafted by renowned artisans, and created for all those who seek the indulgence of a fine cigar, Cohiba Blue symbolizes a life well lived.”

The Cohiba blending team created a velvety, medium-bodied cigar with a rich, complex taste and enticing aroma. To achieve the desired flavor, they began with a silky, rosado-hued Honduran Olancho San Agustin (OSA) wrapper and took a unique approach by selecting Honduran OSA for the binder as well. The layered wrapper-binder deepens the smoking experience and imparts subtle, earthy notes. The blend consists of Honduran Jamastran, Nicaraguan Ometepe and Dominican Piloto Cubano to provide hints of cocoa and caramel, with a light touch of sweetness. The unique, three-country blend represents the world’s most revered tobacco growing regions and delivers a sophisticated, memorable smoke.

The cigars are protected hand-painted bright blue wooden boxes, each containing 20 flawlessly handcrafted cigars.

Churchill (7.5 X 50); SRP per cigar is $10.99

Robusto (5.5 X 50); SRP per cigar is $9.99

Rothschild (4.5 X 50); SRP per cigar $8.99

Toro (6 X 54); SRP per cigar is $10.49

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of handcrafted cigars for the premium market. The company is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®,  La Gloria Cubana®, Partagas®, CAO®, Punch®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends and has a dedicated R&D practice that develops new varieties of tobacco and revitalizes vintage seeds. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. In 2010, General Cigar entered into a joint venture agreement with Plasencia Group to expand its leaf growing and processing expertise and increase its access to tobacco.  Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists in the U.S. and exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, visit www.cigarworld.com.

Debonaire House announced today the release of Daybreak, the third addition of the Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars lineup. Debonaire Daybreak and the lines new packaging will be displayed in Drew Estate’s booth (Booth #2608) at the IPCPR Convention and Tradeshow held July 11 – 14, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wrapped in Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, the Daybreak offers a full flavor version of a Connecticut wrapped cigar and comes into market at a more introductory price. While enjoying Daybreak, smokers can expect crisp notes of spice and earthiness from the Nicaraguan fillers, a nutty and sweet richness from the Dominican tobacco in the binder and filler, and a smooth finish from the Connecticut wrapper.

In addition, Debonaire House announced today their packaging updates to the entire Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigar line, including the Habano, Maduro, and the Daybreak offerings. 

Daybreak vitolas include:

• Debonaire Daybreak Corona (6x46) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $11.53 per cigar
• Debonaire Daybreak Belicoso (6x54) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $13.25 per cigar
• Debonaire Daybreak First Degree (4x44) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $6.00 per cigar
• Debonaire Daybreak Robusto (5x50) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $12.46 per cigar
• Debonaire Daybreak Sagita-Petite Lancero (5.5x38) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $8.74 per cigar
• Debonaire Daybreak Toro (6x50) – 20ct box w/ an MSRP of $13.00 per cigar

Phillip S. Zanghi III, owner of Debonaire House, stated while in the factory: “I have always wanted to officially produce one of our ultra premium cigars with a higher quality Connecticut wrapper; not just for the sake of producing a Connecticut, but for the sake of having a lighter wrapper option that is very present in the body and flavor expected from a Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigar. Daybreak is the product of those desires and is the beautiful third-addition to the Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars lineup. Daybreak allows more smokers to connect our product line and invites more people to find their place within the Debonaire Ideal.” Phillip continues: “the box upgrades for Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars are an exciting addition to this ultra premium line, too! We felt that the cigars warranted a fresh, upgraded idea of packaging; one that is friendlier for the retailer’s shelves and better fits the Debonaire Ideal by design: the constant pursuit of bettering overall.”

Fans of Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars and Indian Motorcycle Cigars are encouraged to download Drew Diplomat the official mobile application of Drew Estate – The Rebirth of Cigars which is now available in the App Store for iPhone®, and iPod Touch® and on Google Play™ for Android™. For more information head to http://drewdiplomat.com

Pride, perseverance and above all, passion. These are the principles that have guided Partagas for more than 170 years. Today, General Cigar celebrates the venerable brand with a new cigar that honors the heritage of Partagas in blend, box and band.

“We set out to create a retrospective blend that celebrated the very best of Partagas to date, and took great pride in putting together the ingredients, just like coming up with a very special recipe. This was a group effort, with our blenders in the Dominican Republic and Central America working with the marketing team to achieve the final taste,” said Jhonys Diaz who led blend development.

