Untamed by La Aurora to be showcased at IPCPR 2014
La Aurora issues warning, the Lion has gone rogue!
(Santiago, DR) July 1, 2014 – La Aurora Cigars is proud to announce the release of their latest creation, Untamed by La Aurora. Using tobacco selected specifically for this project, La Aurora aims to please even the most demanding consumer with this unique blend. Led by master blender, Manuel Inoa, the team at La Aurora has been able to attack this ambitious project head on and are eager to release the beast in Las Vegas.
 
Since the year 2000, La Aurora has been on the hunt for the ideal tobacco to enhance the strength of the cigar without sacrificing La Aurora’s signature flavor. Thanks to the collective effort of their team, the factory has been able to cultivate perfect harmony. Utilizing tobacco from 3 different countries and finished off with a dark oily Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, the blend comes with the complexity of a medium bodied cigar and the intensity of something more full. Â
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Roberto P. Duran Cigar Brand To Be Introduced At 2014 IPCPR
(Miami, Florida) June 30, 2014— Roberto P. Duran Premium Cigars, after a successful 2013 launch with the Azan Line of cigars is ready to come into the 2014 IPCPR with a new super-premium blend: The Roberto P. Duran Cigar Brand.
 
Roberto Pelayo Duran introduced the Azan line of Cigars at the 2013 IPCPR which included the Burgundy, Premium White, and Maduro Natural. Azan Cigars was very well received and can now be found in over 200 cigar shops nationwide. This year Roberto will introduce a super-premium blend under the Roberto P. Duran Premium Cigars umbrella.
The Roberto P. Duran Cigar is a super-premium cigar which pays homage to his family and his family’s city of origin in Cuba. Â
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“Smoked Up” No.74
Happy Birthday to me!! Today is my birthday and I have been enjoying some good beer, a few fine cigars and one of the best roast beef and gravy poboys I’ve ever ate. Not much else going on, no local cigar events or happenings going on. There is a new tobacco store that recently got new management in town. I hear they have a small selection of cigars, so I may go check it out on Friday.
Cigar Views
Avo LE10: I got a box of these to age and smoke one on my birthday every year. The smoke seems to be getting more smooth and rounded off than what I remember having last year. I pair it with a Rouge Hazelnut Brown Nectar beer. This was an awesome pairing as I got more chocolate flavors out of the smoke than I usually do. I also got a dry roasted nut flavor on the back half of the draw that was interesting as well. This is one box purchase that I do not regret. Â
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Felipe Gregorio To Release 2014 “Power”
POWER 2014 Release July 2014 IPCPR
Power cigars are released every 7 years, the 2000 Crop, 2007 Collection received a 92 rating in Cigar Aficionado and was voted by the magazine as
one of the Top 25 Cigars of the Year 2007.
Made from Pelo de Oro (Golden Hair) Cuban Ancestral Seeds, grown in the Cordillera Central of Costa Rica at 3000 feet in small arroyos, all planting and harvesting is done by hand. By growing at such altitudes we have the luxury of producing a pesticide free sun grown tobacco. Rich in complexity and with
a unique flavor profile. Power is made with a Rosado Wrapper and seven year old aged tobaccos (Tabacage 2007)
We believe in the 333 rule, triple fermentation, triple inspection and triple cap. Each of our cigars are specially selected for the true connoisseur.
We will be making an Extremely Limited Production (E.L.P) of 1000 boxes per size (4 sizes) until the next release in seven years.
Full Power        (6 X 62)
No. II Torpedo     (6 1/4 x 52)
Triple R Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â (5 1/2 x 55)
Special Robusto   (5 x 52)
Torbusto         (4 1/2 x 58)
Blended by: Philip G. Wynne
Pedigree has a name and it is Felipe Gregorio Est. 1990,
a Grupo Tres Tierras Company
Emilio Draig Cayuquero Lancero News
Newark, DE
June 24, 2014
Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars announced this morning that the limited edition Emilio Cigars Draig Cayuquero lanceros will begin shipping on June 25, in honor of his 60th birthday. Only 100 boxes of 10 cigars were produced in this extremely limited run of cigars.
 
