Assessment Updates will be posted on this web-site to: 1) Assess “pre-review” cigars that were not given a rating or score (typically pre-release cigars); 2) Provide numeric ratings to cigars previously assessed prior to the implementation of the numeric scoring system; 3) Provide a re-assessment and re-score of a previously assessed/score cigars. Today, we provide an […]
Cigar Review: Cuenca y Blanco by Joya de Nicaragua
Cuenca y Blanco by Joya de Nicaragua The Cuenca y Blanco cigar is a new cigar that was launched by Joya de Nicaragua at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. The cigar was anticipated for two reasons: 1) It was the first blend by Joya de Nicaragua since Jose Blanco signed on to be the senior […]
Cigar Conversation: Tres Reynas with Janny Garcia, Raquel and Patricia Quesada (Part 12 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation, we meet the women behind the Tres Reynas cigar. The Tres Reynas brings together two legendary families in the cigar industry – the Quesadas and the Garcias. It is the daughters (thus the name Tres Reynas) in each of the families that have come together to spearhead this project – namely […]
Feature Story: Oliveros/Boutique Blends at the 2012 IPCPR
At the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, Oliveros Cigars hosted a media session for several members of the online media. The session covered two main areas:1) An understanding of some of the company’s restructuring, line consolidations and repackaging; 2) A walk-thru of the new offerings (and existing offerings for those not familiar with […]
Cigar Conversation: Clint Aaron of 262 Cigars (Part 11 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this cigar conversation, we talk to Clint Aaron, the president of 262 Cigars. Prior to the show, we identified 262 Cigars as one of our five boutique companies to watch 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. This was 262 Cigars’ first trade show and judging by the activity at the booth, 262 lived up to expectations. Clint will […]
Cigar Review: Tatuaje Avion 12
Tatuaje Avion 12 The Tatuaje Avion 12 is the second release of the Tatuaje Avion line. The Avion line is actually a series of annual release vitolas that are based on the Tatuaje Fausto blend. When Fausto was launched at 2011, the core line consisted of a series of parejos. It was at that time […]
Cigar Conversation: Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac (Part 10 of the 2012 IPCPR Conversation Series)
In this conversation, I sit down with Skip Martin of RoMa Craft Tobac. Prior to the show, I felt that RoMa Craft Tobac was one of the boutique/small companies that we felt would be creating a lot of buzz at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. Judging by the high level of activity in the booth, […]
Feature Story: Nat Sherman at IPCPR 2012
Michael Herklots in action at the Nat Sherman booth at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. Over the past 15 months, an evolution has surfaced at Nat Sherman Cigars. In particular this was evident at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. I managed to get some time with Michael Herklots at the Nat Sherman booth. My time […]
Feature Story: Illusione at IPCPR 2012
Illusione Ultra OP No. 9 One of the big questions I got from many folks from the IPCPR Trade Show was: “what was new from Illusione?”. Illusione brand founder, Dion Giolito made a decision to not unveil anything new at the 2012 IPCPR Trade Show. Giolito chose to focus on his recently released brands, the […]
Cigar Review: Camacho Liberty Series 2012
Camacho Liberty 2012 The first half of 2012 had been quiet for Camacho Cigars, but prior to the IPCPR they shipped their annual limited release, the Camacho Liberty Series 2012. Each year for the Liberty Series, Camacho puts forward a different blend and may vary the size. There is a limited allocation of these […]