Jhonys and his team developed the blend more than ten years ago, patiently saving it for a special release. Each of the tobaccos in Heritage tells a story of the brand, bringing forth flavor nuances from some of the brand’s most popular releases.

As Honduras is renowned for growing the best wrappers in Central America, Partagas Heritage is made with a reddish wrapper developed exclusively for this launch. This proprietary leaf was grown in the revered volcanic soils of the Olancho San Agustin (OSA) Valley and burns to a stark white ash and is reminiscent of the wrapper used on Partagas Spanish Rosado. Only viso leaves were selected for Partagas Heritage, to deliver fine veins and beautiful color, while imparting complexity and a touch of sweetness.

The flavor of the OSA wrapper extends to the CT Broadleaf binder which imparts another dimension of subtle sweetness with notes of cinnamon.

The blend of Partagas Heritage delivers spicy notes, derived from Honduran Jamastran leaves, and the same Dominican Piloto Cubano and Mexican San Andres tobaccos that comprise Partagas 160.

Simplistically-elegant box details give a nod to previous releases of Partagas while the sophisticated gold band is reminiscent of the Partagas 150 band. The cigars are protected in wooden boxes containing 20 cigars each.

Rothschild (4.5 X 50); SRP per cigar $8.49

Churchill (7 X 49); SRP per cigar is $9.99

Gigante (6 X 60); SRP per cigar is $9.59

Robusto (5.5 X 52); SRP per cigar is $9.59

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of handcrafted cigars for the premium market. The company is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®,  La Gloria Cubana®, Partagas®, CAO®, Punch®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends and has a dedicated R&D practice that develops new varieties of tobacco and revitalizes vintage seeds. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. In 2010, General Cigar entered into a joint venture agreement with Plasencia Group to expand its leaf growing and processing expertise and increase its access to tobacco.  Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists in the U.S. and exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, visit www.cigarworld.com.

Island Lifestyle Importers will begin shipping the new Tommy Bahama “Cigar Club” series of accessories to select tobacconists across the United States beginning next week.  The official launch of the Cigar Club series will be at the 2017 International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention.

The “Cigar Club” series of accessories includes a desk top humidor, folding ashtray, table top plunge cutter, crystal ashtray, table-top quad torch lighter, dual torch pocket lighter, cigar cutter and the 610 travel cigar case.

Additionally, there will be two new Tommy Bahama cigar accessory line extensions showcased at this year’s convention, the Golf Series and the Regatta Collection.  Information will be released in the coming weeks on these two new and exciting series.

In addition to launching the large variety of new Tommy Bahama cigar accessories, Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve cigars will be expanding to four sizes with their Connecticut, Sun Grown and Maduro blends for national distribution.  Sizes will include Robusto, Toro, Churchill and Gordo.

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive designer and manufacturers of Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories & Island Lifestyle Cigars.  They were the recipient the 2016 IPCPR “Best in Show – New Exhibitor” award at last year’s convention.  They can be visited at Booth 531 at this year’s IPCPR.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ryan Frailing at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (941) 378-3200

Mark your calendars!

For a complete Itinerary and to book your trip, visit Nica Travel!

It started with Amazon Basin and the journey contines with CAO Fuma Em Corda, a new limited edition release made with the world’s most rare Brazilian tobacco.

A trilogy is in the making…

Known as the Indiana Jones of the cigar business, Ernest Gocaj traveled to Brazil in 2012. There, in the Amazon, he met natives who cultivated a rare variety of tobacco. The tobacco Ernest discovered was Brazilian Bragança tobacco, the foundation of CAO’s Amazon Basin.

Fast forward to 2015. Ernest returned to Brazil, this time to the Alagoas region in the center of the country. There he was witness to an ancestral fermentation method that produced tobacco with flavor like nothing else. In the Alagoas, the natives fermented Arapiraca tobacco in ropes and call the tobacco Fuma Em Corda. Ernest put the fermented tobacco in his mouth and chewed it to experience the aroma and flavor. He instantly knew he was on to something. To get his hands on as much of this tobacco as he could, Ernest told the farmers he would take all of that year’s harvest, right then and there.

The tobacco ropes were shipped to Honduras and CAO’s blending team took over. This is the story of CAO Fuma Em Corda.

