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Drew Newman Speaks at the FDA Conference
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Last week, the FDA held a conference on tobacco regulation. The agency invited Drew Newman, J.C. Newman's general counsel, and a fourth-generation cigar maker, to address the conference on behalf of the premium cigar industry and respond to questions from the audience. Below are Drew's remarks.
In his speech, Drew explained that "premium cigars are an old-world, handmade craft enjoyed by adults." "It is not a science," he said. "It's an art, and the tradition has been passed down from generation to generation." He discussed how the latest FDA data show that premium cigars are smoked infrequently and by adults — not children — and that the entire premium cigar industry is just 0.5% of the entire tobacco industry. He noted that the FDA's guidance is "completely unworkable for handmade cigars." In urging the FDA to provide relief, Drew said, "Our one goal as a family business is to continue my great-grandfather's legacy and continue hand rolling premium cigars in America for another four generations and 123 years."
OSOK CIGARS SERVES ANOTHER KILLSHOT
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Along with Casa Turrent, this new cigar will redefine the meaning, “Hecho en Mexico”
Houston, Texas – September 26, 2018 – The success of OSOK Cigars has been bolstered by rave reviews of industry critics and patrons alike, but this did little to satisfy its founder Edgar Hoill. Happy, but not content, Mr. Hoill fell in love with the industry but had an unwavering desire to gain a deeper appreciation behind the process.
“The growth of ‘boutique’ cigars has been incredible, but I wanted to up the game and the only way to do so was to truly understand the entire process. I owed it to myself, and it I owed it to all who have ever supported the OSOK brand” says Edgar. He further mentions, “The only way to gain a true appreciation for the process was to be a part of it so I moved to Mexico to apprentice under Don Alberto Turrent – an experience that changed my life, and one which resulted in the creation of OSOK San Andres.”
During his stay, Mr. Hoill took a multifaceted approach to learning the entire process. From seedling to growing, fermentation to blending, his explorations resulted in him becoming a quality control appointee for Casa Turrent. As a result, he then took another year to create the OSOK San Andres – a medium bodied cigar filled with complexity, infused with pride, and crafted to satisfy the most discerning pallet all the while delivering the true flavors of Mexican tobacco.
“Many top cigars already utilize Mexican San Andres tobacco for their wrappers, but they do little to give them the recognition they deserve and I wanted to change that,” says Mr. Hoill. As a result, he created the OSOK San Andres in conjunction with the Turrent family as a way to showcase the strength and flavor of a cigar that is made entirely of Mexican tobacco grown in San Andres.
FRATELLO HIRES NEW SALES DIRECTOR
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FRATELLO CIGARS HIRES DIRECTOR OF SALES FOR THE MID-ATLANTIC
Springfield, VA (November 1st 2018) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce the hiring of Samuel Dietz as the new Director of Sales for the Mid-Atlantic for Fratello Cigars. Sam is an energetic and engaging young leader. With his background and sales acumen we expect to boost our presence and product traction in the northeast.” Said de Frias.
“When it comes to business growth one of the hardest things for any entrepreneur is to learn to let go and delegate key aspects of the business. This is the moment where we double down to keep up with our accelerated growth. Said de Frias.
“I’ve been an avid cigar smoker and fan of Fratello for years. This opportunity comes full of challenges and with a clear path to learn from Omar and expand my knowledge of tobacco.” Said Dietz.
Fratello Cigars was established in 2013. Since inception Fratello has grown to be sold in 800 brick and mortars in the US and 9 international destinations.
FDA Vapor Announcement Explained
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently announced a flurry of policy directives specifically targeting e-cigarettes or “vapor” products. So what exactly has the FDA announced, and what is the impact or potential impact on IPCPR’s retailers? We’ll unpack both questions below.
What Exactly Did the FDA Announce?
The FDA rolled out an action plan specifically targeting vapor products and what the agency has identified as an “epidemic” level of product use amongst teenagers. This plan includes:
- Potential removal of vapor products from the market until a pre-market application is reviewed and approved. This is a reversal of FDA’s comprehensive plan on tobacco announced in July, ’17;
- Required responses of the top 5 selling vapor product brands to provide detailed action plans on how they will combat and mitigate youth use of their products. This could include the voluntary removal of flavored products from the market;
- Investigating whether vapor products may be on the market illegally;
- Continued aggressive brick-and-mortar and online store inspections, underage stings and enforcement actions to combat underage sales, and
- Launching a multi-million dollar media blitz discouraging youth use of vapor products.
All-in-all, the FDA announcement threatens action that could seriously limit what vapor products remain on the market and promises increased enforcement against manufacturers and retailers of these products who are not adhering to current regulations.
