As a person going on his honeymoon in just a couple of weeks, this news couldn’t come at a better time. The laundry list of personal friends who want me to bring them back a Cuban cigar is longer than a shopping list for The Cigar Authority food budget. While I still might not bring them a cigar, it just got a lot easier for me and you to buy Cuban cigars and rum. Up […]
In a letter sent to retailers, Rocky Patel has announced a price increase due to the new FDA regulations. The letter which was sent late yesterday states, “Due to rising costs associated with the Food and Drug Administration we are announcing the following price increase on our brands. Effective November 15, 2016, we will be taking a 5% price increase on all Rocky Patel Branded Product with the exception of RP Decade (2.5%) and RP […]
Back in July, Tony Serino announced his company was going forward with a long desired plan to enter the Super Premium Cigar Market. According to Serino, “It has taken 20 years of hard work, lots of bumps and bruises to achieve success in our base business. In 1996 we started buying , importing and selling inexpensive “daily smoke” bundled cigars. Building on our past experiences, we partnered with reliable, sound, manufacturing partners which led us to produce […]
Collaboration Cigars Too many Chefs in the Kitchen An Editorial by David Garofalo It’s been going on for a while and when I hear of it, it always sparks my attention and creates lots of interest and discussion in the cigar lounge but it seems to me to never work out as I had expected. I’m talking about a cigar maker or owner of a cigar brand teaming up with another owner of a cigar […]
Basel/Switzerland, October 2016. To be bestowed the label of a Davidoff Royal Release cigar, stringent selection, and a pursuit of perfection have been applied to the various stages of crafting the cigar – from seed, to leaf, to blend and finally in the rolling of the cigar. The Royal Release cigar experience, for those who have had a chance to experience it, is truly one-of-a-kind, never to be forgotten. “Our aficionados will realise in one […]
In mid-September it was announced that Gaby Eiroa would be stepping down from her role at CLE and leaving the cigar industry to begin a new chapter in her life. Now comes word that Bianca Melone has joined the Eiroa Family Brand/CLE Cigars which includes Asylum as their new marketing director. Prior to joining Christian Eiroa’s company, Bianca Melone handled marketing for Gurkha.
La Flor Dominicana has begun shipping the LFD Reserva Especial. As they arrive in stores, some store owners and consumers might be a tad confused once the box is opened. The cigar which is available in 9 sizes, includes a size called Belicoso measuring 5.5 x 52. However, the cigar is a traditional parejo size that has resulted in phone calls to VP of Sales for LFD, Jonathan Carney asking if the factory made a […]
Sampling Effective August 8, 2016, retailers are not permitted to distribute free samples to consumers at fundraisers, charity events, in-store events, legislative events, etc. IPCPR believes that the following practices do not violate the free sample provision, and have requested written confirmation from FDA: Providing a cigar in exchange for buying other products (e.g. “buy one get one free”). Replacing a plugged, spoiled, or otherwise damaged cigar for free. Having a raffle with cigar(s) as […]
The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has released their calculations for user fees of tobacco products for 2017. User fees are part of the new regulations issued by the FDA. The money obtained via user fees is used to fund the FDA’s operation. The amount paid will vary by year and are based on a percentage of SCHIP (40.26 cents) taxes paid by cigar companies. It is expected that the Cigar industry will fund […]
At the 2016 InterTabac trade show Cigar Journal held their annual awards dinner. During the course of the awards ceremony it was announced that The Cigar Authority was named the 2016 Cigar Ambassadors of the Year. This award has humbled us all and we will be sure to discuss it on Saturday’s webcast/podcast which can be viewed live on this very website at 12 Noon eastern time where we will annouce all the winners from […]