With the tobacco delivered safely to Honduras, Ernest stepped out and Rick Rodriguez (blender/ambassador) stepped in. Together with the CAO blending team, Rick built the blend around the Brazilian Araparica tobacco. In a nod to Amazon Basin, Rick and the team included Brazilian Braganca in the blend for Fuma Em Corda. They added Honduran and Nicaraguan tobaccos, to bring a deeper dimension of spice to the salty, earthy flavor of the Brazilian leaves. A Cameroon binder was chosen to deliver a solid burn, and the blend was wrapped in a Honduran Colorado wrapper to deliver a cigar with notes of leather, roasted coffee and black pepper.

CAO Fuma Em Corda is a limited edition blend that will never be re-released. Just 3,000 boxes have been made for sale only at cigar shops, and by the time the cigars hit retail later this month, they will sell out in the blink of an eye. The cigars are made in Honduras, packed in rustic wooden boxes and only available in a 5 x 50 Robusto, selling, if you can get them, for $8.99 per cigar. Twenty-count boxes will sell for $179.80.

CAO Fuma Em Corda is also being released in limited quantity, in a 6 x 58 Toro. Selling only through Internet and catalog retailers, the Toro will retail for $10.49 per cigar, or $209.80 for a box of 20.

One final note: Ernest returned to Brazil for one last time. He scored his last batch of Amazonian rainforest tobacco, for another limited release. Stay tuned for more on the final installment of the CAO Brazilian tobacco trilogy.

History takes many forms, from words in books to stories handed down through generations. Foundry Tobacco Company’s new Temple Hall Estates collection is a story of heritage, best told through smoke.

The Temple Hall Cigar Factory was born of necessity. During WWII, England needed to keep its currency within the commonwealth to support the war effort. As the Brits were among the world’s largest buyers of Cuban cigars at that time, many Cuban cigar masters expatriated to British-held Jamaica to continue to supply this important market. The Temple Hall cigar factory quickly became a big-time player. Years later, when the Castro regime took control of Cuba, Ramón Cifuentes, the father of Partagas, assumed the day-to-day operation of the factory. His legendary attention to detail and exacting standards quickly put Temple Hall on the map, and it became known as one of the world’s premier cigar factories.

When the Temple Hall factory was acquired by General Cigar in the 1960s, Edgar Cullman, then chairman of the company, saw tremendous promise in Ramón and ultimately transferred him to the Dominican Republic where he played a pivotal role in developing the company’s strict standards for cigar making and quality assurance.

Justin Andrews, sales manager for Foundry Tobacco Company had this to day about the brand, “Temple Hall Estates pays homage to the factory in Jamaica, and the people who shared Ramón Cifuentes’ love for the art of cigar making. This new line is made in Santiago, DR, according to the techniques set forth at Temple Hall by Ramón.”

A silky, elegant, and flavorful smoke reminiscent of the cigars crafted at Temple Hall under the tutelage of Ramón Cifuentes, Temple Hall Estates is made with a Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Mexican San Andrean binder. Proprietary Dominican Piloto Cubano leaves grown in Mao, DR and harvested from all three grades (volado, seco and ligero) and Mexican San Andrean long fillers round out the blend and deliver enticing notes of earth and cedar.

Andrews noted, Temple Hall Estates rounds out the Foundry Tobacco Company portfolio by offering a mild, smooth-smoking cigar not previously represented in the FTC Heritage Series which includes Ramón Allones and Bolivar.”

Temple Hall Estates is available in four classic sizes listed below, and is now shipping to cigar retailers across the U.S. The brand will be supported with in-store educational events beginning in March and taking place at cigar shops across the country.

5.5 x 49 – SRP per cigar is $6.99

6 x 50 – SRP per cigar is $7.49

5.25 x 54 – SRP per cigar is $7.99

7.5 x 49 – SRP per cigar is $8.49

Marking Five Years of Collaboration; Oliva Cranks Up the Heat with Inferno Expansion at Famous Smoke Shop

EASTON, PA – Famous Smoke Shop, the largest American-owned distributor of discounted premium cigars online, has announced the extension of their Inferno line with three new cigars. Made in collaboration with Nicaragua’s Tabacalera Oliva, these new premium cigars will be made in Oliva’s factory and are available exclusively at Famous Smoke Shop, in store and online.