Tell Congress to Save Premium Cigars
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- Time is Running Out - Tell Congress to Save Premium Cigars-
FDA regulations continue to threaten the future of premium cigars - putting small business retailers at risk. The best way to make a difference is to take a moment today to contact your elected officials urging them to exempt premium cigars from the one-size-fits none FDA regulations.
Over 1,000 retailers and enthusiasts have already reached out to Congress urging them to save premium cigars, but we are not done yet! Help us reach our goal and make your voice heard on behalf of the premium cigar industry!
After you send a letter to Congress, post this link on social media and email it out to fellow cigar enthusiasts, store owners, and employees. We need everyone to do their part to save our industry.
John Anderson
IPCPR Vice President Board of Directors and Federal Chair
Owner W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist and Civil Cigar Lounge
ISLAND CLUB CIGARS SHIP NATIONALLY
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Island Lifestyle Importers is pleased to announce the shipping of their Island Club cigars to dealers across the country. The line of cigars were introduced this past July to a national audience at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas.
The Island Club cigar is comprised of aged Nicaraguan filler and binder tobacco wrapped in a beautiful Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf with a covered foot. These cigars are manufactured in Estelí, Nicaragua by 9 pairs of dedicated rollers.
The line consists of five sizes: Robusto 5x52, Corona Gorda 5⅝x46, Toro 6x52, Torpedo 6⅛x52, Churchill 7x52 and packaged in bundles of 20 cigars. The cigars carry a “wallet-friendly” suggested retail price ranging from $3.95 to $4.75 per cigar. Corona Gorda $3.95
- Robusto $4.25
- Toro $4.50
- Torpedo $4.50
- Churchill $4.75
The line of cigars sits beautifully inside a custom adjustable wooden retail display unit.
FRATELLO INVERSO SHIPPED
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Springfield, VA (October 25, 2018) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce that Navetta Inverso is heading to stores Monday.
Inverse shuttle in Italian, Navetta Inverso, was introduced at the 2018 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show in July. Blended with a Nicaraguan wrapper, Ecuador binder and Dominican and Nicaragua filler, Inverso is rich in flavor and full in body.
Navetta Inverso will be featured in 3 vitolas:
- Corona Gorda (5 7/8 x 46) 9.50
- Robusto (5 ½ x 54) 11.25
- Toro Grande (6 ¼ x 54) 12.50
Providencia Cigars Announces Aromatic Aged Event Cigars
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Fort Worth, TX – Just off the heels of the Hostage Release, Providencia Cigars will be offering special cigars, which have been created using the company’s proprietary “Aromatic Aging” process.
Jim Faber, Providencia Cigars founder explains:
The production process includes storing the tobacco leaves in a separate humidor in their Danli, Honduras factory. The Meritage blend uses a local Honduran red wine for the aromatic process. The length of time used for the aging process is unspecified.
The resulting sweet floral notes are something quite unique, yet subtle through the smoking experience.
The 5.5 x 52 pressed torpedo Meritage, contains select Nicaraguan binder and ligero filler leaf, all beautifully cloaked with a toothy Mexican San Andrés wrapper.
It will be offered primarily as an event special, and also available at select retailers in limited quantities.
The Meritage, like all Providencia cigars, are produced at the La Pequena Vega Cigar Factory in Danli, Honduras.
Artwork for the Meritage was done by JT Design Studio, who designed the cigar bands as well as the inner box lids.
Screwpop® Tool to offer "Tether™
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Screwpop® Tool to offer "Tether™ - Universal Key Holder and Organizer"
The latest in compact and highly functional tools, Screwpop® introduces - Tether™, that makes attaching, removing and carrying your keys made easy.
The Tether™ uses an revolutionary anchoring system. It's completely "tool-less" and requires only your hands to fully assemble and/or disassemble.
Providencia Cigars Announces Aromatic Aged Event Cigars
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Fort Worth, TX – Just off the heels of the Hostage Release, Providencia Cigars will be offering special cigars, which have been created using the company’s proprietary “Aromatic Aging” process.
Jim Faber, Providencia Cigars founder explains:
The production process includes storing the tobacco leaves in a separate humidor in their Danli, Honduras factory. The Meritage blend uses a local Honduran red wine for the aromatic process. The length of time used for the aging process is unspecified.
The resulting sweet floral notes are something quite unique, yet subtle through the smoking experience.
The 5.5 x 52 pressed torpedo Meritage, contains select Nicaraguan binder and ligero filler leaf, all beautifully cloaked with a toothy Mexican San Andrés wrapper.
It will be offered primarily as an event special, and also available at select retailers in limited quantities.
The Meritage, like all Providencia cigars, are produced at the La Pequena Vega Cigar Factory in Danli, Honduras.
