Reflecting on 40 Years in the Cigar Business – A David Garofalo Editorial 40 years in the cigar business—what an extraordinary journey it’s been! As I sit back and reflect, I’m filled with gratitude, amazement, and pride at how far we’ve come. Ten years ago, I wrote about celebrating 30 years in this industry, and now, here we are, marking an incredible milestone I could have only dreamed of. Back in 1985, Two Guys Smoke […]
The True Story of the March Madness Sale : A Two Guys Story : Once upon a time—well, back in February of 1997—Two Guys Smoke Shop got hit with a tax bombshell. Dave Garofalo and his brother John were happily running their cigar business in New Hampshire, enjoying the sweet aroma of success, when their accountant dropped a number on them that made their cigars almost fall right out of their mouths. $103,000 in taxes. […]
The Cigar Industry: Balancing Cause and Effect An Editorial by David Garofalo In the complex web of the cigar industry, cause and effect play a pivotal role, shaping the landscape and influencing trends. Newton’s Third Law of Motion, which suggests that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, finds significance in the dynamics of today’s cigar marketplace. The recent disruptions in the cigar industry, characterized by soaring prices can be studied through the lens […]
Welcome to the Cigar Authority’s 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Our curated selection is to help you pick out the perfect cigar gift for your friends and family. From limited-edition cigar collections to great accessories, each recommendation in this guide was chosen to enhance the holiday experience for both seasoned smokers and those new to the world of cigars. Try our suggestions, that ensure your holiday season is not only filled with warmth and joy but […]
In the world of podcasting, milestones are few and far between. But on Saturday, September 16, 2023, The Cigar Authority accomplished something truly remarkable: they celebrated their 700th episode. In an era when many podcasts come and go like fleeting fads, this achievement is a testament to their unwavering commitment and dedication to their craft. What makes this accomplishment even more extraordinary is the fact that The Cigar Authority has had just six official members […]
As the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show enters its crucial third day, I am determined to wrap up the event on a high note and embark on a journey to discover the hidden gem, the next big thing that will shape the future of the cigar industry. My first stop of the day will be at La Galera, a brand that emerged as a hidden gem a few years ago and has continued to impress […]
Navigating through Day 2 of the PCA Cigar Trade Show, my mission is to explore the must-try cigars and booths, akin to planning a meticulous roadmap for a family vacation. To ensure I cover everything, I’m strategically managing my time to complete the trade show in three days or less, with the intention of revisiting areas I might have overlooked. Starting off, I’ll begin by double-checking if I missed any must-see booths, as some can […]
The anticipation is building as the 90th Annual Cigar Trade Show commences in Las Vegas from July 7th to July 11th, 2023. This prestigious event will see thousands of cigar retailers gather to explore and acquire the latest and greatest cigars and accessories in the industry. With countless offerings, I have carefully planned my route on the trade show floor to ensure I can savor the most exciting new cigars available in the best time […]
The following press release comes from Joshua Habursky, Director Director of Federal Affairs, Premium Cigar Association & J. Glynn Loope, Executive Director, Cigar Rights of America. Every election matters. Every two and four years, we seem to hear that a lot. But this time, it’s really serious, especially if you enjoy, sell or make premium cigars. The premium cigar industry has come too far, made such progress, and has a feeling of momentum in the campaign against […]
First, let me state this article is 100% the opinion of Barry. It is being typed from my fingers. Yesterday, HR 2339 passed the committee vote by a vote of 28-24 and some people are calling this a win for the cigar industry. It is, to a degree, because it appears cigars are getting an exemption. However, that exemption is only being offered to a select few brands as they appear on the shelf at […]