Latest Posts/News

Ventura Cigars Archetype Dreamstate

Please Let Me Dream – Ventura Cigars Dreamstate to be Restocked

Last year Ventura Cigars introduced a new cigar line known as the Archetype. There were 5 different blends in the line. One of those blends, the Dreamstate made #3 in our 2016 top Connecticut cigars. I suppose I was not the only one that enjoyed that blend, as Ventura Cigars has announced it is currently Read more about Please Let Me Dream – Ventura Cigars Dreamstate to be Restocked[…]

Casa Cuevas Maduro

Casa Cuevas Maduro Cigar Review – 4th Generation Experience

Do you know this man? He is Luis Cuevas,  a 4th generation cigar man with roots that go back to the Pinar del Rio province of Cuba and is the owner of Tabacalera Las Lavas, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. You may not know Luis but I am sure you have enjoyed one of the many Read more about Casa Cuevas Maduro Cigar Review – 4th Generation Experience[…]

Nomad Cigars Heads West

PRESS RELEASE August 2, 2017 (Orlando, FL) — Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to welcome Frank Bellavia to the Nomad team.   Effective immediately, Frank will be representing Nomad in Idaho, Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, and Arizona. “I am excited to have Frank on board. He brings a certain energy to the brand in an Read more about Nomad Cigars Heads West[…]

1502 Blue Sapphire

1502 Blue Sapphire Cigar Review – Proudly Nicaraguan 

It has been a while since I spoke about 1502 cigars and today I would like to present a review of the 1502 Blue Sapphire Cigar. At this years IPCPR I caught up with Enrique Sánchez, owner of Global Premium Cigars and the 1502 brand. Before we get into the review I thought you may Read more about 1502 Blue Sapphire Cigar Review – Proudly Nicaraguan […]

2012 by Oscar Maduro

2012 Maduro by Oscar Valladares Cigar Review

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[…]

Smoking Shields

Epic Cigars Expands Production of Smoking Shields Cigar

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[…]

FDA Extends Cigar Pre-Market Deadline

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[…]

Southern Draw Cigars

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 Read more about Best Boutique Cigar Booth at IPCPR 2017 – Southern Draw Cigars[…]

La Barba Purple

La Barba Purple Cigar Review – A Living, Breathing Moment

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[…]

Jeremy Jack JJ15

Jeremy Jack JJ15 Cigar Review – Smart and Refined Pleasure

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[…]

Try the Green ACID! – Two Wrongs Make a Beautiful Right.

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.[…]

Cigar Industry Talks about FDA Rules

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[…]

Ventura Cigars Case Study 03

Ventura Cigars Case Study 03 Cigar Review

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[…]

Micallef Experiencia

Micallef Cigars Experiencia – A Name Wrapped in 134 Years of Experience

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[…]