Press Release: Antillian Cigar Corporation Reinvents Itself by Introducing Three Fresh New Cigar Brands
Antillian Cigar Corporation Reinvents Itself by Introducing Three Fresh New Cigar Brands
Miami, Florida-June 2, 2011-Antillian Cigar Corporation, owner of popular cigar brands such as Sosa, Imperio Cubano and Macabi, explodes onto the cigar scene this summer with the introduction of three new brands. The new brands, Sosa Underground, 60 by Sosa, and Sosa Family Selection, are a collaboration of new and old cigar traditions by the Sosa family created to appeal to the individuality of the cigar lover.
The hippest of the new brands, Sosa Underground, is a full-bodied cigar made in Little Havana, Florida with an Habano wrapper. Three hundred cigars will be manufactured per week in two sizes of perfectos: Arcane at 4 ¾ x 41 with a suggested retail of $6.00 and Delphic at 5 ½ x 41 with a suggested retail of $6.50. As a special feature, the Underground brand unveils original tattoo artwork created solely for the Sosa family by local Miami tattoo artist, Jay Barranco.
60 by Sosa brings sophistication to the cigar connoisseur. 60 by Sosa is a medium-bodied cigar made in Honduras with an Ecuador Sumatra wrapper. All cigars are manufactured with 60-ring gauges in the following sizes: 4 x 60, 5 x 60, 6 x 60 and 7 x 60 with a suggested retail between $6.25 and $7.80.
It just keeps getting better with the Sosa Family Selection brand. Sosa Family Selection is a medium- to full-bodied cigar made in Honduras and available in Natural and Maduro wrappers. Sizes available will be: Robusto at 5 x 50, Toro at 6 x 50, Gran Toro with 6 x 50, Churchill at 7 x 48 and Double Magnum at 6 x 60 with suggested retail at price ranging from $5.40 to $7.00.
“We are looking forward to introducing the quality of Sosa cigars back to the consumer and creating something this fresh and exciting,†said Arby Sosa, sales manager of Antillian Cigar Corporation and son of Juan B. Sosa.
The Sosa cigar tradition began with Don Juan Sosa, a small tobacco grower in the fertile Taguasco region of Cuba at the turn of the century.  By the 1920’s, his farm had become one of the largest tobacco-producing haciendas in Cuba.  Over the next 30 years, Don Juan’s son, Arturo, and grandson, Juan, manufactured cigars for sale in Cuba and abroad. Juan B. Sosa moved the operation to the Dominican Republic in the 1960’s where the family re-established their factory along with operations in Miami, Florida. Today, the legacy of quality, handmade cigars made in the Cuban tradition continues with master blender, Juan B. Sosa, alongside his wife, sons and nephews.
For more information about these new brands, directly contact Arby Sosa at 1-800-238-2234 or sossmoke@aol.com or visit www.antilliancigars.com to learn more about the company.
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Press Release: Zino Platinum unveils new lounge in St. Louis
June 1, 2011
Zino Platinum unveils new lounge in St. Louis
Zino Platinum, an ultra-premium cigar brand, announces the addition of a new Zino Platinum Lounge in St. Louis at Brennan’s.
Zino Platinum is opening its third lounge with the addition of Brennan’s, an upscale wine, food and tobacco shop located on Maryland Avenue in St. Louis. Described as the only lounge in the country exclusively spinning vinyl records, Brennan’s has a sophisticated and modern jazz atmosphere. Famous for its eclectic mixture of comedy, cigars and music, Brennan’s features a monthly debate system “Arguments & Grievances.†The bar has won numerous awards over the years, including most recently 2010’s Best Outdoor Drinking by River Front Times and Best Bar ‘A List’ by St. Louis Magazine. Brennan’s will join the ranks of ZP lounges, including Vicente of London located in Naples, FL and Angry Moon Cigars in West Palm Beach, FL.
“Zino Platinum is proud to add Brennan’s to our family of exclusive lounges,†marketing manager Rich Krutick said. “It’s unique and original concept makes it a destination for any connoisseur of music, wine and cigars.†For more information on Brennan’s, visit www.zinoplatinumSTL.com.
601 La Bomba, Pre-release
A while back I saw a tweet from Eddie Ortega, of EO Brands, concerning their upcoming new release and giving folks an opportunity to try it. I quickly followed the link and signed up. Approximately a month ago two 601 La Bombas landed on my doorstep and I set out to fire them up and see what they were all about. The two samples I was given were the robusto and corona gorda. I first smoked was the Robusto (a few days after receiving the package)and then the corona gorda a few days later.
