La Galera Maduro Pegador Cigar Review

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 […]

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August 18, 2016 by

Court Document On Ruling Against FDA On Packaging

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

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August 17, 2016 by

Pistoff Kristoff Corona Gorda Cigar Review

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 […]

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August 17, 2016 by

Courts Rule Against FDA On Packaging Changes

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 […]

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August 17, 2016 by

Asylum 13 Connecticut Fifty – Cigar Review

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 […]

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August 16, 2016 by

Contenders for Cigar of the Year Announced Early

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 […]

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August 16, 2016 by

TAA Donates 50K To Legal Fund Fighting FDA

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 […]

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August 16, 2016 by

LFD Andalusian Bull Cigar Review

A couple of weeks back I smoked the Andalusion Bull on The Cigar Authority podcast. The cigar I smoked that day was a sample from IPCPR that made its way back to me via David Garofalo. It intrigued me enough that when the cigars reached the shelves of Two Guys Smoke Shop I reached for another for today’s review. According to a press release from La Flor Dominicana, “Invoking the spirit of Spain’s famous Toreros, this cigar has […]

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August 15, 2016 by

Why Did U.S. Customs Cut My Cigars in Half? – Editorial

Why Did U.S. Customs Cut My Cigars in Half? Another Editorial by David Garofalo Just 1 week ago, on August 8, 2016 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) began its control over cigars with vague and overreaching regulations (known as the deeming regulations) that will undoubtedly find its way through the courts to see if any of this is not only Unconstitutional, but not at all reasonable. Beginning on August 8 and with the very […]

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August 15, 2016 by

Podcast: Dropping The Hammer With The Contenders

This week the Cigar Authority is broadcasting live from Two Guys Smoke Shop in Nashua, NH from the La Flor Dominicana Studios. We welcome to the show Eric Wentworth from Hammer + Sickle Cigars as we light up past Cigar of the Year winner, Hammer + Sickle Trademark. We will also unveil the seven cigars that are The Contenders for Cigar of the Year. In the second hour we will light up the La Galera […]

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August 13, 2016 by