Author Archives: CigarCraig

Contest: Big Papi Humidor from El Artista Cigars for the World Series!

Yes, it’s another contest! You’d think it was December! I hope everyone isn’t disappointed when the holidays roll around and I’m working in retail for the first time in 3o years and can’t do giveaways like I used to! Of course, I’ll try to do something, but temper your expectations! Let’s get a winner for the last contest out of the way, the lucky winner of the Joya goodies courtesy of Joya and the Wooden Indian is Jared Berel! E-mail me your address so I can send you your loaded travel humidor, hat and cutter! Don’t forget to check out the Wooden Indian’s online store!

 

In honor of the Boston Redsox being in the World Series, the great folks at El Artista has offered up one of their beautiful Big Papi humidors for a contest! I told them I had just done two contests in a row and my readers were sick and tired of having the opportunity to win great cigar related goodies, but they were insistent, and due to the time sensitive nature of the World Series and all going on as we speak, it was pretty much now or never. I’ve seen this humidor (the winner will receive it directly from El Artista), it’s a beauty, very well made, good fit and finish.

 

I’ll select a winner next Wednesday. I just looked at the schedule and I suppose the series will be decided by then. I rather expected them to stretch it out for a week but they don’t mess around, a sweep could have this wrapped up by the weekend! (That will make the Boston fans happy and piss off the LA fans, I guess…). So go ahead and leave a comment for an entry like usual. This one is open to everyone. Many thanks to El Artista for the great humidor for this contest!

 

Until the next time,

CigarCraig

Share

40 Comments

Filed under Contest

Podcast: Episode 10: 2010 Interview with Danny Bonaduce

Since I’ve been preoccupied with other things and have gotten behind, here’s the phone interview I did with Danny Bonaduce of Partridge Family fame back in November of 2010. The transcription is at http://www.cigarcraig.com/celebrity-cigar-chat-with-danny-bonaduce-sunday-november-21-2010/



It’s rough and un-edited, but I thought it was interesting to talk to a celebrity about his take on cigars. Danny was a hoot ta talk to, and, as I mention, transcribing the interview was very arduous!

Myself, Danny and my wife Jenn in 2009 at Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in Delaware. He wanted me to sit on his other knee…I declined…

That’s all for today, until the next time,

CigarCraig

Share

Comments Off on Podcast: Episode 10: 2010 Interview with Danny Bonaduce

Filed under Podcast

A Bunch of Cigars, Another La Flor Dominicana Event, and a Joya Contest Extension

I’ve been a slug this week. I literally had to look at Instagram to recall what cigars I smoked.  One reason is because I still have a little bit of a cold, so I’m hesitant to smoke anything new or noteworthy, and another is my preoccupation with my search for a day job.  The latter seems to have taken a positive turn just in the nick of time, and I hope to be smoking something special in celebration in the near future, once this annoying sinus funk releases its grasp on me. So looking back through my IG feed, I did rather enjoy a Hoyo La Amistad Gold Robusto, which is 5″ x 54. This was one of the first big brand AJ Fernandez colabs, and continues to be a fantastic smoke. Of the three in the series, Gold, Silver and Black, oddly I think it’s my favorite (you’d expect the Black to be, and I love the Black, I find it very close to the Punch Diablo though, with the main difference being the binder – Broadleaf on the Diablo and San Andrés on the Black). Even with palate impairment, the rich, sweet flavors are quite enjoyable, a main reason I reached for this cigar.

 

In an effort to further promote the Joya contest that’s currently in progress, which I’m going to extend , by the way, I smoked a Joya Silver Toro again. I am going to give it another week because I want to get some more entries, and more exposure for Joya de Nicaragua and the Wooden Indian, especially their new online store!  I even posted on a Facebook group which always brags about their 30,000 members, and I got 3 entries (thanks!, I do appreciate them!). 10% would have been overwhelming, right?, but 3? Anyway, the Joya Silver Toro happened to be right on top of the humidor too, so it was a lazy selection, and I really love that cigar. I can the Cinco Decadas El General being on deck as one of the afore-mentioned celebration cigars coming up, and it shares some traits with the Silver. The Silver is a great medium bodied smoke with a great price.

 

An old friend stopped by this week and I shared a favorite cigar with him, Cornelius and Anthony Señor Esugars. Due to time constraints, and my inventory limitations, he had the robusto and I gad the Corona Gorda. This is a friend I’ve known since early in High School, we played drums together in band, and, to my delight, he loves cigars. I’ve observed the cigars he tends to likes and decided that the Señor Esugars would be a good fit for him, and I wanted to smoke one anyway, so it was a win-win. In the C&A line, I always seem to gravitate to the Toro, but I can’t complain about any vitola in this particular marque. As always, the San Andrés wrapper has that sweet, rich, earthy flavor I love. It’s great catching up with an old friend over a great cigar.