Artwork for the Meritage was done by JT Design Studio, who designed the cigar bands as well as the inner box lids.
GRAN HABANO ANNOUNCES BLUE IN GREEN
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Doral, Florida, October 23, 2018 – George Rico of Gran Habano is excited to announce the official release of its long awaited Gran Habano’s Blue in Green project.
This medium-bodied version of a Gran Habano classic blend is selected from the finest vintage tobaccos. The Blue in Green Connecticut-wrapped cigar blissfully embodies the rich nuances of its fillers from the exceptional sunbathed soils of Nicaragua. Blue in Green’s wrapper, binder, and fillers produce a synergy of smooth, creamy, and toasted loaded flavors. This is one cigar that demonstrates that a mild to medium-bodied cigar does not have to be bland. Now shipping to retailers nationwide.
Ezra Zion Acquires Nomad Cigar
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Ezra Zion Cigar Company has acquired Nomad Cigar Company.
"Nomad is an artisan boutique brand with an emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Fred has been a close friend and colleague for years. We're honored to be entrusted with such an institution." stated Ezra Zion owner Chris Kelly.
Nomad Cigars will be distributed nationally by TX Distribution, which is owned by Ezra Zion and operates from their warehouses in Alvord, Texas.
"I feel confident that not only will Chris and Kyle take Nomad Cigar Company to the next level, but will also preserve what has brought it to this point." noted Fred Rewey.
FDA Updates Unified Regulatory Agenda
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17 Oct. 2018
Earlier today, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated its roadmap for regulations, called the Unified Regulatory Agenda. This outlines the regulatory priorities and perspective timeline for the FDA and other federal agencies.
Importantly, on its agenda, the FDA noted their recent review for premium cigars remains ongoing, meaning the agency still considers this issue an open item. However, the FDA did not prescribe a specific timeline for any potential action on item, instead noting that it is “Long-Term Action” that will be addressed at a date “To Be Determined.” In short, the premium issue is an agenda item, but it is unclear at the moment when any regulatory change will come to the product category.
Scott Pearce, IPCPR Executive Director, believes this underscores the need to continue pressing the FDA to act on the premium issue. “As an organization, our number one priority is to fight on behalf of our retailers and the industry at large to bring a quick resolution to arbitrary regulations on premium cigars. We have the right message and we’ve armed the FDA with government data disproving the need for regulations. However, the agency chose to prioritize other initiatives at the moment. I remain optimistic that the FDA will address this glaring issue – but it is on all of us, as a united voice for the industry, to continue applying pressure on the Administration and the Congress.”
The FDA recently solicited thousands of comments from industry and the public at large for data on the use and public health impact of premium cigars. IPCPR’s comment provided a significant amount of government sourced data and statistics that definitively show premium cigars are not a public health concern for youth or adults.
Regulatory requirements on premium cigars and the small businesses that sell them have been in place for over two years. In that time frame – the economic pressures of the ill-conceived Deeming Rule have been felt across the industry. Ken P Neumann, President of the IPCPR Board of Directors, reiterates this point- “Cigars have needlessly come off the market, retail jobs remain at risk and the uncertainty of rising product costs and reduced stock continue to threaten brick and mortar stores around the country. All of this without any proven benefit to the public health or the FDA’s goal of stopping youth use of tobacco products and mitigating adult addiction to nicotine.”
IPCPR will continue to press this issue on behalf of our retailers and the industry and provide any and all updates as necessary.
Flavors
Today’s Unified Regulatory Agenda also included a new FDA proposal to prohibit “characterizing flavors” in all cigar products. Earlier this year, the agency solicited comments from the industry and the public on flavors in all tobacco products and what, if any action the FDA should take. It is unclear what the FDA’s intended timeline for this initiative is. IPCPR will continue to engage with the agency and others in industry as the agency pursues this objective.
Crux Ships New Limitada Release
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(Miami, Fla.) - The Crux Cigars Limitada IPCPR Show Exclusive will soon be in retail humidors.
The company announced today the cigars are in their Miami warehouse and will begin shipping immediately.
The Limitada IPCPR cigar is a limited edition, produced once per year in 1,000 10-count boxes.The cigar
is produced in a single size, 5 x 52, box pressed, and finished with the Crux Marblehead cap. The blend
features the exclusive Engañoso wrapper. This is the third edition. Each of the past two productions quickly
sold out.
Priced at $10.99 per cigar
For questions or additional details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Oak & Eden Releases New Whiskey
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Cabernet Steeped Bourbon is Oak & Eden's first small-batch expression!
