A. Fuente Hemingway Short Story
I really hoped to get a video review up today, but ongoing home improvement projects have delayed publishing a video for atleast one more week. But even the most daunting home improvement projects can’t keep me from enjoying a cigar or two, so I was able to put together a written review for your reading pleasure.
Today I’m smoking the A. Fuente Hemingway Short Story which was sent to me by Cigars Direct. This is a cigar that I’ve smoked plenty of over the years, but for this review I sat down with two samples.
Name: Hemingway Short Story
Company: A. Fuente
Made in: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Dominican
Filler: Dominican
Price: $5.20
Comes in: Box of 25
Vitola: Perfecto (4″ x 49)
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Press Release: Tatiana adds new Cognac flavored cigars
Two frontmarks will debut at 78th IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans
MIAMI, FL — August 9, 2010 — Tatiana Cigars, the leader in flavored cigars, announces the addition of two Cognac blended sizes to their flavored cigar line. Distributed by Miami Cigar & Co., the debut also marks the first time that Tatiana Cigars has introduced a new flavor since the Tatiana Trio line (Groovy Blue, Night Cap, and Waking Dream), was released in 2007.
Tatiana Cognac will be available in two sizes:
- Classic: 6 x 44
- La Vita: 5 x 38
Like all Tatiana Flavored Cigars, Tatiana Cognac offers only the highest quality Dominican filer tobaccos, savory Indonesian and Dominican binders, and wrappers. The smoke brims with the oaky-woody flavor, aroma of vintage Cognac and sweet tobacco in every puff.
Tatiana Cognac will be officially released at the 78th IPCPR Trade Show in New Orleans from August 9 -13. Tatiana cigars are available in the Regular flavored selections, Trio selections and Mocha. For more information on Tatiana Flavored Cigars visit Tatiana Cigars online.
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About Miami Cigar & Company
Founded by Nestor and Mariana Miranda in 1989, Miami Cigar & Company is a full service premium cigar distributor focused on servicing tobacconists worldwide. Miami Cigar is the exclusive representative for cigars produced in the La Aurora Factory, in the Dominican Republic. Miami Cigar also owns the popular brands Nestor Miranda Cigars, Tatiana Flavored Cigars, Don Lino and Habanitos.
For more information visit Tatiana Trio cigars online
Visit Tatiana Cigars on Facebook
Follow Miami Cigar on Twitter
Press Release: Miami Cigar Debuts Nestor Miranda Art Deco Cigars
New Dominican-Nicaraguan blend offered unique challenge for Pepin Garcia
MIAMI, FL — August 5, 2010 — In now another collaborative effort from the award-winning team of Nestor Miranda & Don Pepin Garcia, creators of the renowned Nestor Miranda Collection cigars, Miami Cigar & Company will officially announce their newest release, Nestor Miranda Art Deco at the IPCPR 78th Annual Convention and International Trade Show in New Orleans (August 9 – 13, 2010).
The blend consists of  60% Nicaraguan and 40% Dominican San Vicente,  dual Dominican Criollo ’98/Nicaraguan Habano ’00 binder, and a dark, oily and aromatic Nicaraguan Corojo ’06 wrapper leaf affixed with a triple cap. A metallic band gives the cigars a finishing touch with a striking contrast.
Don Jose ‘Pepin’ Garcia, renowned for his creativity with Nicaraguan tobacco, has also chosen a Dominican San Vicente leaf, which comprises more than a third of the blend’s core leaves. Another Dominican-Nicaraguan combination is used for the binders. When capped with the Nicaraguan Corojo ’06 wrapper, the cigar offers a dark, rich-tasting smoke that provides a unique balance of aroma, flavor and strength.
“We wanted to get Pepin out of his comfort zone, which is using Nicaraguan tobacco,” said Nestor Miranda. “He accepted the challenge and came out with an amazing blend using 40% Dominican tobacco.”
In lieu of the traditional wood boxes, Nestor Miranda Art Deco is presented in a handsome, metallic art-deco designed tins of 21 cigars, in three popular sizes:
Coffee Break / 4.5 x 50
Robusto Grande / 5.5 x 54
Gran Toro / 6 x 60
For more information on Nestor Miranda Art Deco contact Miami Cigar at 1.800.643.7209 or online at www.miamicigarandcompany.com.
About Miami Cigar & Company
Founded by Nestor and Mariana Miranda in 1989, Miami Cigar & Company is a full service premium cigar distributor focused on servicing tobacconists worldwide. Miami Cigar is the exclusive representative for cigars produced in the La Aurora Factory, in the Dominican Republic. Miami Cigar also owns the popular brands Nestor Miranda Cigars, Tatiana Flavored Cigars, Don Lino and Habanitos.
For more information visit www.miamicigarandcompany.com
Visit Miami Cigar on Facebook
Follow Miami Cigar on Twitter
Press Release: General Cigar Donation Will Bolster Ducks Unlimited’s Gulf Coast Habitat Restoration Efforts
Richmond, VA— General Cigar today donated $20,000 to Ducks Unlimited (DU) on behalf of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR). The donation will support DU’s habitat restoration efforts along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico.
