Jose Blanco Leaving La Aurora
As most of you know, I was invited to a factory tour and blending seminar at the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic. The blending seminar was hosted by Jose Blanco in which I learned a GREAT deal of information. We learned today that Jose is retiring from La Aurora at the young age of 61. I consider myself lucky to have finally met him in person and had him share some of his knowledge with me.
Jose, we at Nice Tight Ash, wish you all the best in your retirement and any future endeavors.
Berger & Argenti Mooch Maduro
Last November I reviewed the Berger & Argenti Mooch which I thought was a great mild cigar that fell into a great price point. Now the Maduro version has been released, and I was anxious to get my hands on these.
Name: Mooch Maduro
Company: Berger & Argenti
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
Binder: Jalapa, Nicaragua
Filler: Esteli, Nicaragua
Price: $4.90/stick
Comes in: Box of 24
Vitola: Minnie (4 3/4″ x 42)
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Zino Platinum Z Class
I’ve been a big fan of the Zino Platinum series since I was first introduced to them a few years ago. Although mild, I find their flavor profile quite enjoyable and even the Barrel size has a little ligero in it to give it some extra kick. The only downside, and its a big one, is the large price tag, especially the Crown series like the Barrel. Enter the new Z Class. This new line in the Zino Platinum house gives the cigar connaiseur smoking more affordable, yet retain that Zino Platinum quality. Not only that, but at a very reasonable price tag to boot. They are available in 4 sizes:
- 643C – Corona
- 550R – Robusto
- 546P – Pyramid
- 654T – Toro
Retail prices range from $8-$12. This week, I have my friend Shawn reviewing with me. I’m smoking the 546P and he is smoking the 643C. We are reviewing in the lounge area at The Cigar Shop in Biloxi, MS. Thanks to Paul, Craig and Mike for the hospitality!
Press Release: CIGAR SNOB MAGAZINE TO EXPAND WITH LOCAL EDITION
CIGAR SNOB MAGAZINE TO EXPAND WITH LOCAL EDITION
More coverage of top cigar stores and lounges across the country
MIAMI, FL, June 9, 2011 – Starting with the July/August 2011 issue of Cigar Snob Magazine, the local edition that was previously only available to Florida subscribers and retailers will be going national.
The new supplement will have coverage of nationally relevant cigar events including product launches, grand openings, and major multi-vendor events. In addition, the local edition will contain editorial content pertinent to brick and mortar retailers. It will feature top cigar stores and lounges from all over the country, and will give cigar enthusiasts a guide to the best stores around the country.
Overseeing the new supplement will be Patrick Lagreid, who has been hired as the Local Edition Editor. Lagreid is currently the National Cigar Examiner for Examiner.com, as well as the Phoenix Cigar Examiner. In his columns, he reviews cigars and covers industry news and legislation updates, provides coverage of local events, and interviews people in the cigar industry.
“I’m pleased to announce the hiring of Patrick Lagreid to oversee this exciting supplement that I know will add value to the magazine and be of benefit to our readers at both the retail and consumer level,†said Erik Calviño, Cigar Snob’s publisher and editor.
Lagreid added that, “I’m extremely excited to join Erik Calviño and the Cigar Snob team as we add a whole new level of value to an already great magazine. There are so many outstanding retailers across the country, and through this new supplement, I look forward to showcasing them, their stores, and the positive impact they are having on their customers and communities.â€
While work has already begun on the contents of the initial edition of the new supplement, Calviño and Lagreid will be meeting with manufacturers and retailers at the upcoming International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers trade show and conference in Las Vegas in mid-July. Cigar Snob will have a booth at the show, and invites all attendees to stop by and learn more about this new project.
A. Fuente Cuban Belicoso
In early May I purchased a box of Fuente Cuban Belicosos while at at a Fuente event at my local Tinder Box. In the month since then I’ve just about smoked through the entire box… needless to say it’s become and regular in my rotation. Watch the video or read my review to find out what I think… as if it’s hard to tell from the introduction.
Name: Fuente Sungrown
Company: A. Fuente
Made in: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sungrown
Binder: Dominican Republic
Filler: Dominican Republi
Price: $5.90/stick
Comes in: Box of 24
Vitola: Cuban Belicoso (5 3/4″ x 52)
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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.
