DONA FLOR ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION BOX FOR IPCPR
DONA FLOR ANNOUNCES LIMITED EDITION BOX FOR IPCPR –
ALONSO MENENDEZ BRAZILIAN CIGARS NOW AVAILABLE TO US MARKET
July 3rd 2013 – Dona Flor USA officially announced today the availability of the Alonso Menendez line of premium Brazilian cigars for US distribution. Chris Edge, president of Dona Flor USA stated that very few people and only a couple of stores in the US even know about the Alonso Menendez line.
The line was actually the first to be manufactured by Menendez Amerino under the guidance of Benji Menendez in 1980. Europe was the main market at that time and with the rich, deep flavor of Mata Norte tobacco combined with the creamy smoothness of Mata Fina tobacco, the Alonso Menendez was instantly a success there.
Plans were to re-establish the Dona Flor brand first because it had already gained acceptance with American consumers. Once that was accomplished, plans are to reintroduce the Alonso Menendez line with it’s richer, fuller bodied profile. Those plans were already on the table for this year at the IPCPR 2013 when Cigar Journal announced both lines were nominated as Best Cigar and Best Brand – Brazil.
For those unaware of the history, Alonso Menendez became famous for creating the Cuban Montecristo #2 and the Montecruz after acquiring the H. Upmann factory in Havana. His sons Benji and Félix continued the old fashioned traditions when they relocated to Brazil and formed Menendez Amerino in 1975. Benji later moved on to General Cigar while his brother Félix Menendez continued to lead operations of Menendez Amerino in Brazil. He was later joined in 1995 by Arturo Toraño of the well known Toraño family.
“Brazilian tobacco is some of the finest tobacco on the earth,†states Félix, “and the fact that its flavor characteristics are so close to the Cuban tobacco is why we are here. Mata Fina tobacco, grown only in Brazil, is unsurpassed for it’s dark, creamy, smooth and naturally sweet flavorful profile without any bitterness. It is truly unique.â€
Also slated for introduction at the IPCPR 2013 is a very special limited edition, small batch, personally signed and numbered by Felix and Arturo, introducing the Precioso 36 Edição Limitada. Only 400 boxes will be available, so be sure to see them at the show.
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Dona Flor USA and Menendez Amerino will be located in Booth 3340 and 3341 at the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas in July.
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Dona Flor USA/ donaflorusa.com / 877.321.5569 /sales@donaflorusa.com
Valerosa Primavera Animoso
Travel back in time to when the famed Gilberto Leon was rolling cigars in Havana Cuba. Gilberto was a mere 14 years of age when he started rolling cigars. Then, in 1971, he moved to Los Angeles where he founded Leon Cigars, which was soon voted as “Best Cigar in LA”.
Speed up to present day; Gilberto’s niece, Marie Cabrera wanted to keep the legacy of her Uncle going and created Valeroso Cigar. Along with Marie, comes Sean Hadley, who brings to the Valeroso company knowledge of tobacco in general, blending and rolling procedures. The first line from the new Valeroso Cigar Co. is the Primavera line. This line is rolled in the Matasa Factory of Manuel Quesada.
The Primavera line is available in eight sizes:
Corona (Animoso), Lancero (El Estado), Lonsdale (Contento), Churchill (Sagrado),
Robusto (Fogoso), Toro (Arrojo), Robusto Extra (Regalo) &Â Torpedo (Refinado)
First Looks
This 42 x 5.25″ cigar is a little on the rough and rustic side. It has a slightly mottled medium to light brown wrapper. It has a few small veins and the simplistic white band makes this cigar look like a classic cubanesc cigar. The “V” in Valerosa is composed of two tobacco leaves on the band. The overall feel of the cigar is slightly firm, but no one part is softer or firmer than the next. There is a deeply applied cap that’s adorned with a pigtail. Now, I know a pig tailed cap does nothing for smokability, but it is very eye catching. One good thing about a pigtail cap, is you can usually twist it off in the event you don’t have your cutter with you.
Nomad Cigar Company to Release Nomad S-307
Esteli, Nicaragua (July 1, 2013) – Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to announce a new fall Nicaraguan blend called the Nomad S-307.
The cigar scheduled to be released in September/October (2013) and will be made available to Nomad authorized retailers.
The final production is a box-pressed cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper called the Nomad S-307.
The cigar will be released in the following sizes and will be available for pre-purchase at IPCPR.
