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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
2019 marked the third IPCPR that Boutique Blends Cigars would be a part of the Altadis U.S.A. booth. For the past two years, the company owned by Rafael Nodal and Hank Bischoff has undergone significant changes. This year saw the company introduce one new line. Back in 2017, Boutique Blends would enter into a strategic […]
2019 was quite an interesting year to visit the Nat Sherman International booth. Since the Sherman family sold Nat Sherman to Altria early in 2017, it’s certainly a brand that has undergone a lot of internal changes. At the same time, I’ve been quite impressed with the consistency of the cigars being produced. In other […]
The year 2019 marked the fifth IPCPR Trade Show for Nicholas Melillo and Foundation Cigar Company. Over the five years, Melillo’s portfolio has had a steady, healthy and organic growth. This year saw Foundation deliver an all-new line, a line extension, a limited offering become regular production, and some new packaging options. Highclere Castle Cigar […]
For the third year in a row, Nick Syris’ LH Premium Cigar brands was a part of Jim Robinson’s Leaf brand. While LH Premium Cigars was at the Trade Show last year, Syris missed the 2018 edition; so 2019 was a return for him. This year, Syris focused on his collaborative brand with Robinson, Nick […]
