Cigar News: Former Nat Sherman Executives Start New Cigar Venture

Back in August of 2020, we all learned that the Altria Group Inc., which acquired Nat Sherman in 2017, had plans to exit the wholesale cigar business and would be shutting down the flagship Nat Sherman cigar store in Manhattan. Altria had plans to sell the the operation but were unable to find a buyer.

At the time, Michael Herklots, vice president of Nat Sherman International, explained in a press release, that he did his best to re-brand the Nat Sherman line over that past few years and noted in the press release:

“Leading what has become Nat Sherman International’s final chapter these last nine years has been the honor of a lifetime. We delivered our early goals of re-establishing the legacy of Nat Sherman International’s premium cigar business.“

We all wondered and debated about where Michael would land his feet in the industry and now we have that answer. Michael is now the principal and managing member of Ferio Tego, LLC, a premium cigar and accessories distribution company.  Michael is not doing this alone, he has partnered with Brendon Scott, the former Vice President and chief financial officer of Nat Sherman, LLC.

Besides having their own brand of premium cigars, Ferio Tego, LLC has acquired the brands formerly owned and distributed by Nat Sherman International, LLC, along with their intellectual property. So now you can enjoy the pleasures of the Timeless, Metropolitan, Epoca, Host and Ancora blends once again.

Michael Herklots stated:

“Having spent the last nine years developing and building these iconic brands, I am excited to be able to continue that work with Brandon. I’m proud of the way we were able to balance the need to maintain consistency with core products, while continuing to innovate with new offerings. Ferio Tego will continue that commitment far into the future.”

The name Ferio Tego is the motto from the Herklot family coat of arms and translates literarily to “Slay and Bury” or interpretively, “I STRIKE and I DISPOSE OF [the evils]”.

Regarding the formation of Ferio Tego, LLC, Brendon Scott noted:

“We are grateful to Altria for working with us to find a path forward for these brands. I am extremely excited to work with Michael and our manufacturing partners to continue the legacy of these brands built by so many people over many decades. We are eager to bring our products back into the humidors of retailers and consumers.”

Jessica Pierucki, managing director at Altria Group Distribution Company and former General Manager of Nat Sherman International praised the duo:

“Michael and Brendon have made valuable contributions to Altria since joining in 2017. They are great brand stewards, and we wish them well in their journey.”

Ferio Tego expects to release their first cigars in the spring of 2021. The acquired Nat Sherman brands are expected to return to the market by the summer of 2021, beginning with Timeless and Metropolitan. The manufacturers of the acquired brands will remain the same and the blends will be unchanged.

For all the latest news on Ferio Tego, visit feriotego.com.