 

Finally, I happened to catch wind of a Flor Dominicana event at Old Havana Cigars on Friday evening, and, figuring I’d soon be having limits on my available free time again, why not go down and see Kyle and the folks down there and have a cigar. I had a La Flor Dominicana Colorado Oscuro No. 5, the 5¾” x 60 Gordo. In an unusual move, I only bought the one to smoke, although I wish I had at least gotten another one or two to smoke when I had a better palate. I’ll go back for more later. It was a good smoke, although I had to relight a few times, maybe because I was chatting with friends (you’ll remember Nik from Episode 7 of the CigarCraig Podcast…) and other distractions. I have a hard time remembering a La Flor Dominicana cigar that I didn’t like, maybe I’ll grab a Chisel of some sort out of the humidor today!

 

That about does it for today. To recap, The contest for the Joya de Nicaragua goodies, travel humidor (filled!), hat and cutter, will be extended until mid-week, probably Wednesday, so go back to last Sunday’s post and enter if you haven’t already!  I’ll continue spamming….er….spreading the word , feel free to share it as well, at the risk of reducing your own odds of winning! Until the next time,

 

CigarCraig

 

Share

7 Comments

Filed under Contest, Review

News: Two Items From Ventura: Archetype Mini-series and Swiss Distribution

There were two news items out of Ventura Cigars this week, so I thought I’d consolidate them into one post. I gotta tell ya, I’m a fan of the PsyKo7 cigars, have been since the fist time I smoked on back in 2013 when I was on the Cigar Authority show with Dave Garofalo and Mr. Jonathan. I especially dig the Maduro. I haven’t smoked a great many of the Archetype yet, but I have enjoyed the ones I’ve smoked, I really need to try more, and look forward to these Mini-series cigars, although the Swiss distribution isn’t likely to effect me much!  Check out the news: 

Number 1.

Ventura Cigars is pleased to announce that the Archetype Mini-series is now shipping to tobacconists all over the United States. This 3-cigar collection- Crystals, Curses, and Cloaks- was released with fanfare in July 2018 at IPCPR, and instantly caught the eyes of the industry for its unique blends and backstory. And it’s now available for consumers on their own quest for standout cigars.

Inspired by the musings of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell over the recurring characters and themes in a hero’s journey, Archetype cigars launched in 2016, and cigar enthusiasts immediately took notice. Archetype cigars, including Dreamstate, Sage Advice, Strange Passage, Initiation and Axis Mundi have repeatedly been recognized for their flavorful blends and extraordinary smoking experiences. This mini-series is a new addition to the line, which adds mysteriously interesting details to its overarching tale.

Says Michael Giannini, General Manager for Ventura Cigars, “We were blown away by the attention the Archetype Mini-series received at IPCPR this year. We know that Archetype is different, really special. And if we’re adding to that story, the new smokes needed to live up to the legend of the ones that came before them. And that, they truly do.”

Custom-crafted and blended to perfection at the renowned Oliva Factory, the rich layers and flavors of Crystals, Curses, and Cloaks beckon to be tried, tasted, and savored. Details about cigars include:

Crystals

20-count box

Size: 5×50

Format: Robusto

Wrapper: Sun-grown Habano

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Nicaragua Habano

MSRP: $180/box, $9/Cigar

Curses

20-count box

Size: 5×50

Format: Robusto

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Nicaragua Habano

MSRP: $180/box, $9/Cigar

Cloaks

20-count box

Size: 5×50

Format: Robusto Square Press

Wrapper: Broadleaf

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

MSRP: $180/box, $9/Cigar

We invite Archetype enthusiasts to be sure to check out all three cigars in the mini-series,” says Giannini. “If you enjoy Archetype, you’ll relish Crystals, Curses, and Cloaks. And if you haven’t tried an Archetype cigar yet, the mini-series is a great place to start. Like a good story, you can always go back to re-read the beginning.”

For more information about Archetype cigars and where to find them, please visit venturacigar.com.

Number 2.

Ventura Cigar Company is pleased to announce that its Psyko Seven cigars will be arriving on European shores this October at the upcoming Oettinger Davidoff Expo in Lucerne, Switzerland. Held from October 20 through October 22, at the Verkehrshaus der Schweiz, the Expo 18 is expected to host hundreds of attendees looking to bring Oettinger Davidoff brands and products into their retail outlets. The cool, eye-catching edge of the Psyko Seven brand, and the high-quality craftsmanship of these cigars made at the Occidental Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic, are expected to draw buyers from all over Switzerland, potentially leading to additional growth into other European countries.

Rick Charles, International Markets Manager of Ventura Cigar Company.Says Rick Charles, International Markets Manager of Ventura Cigars, “The Ventura Cigar Company and the Oettinger Davidoff AG have enjoyed a successful partnership for many, many years. Because we both have incredibly high standards for the quality of our products, and a mutual respect for each other and the industry, we’re able to create and shape this new opportunity, initially bringing Psyko Seven to Swiss retailers. We think the European market is more than ready for the disruptive nature of the Psyko brand, and that it will do well here.”

 

Charles will be going to Switzerland for the show, along with Michael Giannini, General Manager at Ventura Cigars and Psyko Seven’s Brand Ambassador. They’ll be on scene with swag from both Psyko Seven and Ventura Cigars, plus samples of the product for attendees to explore.

