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[…]
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[…]
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![…]
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[…]
During this years IPCPR/PCA Trade Show, I got the chance to chat a little with Oscar Valladares about how his company is growing and what new products he has for the market. For a small company that started just a few short years ago with the famed Leaf by Oscar, a collaboration between Island Jim Read more about IPCPR/PCA NEWS: Oscar Valladares Cigars[…]
It was the first night of the 2019 IPCPR/PCA Tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV and my Stogie Press associates Steve and Gary joined me at the Alec Bradely/Lars Tetens media party. Of course we just came from the opening party at the Sands Convention Center and I was dressed in black tie and a white Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: A Cigar Chat with Lars Tetens – A Renaissance Man[…]
Back in February, Riste (Buc) Riatevski provided a glimpse into his latest creation; the Jas Sum Kral Tyrannical Buc cigar. The cigar was initially being released in a broadleaf blend but he noted there would be a Connecticut version, possibly available at the PCA Trade Show in July. Riste was kind enough to send me some samples Read more about Cigar Review: Jas Sum Kral Tyrannical Buc Broadleaf Dobles – Rated 93[…]
As announced on January 1st of this year, Stogie Press selected the MLB Cigar Ventures – David P. Ehrlich PLM Series as the #1 Boutique Cigar for 2018. As we do each each year, we presented the award at the following year’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV and Mike’s smile tells it all! Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: Stogie Press Presents Mike Bellody the 2018 Boutique Cigar of the Year Award[…]
Every year at the annual Premium Cigar Association trade show, there is plenty to see and talk about. As in previous years, it was my pleasure to sit with Steve Saka, owner of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (DTT), as we caught up on the past year and looked to the future. This year, DTT had Read more about IPCPR/PCA News – Steve Saka and Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust[…]
At this years Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show, formerly known as the IPCPR, Mel Shah of MBombay showcased two new introductions: M.Esteli MQBA MAYURA The M.Esteli The M.Esteli features a a bold and flavorful blend of aged tobaccos including a Habano 2000 leaf grown on the company’s farm in Ventana, Ecuador. This is the Read more about IPCPR/PCA News: MBombay Cigars[…]
Every year when I return from the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR), now known as the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), Trade Show, fellow cigar enthusiasts ask me what’s new? Today I am here to report on something unique and innovative from this high end cigar and accessory company. While most of the show Read more about IPCPR News: Bugatti Group Cigars and Innovative Lighters[…]
In a heartfelt yet business minded letter to the premium cigar industry, Yadi Gonzalez-Vargas, President of Flor de González Cigars, explained her company’s reasons for opting out of this years IPCPR Association Trade Show, a show the 24 year old company had attended since 2003. Below is the full text of her letter: IPCPR 2019June Read more about Cigar News:FDG Cigars Explains Reasons for Opting out 2019 IPCPR[…]
The other night, I posted a short text on my social media channels noting that there were quite a few, young cigar brands, that have shown they have the perseverance to stay the course. They have navigated the murky waters of this business we all love so much, even with bigger brands and the FDA Read more about Editorial: These Young Cigar Brands Have Perseverance[…]