The new additions include Melt, Scorch, and Singe, representing the fourth, fifth, and sixth additions to the Inferno cast. Oliva and Famous Smoke Shop have been collaborating on the Inferno brand since 2012 with the debut of the original blend; subsequent releases have included Inferno Flashpoint and 3rd Degree premium cigars.

These new lines run the gamut in vitolas, strength, and the types of tobaccos used: Melt is a true Nicaraguan puro, box-pressed in a sun grown Broadleaf wrapper, Habano binder, and ligero filler. This premium is geared toward the connoisseur’s palate; full-bodied, full flavored, and complex with notes of cocoa, leather, earth and spice.

Scorch brings a mellow and complex profile to the table with a medium-bodied blend of Nicaraguan Habano filler, a Cuban-seed Habano binder, and a decadent African Cameroon wrapper. “The Cameroon wrapper has a unique flavor that really complements the Nicaraguan filler in a way that’s almost too good to be true,” says Jim Charnley, Director of Purchasing and Merchandising at Famous Smoke Shop.

Singe, also a Nicaraguan puro, brings more full-bodied flavor to the smoker’s palate with a Sun Grown wrapper and a hearty, yet sweet profile. “One of my new favorites. Singe is a solid, full-flavored Nicaraguan puro, loaded with sweet, spicy and nutty flavors. Oliva’s outdone themselves once again with another great smoke at a great price,” says CigarAdvisor.com Executive Editor, Gary Korb.

Just in time for summer, Inferno has turned up the heat while Famous Smoke Shop has kept the prices low on these new premiums. Each cigar is available in Famous’ exclusive 20 count humidor jars, a cigar storage system introduced in 2016 – and known now for their ease of use, stylish look, and eco-friendliness. All of the new Inferno selections are also available as 5-packs and singles.

Inferno Melt
Churchill 7 x 50 ____________________________________ $8.75 SRP per cigar or $99.99 per jar
Robusto 5 x 50 _____________________________________ $7.95 SRP per cigar or $90.99 per jar
Torpedo 6 ½ x 52 ___________________________________ $8.25 SRP per cigar or $94.99 per jar
Inferno Scorch
Churchill 7 x 50 ____________________________________ $8.75 SRP per cigar or $99.99 per jar
Robusto 5 x 50_____________________________________ $7.95 SRP per cigar or $90.99 per jar
Toro  6 x 50 _______________________________________ $8.25 SRP per cigar or $94.99 per jar
Inferno Singe
Churchill 7 x 50 ___________________________________ $8.75 SRP per cigar or $99.99 per jar
Robusto 5 x 50 ____________________________________ $7.95 SRP per cigar or $90.99 per jar
Toro 6 x 50 _______________________________________ $8.25 SRP per cigar or $94.99 per jar

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

Jesus Fuego Sets “Sequel Cigar” For Exclusive New Release

EASTON, PA – Famous Smoke Shop, the largest American-owned distributor of discounted premium cigars online, has announced a new cigar release: The Judge Volume 2. In a collaboration with Jesus Fuego, this new premium cigar is in production at a boutique factory in Nicaragua and is now available exclusively at Famous Smoke Shop.

Jesus Fuego began The Judge saga with a savory 4-nation tobacco blend, which was clad in unique Brazilian Mata Fina wrappers. Now he’s continued the story of this well-received and highly-rated series by applying his trademark full flavor profile to a milder and more mellow cigar. The unique mellow touch owes thanks to the dedicated following of J. Fuego Cigars, who requested a Judge that was lenient on the palate; counter to the traditional peppery spice of a premium Nicaraguan cigar. In the first edition, we saw a hard-lined, no-nonsense Judge. He came, saw, and conquered; now, The Judge is back - and he’s brought some friends with him.

The epic tale of The Judge moves on with a shiny Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper applied to a mix of Nicaraguan binder and fillers. “It may look intimidating, but this cigar is one sweet smoke,” said Fred Lunt, writer at CigarAdvisor.com, who was among the first to sample this new Fuego cigar upon its arrival at Famous Smoke Shop. Three of the original 5 vitolas are making a return appearance, the Retribution (6x50 toro), deemed guilty and sentenced to a staggeringly competitive price. The Contempt and Blind Justice will be making cameos as well, with Contempt making a blood and guts comeback in a 7 x 48 Churchill. As Blind Justice makes its presence known as a force to be reckoned with in a bold, yet smooth 5 x 50 robusto.