Name: 601 La Bomba
Company: EO Brands
Wrapper: Unknown
Binder: Unknown
Filler: Unknown
Price: Unknown
Comes in: Unknown
Vitola: 5.5″ x 46
Without a doubt the first thing to catch my eye about this cigar was the long fuse-like pigtail cap. Maybe a little gimmicky considering the name of the cigar, but who cares; I’ve always been a fan of this kind of presentation. Secondly I have to mention how oily and thick the wrapper was. The wrapper was beautifully applied and was scarcely adorned with tiny veins. The aroma coming from this cigar was pungent and full of those barnyard aromas that I love so much. Everything about the construction foreshadowed the smoking experience I was about to have.
Winston Churchill Lancaster
Recently, I was sent some samples of a new Winston Churchill cigar that was to be released in the end of April called the Lancaster. This new line extension is a follow up to ever popular Spitfire line which are petit coronas available in tins. As a historian and a World War 2 aviation buff, I was thrilled with name selection of these cigars In case you didn’t know, the Spitfire was a British fighter plane made famous during the Battle of Britian and, arguably, the best fighter in World War 2. The Lancaster was a medium bomber that gave nazi Germany hell with their massive night bombing raids. I had tried the Winston Churchill line before and thought, while good, was overpriced, especially for such a mild bodied and flavored cigar. The new Lancasters are supposed to be more medium bodied and flavored. I let these sit for about a month, but my eagerness to try these got the better of me, so a review was born. So, was this cigar a direct hit or a dud? Watch the video and find out.
Press Release: GRAYCLIFF CIGAR COMPANY APPOINTS TORAÑO FAMILY CIGAR COMPANY AS OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR IN USA
Nassau, NP, Bahamas, (May 25, 2011) – The Graycliff Cigar Company and the Toraño Family Cigar Company are proud to announce that Graycliff has officially appointed the Toraño Family Cigar Company as its exclusive distributor in the U.S.A. as of June 1, 2011.
“After many years of doing our own distribution, we decided that it was best if we partnered with Toraño to handle that part of our business, so we could focus on the production side,†said Paolo Garzaroli, President of the Graycliff Cigar Company. “We chose Toraño for the similarity in our family values and because our respective cigar brands will complement each other very well.â€
“We are excited about this partnership between Toraño Family Cigar Co. and Graycliff Cigar Company. Graycliff is a super-premium brand and we are honored to be given the responsibility to grow its distribution nationwide. This union of two very passionate tobacco families will only enhance both of our positions in the cigar industry,†said Charlie Toraño, President of Toraño Family Cigar Company.
After taking back their own distribution in August 2010, the Toraño Family Cigar company underwent several changes, to include a successful rebranding effort, new ad campaign, several key hires and the introduction of three new brands. Graycliff Cigar Company saw this as the perfect partners for the two companies to grow their brands in the premium cigar market.
The Graycliff Cigar Company was founded by the Garzaroli Family when Enrico Garzaroli fell in love with cigars but was unable to find that “perfect†cigar to complement what Graycliff Hotel and Restaurant has always been known for: excellent cuisine, fine wines and luxurious accommodations. The Company began production in January 1997 in Nassau, The Bahamas. What then began as a single roller in the restaurant entrance way has now expanded to an award winning boutique Cigar Company with 16 master rollers, each an expert in their various format.
A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four generation company currently based in Miami, FL. It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and manufacturing.
For additional information on the Graycliff Cigar Company, contact 1-855-GRAYCLIFF, email cigars@graycliff.com or visit www.graycliff.com. Become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GraycliffCigarCompany and on Twitter @GraycliffCigars.
For more information on the Toraño Family Cigar Company, contact 1-800-7-CIGARS: www.torano.com. Please also follow Toraño on Face book: Toraño A family Cigar Company or on Twitter: @TORANOFAMCIGARS.
Press Release: Sam Leccia “Debut”
Sam Leccia “Debutâ€
It is with great pleasure we announce the return of one of the most creative minds the
cigar industry has known. Sam Leccia is back with his newest creation and what looks to
be the years most anticipated cigar. The Sam Leccia Cigar Company
(www.samlecciacigarco.com) proudly presents Sam’s “Debutâ€, a fitting name for
Leccia’s solo release.
The cigar nation embraces Leccia like a rock star for the passion and originality he brings
to the business.
“This is the most exciting time of my life. I look forward to sharing with you, my
Debut.â€- Sam Leccia
Sam Leccia’s “Debut†is a twist of Nicaragua, Honduras, Ecuador and Santo Domingo
tobaccos blended together to give a unique smoking experience. Sam’s “Debut†will be
available in 3 sizes:
- Double Rob 5×60
- Double Church 7×60
- Figurado 6 ½x52
The marketing genius and mad science approach of Sam Leccia has audiences excited
about his newest creation the “Debutâ€.