The Draig Cayuquero uses a Brazilian Arapiraca wrapper, and fillers from the Jalapa and Esteli regions of Nicaragua, and has been critically acclaimed by numerous reviewers.
According to Griffith this will be the only time the Cayuquero is produced in the lancero size.
The Draig series of cigars honors Griffith’s Welsh heritage, and each Draig blend is entirely different.
Gary A. Griffith
BUENA VISTA CIGARS MAKES ITS MUCH AWAITED RETURN TO THE U.S. MARKET
(Miami, Florida) June 19, 2014— M.G.M. Cigars proudly announces the return of the Buena Vista Cigar brand of premium cigars to the United States. In 2011 Buena Vista Cigars made a brief appearance in the U.S. scene with tons of internet buzz and rave reviews from cigar media. M.G.M. Cigars has now brought back to the U.S. public the “Worlds fines Cuban seed cigarâ€-Buena Vista Cigars.
The genesis of MGM Cigar can be traced to Cuba and the year 2009. At the time, the notion of crafting a Premium Cigar with the highest quality in every aspect of its creation, without any of the restrictions imposed by the island upon the product and its processes, gained support and backing. This support was from a group of very experienced cigar makers.
 
In 2011 Buena Vista Cigars was released with a sizable amount of industry hype do superb cigar construction, one of kind luxury presentation and packaging, and most importantly, the quality of the cigar itself. The Buena Vista Prominente received a 94 Rating in Smoke Magazine with one of the panelists simply stating: “The one word that comes to mind is Awesome.†The Buena Vista Robusto was featured in Cigar Journal in the article “60 Cigars that you should try.â€
Circumstances beyond the manufacturer’s control hindered the project’s development and successful advancement. The entire production of 200,000 cigars was stored in temperature and humidity-controlled cedar conditioning rooms, until 2013. At that point, José E. Borges Batista, founding partner and current President of MGM Cigar, arrived to the United States (after a prolonged wait) bringing with him dreams of freedom, prosperity, and his irrevocable mission of pressing ahead with the MGM Cigar project.
José E. Borges said: “The M.GM. Cigar project and first brand Buena Vista cigar was nothing more than a dream in 2009. It quickly caught flight, only to be put to bed for a short while. I am thankful to have relocated to the United States where I am free to forge ahead with our project. We look forward to re-introducing the Buena Vista Cigar brand which pays homage to all who, through music and from one generation to another, have kept the Cuban traditions, values and joie de vivre alive.â€
Buena Vista Reserva 2008 is a well-balanced cigar of medium strength. It’s crafted by Cuban master rollers, who expertly mix a filler of select tobacco harvested in the Dominican Republic, aged two years (2008-2010) and then dress it with an elegant Habano 98 wrapper from Ecuador. These cigars have rested in cedar conditioning rooms for three years, surrounded by an optimal temperature and level of humidity. This process accents and balances the tobacco’s nuances, ensuring the connoisseur a uniquely pleasurable experience.
The Buena Vista brand is presented in boxes of 10 units and comes in 9 vitolas:
CIGAR SIZESÂ
- PROMINENTEÂ -Â 7 x 49
- SUBLIME -Â 6.3 x 54
- PIRAMIDE – 6.3 x 52
- DOBLE ROBUSTO – 5.5 x 52
- ROBUSTO – 5.3 x 54
- CORONA LARGA – 4.8 x 50
- CORONA – 5.1 x 46
- PETIT PYRAMID – 4.9 x 52
- SHORT CHURCHILL – 4.3 x 54
About MGM Cigars:
MGM Cigar proudly announces the launch of its Buena Vista Cigars. These one-of-a-kind masterpieces, issued in limited quantities and reserves, inspired in the founder’s roots, are presented with the fervent pledge. The pledge that the most demanding cigar connoisseur will experience great enjoyment in a product only enhanced with time and that is capable of satisfying the smoker’s five senses. MGM Cigars is based in an elegant yet highly functional manufacturing plant in the La Palma Free Zone, located in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. This is where the pinnacle of cigars are skillfully rolled and expertly stored in aging rooms in limited quantities.
For more information on MGM Cigar please visit: WWW.MGMCIGARS.COM
Drew Estate Announces Kentucky Fire Cured – Flying Pig
Miami, FL – Drew Estate announced today the release of the Flying Pig vitola in their Kentucky Fire Cured blend. The Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig (KFCFP) will make its debut at a private event, featuring Drew Estate co-Ââ€founder Jonathan Drew, with Oxmoor Smoke Shoppe in Louisville, Kentucky. The cigar will receive a nationwide release at the IPCPR Tradeshow in Las Vegas, NV in July of 2014.