Michael Giannini, General Manager of Ventura Cigar CompanyWe’re excited to head to Switzerland with Psyko Seven,” says Giannini. “Our US customers have enjoyed these cigars for years. It’s time we let Europe in on these incredible smokes. I’m looking forward to growing the brand here in Switzerland, and to really seeing it take off. I think this is just the tip of the iceberg.”

 

Designed to strike a chord of taste and experience, the complex flavors of Psyko Seven’s blend of seven tobaccos offer a medium-bodied, extraordinary smoke that’s richly satisfying. The branding is equally attention-getting, with clean, white packaging and detailing that reads more like a doctor’s orders. Psyko Seven cigars have earned high ratings by top industry publications, and have become almost a cult classic in the United States market.

The Psyko Seven cigars include:

  • Psyko Seven Natural, which received over-90 ratings by Cigar Snob, Cigar & Spirits, and Cigar Aficionado,
  • Psyko Seven Maduro, which received an over-90 rating from Cigar Aficionado,
  • Psyko Seven Connecticut, a relatively recent release.
  • Maduro Psykorillos, conveniently sized for when you’re short on time.

There’s something really unique about the Psyko Seven cigars,” says Gerhard Anderlohr, General Manager, Davidoff of Geneva Switzerland, Oettinger Davidoff AG. “We’ve been impressed with their longstanding quality and success and are pleased to work with Ventura Cigars to bring this brand into Swiss retailers. I’m confident it will be well-received, and look forward at growing our partnership even more.”

About Ventura Cigar Company

Ventura Cigar Company (VCC) is a unique cigar brand born in sunny Southern California that is on a mission to create memorable, complex cigar blends that excite the senses and reward discriminating palates. Their flagship Archetype, Case Study, Project805, and PSyKo SEVEN brands offer multiple award-winning blends that earned 90+ ratings in Cigar Aficionado, Cigar & Spirits, and Cigar Snob. And Archetype’s Axis Mundi won #13 Cigar of the Year for 2017 from Cigar Aficionado. Ventura Cigar Company also distributes the 4th Generation and Comoy’s of London line of pipe tobacco products, extending its reach and tradition of offering top-quality tobacconist products. Pipes and blends under these brands are cultivated through generations of craftsmanship, making them longtime favorites of pipe tobacco enthusiasts.

About Oettinger Davidoff

Oettinger Davidoff Group, with sales of approximately 500 million Swiss francs and 3,600 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family-owned to this day. The company is dedicated to the business of producing, marketing, distributing, and retailing premium-branded cigars, tobacco products, and accessories. The premium-branded cigar business includes Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, Griffin’s, Private Stock, Zino, and Zino Platinum. Oettinger Davidoff Group is also the sole agent of many brands in several countries, such as Haribo in Switzerland and S.T. Dupont in the USA. Its business is anchored in a strong “crop-to-shop” philosophy, having pursued vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua to its global network of over 75 Davidoff Flagship Stores and strong Appointed Merchants.

 

 

Share

Comments Off on News: Two Items From Ventura: Archetype Mini-series and Swiss Distribution

Filed under News

News: Adorini Presents Unique 70.000€ Humidor

I’m posting this bit of news from Adorini because I’m a big fan of the two desktop humidors I have from them, as well as the double punch that I use all the time. They make some great products, and I expect everyone to run out and get one of these humidors!  I’m kidding, there’s only one, and it’s a little pricey!  It’s a beauty though, read on: 

 

This safe is in the true sense of the word a unique opportunity. For this unique item, a historical safe from the end of the 19th century was completely restored. Maybe it was used to store gold bars, bundles of money, diamonds or other valuables – its current purpose is to keep valuable cigars and store them well under ideal conditions.

The restorer of this cabinet was a real artist, or how else to name someone who paints such an illusory real wood pattern on steel by hand? Yes, you have read correctly, the cabinet is made almost entirely of steel! Its weight is about 650kg – in terms of security of stored cigars (and possibly other things) you do not have to worry anymore!

However that was another challenge for him, because cigars require an increased humidity of about 68-72%, which of course can permanently damage a steel cabinet. For this reason, every single screw and every metal part in the inner part has been removed and galvanized, so that the topic rust is a matter of the past.

Up to 1,000 cigars, which will find a safe home in the cedar-lined cabinet, will be humidified with 2 microprocessor controlled ‚ Adorini Cigar Heaven electronic humidification systems, which allow you to adjust and monitor the humidity at will. A 3-day average shows you the condition of the cigars. Even in the world‘s most expensive humidor, which was auctioned a few years ago at a festival in Havana for € 450,000, this precise system was the one that became trusted.

Your cigars could not be better staged in this exclusive piece of furniture. Your guests will be amazed when you operate the smooth and beautiful-looking mechanics, open bars to bars, then open the heavy doors and present your LED-illuminated gems in the spotlight. Above the humidor section you also have another locker in which you can store valuables according to the original purpose. In the base, which is the only part of the humidor safe made of wood, you can e.g. also store some of your wine bottles.
This work of art retails for 70.000€. Only one unit has been made,

Share

1 Comment

Filed under Review