Who knew Hawaii could grow tobacco suitable for premium cigars? I didn’t before I read “A Growing Vision,” an article on CigarAficionado.com posted about a week ago. In it, Alejandro Benes, writing for Cigar Aficionado, writes of Les Drent of the Kauai Cigar Co.
Benes quotes Drent saying “We planted a few rows in 2006. I really started smoking cigars in 2005, 2006. My grandfather used to smoke cigars when I was growing up… I loved the smell of a good cigar.” As a child, Drent would visit his grandparents at the Jersey Shore. “Everybody smoked cigars and drove Cadillacs.” Drent recalls and laughs. “I loved smelling the cigars.”
Benes goes on to write,
“When I produce a cigar with tobacco grown here in Kauai that can be as good, if different, from what they’re producing for us in Nicaragua,” Drent explains, “that’s when I’ll be somewhat satisfied.” Even Drent smiles when he hears himself say that. “My next move is to spend a couple of months on the mainland and sell,” Drent promises. “I’m gonna pack the van with cigars and free stuff and put it on the website and let everyone know I’m coming.” You can just see it in his eyes. For Les Drent, it’s all about the journey.”
Pretty interesting stuff. I don’t suppose Drent will be dropping by New York City anytime soon, but if he is, I hope he gets in touch with industry leaders here to host a big event. Heck, if you read this Drent, send me an email or drop a comment and we’ll plan a big event somewhere nice in Manhattan.
Best of luck to Drent. I certainly hope to smoke some fine Hawaiian tobacco some day.
December 28, 2012 (Newark, DE) – Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars announced this morning that the first blend of the Los Regalos series, “Quetzal”, made in Esteli, Nicaragua will begin shipping immediately.
“These cigars are being produced in a new factory for Emilio Cigars, and we are excited to have formed this new partnership,” he said.
There will be a total of 4 blends in the series, as well as a limited edition cigar made entirely from 2006 harvest tobaccos.
“The Robusto, Toro, and Torpedo sizes are available at this time,” said Griffith, “and the Corona and Sixty will be released on January 11 at Riverside Cigars in Jeffersonville, IN. Those two sizes will ship to other retailers subsequent to that event.”
This will be Emilio Cigars final new release of 2012, capping off an extremely productive year in which several new Emilio blends became available, and in which numerous distribution agreements were negotiated.
A cigar lounge in Fargo, ND could be facing legal action after trying to exploit a loophole in the statewide smoking ban.
According to an article written for a ND news outlet:
“Fargo Cass Public Health director Ruth Bachmeier says she plans to file a complaint with Cass County prosecutors against the JT Cigarro owner, who’s been allowing people to smoke in a “members only” room through what he has called a “loophole” in the law.”
This strikes me as just another example of the bizarre trend of state clampdown on private smoking locations. As many non-smokers agree, there is no compelling public health reason disallow cigar lounges from allowing smoking, especially in a separate members only room. Every individual entering that shop, especially members, are more than aware that they will encounter smoke, and have implicitly agreed to take the risk of being in the same room as smoke.
This story should also stand as an example to NYC cigar shops that open and allow smoking before smoking licenses are obtained: don’t do it. It isn’t worth getting a $5000 fine or having your shop closed. Wait for your permit.
Cigar Aficionado posted an article a few days back that I found pretty interesting. It looks like Dunhill, the legendary cigar brand that sold individual sticks for over $1,0000 each at a recent auction, will be releasing the “Aged Reserva Especial 2003”, which will use Dominican tobaccos from 2003.
As Cigar Aficionado reports:
“The blend is completed with a Connecticut broadleaf binder, and wrapped in Connecticut-shade tobacco grown in the northeastern United States. The cigars were rolled at General Cigar Dominicana for Dunhill. As with every Dunhill Aged cigar, after rolling they were stored for a year in aging rooms lined in Spanish cedar to allow the cigars to mature.”
I’ll be looking forward to smoking this stick and perhaps giving it a review. You can read the full article here.
