Oscar Valladares owner of Oscar Valladares Tobacco and Co. made quite the splash when he collaborated with Island Jim Robinson to produce the Leaf by Oscar cigar. It seems like that was a lifetime ago but the company is only 5 years old. At this years IPCPR, Oscar reached into the vault and has introduced the what Read more about 2012 Maduro by Oscar Valladares Cigar Review[…]
At this years IPCPR, Epic Cigars was displaying and telling the story of their new release – the Smoking Shields cigar. Released in November of 2016, the Smoking Shields was a cigar created for the charity organization by the same name, The Smoking Shields Cigar Club, Corp. The organization was established in 2015 with a mission Read more about Epic Cigars Expands Production of Smoking Shields Cigar[…]
It’s been a busy week in Washington, D.C., what with all the hoopla and such about the healthcare, administration shakeups, and the never-ending Russia story. One thing that is not talked much about on the left or right mainstream news is the latest with regards to cigar regulation. Sometimes the only way the cigar business Read more about FDA Extends Cigar Pre-Market Deadline[…]
Well the votes are in. Now that it has been two weeks since the 2017 IPCPR it is time to announce the best Boutique Cigar booth at the show. First let me say, these small brands that go to the show, spend a fair share of their money to market their brand with the hope Read more about Best Boutique Cigar Booth at IPCPR 2017 – Southern Draw Cigars[…]
A living, breathing moment, that’s how Tony Bellatto and Craig Rossi describe a cigar on their La Barba Cigars website. I don’t disagree with that statement. If you have been following boutique cigar lines for anytime in recent history then you are familiar with the La Barba brand founded in 2010. Like many boutique lines, Read more about La Barba Purple Cigar Review – A Living, Breathing Moment[…]
You know, when I get my hands on a cigar brand I have never had or just got acquainted with, I always do a little background research on it. I try to find a story, a reference to the name, or the meaning of the band. Today is no different, as I reached into the Read more about Jeremy Jack JJ15 Cigar Review – Smart and Refined Pleasure[…]
Every year in July, the cigar industry converges for a celebration of our lifestyle with brand owners, retailers, and media members. This event is known as the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) association convention. It is here where those responsible for creating the new blends introduce them to the those that sell them Read more about Try the Green ACID! – Two Wrongs Make a Beautiful Right.[…]
During the 2017 IPCPR I took some time with numerous brand owners to talk about their blends and business in general. One of the questions I asked, was how are they handling the FDA regulations on the cigar industry. It is just about a year (August 8, 2016) since the FDA clamped down on our Read more about Cigar Industry Talks about FDA Rules[…]
Back at the 2016 IPCPR, Ventura Cigar Co, introduced the Case Study Cigar Project to the world. The project plans to feature 26 unique blends from all over the worlds tobacco producing regions. The concept is a tribute to Arts & Architecture magazine, which through the years 1945 to 1966, commissioned the rising stars of mid-century Read more about Ventura Cigars Case Study 03 Cigar Review[…]
One of the busiest booths at this years IPCPR was Micallef Cigars. You may not know this company, but you might have heard of the Gomez Sanchez family who has crafted cigars for 134 years. Maybe you have visited one of the Reata restaurants in Alpine and Fort Worth, Texas owned by Dr. Al Micallef. Read more about Micallef Cigars Experiencia – A Name Wrapped in 134 Years of Experience[…]
Last month I took an opportunity to stop into the Don Kiki Cigar Superstore in Daytona Beach, FL. As you may have read in that article, it is one of the nicest shops I have been to. During my visit there, I picked a Don Kiki Gold Label cigar to enjoy and review when I Read more about Don Kiki Gold Label Cigar Review – Passion Loyalty Courage[…]
Back in 2015, Crossfire Cigar, LLC released the Library Series 1st Edition cigar line. The line contained three different blends each packaged in 10-count boxes resembling a novel. Each blend was named like the title of a book. Diary of a Connecticut Count of San Andres Legends of the Arapiraca In the company’s original press Read more about Crossfire Legends of the Arapiraca Cigar Review[…]
Well,I finally made it to Vegas as you have all seen from some social media posts. After a long drawn out registration process and a long hotel check in line I made it to my room, freshened up and got my bearings. I was going to attend the business meetings but by the time I got all Read more about IPCPR 2017 Day 1 and 2 – A short update.[…]
Let’s get one thing straight, I don’t believe in Zombies and I don’t watch or like Zombie movies or TV shows. Maybe I am in a small percentage of people but I am not worried about a Zombie Apocalypse. I figure if there was such an event we have plenty of Marvel Super Hero’s to Read more about Viaje Zombie Antidote Collectors Edition Cigar Review – I Needed Help![…]