In 1996 Alan Rubin knew nothing about cigars except for which end to cut and which end to light. Despite this he founded Alec Bradley Cigars. A few years after that I came across my first ever Alec Bradley cigar, a triangle box pressed smoke called Trilogy. According to Alec Bradley, “[Alec Bradley Sanctum is their new introduction]. The Costa Rican binder has great body, while the Colombian tobaccos add to the great aroma. Combine these […]
The first Latino and youngest member of the Berkeley City Council, Jeses Arreguin, a Democrat has proposed to raising smoking age on tobacco to 21. His reasoning is the increase in underage tobacco use, specifically vaping. The current age in the state is 18, and if the measure passes all forms of tobacco and tobacco products such as vape will be included in the ban. Violators will be subject to a fine and could lose their […]
According to Reuters, President Barack Obama has nominated a leading cardiologist and researcher for the position of FDA Commissioner. Dr. Robert Califf joined the FDA in January as Deputy Commissioner. Before the position becomes official Dr. Califf will go before the Senate for a confirmation hearing and industry observers do not expect him to face much opposition. If confirmed by the Senate Dr. Califf would replace Dr. Stephen Ostroff, who has served as acting commissioner […]
In 2015 as reported by The Cigar Authority the state of West Virginia had two proposals to raise the OTP tax which affects how cigars are taxed. The initial proposal suggested a raise from 7% to 10.5%. However, in late February bi-partisan bill H.B. 2953 was introduced that suggested taxing OTP products at the rate of 39 percent. The 2015 yearly session closed with the tobacco tax not seeing a vote and now a published report by […]
Last week we reported that the city of Casper, Wyoming saw a smoking exemption removed because a petition garnered enough signatures to overturn it. Yesterday, the Casper City Council voted to repeal the original smoking ban, “Smoking Ban Fully Loaded” that was put in place in 2012 by a 7-2 margin. The Council also voted 6-3 to repeal the 2013 ordinance “Smoking Ban Light”. According to a member of the City Council there were two choices; […]
This past weekend I was sitting around the fire pit with Christine and Tate whom I both met via The Cigar Authority podcast. I had just moved up to New Hampshire when I was sitting in a local cigar bar. I had a Ron Zacapa in front of me and cigar when I was approached by both of them asking if I was Barry from The Cigar Authority. As crazy has that sounds I get […]
Boca Raton, FL- Prime Cigar & Wine Bar, Boca Raton’s premier cigar bar and lounge, is proud to announce that it has partnered with Altadis U.S.A, one of the world’s top premium cigar manufacturers, to bring a new cigar bar and lounge to Miami’s Brickell neighborhood. Expected to open early 2016, Casa de Montecristo by Prime Cigar & Whiskey Bar will offer fine wines, spirits, and a large walk-in humidor offering an extensive array of individual cigar offerings […]
Yet another city in the United States of America will be saying you can die for our country, but you can’t light up a cigar. The Borough Council is expected to pass the ordinance next month that would raise the smoking age from 19 (New Jersey Law) to 21. In July the ordinance was officially introduced with a unanimous vote, but was tabled to be rewritten to include electronic smoking devices. The council will next […]
How many brand owners in the cigar industry can brag that they graduated from Harvard? The answer is at least one, Jason Holly owner of Viva Republica. The Ivy league graduate unveiled one of his newest cigars at the 2015 IPCPR and today we will look at the Advanced Warfare. Available in two sizes that traditionally don’t do well at cigar shops; Petit (4 x41) and Corona (5.25 x 43). Cigar Review: Viva Republica Advanced Warfare […]
The city of Pocatello has made a stand against special interest group, Smoke Free Idaho which wants to ban indoor smoking at all public places and businesses. According to the Idaho State Journal, Smoke Free Idaho coordinator Brenda Pollard met with the City Council last week and argued that a healthy environment was needed by folks stuck there for 40 hours a week. Thankfully the City Council wasn’t convinced. The Cigar Authority would like to […]