Toro (6×50)
Robusto (5×50) and
Torpedo (6 1/2 x 52)
“I am honored to have my first full production of a Nicaraguan cigar being blended and manufactured at Tabacalera Fernandez. The new blend is amazing and I am thrilled to expand the Nomad cigar line to include Nicaragua – in a really big way,†said Fred Rewey, Nomad Founder.
Nomad Cigar Company launched in 2012 with four sizes of classic hand rolled Dominican cigars and quickly grew the line to seven sizes; not to mention conquering social media (@Godfadr on Twitter).
In spring of 2013 Nomad created Esteli Lot 1386, Rewey’s first project in Nicaragua, available in limited edition 12 count boxes. Nomad’s next step is this full production of Nicaraguan cigars.
For sales Contact: Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director, House of Emilio Cigars – 615-691-1654
Or…
Nomad Cigar Company
Fred Rewey
Twitter: @Godfadr
Godfadr@NomadCigarCompany.com
“Smoked Up” No.26
Last week was one of the best weeks of my life. I spend the whole week with my girlfriend and our daughter in Atlanta and Chattanooga. It was a combonation trip of vacation and my birthday trip that started early Tuesday on my birthday. We went to World of Coke & The Georgia Aquarium. The Aquarium is huge! How huge? Lets put it this way, there are whale sharks in there!
Then on Wednesday, we went to Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park which was a blast for the little one. I didn’t think she would ride much, but I was wrong… way wrong! If she was a little taller, she could have rode the “adult” rides that she wanted to go on. I guess she gets that from me.
 
Arandoza Announces “White Label” & new Blue Label Banding
Miami Florida
Press Release
The Evolution of the Arandoza Cigar line has arrived!
Arandoza announces the “rebirth” of the Arandoza Blue with its new
bold label representing the strong solid foundation of this Cigar Family.
Its bold taste, yet smooth finish, is a well-known flavor in this industry.
With a solid foundation, comes the opportunity to grow and expand.
Stay tuned for the upcoming launch and unveiling of the Arandoza
White Label at the IPCPR this July! This new label provides a
well-balanced, full-body smoke, directly from Esteli, Nicaragua with its
binder and filler from Nicaragua, Viso from Jalapa and its wrapper
in a Dark Habano. This exquisite blend is sure to be the Rolls Royce of the
Arandoza Cigar line. Its presentation is as exquisite as its flavor, as the
cigars are nestled inside its white box branded with the Arandoza
label and lined in black felt. It is sure to be a memorable classic piece
to treasure. Both cigars are manufactured at La
Zona Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua..
“Smoked Up” No.25
I am back into the swing of things and getting this week’s “Smoked Up” out a little early. I usually put it out on Tuesday, but I will be on a vacation starting Tuesday. So my editing time will be none while on vacation.
My corneal ulcer from the previous week is gone, so that’s a plus in itself! With that being said, I have been enjoying a few more cigars this week than in the previous weeks. I made a trip over to a local shop (El Puros Perfecto) and got a few new to me smokes to try out. They gave me some good news of a humidor expansion in the near future. A local new shop expanding is always a plus for the patrons and owners.
But, all next week, I will be on a family vacation for my birthday, so the cigar enjoyment time will be almost null and void. But, I am planning on making a trip to Burns Tobacconist in Chattanooga, TN and Buckhead Cigar Club in Buckhead (Atlanta) GA. I’ll be at Burns the afternoon to evening of June 27th and Buckheads in the afternoon of June 29th. If you are in the area, come by and hang out with me with a cigar and cold beverage. Just look for the “hippy”.
Cigar Views
CAO Soprano “The Soldier”: With the passing of James Gandolfini (aka Tony Soprano) I figured this was a fitting cigar for the evening of his passing. This cigar has been resting for about two to three years, so keep that in mind. Fairly smooth & somewhat creamy smoke at first. But turned kind of woody, but not a typical woody flavor. Some metallic tastes bounced around the flavors that I didn’t care much for. But, the taste is lesser in strength since the last time I had one of these. So maybe some age really helps these. Had a nice draw, and a decent burn. Worth the $14 price tag?? Not really. But a decent smoke that would be better at a third less the cost.
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La Aurora 107 Maduro Robusto
La Aurora Cigars from Miami Cigar Company has always been a staple in my humidor for as long as I can remember. Their blends have always been very pleasing and well worth the money. From the La Aurora Cameroon to the Puro Vintage line and everything in between, they are all a solid good smoke in their own aspects.