“The city of New Orleans and the Gulf region have been gracious hosts to the IPCPR, and we felt it was important to assist the region in its time of need,†commented Debo Mukherjee, vice president of marketing for General Cigar. “We chose to represent the premium cigar category by contributing to Ducks Unlimited because we value their long-term commitment to helping restore coastal marshes in the Gulf Coast, and because we are particularly pleased with their response to the oil spill.â€
“The IPCPR and General Cigar’s generous donation will help us to continue our habitat restoration efforts in Gulf Coast marshes,†Philip Milburn, director of marketing and corporate relations at DU, said. “This is an endeavor that we have been committed to for more than 20 years. General Cigar’s support will go a long way in helping to fund programs critical to the restoration, enhancement and protection of the Gulf Coast’s remaining coastal wetlands.â€
As the fall waterfowl migrations approach, millions of ducks, geese and other migratory birds will head toward the Gulf Coast. In some years, as many as 13 million ducks and 1.5 million geese have wintered in the Gulf Coast region. Despite conservation efforts by Ducks Unlimited and its partners, this region continues to lose an area about the size of one football field every 30 minutes. Louisiana alone has already lost more than 1 million acres of coastal wetlands.
General Cigar’s commitment to supporting coastal marsh restoration stems from its comprehensive corporate citizenship program which is underwritten solely by the company. Since 1992, General Cigar has actively provided agricultural and environmental support in the Dominican Republic and Honduras, where the company handcrafts its premium cigars.
NOTE TO NEW ORLEANS MEDIA:
• Executives from General Cigar will make a formal check presentation to representatives of Ducks Unlimited on Tuesday, August 10 at 9:15 PM, at Generations Hall (310 Andrew Higgins Drive) in New Orleans.
• Representatives of both companies will be available for interviews in New Orleans on Thursday, August 12.
About General Cigar
General Cigar Co. Inc., a subsidiary of Swedish Match, manufactures and markets handcrafted cigars for the premium market. Passionate about delivering cigars of the finest quality, General Cigar produces Macanudo®, Partagas®, Cohiba®, Punch, Excalibur®, Hoyo de Monterrey®, La Gloria Cubana® and several other industry-leading brands, which are sold through tobacconists nationwide. In addition, the company grows its own proprietary Connecticut Shade wrapper tobacco, as well as natural and candela wrapper in the Dominican Republic. General Cigar also operates Club Macanudo®, a cigar bar in New York City. For more information, please visit www.cigarworld.com
About Ducks Unlimited
Ducks Unlimited is the world’s leader in wetlands and waterfowl conservation. Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow, and forever. To learn more visit www.ducks.org.
® Macanudo, Partagas, Cohiba, Punch, La Gloria Cubana, Partagas, Hoyo de Monterrey, Excalibur and Club Macanudo are registered trademarks of General Cigar Co. Inc.
Favorites: Habano
I was planning on having a review of the new Pinar del Rio 1878 Capa Madura up today but the video did not process by press time so I have for you the next list in my “Favorites†series (look for the PDR 1878 next Thursday). Today I have for you Habano wrapped cigars. Habano leaf tobaccos are those that are derived from a Cuban seed. There are many varieties of Cuban seed tobacco but I am not going to get into that right now. Also, for this list I am excluding cigars that may have a Cuban seed wrapper but were either Sun Grown or have gone through the extra fermentation to be made into a Maduro. These will be included in subsequent lists. So without further ado…
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Zino Platinum Crown Series Emperor 2010
Zino Platinum Crown Series has been around since 2007, but the Emperor was first introduced last year in 2009. There isn’t much information on the blend, but here is what Zino has on their web site:
“The 2010 Zino Platinum Crown Series «Emperor Edition» truly embodies what exclusivity and luxury really mean. Masterfully
blended aged tobaccos create a cigar exceptional to the sight, taste and smell. A proprietary Dominican-grown tobacco that is a cross between Cuban and Dominican Seeds binds the select Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It is finished with a gorgeous Ecuadorian wrapper that has been specially fermented to offer such rich color, even burn, balanced flavor and inviting aroma. These unique cigars are offered in Limited Edition tins of eight cigars for your enjoyment.”
This cigar comes in at a whopping 5 x 64 and it absolutely gorgeous. The Limited Edition series feature more select tobaccos and are usually stronger than their Crown counterparts. They also demand an higher price tag. Is this high price tag worth it? Watch the video and find out.
Press Release: Miami Cigar Appoints Jason Wood to Director of Finance
MIAMI, FL – August 3, 2010 — Miami Cigar & Company, makers of the highly-rated Nestor Miranda Collection cigars and Tatiana Flavored Cigars, the #1 selling flavored cigars in the U.S., have announced the official appointment of Jason Wood as Director of Finance, which became effective on June 14, 2010.
