As we approach the 5th Anniversary (June 11, 2016) of Willy Herrera joining Drew Estate we figured we would take a look at an exclusive cigar to TAA Members. Before joining Drew Estate, Willy Herrera worked for El Titan de Bronze where I met him for the first time when I use to work for Miami Cigar & Company. When asked about the new blend, Willy Herrera stated, “This is my first blend since joining […]
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 […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations debated the Fiscal Year 2017 Agriculture Appropriations Bill (“FY 17”). By a voice vote the full Committee passed a bi-partisan bill that included language that would protect premium cigars from proposed FDA regulation. During the debate, an amendment was offered, and ultimately defeated in a bi-partisan vote of 34 to 14, that would have removed the language proposed last week by the Agriculture […]
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 […]
My first taste of the Cromagnon Fomorian was at the DC Tweetup, when then was a box of them up for bid at a silent auction to benefit charity. As it turns out me and the owner of a retail shop were bidding against each other and we decided on a bid where we would split the box. It was at this point that I deemed the Cromagnon the best candela I have ever smoked back […]