Phil Zanghi who is an advertiser on The Cigar Authority podcast will soon have his cigars distributed by Drew Estate according to an article that first appeared on Cigar Aficionado’s website. In addition to the distribution, Drew Estate will take over sales for the brand while Zanghi maintains full control of his company.
Phil Zanghi rose to fame in the cigar industry with Indian Tabac Cigar Co. in which he was once partnered with Rocky Patel. After selling to Rocky Patel, Phil focussed on machine-made cigars where he continues to be one of the top producers of blunt wraps. In 2012, Phil released Debonaire cigars before expanding last year to Indian Motorcycle Cigars.
We reached out to the brand owner who informed us that pricing would remain the same on Debonaire Cigars but Indian Motorcycle will see a slight increase under the new distribution deal.
Updated 4:05pm: Below is the official press release from Drew Estate.
Drew Estate Announces Distribution Partnership with Debonaire House & Indian Motorcycle Cigars
Wednesday, January 27, 2016 — Miami, FL – Today, Drew Estate announced their plans to become the Exclusive U.S. Distributor for Debonaire House and Indian Motorcycle Cigars. Both brands are produced in the Dominican Republic under the leadership of Philip S. Zanghi III, a long-time tobacco industry veteran.
Drew Estate adds Debonaire and Indian Motorcycle cigars to their already impressive list of partner brands, which includes Joya de Nicaragua, Royal Agio, and Tsuge Pipe Co. Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars will now be available to a limited number of retail tobacconist accounts, including Drew Diplomat Retailer Program accounts, while Indian Motorcycle cigars will be available to all Drew Estate accounts. Availability will begin in early Q2 of 2016.
When asked about the strategic partnership, Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Founder, stated that, “Phil Zanghi has been a dear personal friend of mine for two decades. When I permanently moved to Nicaragua in 1998, I wasn’t speaking no fancy languages like Spanish, so Phil helped keep me sane, as we scuttled back and forth between Nica & Honduras. He’s been a psychological & spiritual Drew Estate booster from our beginnings. Phil is old school and has been a presence in the Central American & Caribbean tobacco worlds forever. I love the guy like a brother and feel blessed to finally be working together. We gonna keep it real, indeed. #LetsDoitTogetherJD”
Philip Zanghi, founder of Debonaire House, said that, “Our cigars are the culmination of 20 years of personal research, and the final products are what I consider to be some of the finest premium cigars on the market today. This includes the ultra premium Debonaire brand, where I spared no expense to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. We incorporate the finest, darkest, air cured tobacco from the most superior tobacco crops of Central America and the Dominican Republic. I’m flattered and honored to be considered by such a top rate outfit as Drew Estate. I want to tell everyone that, with Drew Estate and Debonaire together, we’ll be bringing exceptional new products into the market as one team.”
Michael Cellucci, President of Drew Estate, commented from Miami: “Drew Estate is globally known for its extremely diverse product mix and manufacturing reputation, but it’s the incredible cast of characters that truly distinguishes us and adds so much texture to our robust, mosaic culture. The strategic partnership with Debonaire reinforces this spirit, as Phil Zanghi is a real deal industry vet with sincere passion for tobacco and life. He’s a great fit. This collaboration is truly exciting for me personally, and will add to the complete Drew Estate experience. Just walk up to him at an event and introduce yourself. You will definitely understand why we love him.”
The Debonaire Ultra Premium Cigars line includes five regular production sizes including the First Degree (4 x 44), Sagita Petite Lancero (5.5 x 38), Robusto (5.25 x 50), Toro (6 x 54), and Belicosos (6 x 54). All sizes are available in two wrapper configurations, Nicaraguan Habano or Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro. The Indian Motorcycle Cigars line includes four sizes, which includes a Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 52), Gordo (6 x 58), and Churchill (7 1/2 x 50). All sizes are available in a Habano or Maduro wrapper.
