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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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).
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Matt Booth with Cigar Coop The Camacho Cigars lounge was one of the more interesting visits at the IPCPR. A lot of the lounge had the contemporary flair that the Oliva Lounge had. It was a very pleasant place to spend some time and the decor was outstanding. One interesting twist was the way the […]
The Face of S.A.G Imports – Manuel Quesada Aside from the big corporate cigar manufacturers like General and Altadis, many of the next tier companies follow what I term the “Donald Trump” model. With Donald Trump, he has become the face of the company – i.e Trump himself is the brand. We see a similar […]