For pre-orders and general inquiries contact SamsDebut@SamLecciaCigarCo.com
www.samlecciacigarco.com
Press Release: GENERAL CIGAR ROLLS BACK PRICE OF MACANUDO 1968
Richmond, VA—General Cigar announces today that the company is reducing the price of all Macanudo 1968 cigars, representing an average price savings of more than $3.33 per cigar, and an average cost savings of more than $32.00 per box.
The new pricing of Macanudo 1968 is currently being made available exclusively at brick and mortar retailers across the U.S.
Bill Chilian, director of marketing commented, “Since the debut of Macanudo 1968 in August of 2008, the brand has enjoyed critical acclaim and has received high praise from brick and mortar retailers across the country. We recognize that Macanudo 1968 is a strong product with tremendous potential and decided to revise the pricing structure to make the brand accessible to a broader range of cigar enthusiasts.â€
Under the new pricing structure, Macanudo 1968 Churchill (7†x 49) will now be available for $7.69 per cigar or $153.80 per 20-count box (previous price was $10.00 per cigar or $200 per box). Macanudo 1968 Toro (6†x 54) will now carry an SRP of $7.49 or $149.80 per box (previous price was $9.50 per cigar, or $190.00 per box).
At 5†x 50, the Robusto frontmark (5†x 50) will now retail for $6.49 per cigar, with a box price of $129.80 (previous price was $8.50 per cigar and $170.00 per box). Rounding out the collection is Macanudo 1968 Gigante (6†x 60) which will now cost $7.99 apiece or $159.80 per box (previous price was $11.00 per cigar, or with a box price of $220.
About Macanudo 1968
Macanudo 1968 is made completely of tobaccos which are either grown by General Cigar or cultivated for the company under an agreement of exclusivity. Harvested one sun-ripened leaf at a time, aged in tercios and charcoaled wooden barrels to further enrich its flavor, the blend marries proprietary Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco to a tobacco cultivated solely for General Cigar in the remote Nicaraguan island of Ometepe. These tobaccos were developed expressly to complement the hearty Connecticut Habano binder and flawless, lustrous Honduran San Agustin wrapper.
Macanudo 1968 is aesthetically pleasing, with the brand’s characteristic round head and immaculate construction evident at the first glance. From the first draw to the last, deeply complex yet balanced flavor envelops the palate with a freshness that celebrates inherent natural sweetness from the soils that bore each tobacco.
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a division of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Committed to delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar’s skilled artisans produce Macanudo, Cohiba®, La Gloria Cubana®, Punch®, CAO®, Partagas®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, Excalibur® and several other leading premium brands in the company’s Dominican, Honduran and Nicaraguan factories. In addition, the company cultivates proprietary tobacco which is used exclusively in its blends. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. Based in Richmond, VA, General Cigar sells through tobacconists nationwide and also exports select products to 62 countries. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com.
® Macanudo, Cohiba, La Gloria Cubana, Punch, CAO, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
A Change of Pace
If you’re a regular viewer/reader of Nice Tight Ash you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been slacking the last few weeks. As the weather gets nicer, and weekend activities are picking up finding the time to sit down and get everything pulled together for a review has become tougher. That’s why I’ve decided to move my scheduled posting day to Tuesdays. You can expect to see a new review from me tomorrow of the new 601 La Bomba from EO Brands.
J & D Cigars Temptation Churchill Maduro
A few weeks back, I was sent an email on Facebook from David Insignares of J & D Cigars. He asked me if I would be interested in sampling some of his cigars. I had heard quite a bit about them already from the rumblings on Twitter so I was anxious to try them out. David partnered with Jorge Gil, who was born and raised in Cuba and now runs a tobacco factory in Nicaragua. Jorge oversees the production side with the factory and tobacco farms while David handles the distribution. The cigars use all Nicaraguan tobacco the factory employees several Grade 9 torcedores (cigar rollers) which is the highest level. Quite a pedigree already. So, did all the translate into quality cigars? Watch the video and find out.
La Flordita Gold
It’s been a couple weeks since my last review, real life just got the best of me. Anyways, today I’m smoking the La Flordita Gold which was sent to be by Scott from Famous Smoke Shop. I’ve been enjoying the La Flordita Fuerte ever since Brian and I got to sample the at last years Famous Cigar Expo, so needless to say I was excited to take this cigar for a spin. For this review I smoked 5 robustos, all measuring in at five inches long with a 50 ring gauge. Wastch the video to see what I have to say about the La Flordita Gold.