“The Judge Volume 2 is truly a unique Connecticut that’s affordable, full-flavored, and definitely not boring”, says John Lamberti, Director of Marketing at Famous Smoke Shop. “The verdict is, its exceeding quality and flavor has won our approval at Famous Smoke.”

In an unbelievable introductory offer, Famous Smoke Shop has made discounts of up to 25% off the suggested retail price. Additionally, J. Fuego’s The Judge Volume 2 cigars are packaged with earth friendliness in mind, being made available in reusable and easily maintained humidor jars of 20, which would normally retail alone for $29.99; this new Judge is also offered in 5-packs and singles.

Blind Justice (5” x 50 Robusto) $4.75/cigar SRP
Contempt (7” x 48 Churchill) $5.20/cigar SRP
Retribution (6" x 50 Toro) $5.20/cigar SRP

Come get your sticks! The Judge Vol. 2 is available now for Sale at Famous Smoke Shop.

Late last week, the Trump Administration announced a planned reversal to key components of US-Cuba policy established under President Obama.  At President Trump’s direction, tighter restrictions will be applied to any activities or entities related to Cuba’s military-commercial conglomerate GAESA.  Additionally, the announcement reverses eased restrictions on travel to the island nation.

But how does this announcement affect changes made by the Obama Administration to Cuban cigars?  

In short - It doesn’t make any changes to existing policy.

Cuban cigars can still be brought into the US from travelers abroad for personal enjoyment and without any limit to quantity.  However, it remains US policy that Cuban cigars can not be imported for any retail purpose.

For additional information on the Trump administration’s announcement – please see the recent This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.&job=2976593&ymlink=132711046&finalurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Etreasury%2Egov%2Fresource%2Dcenter%2Fsanctions%2FPrograms%2FDocuments%2Fcuba%5Ffaqs%5F20170616%2Epdf">OFAC Cuba FAQ’s

January 9, 2017 (Hialeah, FL) – Crux Cigars announces the highly anticipated 2016 Second Release of the Limitada PB5 will begin arriving at retailers this week.

Announced at the IPCPR Show last summer, Crux Cigars reports the new 2016 Second Release has been produced using the same wrapper, binder and filler tobaccos, that were used in the very successful 2015 Limitada PB5 First Release. Additionally, the cigars have been produced by the same bunchers and rollers at the Plasencia factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

The cigar remains a 5.75 x 54 toro that features the Nicaraguan Engañoso wrapper leaf and Cuban box press finish. Production is limited to just 7,500 cigars, split into 750 10-count boxes. The SRP is $11.99 per cigar.

Crux Cigars will have a special web page for consumers convenience that lists the retailers around the country who have ordered the 2016 Limitada PB5 Second Release, which you can find at http://cruxcigars.com/index.cfm/limitadaretailers.

Springfield, VA (June 16, 2017) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce Fratello Navetta debut at the IPCPR 2017.  Translated shuttle in Italian, Fratello Navetta is a dream project de Frias envisioned while at NASA.  

“Blending Fratello Naveta was special as I wanted to translate the ultimate celebration our men and women of the space program felt after a successful mission”.  “After being part of over 21 missions nothing beats the feeling of getting our astronauts home safe to their families” said de Frias.  

“Colleagues of mine would get together and smoke a very special cigar to commemorate the occasion.   This very special blend carries the ultimate feeling of innovation, duty, honor and success” said de Frias.  

Blended with an Ecuador oscuro wrapper the blend will be featured in 4 vitolas.     

Robusto Discovery (5 x 50) 10.50
Toro Endeavor (6 ¼ x 54) 11.25
Gordo Enterprise (6 x 60) 12.00
The Boxer Atlantis (6 ¼ x 52) 12.50

Fratello Navetta will be manufactured at Joya de Nicaragua and will be available for shipment in September.  Omar de Frias worked at NASA for 12 years prior to leaving to focus full time on Fratello.

General Cigar announces the debut of Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua, a four-cigar collection that features a rich and savory Nicaraguan-forward blend.

Ed McKenna, director of marketing strategy for General Cigar noted, “Punch Gran Puro has been a true staple in humidors for over a decade and the brand’s recently-received high ratings have cemented its legacy in the handmade cigar category. For the extension of the Gran Puro line, our artisans built a blend that balances Nicaraguan tobaccos with a Maduro wrapper to deliver a layered, dimensional flavor not traditionally found in Nicaraguan-based cigars. We are confident that Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua will be a fast favorite among tenured smokers.”