As San Diego’s newest wine and cigar lounge, Habanos Cigar and Wine Cafe’s Grand Opening party was a major success. Despite ongoing rain, the house was packed, as ladies and gentlemen were entertained by the live Blues music of Chris James and Patrick Rynn Chicago Blues. The event started at 6pm and ran until midnight.
Some photos of the humidor…
Two large, enclosed patios provided a festive ambiance for guests to enjoy great blues music, friendly conversation, food, premium wines and cigars. The center of the main patio sported a warm and inviting fire pit. Plenty of free parking was available to guests. Complementary appetizers were provided and the friendly staff took care of every customer need. For those who wanted to enjoy a full dinner and wine, the back patio, packed to the max, was the place to be.
“I was concerned that the rain may hurt the event,” commented Nate Kalasho, proprietor, wine connoisseur and cigar aficionado, “But they came and enjoyed a festive evening. I want to personally thank all those who supported our Grand Opening.”
“I was happy to see the number of ladies that came to the event,” commented Missy of San Diego “I even got to dance to the great music. I hope Chris and Patrick will come back soon.”
ABOUT CHRIS JAMES AND PATRICK RYNN
Vocalist and guitarist Chris James and bassist Patrick Rynn are staunch Blues traditionalists with a high-energy contemporary edge. They’ve been playing together since 1990, proudly dedicating their musical collaboration to the invigorating sound of real, unadulterated Blues. They lead their own internationally acclaimed band, and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues legends in the field.
ABOUT HABANOS CIGAR AND WINE CAFÉ
Habanos Cigar and Wine Café
3111 Hancock St corner of Rosecrans
Just South of Hwy 8
619-787-7477
Apx 3,000 sq. ft.
600 sq. ft. walk in humidor
The three large enclosed patios provide leather sofas, tables and chairs.
The main patio sports a warm and inviting fire pit.
The second patio provides a warm & inviting fireplace
5 large screen TVs
Full Tapas kitchen
Huge premium wine selection
Espresso and specialty coffee drinks
Free parking
Hours of Operation
Sunday to Thursday 9am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday 9am to midnight
December 14, 2012 — Steven Ysidron, President of Epicurean Cigars, and Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars announced today that they have entered into a joint distribution agreement.
Under the terms of the agreement Epicurean Cigars will now be shipped from the Emilio Cigars facility in Vineland, NJ and added to the portfolio of products of the Emilio Cigars sales staff.
Ysidron, formerly with Savinelli, USA, has had a long career in the industry, and is now producing his own line, Epicurean Cigars. “We are very excited to be a part of what Emilio Cigars are doing. They represent the integrity and commitment to quality boutique cigars that has long been a passion for me and my family,” said Ysidron.
Griffith reiterated: “We welcome Steve to the family, and look forward to a mutually beneficial partnership. I am fully dedicated to the mission of bringing an array of quality boutique cigars to a broader market, whether under the Emilio Cigars mark, or the mark of other equally dedicated and passionate manufacturers.”
This agreement will free Ysidron to stay focused on new product development and production oversight and allow him to expand his distribution into new markets.
Distribution will shift to the Emilio Cigars facility during the first week of January, 2013.
December 10, 2012 (Jeffersonville, IN) — Match Lounge will host a whiskey tasting and cigar pairing event sponsored by WhistlePig’s Master Distiller Dave Pickerell and Oliva Cigars during Match’s grand opening celebration Friday, December 21st 7:00-9:00pm. In addition, neighboring Riverside Cigar Shop and Lounge will hold an exclusive launch event with Oliva Cigars 4:00-9:00pm.
Match’s Whiskey and Cigar Event will feature a scotch, bourbon and whiskey flight, paired with a signature Oliva Serie V Melanio Cigar. WhistlePig’s Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, one of the nation’s preeminent master distillers who previously spent fourteen years as Maker’s Mark Master Distiller, and Ian Hummel, of Oliva Cigars, will be on hand to entertain and educate attendees during a one-on-one question and answer session. This pairing event is limited to thirty people with tickets being sold for $30 per person. To purchase tickets, please call 812-284-6198.