We start with bourbon whiskey, distilled from corn, rye and barley. We age our whiskey for two years in new American charred oak barrels, which produces a rich, deep and sweet, yet slightly spicy spirit. Exceptional on its own, but our work has just begun!
Most often used to age wine, we use French Oak to breath new life and inspiration into our whiskey. At bottling, we add a 5 inch long spiral cut piece of French Oak. We call this our "Spire". This spire is not only exceptional due to it species of origin, it is exceptional because we rest it in cabernet sauvignon for 4 weeks before allowing it to rest in our bottle, finishing our whiskey.
The combination of American bourbon whiskey, finished with a French Oak spire that has been influenced with deep, rich, red wine creates an inspired elixir that is sweet, fruity and simply remarkable. Combining sweet bourbon, with rich, deep cabernet and french oak, produces a creative whiskey experience that must be imbibed to fully appreciate.
Marrero Announces New Factory, 1st Edition Artistico Line
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Tamboril, D.R.: Marrero Cigar Co. is proud to announce the opening of a new cigar factory in Tamboril D.R. with cigar artist Felix Gonzalez, the Creator of the most beautiful cigars in the world.
Joel Vazquez Marrero said “I feel privileged to start this venture with a true innovator, Felix will bring to the cigar industry his lifelong passion and love for the leaf.”
We asked Felix Gonzalez what does it mean to him to start his own Cigar Factory? He said “It has been a dream of mine to own my own factory after working in the best factories in the world. I’m humbled and honored to be producing Artistic Cigars in my own Factory, Fabrica MCR.”
“Having been in the industry for almost 30 years and having the privilege to work at Arturo Fuente, Davidoff and La Flor Dominicana. Learning from the top cigar makers in the world. Has given me the experience and confidence to know that if I work hard and follow the lessons I learned from these legends, Joel and I can produce a cigar that we can be proud of.”
Their production called “Artistico Salomon” will be of 250 boxes 1st edition. It will be a beautiful 10 count box with 10 distinguished cigars in each box.
For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/marrerocigarco
Marrero Cigar Co. is a premium cigar manufacturer making cigars in Costa Rica and Dominican Republic.
Providencia Cigars Announces New Release
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Fort Worth, TX – Providencia Cigars is pleased to announce their latest, limited production, cigar - La Misión.
La Misión (The Mission) brings the company’s production line to five blends, joining the ranks of the El Santo, El Padre, Trinitas, and The Hostage. With the addition of La Misión, the company completes the story of Providencia Cigars Founder Jim Faber’s “mission” to Honduras which started as a professional soccer player and turned into a mission to organize youth soccer camps to get boys and girls off the street in a gang littered environment.
Jim Faber, founder of Providencia Cigars, states:
Villager Releases Two New Vitolas
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NOW SHIPPING:
VILLIGER LA FLOR DE YNCLAN LANCERO ESPECIAL AND THE VILLIGER VENCEDORA GORDO
Only 500 25-count boxes of each of these line extensions were produced.
(Miami, Florida) August 28, 2018— Villiger Cigars reports the newly announced Villiger La Flor De Ynclan Lanero Especial and The Villiger La Vencedora Gordro (6X60) is on schedule to be shipped this week. Both products are line extensions that were showcased at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas this past July.
Cigars International Opens Super Store in Dallas, Texas
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Cigars International recently launched a Super Store in the suburbs of Dallas-Fort Worth, marking Cigars International’s fourth retail store and the first outside of its home state of Pennsylvania.
The store was built in just six months and is located in a sprawling, mixed-use development called Grandscape in The Colony.
Craig Reynolds, president of Cigars International said, “Given that the handmade cigar category was built on the kinds of personal interactions that can only be had in-store, our new location gives cigar lovers a unique venue for experiencing the camaraderie of fellow smokers. Our stores are meant to complement the traditional cigar shop experience and enhance the cigar lover’s appreciation for handmade cigars.”
The Cigars International Super Store at the Colony encompasses more than 7,000 square feet including an outdoor smoking lounge. A 2,500 square foot, glass-enclosed humidor anchors the space, which also includes a bar, a Club Macanudo lounge, 32-foot-high ceilings and an impressive array of handmade cigars and accessories.
Villiger Releases 2 New Vitolas
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VILLIGER LA FLOR DE YNCLAN LANCERO ESPECIAL AND THE VILLIGER VENCEDORA GORDO
Only 500 25-count boxes of each of these line extensions were produced.
(Miami, Florida) August 28, 2018— Villiger Cigars reports the newly announced Villiger La Flor De Ynclan Lanero Especial and The Villiger La Vencedora Gordro (6X60) is on schedule to be shipped this week. Both products are line extensions that were showcased at the 2018 IPCPR in Las Vegas this past July.