Handcrafted at General Cigar’s HATSA factory in Danli, Honduras, Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua represents the ultimate in body and flavor. The cigar gets its full-bodied taste from high priming Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves which yield bold notes of pepper and cedar.  The powerful Nicaraguan leaves are complemented by a hearty Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper that brings forth notes of leather to the smoking experience.

Punch Gran Puro Nicaragua will debut in February and will be accessibly priced, with suggested retail prices under $7.00 per cigar. The collection is packaged in 20 count boxes with a unique blue and green color scheme featuring Mr. Punch, the brand’s iconic mascot.

(4.875 X 48); SRP per cigar $5.29

(5.5 X 54); SRP per cigar is $6.39

(6 X 54); SRP per cigar is $6.49

(7.5 X 54); SRP per cigar is $6.99

About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of handcrafted cigars for the premium market. The company is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo®, Cohiba®,  La Gloria Cubana®, Partagas®, CAO®, Punch®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends and has a dedicated R&D practice that develops new varieties of tobacco and revitalizes vintage seeds. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. In 2010, General Cigar entered into a joint venture agreement with Plasencia Group to expand its leaf growing and processing expertise and increase its access to tobacco.  Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists in the U.S. and exports select products to 62 countries.

Miami, Florida, May 10, 2017

Gran Habano announces the release of S.T.K. Black Dahlia by George Rico, the latest from its boutique S.T.K. series, joining G.A.R. Opium, S.T.K. Barracuda, S.T.K. Zulu Zulu and S.T.K. American Puro.

Gran Habano’s S.T.K. Black Dahlia has an elegant burn and sophisticated draw, making this a creamy, coffee, and spicy full-body delight. It’s slightly nutty and woody distinctive type of flavor makes the cigar perfectly well-balanced. Black Dahlia’s packaging features 20 cedar wrapped cigars in a chic black lacquer box, preserved with Boveda humidity control.

Wrapper – Corojo Shade Grown Nicaraguan

Binder – Habano and Nicaraguan

Filler – Habano, Nicaraguan Cubita, Colombian, Costa Rican

Available sizes:

Corona Gorda 5 5/8 x 46

Robusto 5 x 52

Gran Robusto 6 x 54

Gran Habano | 3261 N.W. 82nd Avenue Doral, FL 33122 | (305) 436-5960 | ghcigars.com | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

VUDU "DAMBALLA" CIGARS NOW AVAILABLE AT FAMOUS SMOKE SHOP
New Blend from Jesus Fuego Marks 5th Vudu Cigars Release in the Series

EASTON, PA – Famous Smoke Shop, the leading online distributor of discounted premium cigars, specializing in offering the web’s widest selection of cigars at the lowest prices, has announced the fifth release in their exclusive Vudu cigars series, Vudu Damballa.  Like its four predecessors, Vudu Damballa comes to retail with very attractive price point, averaging just under $4.50 (MSRP) per cigar. Keeping with the mystical Haitian Voodoo theme that runs through the entire series, Damballa – the serpent spirit Sky Father and primordial creator of all life who rules the mind, intellect, and cosmic equilibrium – is illustrated on the humidor jar packaging with a jet black, snakeskin-like appearance accented by splashes of red and white. In Voodoo culture, Damballa is "The Great Master" who created the cosmos by using his 7,000 coils to form the stars and the planets in the heavens and shaped the hills and valleys on earth.
Keeping the series consistent from a blending perspective, Jesus Fuego created Vudu Damballa using equal parts Nicaraguan, Honduran Criollo, and Brazilian Mata Fina long-fillers, bound them in a Brazilian Corojo leaf, and rolled them in a savory, Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. The result is a medium-bodied, full-flavored smoke with a well-balanced, earthy-spicy baseline.
After sampling the new blend, CigarAdvisor.com editor, Gary Korb said, "The Vudu Damballa went through some impressive changes, starting off smooth and earthy, as some peppery spice crept in, then faded-out as some roasted coffee notes entered the fray. The pepper returned at several intervals, interchanging with additional flavors along the way, which really held my interest."

Vudu Damballa is presented in collectable and refillable vacuum sealed humidor jars of 19 cigars, with the exception of the No.13, as well as 5-packs and singles.

