Punch Rare Corojo Makes Annual Return with Perfecto Size
Punch Rare Corojo Returns with New Frontmark
General Cigar announces that Punch® Rare Corojo is making its anticipated annual return to retail, this time with a new, strikingly-packaged figurado that is only available as part of the Honduran brand’s 2013 release.
A total of eight Punch Rare Corojo frontmarks are now available, with suggested retail prices ranging from $4.79 to $7.39 per cigar. This includes the new “Perfecto†size (7†x 48, SRP per cigar $7.39), which is protected in a keepsake, wooden cabinet-style box.
Punch Rare Corojo cigars will be sold by General Cigar to retailers nationwide until May 31, 2013. The 2013 Rare Corojo release will therefore be available in cigar shops until the limited quantity is depleted.
Gus Martinez, director of marketing for General Cigar’s Punch cigar brand noted, “Punch Rare Corojo started the trend toward seasonal offerings, and we are pleased to continue the tradition. Between the breadth of frontmarks and the addition of the Perfecto to this year’s lineup, we are confident that Rare Corojo will be the go-to, springtime smoke for cigar lovers across the country.â€
Like the recent issues of Punch Rare Corojo, the 2013 release is crafted with a lustrous, extra rich, Sumatra wrapper cultivated in the mountains of Ecuador. Grown only in limited quantity, these rare, reddish leaves give Punch Rare Corojo its uniquely smooth taste. Bound with Connecticut Broadleaf, Punch Rare Corojo cigars are filled with a select blend of Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan tobacco, for a complex smoking experience, layered with spice.
About Punch Rare Corojo Cigars
Reintroduced in 2001 after a shortage of wrapper leaves caused the product to disappear at retail for several years, Punch Rare Corojo sold out as quickly as it returned that year. Since then, General Cigar has been able to secure a sufficient amount of the rare Ecuadoran Sumatra wrapper each year for a limited annual release of Punch Rare Corojo.
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Cuban Stock Announces Chubbys 3-4-5
Press Release: Chubbys 3-4-5
For Immediate Release
With the success of the Chubbys line by Cuban Stock Cigar Company, the January 2013 release of the newest addition, the Chubbys 3-4-5 came with much excitement. Cuban Stock indicates the following on their website, cubanstockcigars.com
Chubbys are masterfully constructed, immaculately smoking, and among some of the first 60 ring-gauged cigars in the industry. They are available in the mild, nutty Chubbys Natural or the bold, dark Chubbys Maduro. Each will deliver a billowy, satisfying smoke and delectable aroma.
A cigar for every smoker who prefers big, bold flavor, The Chubbys Ultimate is composed of Dominican grown Havana tobacco and an Ecuadorian Sun grown wrapper. Like its siblings, this decidedly full-bodied cigar is firmly constructed with a loose draw.
With the ring gauge the Chubbys’ claim to fame, Cuban Stock President Yaniv Levy decided to keep this feature and shorten the actual length of the cigars. This decision came as a relief with the ever dropping temperatures and the ever rising need for a fat smoke that can be enjoyed within a relatively small window of time.
“Just a little experimenting and the 3-4-5 was in the making!†says Cuban Stock founder and president, Yaniv Levy. “The Chubbys 3-4-5 is a 60 ring gauge, full-bodied cigar with a maduro wrapper. The 3 is a thirty minute smoke, the 4 is a forty minute smoke, and the 5 is a fifty minute smoke. We also priced the 3-4-5 line to retail for around four dollars each. They are something every fan of fat cigars should try.â€
Cuban Stock is a company known for its excellency and the Chubbys 3-4-5 is no exception. For more information on this blend and all others by Cuban Stock, visit cubanstockcigars.com
“Smoked Up” No.9
This past week has been a crazy one for me. I have had to give up my current position at work due to company’s sales dropping. But, I was going to be put into a different area in two weeks. Within those two weeks, they changed my job position three times. They finally decided where I was going this past week. I now have a Monday through Friday job and they didn’t mess with my pay any! So I was on edge all week whether I would have a job or pay cut or not day to day. So I ended up smoking a variety of cigars through out the week. So, without further ado is my Cigar views and news.
Cigar Views
Cain Daytona No4: My favorite size in the line, hands down. Great burn, draw, flavors etc… I had bought a box of these over a year ago at a Studio Tobac event and this is one of few left. In fact, this size and the corona are pretty much the only of the Cain lines I will smoke. With maybe the exception of when I can get my hands on a Cain F Lancero. The other Cain lines seem to be all power and no flavor or foul flavor to me. There is a certain “twang” that I have come to like with Daytona line that draws me back to it time and time again. Flavor, strength in equal proportions in a size that I like.
CAO Sponsors Kid Rock’s “Chillin’ the Most Cruise
CAO Amps Up Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise
Brand Fan and Guest to Set Sail to the Bahamas in “Concert†Promotion
CAO will deliver a smokin’ experience to guests aboard the Kid Rock “Chillin’ The Most†cruise which departs Miami today, March 5, 2013.
