I’m actually surprised at the lack of interest and talk about the Olympic Games this year in our cigar shops. The Americans are winning at the time of this article; there was some controversy with alleged mugging in Rio and apparent danger. There was plenty of LIVE television coverage but according to Gallup polls, Americans’ interest in watching the Olympic Games has hit a historic low. And while the interest was down, advertising was up […]
On this weeks episode of The Cigar Authority we break out the crystal ball and look into the future. With all the FDA regulations in place, consolidation is just a matter of time, or so we think. Who will buy whom, who will survive and who will fall? Tune in and find out and be the judge if we are off the rocker, or see if we are indeed clairvoyant… All this and more on […]
After the launch of their wildly popular Syncro Nicaragua, Avo Cigars is at it again. Instead of the box pressed format it’s older brother received, the Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata takes on a different shape and a bolder blend. This marks the newest blend by the company, and today I’ll be taking a look at the short torpedo vitola. What am I smoking? Cigar Review: Avo Syncro Nicaragua Fogata Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Factory: Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano […]
Earlier this week David Garofalo announced the contenders for Cigar of the Year. If you listen to our podcast, you will know that we are huge fans of La Galera which comes from Jochy Blanco’s Indian Head Tobacco. While Mr. Jonathan loves the Connecticut, David and I have been partial to the Habano. Cigar Review: La Galera MaduroCountry of Origin: Dominican RepublicWrapper: San Andres (Mexico)Binder: Dominican Republic (Piloto Cubano)Filler: Dominican Republic (Criollo ’98)Length: 6″Ring Gauge: 46Vitola: Corona Gorda (Pegador)Cutter: Lotus JawsLighter: Vertigo Twister The Look: Packaged […]
The District of Columbia District Court ruled against the FDA on a packaging change constituting a new product on the market. The ruling from Judge Amit Mehta states that a change in logo, colors, packaging and/or cigar bands does not constitute a new product and companies do not need to file for substantial equivalence. The actual ruling can be read below: 8-16-16-Order-Case-No.-15-cv-1590
The latest offering from Kristoff got its name from the suggestion of a customer who mentioned the company should come out with a cigar called Pissed Off Kristoff. Brand owner Glen Case loved the sound of the name but decided to change the spelling to create Pistoff Kristoff. Today we light up the latest offering from Kristoff which comes from the Charles Fairmon factory in the Dominican Republic. Cigar Review: Pistoff KristoffCountry of Origin: Dominican RepublicWrapper: San Andres (Mexico)Binder: IndonesiaFiller: NicaraguaLength: 5.75″ Ring […]
In the District of Columbia District Court, Judge Amit Mehta ruled against the FDA on a lawsuit over what constitutes a new product. The Lawsuit filed by Altria, Lorillard and Reynolds America argued what constituted a new product. According to the FDA, a new cigar band or change in packaging would constitute a new cigar and companies would need to file for substantial equivalence. The ruling states that a change in logo, colors, packaging and/or […]
Asylum Cigars are known for their heavy hitting big ring gauge smokes. Now, they have a new blend to appease enthusiasts who like the milder side of things. The Asylum 13 Connecticut offers three different sizes, all utilizing a less powerful blend and a light Connecticut shade wrapper. And now, this cigar is one of seven contenders for TCA’s 2016 Cigar Of The Year. What am I smoking? Cigar Review: Asylum 13 Connecticut Country of Origin: Honduras […]
Each year, for the past 24 years, David Garofalo who hosts The Cigar Authority Podcast (www.TheCigarAuthority.com) has made the announcement for the Contenders for the Cigar of the Year. Much like the nominees for the Academy Awards, the Contenders for the Cigar of the Year is announced late in the year, but this year it was moved ahead… way ahead. This year the announcement for The Contenders for The Cigar of the Year took place […]
Tobacconists’ Association of America, association for industry leading brick and mortar retailers in the premium cigar and pipe industry, has donated $50,000 towards the legal costs associated with the recent joint lawsuit against the FDA’s regulation of premium cigars and pipes. The contribution will be equally split between the IPCPR (International Premium Cigar and Pipes Retailers) and CRA (Cigar Rights of America). Tiffany Rumbo, owner of Club Humidor in San Antonio, TX and President of the Tobacconists […]