Best Boutique Cigar Booth at IPCPR 2017 – Southern Draw Cigars

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 that retailers will take notice. The booth costs can be substantial for these small companies, but the payoff can be huge if they sign new accounts and develop more business relationships. This year there were quite a few interesting booths that grabbed my attention but the one that stuck in my head was Southern Draw Cigars.

The Southern Draw Cigars booth was not huge, and it was not in the front of the show floor. In fact, it was in the back of the show, but it was cool and inviting. I would expect nothing less from the fine Texas couple, Robert and Sharon Holt, who own Southern Draw Cigars. Their southern hospitality shined.

You couldn’t help but notice that the booth was crowded. I would attribute this to the fine recognition this young company has received over the past few years with their excellent blends of cigars. More importantly though was the lay out of the booth. It was designed to look like you were sitting on a back deck, shaded from the sun, with cozy seating.If you ignored the fact you were in the midst of a convention, you would think you were at an intimate get together and the Holt’s home.

Southern Draw Cigars

The booth was decorated with signs of their different blends, hanging from a steel pergola with a retractable shade. These were not some basic signage, these were handmade wooden signs resembling the band on each blend, and they were a gift from a company friend. Of course were some libations offered also to quench your thirst. That is the kind of love and friendship that Southern Draw Cigars exudes and receives.

Southern Draw Cigars

Lights were draped across the back, sides, and front to add to that backyard feel and the seating was comfortable with cushioned, brown wicker chairs and couch. I was just drawn to this and even asked Sharon where she got the pergola so maybe I can recreate something similar on the Stogie Press deck. (By the way, Thank You Sharon.)

The cocktail table in the center had all the Southern Draw blends laid out for sampling and enjoying while you sat and conversed. Off to the left was another small seating area where Robert would conduct business and a give interviews. A few green plants added the final touch.

Southern Draw Cigars

Overall, the Southern Draw Cigars booth was a comfortable, cozy, and functional area that served its purpose and drew a nice crowd throughout the show. Nice work Robert and Sharon and congratulations for being the 2017 Stogie Press Best Boutique Cigar booth. We hope ya’ll rocked it in Vegas!

As far was what was new from Southern Draw Cigars

The Jacobs Ladder

The intent of this new release is to round out the Southern Draw Cigars line with a very rich and complex, full body cigar. Jacobs Ladder is described as a powerful blend with a core of Double Ligero. So if you like powerhouse cigars this may well be one to add to your humidor.

Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Lancaster, USA
Binder: Maduro, Ecuadorian
Filler:
- Viso: Nicaraguan (confidential)
- Seco: Nicaraguan (confidential)
- Ligero: Nicaraguan Esteli, Jalapa

Jacobs Ladder

The Jacobs Ladder will be available in 3 vitolas and packaged in 20-count boxes.

Robusto – 5.5 x 54 MSRP $9.50
Toro – 6 x 52 MSRP $9.99
Gordo – 6.5 x 60 MSRP $10.99
Toro – Petaca Case MSRP $25.99

The Rose of Sharon

In staying with the theme of flowering plants for its core blends, the Company selected the Rose of Sharon in part for its biblical expression that first appeared in the King James Bible in 1611, the Song of Solomon 2:1 “I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valley” and to celebrate “the Belle” of Southern Draw, Sharon Holt whose calming hand, tireless devotion and personal touch have defined the culture of the Southern Draw brand.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sun Grown Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler:
- Viso: Nicaraguan
- Seco: Nicaraguan
- Ligero: Piloto Cubano, Dominican