The La Aurora 107 was released in 2010 celebrating their 107th Anniversary and I have found a decent liking for them. I especially prefer them in a smaller ring gauge and the lancero is probably my favorite size in the lineup. I had never thought they would ever put a maduro or any other wrapper for that matter on it. I figured, one wrapper, that’d be it. But, there was some talk here and there of it being a reality. The maduro 107 was on display at the 2011 IPCPR show, but no samples were given out, so I figured sometime in mid 2012 they would be full production, but saw nothing of them. Although, Cigar King did get a limited number of boxes in late 2011 of them. Also a very limited number of cigars were released to TAA members at the TAA convention in 2012.
Fast forward to present day and Miami Cigar announced the release of the La Aurora 107 Maduro at the 2013 IPCPR Convention Las Vegas. This blend will be a tweaked blend & different fermentation process of the Cigar King’s 107 Maduro. So, if you have had the Cigar King’s 107 Maduro, this should be a different tasting cigar.
Cigar Details
Size: 4.5×50
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Dominican Corojo
Filler: Dominican and Nicaraguan
Price: $6-8 varying by vitola*
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“Smoked Up” No.24
Summer is here in the deep south!! Well, not until the 21st, but its hotter than blue blazes here! Most days last week were 90°+ with a heat index in the area of 105°. With that being said, my cigar time has been cut down to late evening if possible.
My corneal ulcer cleared up on Saturday. That allowed me to enjoy some cigars here and there between catching up on household chores I couldn’t do while my vision was impaired last week. I have a good friend who had a massive stroke back in December. He is still in a medical care facility. Hopes, wishes and prayers go out to you Robert McGrath aka: “Uncle Bob”. A few buddies and I got together and cut his 3 acre yard for him the end of last week. I knew if I was in the situation he is in, he would be in my yard helping get in in order too. That is what friends are for! I had a cigar there once we got done with the monumental task. I also got to enjoy a smoke with my Dad on Father’s Day. He doesn’t smoke, but he enjoyed my company as we shot the bull and drank beer all Sunday.
Between the heat, my corneal ulcer, catching up on housework, fixing a broken wheel hub on my truck, and other things; I didn’t get a chance to smoke many cigars this week. Have a review lined up to be posted on Wednesday or Thursday as well.
Cigar Views
La Flor Dominicana DL Oscuro Lancero (Old Band): I have one of these left and I think they have hit their “prime”. They seem like they are almost starting to bottom out and become somewhat flat (almost too mellow for my tastes). It had a decent draw, great burn & short ashes. I got some salty caramel notes with some slight short-lived pepper notes. This cigar has evened off smoothly. The aging makes it not as “harsh” as they can be fresh. If I want a nice bold dark flavored lancero, I’ll grab a fresh one of these. But if I want a not so bold, more rounded off lancero, these are a good choice at around 3-4 years aged, I think. The old band LFDs are getting more & more scarce.
Arturo Fuente Anejo “Shark” (2011): This was my Father’s Day gift to myself. I date my Anejo and OpusX to keep track of their age. It was either this or a 6yr old OpusX. I was in the mood for a bold maduro and this one hit the spot. I drank a few Sam Adams Summer Ale and Killians Irish Red beers with this cigar. The beers were not strong enough to kill off the great flavors of this cigar. I did cut the cap too short and got some tar build up. I cut a bit more off (the cap) and the draw, tar & burn got tremendously better. These are great fresh, but way better after at least a year or two. I always grab a handful, some to smoke, more to age. Well worth the price paid for these cigars.
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DONA FLOR & ALONSO MENENDEZ NOMINATED BY CIGAR JOURNAL FOR BEST CIGAR 2013
June 10th – Dona Flor USA announced receiving 4 nominations in the Best of 2013 categories by Cigar Journal Magazine. Nominated for “Best Cigar, Brazil†– the Dona Flor Seleção and the Alonso Menendez Churchill #10. Nominated for “Best Brand, Brazil†– the Dona Flor Tradicional and Alonso Menendez.
“The Seleção has performed consistently for many years pulling 92 ratings from Cigar Aficionado over and over again. Including other ratings from 89 to 93, the Dona Flor line has established itself as one of extreme quality and consistency. The line is produced by two of the industry’s most respected masters—Felix Menendez and Arturo Torano—both native Cubans raised among the tobacco fields as were their fathers before them,†said Chris Edge, President of Dona Flor USA.
Alonso Menendez made his name in Cuba creating the Montecristo #2 while operating the largest cigar factory in the country. The line of Brazilian puros that carry his name has become extremely popular in European countries, largely due to the increased Mata Norte in the blends. The tobacco adds a bit of complexity to the smoothness of the Mata Fina which makes up the majority of the tobacco in the Menendez Amerino lines.