As the winner of the CAO Concert launch sweepstakes, Justin Harris of Nashville, TN and a guest will set sail for the Bahamas on the fourth annual Kid Rock Chillin’ the Most cruise. The fan experience for Harris and fellow passengers aboard Norwegian Pearl cruise ship will include a CAO branded cigar lounge, a CAO blending workshop and live music performances by Kid Rock, plus an incredible line-up of bands he personally selected for the music festival at sea.
The Kid Rock Chillin’ the Most cruise is produced by Altanta-based Sixthman. Full details about the cruise are available at www.kidrockcruise.com.
Ed McKenna, senior brand manager of CAO Cigars said, “With a customized onboard cigar lounge and the chance for guests to crank up their cigar knowledge by hanging out with our cigar blender Rick Rodriguez, Kid Rock’s ’Chillin’ the Most’ is the ultimate expression of our brand. It’s also a fitting way to celebrate the success of CAO Concert, which gives a nod to our rock n roll roots.â€
Kid Rock’s Chillin’ The Most Cruise will be Sixthman’s 52nd full ship charter. Beginning today, Norwegian Pearl will sail to the private island destination of Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas, aka “Redneck Paradise.†Fans will spend two music-filled days on the island, with an additional day at sea before returning to Miami on March 10th. New this year is the opportunity for guests to sail on The Pearl the night before departure, for a special pre-party hosted by Kid Rock.
“CAO and the Concert brand mirror Sixthman’s level of devotion for delivering quality experiences to passionate music fans. Not only will guests of Kid Rock’s Chilln’ the Most Cruise soak in five days of moments that make life rock out on the ocean with their musical hero, they’ll have the chance to enjoy a trend setting cigar while basking in the music and sunshine of the Caribbean.
CAO and Sixthman are excited to set the stage for cruisers to LIVE LOUD,” said Kappy, Sixthman’s sales and marketing manager.
About CAO Cigars: Handcrafted by artisans in Nicaragua, CAO is recognized among cigar lovers worldwide for its innovative blends, superb quality and unexpected packaging. The brand continually receives top ratings from cigar media across the globe, and enjoys a devoted fan base. Its most recent new collection called Concert celebrates the brand’s rock n roll heritage with a unique blend and packaging that’s styled after a classic Marshall amp. Visit www.caocigars.com for more info.
About Sixthman: Sixthman, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, creates festivals at sea designed to set the stage for moments that make life rock! Since 2001, we have been pioneering themed cruise experiences for bands, brands, and their fans and are proud to be celebrating our 11th year and the accomplishment of executing 45 full ship charters, hosting over 100,000 guests for nearly 500,000 days on vacation at sea with world class artist and brand partners such as KISS, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 311, Zac Brown Band, Lyle Lovett, Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel, Turner Classic Movies, VH1, along with engaging festivals such as The Rock Boat and Cayamo. INC Magazine recognized us as America’s Fastest Growing Travel Company and the 87th fastest growing company across all segments on the INC 500 List. www.sixthman.net
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New Cigar from Iconic Leaf: Recluse Draconian
We are pleased to announce that we have completed the blend for our upcoming special edition release of Recluse. It is called the Recluse Draconian. It will be made in three vitolas called Sidewinders. Sidewinders are another new shape that we have created. As we did with our Kanu’ shape, the Sidewinder shape has never been done before in the cigar industry. It will remain undisclosed until its release at this years IPCPR July 13th-17th.
A few select retailers will get an advance release of the Recluse Draconian blend in three box pressed sizes. Recluse Draconian will be rolled in true Entubar fashion as is every cigar that is rolled in the Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas factory.
The Recluse Draconian blend is truly exotic.
 Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro
Binder: Proprietary
Fillers: Brazilian Hybrid, Piloto Cubano,Dominican Iconic Leaf Ligero*                     Â
(leaf developed and exclusive to Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas)*
This blend was created in keeping with our philosophy of creating flavorful, well balanced blends that are smooth with many transitions.
We are proud that we have been able to bring quality and innovation together. This is only the beginning.
Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas, which means Cuban Tobacco Legends, is run by J.R. Dominguez; he comes from generations of cigar manufacturers and he wants to have the greatest factory in the Dominican Republic.
The first blend released from this factory is the Recluse.
Every leaf in the Recluse, the wrapper, the filler and the binder is fermented for Two years.
Additional steps taken that separates the Tabacalera Leyendas Cubanas from others include 100% Entubao rolling. Every cigar that’s rolled in the TLC factory is rolled in the cuban style of ‘entubao’. Entubao means tubing. What we do is instead of bunching and pressing the filler, which can affect the draw, we take each filler leaf and roll it up into an individual tube and then we pull those three tubes together which creates three air channels. What you get with the three air channels is an effortless draw. By doing it this way you can do a better box press on the cigar. When you’re compressing the airspace on a cigar, you’re basically reducing the amount of combustion that you have because the airspace is reduced. So what you get with entubao is an effortless draw as well as a cooler, slower and straighter burn. The cigar refuses to burn hot.
