La Palina debuts an addition to its La Palina Collection: Mr. Sam
La Palina debuts an addition to its La Palina Collection: Mr. Sam
Samuel Paley founded La Palina cigars in 1896, and Mr. Sam was the moniker bestowed upon him by the workers in his factory. As a Tribute to Samuel Paley, the La Palina Collection will unveil the Mr. Sam at the 2013 IPCPR Show in Las Vegas. The La Palina Collection Mr. Sam is a limited production of 850 boxes of 10.
Mr. Sam was rolled at the El Titan de Bronze factory in Miami, FL. Adark Ecuadorian wrapper surrounds a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan filler, creating a beautifully crafted blend that is rich with flavor. This 4.75×54 Robusto is a must have for any cigar connoisseur.
Previous releases of the La Palina Collection include the 1896, GoldieLaguito No. 2, and Goldie Laguito No. 5.
Samuel Paley and his wife Goldie have been once again united, within the La Palina Collection.
Mr. Sam / 4.75×54
Country of Origin: USA
Factory: El Titan de Bronze
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
“Smoked Up” No.27
A week has passed since my vacation and I am already planning one for next summer. We really had a good time! When I got back, I started fighting off a head cold and it almost got the best of me. With a healthy (or unhealthy) dosing of a few medications, I was able to keep the cold to a lull. Then, work got three kinds of crazy and all this week they have me planned to work 12 hours each day. The pay is great, but I am not in the right mind-set to be working 12hr days.
With all that being said, I am pooped! The head cold, recouping from vacation and long work days will make this issue of “Smoked Up” pretty basic. I did try to enjoy a few cigars, but some days just wasn’t feeling like having one. So, I won’t get into too much detail about the week’s cigars; just a basic thought of them and I’ll move on to the news from the past week.
Cigar Views
Leccia Black Rothchild: This was the first (Sam) Leccia Tobacco cigar I’ve had. I grabbed it from Burns in Chattanooga when out on my vacation. I grabbed one Black and one White to see which one I liked the most. I have heard opposing views; some love the Black, so love the White. The Black had a good draw and burn with some musty flavors to it. They weren’t a bad musty flavors, but the leaf of fire cured tobacco was some what noticeable in the smoke. I am not sure which “fire cured” cigar will win this battle. With the MUWAT KFC coming out at IPCPR in a few weeks, I have a gut feeling it will reign top-dog. Not that the Leccia Black is a bad smoke, from what I have been told and smelt, the MUWAT KFC is way more mustier and I think it will appeal to more people.
Leccia White Rothchild: A few days after I had the “Black”, I had to try the “White”. The White was not as full bodied as compared to the Black. But, the white seemed to be a lot more smoother and more on the solid medium body and upper medium in flavor strength. I liked this cigar… let me restate that… I really liked this cigar! The draw and burn were great and the flavors appealed to me enough to mentally kick myself in the kiester for not buying anymore. But, there are many shops carrying the Leccia line, so I shouldn’t have too much trouble finding them. I ,personally, like the White over the Black.
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NICARAGUAN STRONG GETS BIGGER WITH ANTAÑO BIG BULL 760
NICARAGUAN STRONG GETS BIGGER WITH ANTAÑO BIG BULL 760
We dare you to take the bull by the horns and try our newest addition to the Antaño powerhouse!
Estelà – Joya de Nicaragua, maker of the authentic Nicaraguan puro, is introducing a new vitola for its popular brand Antaño 1970 at this year’s IPCPR tradeshow in Las Vegas.
Antaño Big Bull 760 is a 7 x 60 cigar and is predicted to become the most powerful smoke in the trending large-ring formats. “Antaño was born thirteen years ago as a result of Joya’s vision to push the boundaries of strength and power, and for all these years we have consistently delivered that. Now we are satisfying the overwhelming demand from our hardcore Antaño lovers for a larger cigar, one that packs even more muscle. But be warned! This is not a cigar for everybody, its for those who can withstand a long lasting and powerful smoke” stated Dr. Alejandro MartÃnez Cuenca, Master Maker and Owner of Joya de Nicaragua.
The Antaño Big Bull 760 is a full body, spicy, robust smoke made with 100% Nicaraguan tobaccos. Packed in the legendary Antaño 1970 box of 20 cigars, the Big Bull 760 will retail at a price of U$9.95 per stick in the United States, and will ship in September 2013.
Antaño and all Joya de Nicaragua brands are distributed in the USA exclusively by Drew Estate Ltd.
About Antaño 1970:
Antaño (pronounced an-ta-ni-o) means “yesteryear†in Spanish, a word that perfectly expresses the soul of the Joya de Nicaragua Antaño 1970. Crafted as a tribute to recapture the power and essence of the puro that made this legendary brand the most sought after cigar in the United States in the post Cuban Embargo 1970s. Made exclusively by hand and entirely of Nicaraguan harvested tobaccos, this cigar is an ultra robust, spicy smoke with unbridled body and aroma.
JOYA DE NICARAGUA and ANTAÑO are trademarks of Joya de Nicaragua S.A and/or affiliated companies.
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Herrera Cigars and Drew Estate Settle HERRERA Trademark Dispute
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Herrera Cigars and Drew Estate Settle HERRERA Trademark Dispute
MIAMI, Florida (July 8, 2013) – Long time friends Frank Herrera of Herrera Cigars and
Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate announced today that they have settled a dispute over
the HERRERA trademark.
While the terms of the settlement are confidential, the agreement focuses on protecting
the HERRERA brand under a license. Hispanic surnames are powerful indicators of
quality in the premium cigar industry, and both parties have mutually agreed to protect
the trademark HERRERA.
“This is a great example of how disputes can be resolved quickly and efficiently when
cigar people get together, and find a mutually agreeable solution,†said Frank Herrera of
Herrera Cigars. “I have worked for years in the cigar industry building my name and I
believe that the agreement entered into today will serve that purpose and protect it for
the future.†Frank Herrera added.
Jonathan Drew, Co-Founder of Drew Estate adds “I believe in the cigar community, the
industry personalities, and the subculture that supports and sustains its very core. Frank
Herrera is a dear friend of mine, whom I respect greatly. The difficult circumstance arose
when we brought Willy Herrera on board with Drew Estate and both men obviously felt
entitled to the Herrera name. It took us a little while to work out the details due to our
busy schedules – but in the end we found a solution that allows both men to reach for
the stars and achieve their deserved dreams. DE is now comfortable licensing the mark
from Frank in this Co-existence agreement. At Drew Estate we have always promoted
innovation and creativity within the cigar biz. Legal nonsense just gets in the way”.
Frank Herrera has specialized in cigar law matters for over 12 years, and over the past
5 years has offered cigars under the LA CARIDAD DEL COBRE brand and later under
the FRANK HERRERA BIOGRAPHY brand.
Willy Herrera joined Drew Estate in 2011 and will continue to produce HERRERA
ESTELI and future products at the Drew Estate factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Frank Herrera
ʼs HERRERA Cigars and Drew Estateʼs HERRERA ESTELI will be
featured at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (“IPCPRâ€) Convention and
International Trade Show in July.
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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