In the previous installments of Tales from the IPCPR, we have discussed a lot of family cigar companies and several indie cigar companies. Like in any industry sector, there are the big boys – a.k.a. the big corporations. A lot of times, the big corporations take a hit for being – say “too corporate”. But […]
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Pleasure Police Gain Win in Savannah GA – terrible defeat for Cigar Enthusiasts
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments CRA, Pleasure Police, Red Alert
This is a terrible defeat and it is very scary for cigar enthusiasts. Among the bans include private cigar clubs. I guess its ok for Savannah to still collect taxes on tobacco, but they don’t want you to enjoy it. I have personally written Mayor Otis Johnson of Savannah and informed him if this ban […]
Dining with Cigar Rock Stars or a Burger on Bourbon Street? (Tales from the IPCPR Part 13)
William Cooper Uncategorized 1 Comment Drew Estate, IPCPR, Joya de Nicaragua
As with many conferences, often various customer dinners are scheduled. With IPCPR this was no different as many of the Cigar Manufacturers scheduled dinners with the retailers. Obviously there are limited lists of how many retailers could receive invites, so for Stace and myself, we were more than thrilled when it was our names put […]
Cigar Review: Old School Cigar Originals – “The Duke”
William Cooper Reviews, Uncategorized No Comments Indie, Old School Cigars, Review, See What You Think
The Old School Original – The Duke The key to a good Indie (i.e boutique) cigar is getting a memorable smoke. Once such cigar that fits the bill is the “Duke” – part of the Old School Cigars Originals line. This helped immediately make it memorable by name. While it wasn’t a perfect smoke for […]
The Truth about Nicotine and Cigars
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments Pleasure Police
Cigar Dave “The General” does a terrific job at explaining Nicotine in Cigars and drawing a difference between Cigarette Smokers and Cigar Enthusiasts. This happens between the 4:30 and 10:50 minute mark. Click here to listen…. (be sure to hit the PLAY button).
A True Artist – A Visit to the Don Pepin Garcia “My Father Cigars” Lounge (Tales From the IPCPR Part 12)
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments Don Pepin, IPCPR, My Father
Don Pepin Garcia graciously poses for a picture for me In 2009, Outland Cigars in Charlotte hosted cigar legend Don Pepin Garcia at the store for what was Outland’s biggest event ever. Unfortunately, my “other job” had me out of town and I was unable to meet the great Don Pepin. However, the Outlanders in […]
Tales from the IPCPR Part 11: A Review of the 7-20-4 Cigar
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments 7-20-4, Indie, IPCPR
Signage of 7-20-4 Cigars at IPCPR Thus far in the “Tales” series, much of the focus has been on the big cigar lounges. Whether corporate or family owned, most of these visits have been to some of the big names in the cigar industry. IPCPR also has a lot of smaller cigar makers – these […]
Complete Discrimination – Largo, FL Contemplating Ban on Hiring Tobacco Users
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments CRA, Pleasure Police, Yellow Alert
Not only is this an outrage – it is a disgrace. This is a legal product and this is discrimination to the nth degree! I read a post that asked where is the ACLU on this one. I do believe that is a legitimate gripe here. Folks, your ability to now earn […]
Meeting your Superhero – a visit to the E.P Carrillo Lounge (Tales from the IPCPR Part 10)
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments E.P. Carrillo, EPC, IPCPR
E.P. Carrillo in the Center, Tony to the right As I mentioned in a previous write-up from Tales From the IPCPR, many of the cigar companies are family owned companies that follow a “Donald Trump model”. With Trump’s company, Trump is the face of the company – and the brand of his company. Many know […]
Jeff Borysiewicz responds to Mayor Richard Crotty’s tobacco ban in Orlando.
William Cooper Uncategorized No Comments CRA, Pleasure Police, Red Alert
Way to go Jeff Borysiewicz of Corona Cigars in Orlando, Florida! We must continue to battle the pleasure police. Alert: Red