No.3 (4¾" x 50 Robusto) $4.25/cigar MSRP
No.7 (5¾" x 50 Toro) $4.70/cigar MSRP
No.9 (6¾" x 50 Churchill) $5.15/cigar MSRP
No.13 (5½" x 46 Corona Extra) $3.80/cigar MSRP (Bundle of 13 cigars)

"Cigar smokers looking for a great value in a well-made, complex smoke with a medium-full character will find the Vudu Damballa very satisfying," added Korb.

Famous Smoke Shop is proud to release a new line of cigars to celebrate our 75 + years of business with the world renowned Davidoff Cigar Company. This Ecuadorian Habano wrapped smoke has beautiful natural wrapper which is smooth as can be!  It is available in 1 size which is a Toro!  We have the Boxes in stock and are currently available for sale! 

Links

Homepage: http://www.famous-smoke.com/

Davidoff Famous 75^th Anniversary Brands page: https://www.famous-smoke.com/brand/davidoff+famous+75th+anniversary+cigars

Davidoff overall group page: https://www.famous-smoke.com/brandgroup/davidoff+cigars

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions I am here to help - thank you for your time.

Cory Grover / Digital PR Specialist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Famous Smoke Shop
610-559-7000, ext 294
90 Mort Drive Easton, PA 18040
www.famous-smoke.com

Davidoff Famous 75th Anniversary Cigar
Strength: Full
Size: 6" x 50
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Dominican Republic / Nicaragua
Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro
Prices (MSRP): $220.00/box of 10, $110.00/5-pack, $22.00/cigar

bout 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.

Today, Congressman Bill Posey (R-FL) re-introduced the Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2017, at the request of the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (“IPCPR”) and Cigar Rights of America (“CRA”).  The legislation’s explicit purpose is to both define what constitutes a “premium cigar” and exempts the product category from regulations now in place under the FDA’s Final Rule. The bill is identical to its predecessor in the 114th Congress, H.R. 662, which had the support of 170 Members of the House of Representatives.
 
Like H.R. 662 and previous bills, Congresswoman Kathy Castor (D-FL) is once again serving as the primary Democrat co-sponsor on the legislation.  At its introduction, the bill has strong bi-partisan support with 40 original co-sponsors on the legislation.
 
Under the provisions of the act, a cigar is “premium” and exempt from the rule if it meets several strict definitions:
 

    It must be wrapped in 100 percent leaf tobacco and bunched in 100 percent tobacco filler;
    Can not contain a filter, tip or non-tobacco mouthpiece;
    Must weigh at-least 6 pounds per 1,000 count;
    Has 100 percent tobacco binder and is hand rolled or is made with human hands to lay the wrapper or binder onto one machine that bunches, wraps and caps the individual cigars or has a homogenized tobacco leaf binder and is made in the United States using human hands to lay a 100  percent leaf tobacco  wrapper onto one machine that bunches, wraps, and caps each individual cigar.

 
Since the FDA’s Final Rule went into effect on August 8th, 2016, premium cigar and pipe tobacco manufacturers and retailers have been left to adopt new compliance measures, and to absorb significant costs in order to meet the burdensome and costly new requirements.
 
Additionally, several key provisions under the regulations remain unclear despite pending deadlines and the industry continues to wait for new guidance from the FDA. In the short time the rule has been in effect, it has already resulted in industry consolidation, job losses, and economic uncertainty for small businesses domestically and with international trading partners.
 
IPCPR and CRA  applaud Congressman Posey and Congresswoman Castor and  each of the original co-sponsors on the bill for their continued work and support on behalf of  small businesses, spanning from Main Street America to international trading partners throughout Latin America and the Caribbean Basin.  
 
The Traditional Cigar Manufacturing and Small Business Jobs Preservation Act of 2017 is an encouraging response to the daily crushing costs that many in the premium cigar industry are already starting to experience. IPCPR CEO Mark Pursell stated,  “We look forward to working with Congress on behalf of the our retailers, small businesses and the rest of the premium cigar industry to advance this common sense legislation.”
 
CRA Executive Director Glynn Loope added, “Since 2011, this legislation has served as a platform to convey the threat such regulations could pose to the premium cigar industry. Now that threat is reality, and Congress, in concert with the new Administration, need to advance measures that can not only mitigate the damage of the rules in front of us, but to ensure protection from rules yet to come.”