Not the best lighting – the Vegas Cubanas When the name Don Pepin Garcia is mentioned, two things often come to mind. The first is “peppery” and the second is “Nicaraguan” tobacco. I would say this is very accurate as this has become his signature for many of the cigars he is involved with blending. […]
While most of the gripes I’ve had with Cigar Aficionado’s Top 10 are still valid, there were some pleasant surprises in the remainder of the Top 25. I was pleased there were at least two of my Top 30 sticks to be mentioned. I didn’t go and comment on every stick, just the ones that […]
#14 Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial Continuing to head into the cream of the crop, it is time to reveal the 17th stick of “30 Cigars in 31 Days” – my review of the Top 30 cigars for 2010. The #14 Cigar of the Year is the Jaime Garcia Reserva Especial – a new stick from […]
#18 My Father Limited Edition 2010 It’s time for the 13th installment of “30 Cigars in 31 Days” – better known as the review of the top cigars of the year for 2010. The cigar placing at #18 on the list is from Don Pepin Garcia’s My Father Cigars called the My Father Limited Edition […]
Cigar Enthusiasts are very familiar with Don Pepin Garcia. Those who really follow the business know he is considered the master of Nicaraguan tobacco. Last year, Pepin launched his “My Father” cigar line and it was greeted with commercial and critical acclaim. The “My Father” cigar finished #3 on the Cigar Aficionado Cigar of the […]
Many people come to me asking me what is the best cigar to buy for a Christmas, Hanukkah, or New Year’s gift. Unfortunately, the first response I give them is what I term the “Standard Consulting Answer” which is “It Depends”… It depends on a few factors. Below I’ve put a table to help […]
Cigar Coop with “The Master”, Don Pepin Garcia As I’ve mentioned several times here, the Cigar industry follows a “Donald Trump” brand model. With Trump’s company, Trump is the face of the company – and the brand of his company. Many know icons such as: Jonathan Drew, Litto Gomez, Sam Leccia, Matt Booth, Christian Eiroa, […]
The La Reloba Sumatra Toro The theme of producing a quality value-priced cigar in the $5.00 – $7.00 range is appealing to both the consumer and the retailer. For the consumer, it’s a terrific opportunity to enjoy a premium stick in today’s tough economy. For the retailer, it means that the cigar isn’t going to […]
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 […]