Former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is well known for his love of cigars. Following his friend Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 Presidential election, there was talk of Giuliani being up for a Cabinet post in the Trump Administration. Given Giuliani’s ties to Trump and potentially having an influential role in the Administration […]
Many cigar enthusiasts are quite familiar with La Palina Cigars. Today, the company has an impressive portfolio of offerings from four countries (United States, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic). The story of La Palina is also quite well know, namely how businessman / philanthropist William C. “Bill” Paley resurrected the brand started by his […]
In a time of uncertainty in the cigar industry, Legacy Brands founder and owner Victor Vitale has one key message he wants his customers and fans to know: “Legacy Brands is 100% absolutely in this for the long run.” Following the announcement of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Regulations on the premium cigar […]
It was a little over six years ago when word that the Nosotros, the collaboration between Jonathan Drew of Drew Estate and Dion Giolito of Illusione Cigars would be no more. The project which was considered to be a dream collaboration by many would come to an end fourteen months after its announcement. If you […]
Recently, I had an opportunity to take a trip to Cuba. My purpose of going to Cuba was a combination of fact-finding and education. The signs are pointing toward the U.S. Embargo against Cuba ending. With that, this could lead to the Cuban cigar market being opened in the United States (although under current FDA regulations, […]
On September 22, 2016, it was confirmed that Michael Giannini, Creative Director and Director of Innovation had departed General Cigar Company. Over the past decade, Giannini one can make the argument that Giannini became the face of General Cigar. Giannini brought a dynamic, flamboyant, and unconventional approach to the cigar business. Whether you agreed or disagreed with […]
For many years, Drew Estate has always been one of the most active booths at the IPCPR. In 2015, Drew Estate went into its first IPCPR Trade Show as a subsidiary under Swisher International. As we observed, Drew Estate very much remained Drew Estate at that trade show – namely there still was hip-hop music and […]
The 2016 IPCPR Trade Show saw the debut of Cattle Baron Cigars, a line launched by Montana-rancher Bryan Mussard earlier this year. While it was a small booth at the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, there was no doubt the big heart that represents of the State of Montana was very much present. Front and center […]
2015 was the first IPCPR for Steve Saka’s new company Dunbarton Tobacco and Trust (DTT). Without taking any samples of his first release Sobremesa into the trade show, Saka exceeded expectations selling much more product than he anticipated. Even this year, with more product, and samples on hand, Saka seemed a little cautious on whether he […]
At the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, when I looked at La Flor Dominicana’s strategy, I found it to be one of the most interesting ones of any company. This year the company showcased a combination of cigar artistry and innovation while at the same time preparing to do business in the new world of regulations […]