When asked why he decided to debut the cigar in Kentucky, Drew stated, “The choice was an easy one. Kentucky is obviously a major inspiration for the Kentucky Fire Cured line, and that inspiration comes through in everything from the blend profile to the iconic imagery. The tobacco that gives the Kentucky Fire Cured line its distinctive smoky aroma and flavor is grown right here in Kentucky.â€
The Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig will be released in boxes of 12, and the cigar will be the same size as the other Flying Pig releases, 3 15/16â€x 60. The KFCFP captures all of the smoky character that the Kentucky Fire Cured line has become known for among cigar smokers nationwide.
As stated, the Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig will be officially released at IPCPR 2014, and should ship in September 2014. The cigar will be available to ALL Drew Estate accounts. For more information about Kentucky Fire Cured, visit Drew Estate’s website at http://drewestate.com.
“Smoked Up” No.73
We made it past another Friday the 13th and the rare “Strawberry Moon”. On Friday, I hung out with my friend at the tattoo gallery she was working at. I ended up getting another tattoo, but nothing major. This time it was a rabbit’s foot with a “13”. I call it my “unlucky rabbit’s foot.” I got it on my rib cage above a previous tattoo and that was an interesting type of pain. I don’t know why I keep wanting to get ink on my ribs…
Saturday me and a few buddies helped Eddie with Puro Vida with some taste testing of his upcoming Honduran puro blends. He has a Connecticut and a Corojo coming out that are pretty good smokes.
Cigar Views
Flor de Oliva Torpedo: This bundle cigar is one I had quite a few times in the past; usually the maduro. This cigar seemed to have a sweetened tip as I got a decent amount of sweetness on my lips that accompanied the woody and semi-spicy notes of the tobacco. The draw was a good bit on the heavy side, but no other construction issues. For the price on these cigars, they make a good yard gar or a cigar for one of your buddies who wants to hang out with a cigar. The maduros are better in my opinion and they are better with about 6months age. Â
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CAO Cigars and Flying Dog Brewery Release Exclusive Pairing Pack
For craft beer enthusiasts who want to drink their beer and smoke it too, Flying Dog and CAO Cigars have partnered to pair four world-class cigars with the brewery’s most iconic beers.
“Cigars are most often paired with brown spirits. Since we’re not fans of being conventional, we’re shaking things up by bringing craft beer into the mix,” CAO cigar blender Rick Rodriguez said. “Flying Dog mirrors our devotion to delivering new, unique flavors, so we’re looking forward to working with them to bring this new trend to life.”
The CAO “Art of Craft” cigar pack will be available alongside each corresponding beer exclusively at 36 Total Wine stores throughout Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and California beginning July 1.
“Smoked Up” No.72
I know one thing, it is getting hot in south Mississippi! I can see my cigar choosings getting smaller in size and my pool time getting longer. The nights are in the low to mid 80s, no breeze and high humidity. So, every occasion I get to smoke indoors I am! One occasion this week was at El Puro Perfecto’s humidor expansion party. They have been open a little over a year now and little over doubled the size of their humidor and selection recently. They threw a nice party with free local craft beer from Crooked Letter, smoked sausage, boudin, hanburgers etc… Puro Vida was there showcasing the locally owned company that I and a few others help blend. There was also a good amount of give-aways of cigars & swag.
Speaking of Puro Vida, the owner has a few test blends of a puro line that we will be taste testing and giving our thoughts on this Sunday. From the sounds of the blend, it will be quite and interesting one that I hope takes off as you don’t see too many of this type of blend on the market these days. If all goes to plan and the cigars get finalized, I will report back on exactly what they are.
Cigar Views
 
Davidoff Year of the Snake: My Sunday Davidoff this week was while I had a rack of baby back ribs on the smoker. The smoke time of the cigar kept me occupied while the ribs did their thing. I don’t smoke too many limited edition Davidoffs, mainly due to their $20+ price tag. This was a gift from the owner of The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS and was a very nice gift at that. This smoke was a bit more in strength than the usual Davidoffs and had some nice flavors as well. Notes of a slight peppery spice, charred wood and some creamy semi-sweet herbal notes danced around my palate. Overall a pretty good smoke and one of my top Davidoffs; just still can’t get past the price tag.
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