The cigar industry has lost a true legend today with the passing of Jose Orlando Padron at the age of 91. Born in 1926 near the Pinar de Rio region of Cuba, his family had been working in the tobacco industry since the 1850s. Under Fidel Castro the family farm was nationalized and like many Cubans, Jose Orlando Padron moved to escape communism. His first spot was Spain, followed by New York and eventually he […]
We smoke a lot of cigars at The Cigar Authority and after much deliberation we have selected the Top 8 that make up the Contenders for Cigar of the Year. It’s no easy task and with a few cigars coming in after we put together the list of 8, we already have a few cigars to consider for next year. We will announce the winner of the 2017 Cigar of the Year on the December […]
The CLE Foundation, in conjunction with C.L.E. Cigar Company, concluded its “Save the Cans” initiative with full breast examinations in Danli, Honduras this past weekend. Throughout the month of October, C.L.E. Cigar Company sold “Save the Cans” Cans including 10 cigars and a double flame lighter to help raise money for breast examinations in Danli, Honduras. “We wanted to do something special for the month of October as so many of us are affected by […]
Debonaire House and Drew Estate announce today that the Debonaire Daybreak is shipping this week and will be on retail shelves beginning in November. The Debonaire Daybreak is the first Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapped cigar exclusively sold through Drew Diplomat Retailers as part of the Drew Estate portfolio. Daybreak offers the ultra-premium quality expected of the Debonaire product line, wrapped in Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade, smokers can expect crisp notes of spice and earthiness from the […]
After a year of being distributed by Miami Cigar, Foundation Cigar Company will be bringing their Upsetters brand in-house for domestic distribution. “Foundation Cigars has distributed The Upsetters brand internationally during the past year and decided it was time to add the brand to our core distribution portfolio here in the U.S. We are extremely thankful and appreciative for all of Miami Cigar Company’s efforts during the Upsetters’ first year,” says Melillo. He adds, “Prior to The Upsetters’ release we […]
Earlier today the US House of Representatives passed a 12 bill spending package that includes a provision prohibiting the FDA from enforcing regulations against premium cigars. The bill, known as an omnibus appropriations package, passed the House by 211-198 votes and will now move to the Senate for consideration. Congress has until December 8th to pass spending legislation and fund the federal government. So what does this mean? Section 752 of the House Agriculture Appropriations […]
Nashua, NH, August 22, 2017– United Cigar Group is excited to announce the appointment of Brian Stavitski as their Southwest Broker covering AZ, CO, NM, NV, UT and Southern California. Brian will add United Cigar Groups current portfolio of premium cigars to his portfolio including Fleur de la Reine, Classic, La Gianna Havana, as well as their premium line of Selected Tobacco brands by Nelson Alfonso, which includes Atabey, Byron and Bandolero. Brian has established […]
Drew Estate announces today that it has appointed STG Canada as its exclusive distribution partner for both domestic and Duty-Free premium cigar markets in Canada. This partnership will be effective August 28st, 2017, Vice President of International Business Development at Drew Estate Alex Goldman noted, “We are excited about our partnership with STG Canada, and plan to build on the success that we have enjoyed in this tough market over the past few years. I […]
Last month, the FDA issued a press release that changed the date product could stay on the shelves that was not FDA approved. The date changed from August 8, 2018 to August 8th, 2021. In that press release was language that stated, “Under expected revised timelines, applications for newly-regulated combustible products, such as cigars, pipe tobacco and hookah tobacco, would be submitted by Aug. 8, 2021.” In an email with the FDA today a Food […]
Today, Commissioner of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, announced a new comprehensive plan for the approach the agency will take to the regulation of tobacco products, placing an emphasis on a science-based method, that notes a “continuum of risk” that recognizes the differences in tobacco products. Importantly, Dr. Gottlieb stated that FDA will reexamine the treatment of premium cigars under the agency’s current regulatory structure. Ultimately, the agency will open a […]