I’m going to open by saying that it’s a good thing I don’t worry too much about passing on every bit of industry news that comes along as I just don’t have the time to react fast enough. It seems that all of the really good news comes out during working hours, at which time I am otherwise occupied. I wish I could say that writing a cigar blog was my full time job, but in all honesty, it’s a few pegs down on the priority meter in the grand scheme of things. Work and family always comes first. Since my last installment, I’ve been battling a sinus infection, so I thought it would be in my best interest to lay off cigars until I was pain free. Sucks, I know, but it’s the reality of things.
Anyway, as I alluded to earlier, there have been quite a few pretty big announcements in the past week. Two days after I had the good fortune of hanging out with Sam Leccia, it was announced that he would be parting company with Oliva, who owns the NUb and Cain brands which Sam developed. I really hope that this is going to be a good move for Sam, it’s a shame he has to leave his creations behind, but he can certainly take pride in having developed 2 hit brands. Also in the news was the resignation of Tim Ozgener as the president of CAO. It was reported that he would be leaving the premium cigar industry, however, the Tiki Bar Online published a statement from him stating that he would remain involved in the trade organizations and the political and social fronts. Also leaving CAO is Lifestyle Marketing Director Jon Huber. I’ve had the good fortune to have met both of these gentlemen and I wish them the best in their future endeavors. I’m sure we will see all of these guys someplace in the not too distant future. Of course, rumors abound. The only insight I can provide is that none of these guys are either purchasing, or going to work for Drew Estate, I was able to confirm this in a series of text messages with Steve Saka (half in jest of course, I like giving Steve the business, even though sometimes I don’t think he gets my wise-ass sense of humor!).
Another area where having a real job gets in the way is when you receive an e-mail in the middle of the morning saying someone like Jose Blanco is stopping by a The Wooden Indian Cigar shop that’s an hour or so a way and there’s just no way you can get away from life to go meet him. Obviously I torture myself by checking e-mail at work, maybe I should get away from doing that. I would have liked to have met Jose, but I’m sure there will be another time.
That’s about all the rambling I can manage tonight. I am working on another exciting celebrity interview which will hopefully be out next week. Also, I mentioned a contest in my last post, and I am overdue. I’m waiting for a couple interesting things to materialize, so please be patient, I don’t want to do things half-assed.
So, until the next time,
CigarCraig
