Tony Serino, President of APS DISTRIBUTORS / NINO VASQUEZ CIGARS, has announced that the company is going forward with its long desired goal of entering the Super Premium Cigar market segment. “It has taken 20 years of hard work, lots of bumps and bruises to achieve success in our base business. In 1996 we started buying , importing and selling inexpensive “daily smoke” bundled cigars. Building on our past experiences, we partnered with reliable, sound, manufacturing partners which led us to produce reasonably priced, high quality boxed cigars. Many of these have already been rated in the 90’s by publications, yet they are affordable to the average smoker. For some time we have wanted to create a SUPER PREMIUM BRAND cigar of the highest quality and consistency. To justify the investment and production of a super premium blend requires a partner that not only has the blending talent but also total control of the production from sowing the seeds to curing and aging and then packaging. We have finally found that partner.”
We were introduced to Omar Gonzales Alemán, owner of the world famous “La Corona Cigars”, S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua. I knew his pedigree was unquestionable, as his father taught him as a boy in Cuba the intricate process of producing great cigars. Omar worked in the prestigious Cuban factories such as Partagas and La Corona, where he earned the title of “Head Director”. Omar has supervised the creation of some of the finest cigars in the world and now continues to do so in his “La Corona” factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
I spent many weeks with Omar and his son Luis, we bonded quickly examining everything from their fields to the factory. It has been a breathtaking experience, smoking many blends, none less than a high “90”. Each blend was complex and had its own distinct characteristics. I was in smoker’s paradise! I knew this was a family that embodied the qualities that could be trusted for the long haul. We have chosen four of his totally handmade blends produced in 2014. All the tobaccos are aged no less than 4 years, some even more before production begins. Each blend is available in four of the best selling sizes and exquisitely packed in 20 count humidors powered by Boveda.
We considered thousands of names, but realized this is our 20th anniversary and decided on “Serino Royale”. Serino Royale will be unveiled and ready to taste at the IPCPR Show in Las Vegas in July. We invite everyone to come and taste our pride and joy, at booth 137.” I can honestly say with great confidence, everyone that visits our booth will understand our true passion and excitement for this new brand.”
