La Flor Dominicana is releasing two new samplers, both of which contain cigars that are not available anywhere else. The first sampler is the Los Lanceros and contains 5 cigars. Those cigars are the La Flor Dominicana Air Bender Villano, Double Ligero Lancero Oscuro, Coronado Lancero, Double Ligero Lancero Natural and Cameroon Cabinet Lancero. The cigars measure 7.5 x 38 and carry an MSRP of $43 before any local taxes. In addition to the Lancero sampler […]
In 2015 the first of a series of changes that read like a novella, centered around the Hirochi Robaina brand. The week before the IPCPR show in New Orleans Robaina would leave Cubanacan and move to La Palina. During this turmoil, Cubanacan was said to have no factory and all their cigars were made by Tabacalera Los Charutos, S.A. which is the factory that produces the cigars that carry the Robaina name. Hirochi however would never […]
Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Alaska, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Oregon. Alaska – A blll that would have banned smoking statewide in workplaces and enclosed spaces won’t pass in 2016 as the bill has been shelved via Alaska Journal https://www.alaskajournal.com/2016-04-20/ledoux-shelves-house-senate-bills-would-ban-smoking-statewide#.VxjPR2OLqAY California – This week East Bay parks will be off-limits to smokers in the […]
44 days ago we reported that a series of measures were passed by the California senate. The delay to move the bills to the desk of the Governor came from the same legislative representatives that passed the measure because of a looming threat from an industry lobbyist to run a campaign that would attack unrelated initiative campaigns. The measure to raise the tobacco purchase age to 21 and allow local counties to impose an additional […]
Back in 2008, limited edition cigars began a new era that I personally believe changed the cigar industry. Some might argue it was for the better and some might argue it was for the worse. No matter which side of the aisle you are on there is no denying how the release of the first Monster Series cigar from Tatuaje changed the face (pun intended) of Pete Johnson’s company. Each October the company releases 666 […]
This week saw the EPC Short Run 2016 hit the shelves which we reviewed a couple of weeks ago. However, I decided to reach for a cigar that I long avoided, the INCH. My reason for avoidance was the massive ring gauge which I openly admit I am not a fan of. However as 60 ring gauge cigars continue to grow in market share, its been harder to avoid them. Well, today I cheat a […]
Tuesday, April 19, 2016 — Wynwood, Florida – Jonathan Drew has announced his plans today to enter the spirits industry with his new venture, “John Drew Brands.” The movement will focus on spirits, craft beverages, and food. Best known for “Market Disruption” before the word was an art form, JD pioneered new market segments in the premium cigar industry with brands such as “ACID Cigars” and “Kentucky Fire Cured Cigars.” Over 19 years, the Drew […]
Today the House Appropriations Committee held a full committee mark-up to move the Agriculture Appropriations bill to the next phase of the legislative process. This bill contains important language that would exempt premium cigars from FDA regulation. During the committee meeting, an amendment was offered by Rep. DeLauro (D-CT) to strip the language that defines premium cigars and exempts that category from FDA regulation. This amendment failed by a 14 to 34 vote. The challenge […]
Last night social media giant Facebook began enforcing their TOS and started shutting down groups that promote the private sale tobacco products including cigars. The most noticeable group was the ultra popular Cigar Cartel, but also included were CHAOS, Havana Hideaway and Cigar Syndicate. Cigar Cartel administrator Derek Stewert said, “We kinda knew it was going to happen. Can’t believe it actually did though.” The site has already been reformed under the name C2 which […]
Last week we reported on the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies released the draft legislation for FY2017 which included a provision to protect premium cigars from undue FDA regulation. The language states, “SEC. 749. None of the funds made available in this Act may be used to finalize, implement, administer, or enforce the proposed rule with the regulation identifier number 0910–AG38 published by the […]