Mr. Wood joined Miami Cigar & Company two years ago with a strong background in sales, marketing and social media. Prior to his promotion Mr. Wood headed the company’s marketing and social networking operations, which included supervision of the new company website, development of marketing campaigns, and international cigar sales.
In June, Mr. Wood’s responsibilities shifted to handling all of the company’s finances, which eventually led to his new executive position. He made sure that employees join the financial wellness programs from FinFit. Not only will he be overseeing the company’s daily finance operations, but his responsibilities will continue to extend to all of Miami Cigar’s social marketing efforts, including their Facebook (MCC Cigars) and Twitter (@MiamiCigar) pages.
The appointment of Mr. Wood also represents new blood that will help Miami Cigar & Company continue to strengthen its position in the premium cigars marketplace.
“I felt that with his background in finance and the experience that he has gained here at Miami Cigar, he has positioned himself to not only be an asset to Miami Cigar now but for years to come,†said Vice President, Rene Castaneda.
Mr. Wood can be reached at Miami Cigar & Company by calling 305-599-3395.
About Miami Cigar & Company
Founded by Nestor and Mariana Miranda in 1989, Miami Cigar & Company is a full service premium cigar distributor focused on servicing tobacconists worldwide. Miami Cigar is the exclusive representative for cigars produced in the La Aurora Factory, in the Dominican Republic. Miami Cigar also owns the popular brands Nestor Miranda Cigars, Tatiana Flavored Cigars, Don Lino and Habanitos.
For more information visit www.miamicigarandcompany.com
Visit Miami Cigar on Facebook
Follow Miami Cigar on Twitter
Press Release: AJ Fernandez Announces New Cigar Brand San Lotano
Miami, FL, 31 July – Cigar Express is pleased to announce the exciting new cigar release San Lotano, a signature blend by A.J. Fernandez. With a rich history, San Lotano dates back to Cuba’s pre-Castro era where the brand was among the most popular with traditional Cuban cigar makers. Retired for decades, the line is being reintroduced by A.J. Fernandez whose grandfather first started the brand in San Luis, Cuba. San Lotano is made entirely by hand in the Fernandez factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, and is available in three enticing variations encompassing Habano, Connecticut and Maduro wrappers.
A.J. Fernandez is no stranger in the cigar industry. As a third generation cigar maker, born in Cuba, Fernandez is well known for being one of the only cigar makers in the industry to still employ many of the oldest traditions and secrets that have earned him an unmatched reputation among cigar aficionados. When asked about the importance of the brand, A.J. says, “San Lotano has been a project many years in the making for me, and it is made to honor the tradition of cigar making that I learned from my father and my father’s father. The blends are extremely rich, flavorful and are the culmination of my family’s knowledge which has been accumulated over the last century.â€
The Fernandez factory is one of the largest in Nicaragua, producing 9 million cigars a year. While this is the first nationally distributed release coming from Fernandez himself, he has made cigars for many notable brands in the industry over the past few years including: Padilla, Rocky Patel, Graycliff, Gurkha, Man O War, Diesel and many more.
San Lotano will officially debut at this year’s IPCPR Tradeshow in New Orleans. The brand will be available exclusively through brick and mortar tobacconists nationwide late this summer.
Favorites: Connecticut
Based on a recent comment from Mark, I decided to do something a bit different this week and put up a list of favorites. These lists will be categorized by wrapper type and since the comment started when talking about the Camacho Connecticut, we’ll start there. To preface this list, there are a couple of disclaimers…The first and most obvious is that this list is based solely on my experiences. I have not even come close to smoking every Connecticut wrapped cigar out there and I look forward to continuing to search out new (to me) stuff. Also, everyone’s tastes are different and this is just my opinion of these smokes. Now, although I am mostly a full bodied cigar smoker, I thoroughly enjoy smokes of all flavor and body profiles. The Connecticut to me is a perfect smoke early in the day or on very hot days with a nice cold beverage. So let’s get to it…
Coming up with these lists always proves harder than when the thought first goes through your mind. There are so many good smokes out there that it is very difficult to narrow them down to a list. I started with 5 and decided to go to 10 based on my inability to choose just 5. The easiest choice was #1. After that it was tough.
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Liga Privada No. 9 Flying Pig
The Flying Pig is a limited edition cigar from the Liga Privada line which has a limited production of only about 125 cigars per day. The blend is also different from the Nicaraguan Puro like the other Liga Privada No. 9s.
4 1/8″ x 60
Wrapper: Dark Connecticut Broadleaf ligero
Binder: Plantation grown Brazilian Mata Fina
Filler: Honduran and Nicaraguan Cuban Seed
Wrapper aged for 18+ months
Cigar aged 1 year before release
I received this cigar from from the Drew Estates crew at IPCPR in 2009. I paired this cigar with a new coffee I’m trying out because the flavor profiles seemed to compliment each other. How did it work out? Watch the video and find out.
