As we have noted for the past couple of years, the days of a large number of IPCPR releases by Rocky Patel Premium Cigars appear to be over. 2019 was no exception as this year there were only two new lines and a couple of line extensions. For Rocky Patel, this might have been the […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Illusione Cigars
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Feature Story, Illusione, IPCPR 2019
If there is one thing we have seen from Illusione Cigars over the years is that owner Dion Giolito will not release a new line for the sake of releasing a new line. In particular, when he does something to be considered a major launch, it is usually quieter the following year. Such was the […]
Feature Story: Why the PCA Made the Right Decision Postponing CigarCon
William Cooper Feature Story, Summer of 20 No Comments CigarCon, Feature Story, PCA, PCA 2020, Summer of 20
The Premium Cigar Association has announced it is postponing CigarCon, the proposed consumer component as a part of the annual Trade Show and Convention until 2021. Very simply, this was the right call made at the right time. At the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show, the IPCPR announced it was rebranding and refocusing the mission […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Leaf by Oscar Cigars
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Feature Story, Leaf by Oscar
“Island” Jim Robinson’s Leaf by Oscar has become a force in many retailers nationwide. Leaf by Oscar is a brand that was originally started as a house cigar for Robinson’s Leaf and Bean in the Strip retail store that was blended at Oscar Valladares’ factory in Honduras.. The four blend line (consisting of Connecticut, Maduro, […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Micallef Cigars
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Feature Story, IPCPR 2019, Micallef Cigars
The 2019 IPCPR Trade Show was the third for Al Micallef’s cigar venture, Micallef Cigars. The past two trade shows have seen the Texas-based company launch over a dozen lines. This year was not quite as aggressive as previous years, as there were only three line extensions. Micallef is still very much a new player […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Perdomo Cigars
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Feature Story, IPCPR 2019, Perdomo
One of the busiest booths at the IPCPR Trade Show year after year is the Perdomo booth. Even with the reduced foot traffic on the Trade Show floor, the Perdomo booth was bustling with activity in the final hours of this year’s IPCPR. Every year, Perdomo is a company that does an excellent job at […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Ventura Cigar Company
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Cuban Cigar Factory, Feature Story, Kretek International, Ventura Cigar Company
As in past IPCPR Trade Shows, Ventura Cigar Company was a part of the Phillips & King booth, both operating units under Kretek International. The story of the P & K booth was Ventura Cigar Company. It was the second trade show with Michael Giannini at the helm as Ventura Cigars’ General Manager. The booth […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Crux Cigars
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Crux Cigar Company, Feature Story, IPCPR 2019
Crux Cigars went to its sixth IPCPR Trade Show in 2019. In each of the previous five IPCPR Trade Shows, Crux Cigars would showcase new product. The 2019 show would be different in a lot of ways. This would be the first IPCPR where Crux did not showcase a new line. On the other hand, […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: Altadis U.S.A.
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Aging Room Cigars, Altadis, Boutique Blends Cigars, Feature Story, H. Upmann, Henry Clay, IPCPR 2019, Montecristo, Trinidad, VegaFina
When it comes to anniversary years in the cigar industry, Altadis U.S.A was in a more unique situation than most companies in that it was celebrating three major anniversaries: H. Upmann’s 175th anniversary, Trinidad’s 50th anniversary, and the 50th anniversary of Tabacalera de Garcia, the largest cigar factory in the world. While it’s no secret […]
IPCPR 2019 Spotlight: United Cigar
William Cooper Feature Story, IPCPR 2019 No Comments Atabey, Byron, Feature Story, IPCPR 2019, Selected Tobacco, United Cigar
United Cigar is the distribution arm owned by David Garofalo. Garofalo is best known as being a founder of Two Guys Smoke Shop as well as The Cigar Authority podcast. United Cigar distributes several brands – and perhaps best known are the brands of Nelson Alfonso’s Selected Tobacco (Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero). United Cigar always […]