The Cigar Industry Report is a one stop place to catch up on the activity here at Cigar Coop and Stogie Geeks. It is a combination of our news reports, cigar reviews, and assessment updates we do throughout the week. We will also recap what happened on our Stogie Geeks show. Finally, each week we will look back at Cigar Coop history. Look for this report every Saturday morning at 8am Eastern time.
We Remember Mike DeRago
Popular retailer Mike “Mikey Black” DeRago passed away on 3/11/15. Mike was the owner of Nero’s Cigars in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Mike was a Philly guy through and through. He touched many lives both inside the cigar industry and outside the cigar industry. He loved cigars and the La Jugada Prieto was one that became among his favorites. He was a mentor and a friend to this author. Our prayers and condolences go to his family and friends.
News and Previews
- Asylum Cigars: We previewed the Insidious Maduro by Asylum – which arrived in stores this week.
- Boutique Blends: Company President Rafael Nodal said Aging Room Bin No. 1 Box Pressed Toro and Lancero line extensions are coming later this year.
- Davidoff: The company is launching their Davidoff Masterpiece Collection humidors at Art Basel in Hong Kong.
- Espinosa Cigars: The company formally announced four new lounges this week.
- L’Atelier Imports: Details around the L’Atelier Côte d’Or were announced this week.
- La Aurora Cigars: We took a look at the La Aurora Cien Anos Lancero Cameroon – a new shop exclusive to Burns Tobacconist in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
- Maya Selva Cigars: The company plans on releasing a Flor de Selva Toro line extension. The company has also revealed a lancero is in the works for its Flor de Selva 20th Anniversary cigar.
- Moya Ruiz Cigars: We reported some initial details on the soon to be released limited edition Chinese Finger Trap.
- Room 101 Cigars: The second installment of the Room101 Ichiban will be the Roxxo and its heading Cigar Realm in Ashland, Virginia.
- Tatuaje: The company announced an event sampler containing new 5 1/2 x 52 sizes of five of their blends – as well as an ashtray.
- Viaje: Two new lines were announced by Andre Farkas’ company this week: Senor Andre’s Chicharrones and Viaje Jalapeno
- Viva Republica: The Viva Republica Edicion Limitada Culebra was announced this week.
- Warped Cigars: Details around the Flor del Valle Sky Flower were unveiled. This will be a modification from the regular production Flor del Valle line.
- Connecticut: The state is considering a smoking ban in automobiles with children under the age of xi
- Federal: No new co-sponsors were added to Senate Bill (S. 441) as the total sponsors remains at 14. Meanwhile , no new co-sponsors were added to House Bill (HR 662) as the total sponsors remain at 70.
- Louisiana: The New Orleans Smoking Ban goes into effect on April 22th, but Harrah’s Casino wants to re-open the issue to gain exemptions in areas of the casino.
- Pennsylvania: Governor Tom Wolf has proposed a 40% tax increase on cigars in his State Budget.
- Fratello H-Town Lancero
- Garofalo Robusto
- La Colmena Amado No. 36 by Warped Cigars
- Wilson Adams Sumatra No. 4
Assessment Updates
Stogie Geeks Episode 132
We posted the video from Episode 131
Our smokes of the week included:
Aging Room Havao Connecticut Sharp
Avo Heritage Short Belicoso
Don Reynaldo Corona De Luxe by Warped Cigars
Fratello H-Town Lancero
Garofalo Robusto
Illusione ~eccj~ 20th
La Colmena Amado No. 36 by Warped Cigars
La Flor Dominicana Ligero 707 7×70
Partagas 1845 Limited Reserve 1996 Decadas Robusto
Perdomo Double Aged 12 Year Vintage Connecticut Robusto
Sosa Wavell Maduro Robusto
- March 14th 2011: Some details on the Avo Limited Edition 2011 (Avo 85th) were released.
- March 14th 2011: We took a look at the Camacho Super Limitado.
- March 14th 2012: We re-posted a press release on the Midwest Smoke Out partnering with Cigar Rights of America.
- March 14th 2012: Beach Cigar Group formally announced a name change to Gurkha Cigar Group.
- March 14th 2014: We assessed the Viaje White Label Project (WLP) St. Patrick’s Day Candela 2012
- March 14th 2013: We re-posted a press release announcing Dona Flor’s new USA distributor.
- March 14th 2013: We reported on plans for Mike Ditka to speak at the IPCPR Convention.
- March 14th 2013: We reported on Oliveros’ plans to release Vista de Cuba Reserva.
- March 14th 2013: We assessed the East India Trading Company Red Witch Double Fuerte.
- March 14th 2014: We previewed the Tatuaje Releases 10th Anniversary Belle Encre Reserva.
- March 14th 2014: We took a look at the Debonaire First Degree.
- March 14th 2014: We reported on the announcement of the 601 La Bomba Sake Bomb by Espinosa Cigars made on Smoke Night LIVE.
- March 14th 2014: We reported on Kuuts’ plans for theKuuts Nicaraguan Blend; Confirms and Miro Capa Negra
- March 14th 2014: We did an Assessment Update on the Illusione 88 Claro (Candela).