Both lines utilize 100% Brazilian grown Mata Fina and Mata Norte, some of the most expensive tobaccos in the world, and many of the blends have not been changed in 36 years. “We have found the perfect recipe for the perfect cigar, why mess with it,†states master roller Felix Menendez.
Cigar Journal Magazine is one of Europe’s premier magazines for cigar aficionados, with an English language version recently entering distribution into the United States. The entire content of the magazine is focused on the cigar industry.
Dona Flor USA has been working on reintroducing the Menendez Amerino lines to the U.S. market since 2010, and officially released the Dona Flor line in 2012. The Alonso Menendez line is slated for introduction in the US market in 2013. “With distribution now coast to coast, we are slowly gaining attention in the boutique market as consumers branch out looking for unique premium cigars,†says Edge.
Dona Flor USA will be located in Booth 3340 at the up coming IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas in July.
2013 Chattanoog​a Tweet-Up Information
Summer is heating up and once the again those crazy folks from Burns Tobacconist in Chattanooga, Tennessee, are gearing up for what has been terms “Party of the Year†(or #POTY for those on Twitter). The 2013 Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival will be held on Thursday, August 1, through Saturday, August 3.
Thursday night we will be at Burns East (110 Jordan Drive, just off Interstate 75 at the Shallowford Road exit) for the Tweet-Up Kickoff Party, this year hosted by the House of Emilio. Emilio Cigars brand owner, Gary Griffith, and national sales manager, Nate McIntyre, will be joined by several of the other brand owners that make up the House of Emilio for a dinner and meet-and-greet event.
Friday we will be focusing on downtown Chattanooga. At 1:30 the Lady Cigar Smokers of Chattanooga are holding a Ladies Luncheon at the downtown location of Chattanooga Billiards Club (725 Cherry Street). $10 admission to this mini-event will include lunch, soft drink and a gratuity, as well as a special cigar and a tasting of Chattanooga Whiskey.
Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua will be running specials at Burns Downtown that day (723 Cherry Street, right next door to CBC), in anticipation of that evening’s big event. Hang out during the day at the newly re-modeled Downtown shop, then it’s just a short drive to the banks of the Tennessee River where we will board the Southern Belle Riverboat for a sundown cruise. Drew Estate’s Eastern U.S. Sales Manager, Zev Kaminetsky, and Area Sales Rep, Jeff Tinnell, as well as the one and only Willy Herrera, the man behind Drew Estate’s new Herrera Esteli, will be on hand at Burns Downtown during the day and the riverboat. Our annual “Taste of Tennessee†Liquor Tasting will also be on the boat this year and will feature Phil Prichard of Prichard Distillery, makers of fine rum and whiskey products from Kelso, TN.
Saturday we are heading back to Burns East for more herfing, a silent auction to benefit charity, a raffle, and eventually…the After-Party, sponsored this year by RoMaCraft Tobac and featuring brand co-owner, Michael Rosales. Anticipation is running high for this event as we have reserved a mechanical bull.
We currently have over 35 sponsors for the 2013 Chattanooga Tweet-Up and Cigar Festival and expect more to sign on between today and event time. We also have over 30 special guests from the industry who are planning on being there…from area representatives, to blenders, to brand owners, and everything in between.
Tickets are $75 and include everything listed above (except the Ladies Luncheon, which is a separate price), plus a grab bag of cigars from our sponsors (approximately 8 to 10 sticks), a raffle ticket, an event t-shirt, and a wristband that gets you in to all events and entitles you to discounts on cigars and accessories throughout the weekend. Tickets are limited, so buy today!
Keep up with all the current information and find out how to get your tickets at www.chattanoogatweetup.com. Follow the Tweet-Up on Twitter, @CHAtweetup.
**Correction: At this time we cannot schedule members from the Drew Estate/Joya de Nicaragua entourage to be at the Burns Downtown shop all day Friday, August 2. They will be on the Riverboat that evening, however.
Clarification: It was pointed out that the wording could imply that only Drew Estate would be running special deals on Friday. ALL of our sponsors who have special guests in attendance are permitted to run whatever extra deals they wish to run based on customers buying cigars at Burns. Burns will not be holding onto the “freebies†for such giveaways, but they will be completely the responsibility of the company in question. ALL cigars that Burns carries by all sponsors of the Tweet-Up will be eligible for discounts for all ticketholders all weekend long.