We have invented new shapes ; we’re blazing a new trail. The OTG on the Recluse stands for Off The Grid, because that’s the way we do our whole business model. The new shape is called Kanu’ It’s really ‘a Picasso’….it’s the perfect ‘storm’ for .
Recluse Cigar Contest Winners Announcement
The Iconic Leaf Cigar Company, the makers of the Recluse Cigar, had sponsored a month long contest during February. I am very appreciative of them for doing this and supporting NTA and you, the NTA Nation. The contest was fairly simple and we had numerous entries (comments) on the Recluse. It was a fairly tough decision to make as all the comments were good ones. But I had to boil it down to four winners. Four winners was a tough decision to make and it took me a bit of time to go through them all and decide the winners. Without further ado:
The Winners Are:
(Drum roll please)
Matt Easter
007MI6
Scott Lancaster
Paul C
Congrats to all of the winners and thanks to all who entered. Special thanks to Iconic Leaf for sponsoring the contest! Guys, email me your mailing address to NTAShawn@gmail.com and I will get your prize out to you. Enjoy the cigars!
Arandoza Blue Label Robusto
Arandoza Cigars is a “family owned and operated company, is founded in the belief that through hard work and dedication, applying our knowledge of tobacco and passion for cigars, we would bring to market, a product that would honor the tradition and history of the cigar industry and for those that enjoy them.” The Blue Label line is their high end line and is hand made in Estelli, Nicaragua at “La Zona†(Erik Espinosa’a factory).
Cigar Information
Size: 5×52
Vitola: Robusto
Wrapper: Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Cost: $6.20 (at Charmed Leaf Cigars)
“Smoked Up” No.8
The past week has been fairly busy for me. I had my daughter, Satori’s 2nd birthday and party to plan and execute. That went over well, and glad its over and done. She is growing up fast; almost too fast for me! I got to have a small herf at a local “famous” BBQ joint (The Shed BBQ) on Sunday, with a few great friends. Enjoyed some good bbq, few beers and a few great cigars.
Cigar Views
Padilla Miami Torpedo (Original Release): To tell you the truth I have no earthly idea how old this cigar was. I’m not sure when the bands changed, but I’ve had this one for at least a year after I was gifted it. I had been eyeing it in the humidor for a few weeks, but I always said “Nah, I’ll wait” well,what better time than now. You can’t take them with you when you die! I absolutely loved this mellowed woody and slightly nutty cigar. An added faint pepper and creamy note danced around my mouth as well. The draw was a little tight, but I could have cut more off the head. Man, I wish I could have some more of these beauties!
Moya Ruiz La Jugada Prieto Belicoso
Since Erik Espinosa and Eddie Ortega separated the EO Brand, they have both went on their separate ways and made their own cigar companies. Erik, also bought his first factory, The La Zona in Esteli Nicaragua. One of the first side lines blended & rolled at the La Zona Factory is the La Jugada Prieto from Moya Ruiz Cigars. La Jugada translates to “the move” or “the play”. Danny Moya and Nelson Ruiz are the men behind the Moya Ruiz company and love to play dominos so that is where the name comes from. Danny asked me to try the Prieto and let them know what I thought of them. So, I decided to try the belicoso out and see how it goes.
 
Size:Â 5.5″ x 52
Vitola: Belicoso
Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Sizes Available: Robusto (5×50), Toro (6×52), Belicoso (5.5×52), Double Corona (7.5×49)
Source: Unsolicited samples from Moya Ruiz Cigars
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“Smoked Up” No.7
Continuing on with my cigar views and news, is “Smoked Up” No.7. You still got about two weeks to enter my Recluse Cigar Contest. I also got a review of the all new La Jugada Prieto from Moya Ruiz Cigars comming up thursday.
The weather has finally taken its toll on me and been feeling down from it. Working inside and outside all day takes a toll on your body over time. Its finally catching up with me. I’m not sick, just not fealing too sporty this week. I did get in a few cigars, so here’s a few of my cigars views and news from the week.
Cigars Views
La Gloria Cubana Corona Gorda Natural: LGC cigars has always been in my smokings. From my start in cigars to present day, I have always enjoyed a LGC. The draw was a little thick and it burned well. Started out with some wood and coffee undertone flavors that I have came to expect from a LGC. A tad bit of pepper played a roll in the smoke as well once into the cigar some. Around halfway I got a creamy flavor in the smoke, almost a vanilla flavor. Past halfway it got a nice light creamy caramel flavor with some medium powered wood notes. Not a “wowing” cigar, but a solid smoke. Over all a good cigar to always have in the humidor.