In conjunction with Match’s event, the adjoining Riverside Cigar Shop will host an event sponsored by Oliva Cigars. Oliva, a leader in the cigar industry, has a long history of producing award-winning cigars, primarily grown and produced in Nicaragua and sold worldwide. Riverside’s event will be one of the first opportunities in the U.S. for customers to receive the 2013 Oliva Cigar sampler. Customers who purchase a box of Oliva Cigars will receive the 2013 Oliva Cigar sampler free of charge. In addition, any box purchase at this event will enter the purchaser in a raffle for a custom cigar cutter from Hutch valued at $300. The Oliva Cigar event is a free event.
December 5, 2012 — Ted’s Cigars, a leading manufacturer of premium branded cigars announces the collaboration with famed race car driver and celebrity Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ted’s Cigars has partnered with JR Motorsports on a licensed hand-crafted cigar showcasing Dale Jr.’s facsimile autograph and his iconic #88. As the ten-time consecutive winner of NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver award, race fans admire Earnhardt’s authenticity and common sense approach.
Indeed the Earnhardt name evokes excellence, thanks to his incredible 19 career victories, including the 2004 Daytona 500. Upon winning the 1998 and 1999 NASCAR Nationwide Series titles, Earnhardt became the only third-generation NASCAR champion. Earnhardt’s crossover appeal is unmatched among today’s celebrities and athletes. The officially licensed Dale Jr. “88” cigar is distinctly fashioned to appeal to race fans, cigar enthusiasts, and casual smokers.
With over 15 years as an industry leader, Ted’s Cigars is known for its exceptional cigars, packaging, and branding. The Dale Jr. cigar blend received a rating of 88 (excellent) by Cigar Aficionado, a fitting mark for a cigar branded by NASCAR’s iconic driver. Earnhardt’s winning attitude bridges generations’ young and old. He is refined and raw, charismatic and rebellious, simple and cool, as is the Dale Jr. “88” cigar.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.® 6 x 50 Toro features a mild, creamy smoke with a smooth finish. Individually sealed in a glass tube – no humidor required. The cigar is hand rolled in the Dominican Republic.
Available individually and in boxes of 3, 10, & 25 cigars at www.tedscigars.com/dale-jr-cigars
New York, December 4th,2012—CONCORD has now reached GOLD, This edition is where the made men and Elite women come out to enjoy Fine spirits of the world coupled with amazing cigars, & divine hors d’oeuvre. A bottle of your best will be there for a “sipping” spirit to share and indulge in conversation, Network while you indulge and delight all your senses. If you enjoy fine spirits coupled with an amazing cigar, this is not to be missed.
A chilled presentation on the rocks done by none other than well-Known David Bailey focused on the appeal and brawn of Whiskey. Also a Seasoned Aficionado Educating you on the Etiquette of cigars and its history.
Also while enjoying the sounds of a Live Band and Chef Serving food Fresh from the grill: Brazilian Steaks Cigar Rolled Chicken bites and Much more
General entry includes: Cigar, 1.5/hr. Whiskey and wine pairing 8:30-10:00pm, host of hors d’oeuvre & more.
Premium entry includes: Unlimited Cigars, 1.5/hr. Whiskey and wine pairing 8:30-10:00pm, host of hors d’oeuvre & more
Dress code: Cocktail Attire, absolutely no exception.
RSVP here: concord.event@gmail.com(This Event is a Smoker & non-smoker friendly event, indoor & HEATED outdoor)
General entry & premium entry Tickets available online at http://concordevents.eventbrite.com/
RSVP here: concord.event@gmail.com1.5/hr. Whiskey and wine pairing 8:30-10:00pm, host of hors d’oeuvre
The Cigar Inn announced today via email that it will be holding its annual Holiday Party on December 20th of this year. See the email below:
Dear Cigar Inn Members, friends and family. On Thursday Dec 20th, Cigar Inn Invites you to an exclusive Holiday party at Cigar Aficionado Lounge. Mediterranean food and drinks will be served. Music by DJ. Tone. Location: Cigar Inn 1016 2nd Ave. (54th and 53rd St.) Telephone: (212) 750-7403 Time: 7:00pm till close. It’s Free 🙂 Please call (212) 750-0809 or (212) 717-7403 for reservations. Happy holidays!
