This year, Robert Holt and his Southern Draw Cigars family were celebrating 5 years in the premium cigar business and they did it in grand style, as they showcased an array of products at the Premium Cigar Association trade show. Starting with the new Jacob’s Ladder Brimstone, which is the boldest fullest strength cigar the Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: Southern Draw Cigars[…]
I was fortunate to get some quality time with Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac at this years Premium Cigar Association trade show. Sitting with Skip is like reading an encyclopedia of cigars. His knowledge of the art, craft, and science of tobacco and cigars is one of the best in the business. What was Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: RoMa Craft Tobac and Skip Martin[…]
Last month my Stogie Press associate and friend Alton Otto gifted me a new cigar, one I have not heard of yet. The Crook of the Crown by Stolen Throne Cigar Co. based out of Newport News , VA. The brand was launched in 2019 and the trademark was granted in June. The Crook of Read more about Cigar Review: Stolen Throne – Crook of the Crown Robusto – Rated 92[…]
My first stop at the IPCPR/PCA this year was with Tony Bellato and La Barba Cigars. I was pleased Tony was able to take the time to sit with me for a few minutes before his booth got too crazy. Welcome to the Party. In our discussion, Tony explained to me – La Barba Cigars Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: La Barba Cigars – Welcome to the Party[…]
Near the end of day one at the 2019 Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, I caught up with Radhames ‘Ram’ Rodriguez, President of El Artista Cigars at their booth. El Artista was showcasing two new introduction this year, The Slugger and the Buffalo Ten. In the video below, we talk about the new introductions, the Read more about IPCPR/PCA News – A Cigar Chat with Ram Rodriguez of El Artista Cigars[…]
Ahhhh one of the most debated topics in the online cigar community, Should I order cigars online from big name websites or should I shop local and support my local Brick and Mortar shop? To answer this question we need to look at the benefits of both so that we can compare the reasons many Read more about Cigar 101 – Should I Order Cigars Online or Buy From my Local B&M? – By Mike Holmes[…]
At this years IPCPR/PCA tradeshow an old face reemerged on the floor, Eddie Tarazona. You may remember Tarazona cigars from a few years ago with his 305, 305 Guerrilla, Revolution 305, and XTC cigar lines. Something New After his hiatus, Eddie is back with a vengeance and this year he brought with him some new Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: Tarazona Cigars[…]
About 21 miles Southwest of Manhattan, NY lies the city of Rahway, NJ. The 3.9 square mile city dates back to 1664 when the English purchased a tract of land from the Lenni Lenape Native Americans. Tradition states that the city was named after Rahwack, a local tribal chief. The city lays claim to some notable people Read more about Cigar Lounge: Sticks Cigars – Rahway, NJ[…]
Foundation Cigars has just released a short film on the process of going from Seed to Cigar. The film is a time lapsed view into all the hands that are involved in bringing some of the finest premium cigars to market. According to the release: “Foundation Cigar Company is always exploring exciting ways to shake Read more about Cigar News: Foundation Cigars Release a Short Film – “Seed to Cigar”[…]
The 4th stop on my Independence Day weekend Tri-State cigar lounge tour took me back to my home state and the greatest city on earth; NYC. More specifically – Manhattan Island. I truly love going home – yes Boston Jimmie was born in NYC and I have seen the changes over the years. I left Read more about Cigar Lounge – Harlem Cigar Room – NYC[…]
Take a walk back in time with me as I introduce you to the the Suburban Tavern & Restaurant and Cigar Lounge in Reading, PA. The city, is approximately halfway between the state’s most populous city, Philadelphia, and the state capital, Harrisburg (as well as about halfway between Allentown and Lancaster). It was also the home of the now defunct Reading Read more about Cigar Lounge: The Suburban Tavern & Restaurant and Cigar Lounge – Reading, PA[…]
For those that are interested, here are the official attendance count at this years IPCPR/PCA trade show: Total # of Attendees: 5,462 Total # of Retailer Attendees: 2,085 Total # of Retail Accounts Represented: 771 Total # of Retail Stores Represented: 2,017 Total # of Manufacturer Attendees: 3,043 Total # of Manufacturers Represented: 233 The PCA noted that each retailer badge Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: The Numbers![…]
Wednesday, July 17, 2019 — Washington, DC — The largest manufacturers in the premium cigar industry today filed a joint comment with the Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) opposing the agency’s Proposed Substantial Equivalence (“SE”) Rule, which would require manufacturers to submit to an extensive application and testing regime to keep any “non-grandfathered” cigars on the market. Read more about Cigar News: Largest Premium Cigar Manufacturers Challenge Improper FDA Regulation[…]
At the 2019 IPCPR/PCA trade show I got the opportunity to catch up with Luis Cuevas Jr. to sit down and sample one his newest offerings and talk about whats new. I have known Luis for about 4 years now, originally meeting him on a trip to the Dominican Republic with my good friend Ryan Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: Casa Cuevas Cigars[…]