Pataro might not be a brand that is easily recognized, at least not yet. However, the names behind the brand have a rich history in the cigar industry. Pataro came into existence in 2001 and is Swiss based and owned by Patrick Martin and Dr. Pablo Richard Schneider. The same year the company was formed, Patrick Martin left Davidoff where he did product development for both AVO and Griffin Cigars. Dr Pablo Richard Schneider is […]
Founded in 1903, La Aurora is the first factory of the Dominican Republic. It has been owned by the Leon Family since its inception. Eventually the factory became a part of Grupo Leon, the largest company in the Dominican Republic with annual profits around 600 million dollars. In 2011, La Aurora was purchased outright by Guillermo Leon, a person I am lucky enough to call a friend and a mentor. For me, my journey into the […]
It’s the time of year when ghouls and goblins are getting ready to scare people and ghost stories make their way out of the cobwebbed vault. But more importantly, to the cigar smoking collector, it is the time of year when Pete Johnson announces his Unlucky 13 Retailers to carry the next edition of the Monster Series. This year it is the Jeckyll which features a “Sancti Spiritus” wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. They […]
As I was sitting down to write this review of the Straight Jacket I realized how I have a lot of favorites in the industry. Over the next 3 days at Two Guys Smoke Shop, 2 of my real favorites will be at our 3 locations. Tom Lazuka and Lauren Ferraro. Tom is one of those guys who you would love to sit at a bar with and watch a ballgame, even if he cheers […]
When I moved up north from Florida my friend Jaclyn Sears of Caldwell Cigar Co. hooked me up with samples of the then forthcoming releases from Caldwell Cigar Co including Long Live the King. It was then that I first smoked today’s cigar which when I reviewed it for another site I labeled it as the best cigar I smoked all year. A lot has changed since then as I have gotten my palate back […]
The latest release from Zino Platinum is the Make of Texas which will be arriving in store shortly. In recognizing the rebellious attitude of the great state of Texas, the brand decided to tap on the graffiti artist Gonzo 247 of Aerosol Warfare to illustrate the Zino Platinum 2014 Collector’s Edition – “The Make of Texas”. The release will feature four custom boxes limited to 750 pieces each, and in one size; 5.5 x 56. Each […]
Last year Hammer + Sickle released the Sochi as a Limited Edition, this year their Limited Edition is simply named LE14. Featuring tobacco from 3 different countries and 6 different varieties the LE14 is limited to 250 boxes and is set to be released mid-October. They come packaged in 10 count boxes and carry an MSRP of $10.00. The image featured on the band and box of the cigar is reference to the Rabochiy i Kolkhoznitsa statue […]
Eric Hanson of Hammer + Sickle stopped by The Cigar Authority office this afternoon with the soon to be released Hammer + Sickle Limited Edition 2014. The cigars will come in 10 count boxes and carry a MSRP of $10.00. The details of the cigar are being closely guarded but it was shared with The Cigar Authority that there is 6 different types of tobacco from 3 countries. The image featured on the band and […]
I’ve always been a cigar geek, and it annoys Mr. Jonathan to no end. If it’s a new stick I want to smoke it, usually just once, 2-3 times if I will review it. That makes me the worst cigar customer in the world. There is no brand loyalty from me, and that makes me a bad customer. Why you may is? The answer is simple, when I jump from brand to brand, I am part […]
WHITE KNIGHT LIMITED EDITION Every year S.T.Dupont’s expertise, as master lacquer and master goldsmiths, is expressed in sumptuous limited editions. Four values symbolise S.T.Dupont and the very essence of its heritage: Excellence of unique pieces, Nobility of the materials, Pride of craftsmen and work of exceptional quality, Loyalty with exceptional items transmitted from generation to generation. As a perfect illustration of these values S.T.Dupont has chosen the theme of knights for this new limited edition. […]