CLE Corojo The CLE Corojo is one of two new blends launched by Christian Eiroa’s new company CLE Cigars. Eiroa is best known for his tenure as president of Camacho Cigars. After Davidoff acquired Camacho, Eiroa stayed on for a while before leaving to launch CLE. CLE stands for the initials of Eiroa’s full-name – […]
Cigar Conversation: Jose Blanco of Joya de Nicaragua (Part 18 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
Our cigar conversation series from the 2012 IPCPR concludes as I get a chance to talk with the one and only Jose Blanco of Joya de Nicaragua. Our discussion begins with Jose giving us an update on how things have been going since he joined Joya de Nicaragua last year. Jose seems genuinely excited about […]
Cigar Conversation: Dan Tiant of Tiant Cigar Group (Part 17 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, I talk with Dan Tiant, founder and CEO of the Tiant Cigar Group. Dan has been in the cigar business for several years. Last year, Dan formed a new LLC called Tiant Cigar Group. This company is actually a new company formed by the Tiants […]
Cigar Pre-Review: Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate (Pre-Release)
Herrera Esteli by Drew Estate Shortly after the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, we provided a preview of a new forthcoming line by Drew Estate called Herrera Esteli. The line made its debut at the trade show, but orders were not taken at the time. The Herrera Esteli marks the first blend for Drew Estate done […]
Cigar Conversation: Tracie Southern of J & D Cigars (Part 16 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, I talk with Tracie Southern. Tracie is working for an up and coming boutique company called J & D Cigars. J & D Cigars is a true “seed to store” company. The company was founded by David Insignares and Jorge Gil. Insignares and Gil have […]
Cigar Pre-Review: Swag SoBe Edition
Swag SoBe Edition The Swag SoBe Edition is the third blend to be added to the Swag Cigars family. The cigar was announced prior to the 2012 IPCPR, but had its official launch at the trade show. SoBe stands for South Beach – referring the famous Miami Beach neighborhood. As a part of the packaging, […]
Cigar Conversation: Brian Chinnock of Chinnock Cellars (Part 15 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, I talk with Brian Chinnock of Chinnock Cellars. Brian is both a winemaker and a cigar maker from California and has brought these two worlds together as no one has before. In this conversation, Brian gives us some background of how he got involved in […]
Cigar Review: My Uzi Weighs a Ton (MUWAT) +11 by Subculture Studios/Joya de Nicaragua
The My Uzi Weighs a Ton (MUWAT) +11 made its official launch at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. The +11 becomes the second non 60 ring gauge cigar in the MUWAT line. The MUWAT line was launched a year ago at the 2011 IPCPR Trade Show. The MUWAT was a joint collaboration with Drew Estate’s […]
Cigar Conversation: Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars (Part 14 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show, I catch up with one of the rising stars in the cigar industry – Antonio Lam of Reinado Cigars. Antonio founded Reinado Cigars a couple of years ago and his cigars have gotten many accolades. Reinado is a true boutique company that is focused on […]
Cigar Conversation: Ernesto Perez-Carrillo of E.P. Carrillo (Part 13 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation from the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, I sit down with the “Godfather of Boutique Cigars”, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. of E.P. Carrillo. We start off our conversation talking about the E.P. Carrillo Inch line – a new line launched at the trade show. Ernesto discusses how he wanted to […]