Author Archives: CigarCraig

News: Island Lifestyle Importers Introduces Two New Tommy Bahama Lighters

Speaking of Island Lifestyle Importers…I like these guys too, and I’ll miss not hanging out with them at this year’s IPCPR. These guys are as cool as the other side of the pillow and the accessories they produce are solid too. Check out their two new lighters: 

 

Island Lifestyle Importers is introducing two new Tommy Bahama lighters at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas.

 

The “Longboard” is a sleek triple-flame pinpoint torch pocket lighter available in two color combinations: white or blue body on a gunmetal frame.  It has an oversized capacity fuel tank with a large fuel window.  An easy-adjust fuel wheel and pull-down trigger mechanism round out the ergonomic feel and function.  The suggested retail is $59.99.

 

The “Rocker” is a dual torch flip-top pocket lighter with a fold out cigar punch on the bottom.  It includes a large capacity fuel tank with easy-adjust fuel wheel.  The side squeeze trigger mechanism makes for easy function.  It is being released with a black body on gunmetal frame and a blue body on a gunmetal frame.  The suggested retail is $49.99.

TommyBahamaLighters1

“These are great lighters that offer high value features at a fantastic price-point.  The feel and look are all about the Tommy Bahama lifestyle.  We are really excited about these new additions.” said Ryan Frailing, Vice President of Island Lifestyle Importers.

 

TommyBahamaLighters2

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive designer and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama luxury cigar accessories since 2010 and the exclusive world-wide licensee of Tommy Bahama branded accessories since 2015.  These accessories are known for their innovative designs, cutting edge technology and island theme inspired art.

 

The Ventura Cigar Company and parent company Phillips & King International will be responsible for the wholesale marketing and distribution of these new lighters, as well as the entire Tommy Bahama brand of cigar accessories.  Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King are wholly owned subsidiaries of Kretek International.

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News: Ventura Cigar Company Announces Upcoming Release of Archetype Fantasy Mini-Series

This one came in late yesterday, but I had already posted enough for one day!  I like these guys, I’m a big fan of the PSyKo Seven line and have enjoyed several other offerings. Of course, I’ve been following Michael Giannini for quite a while too and consider him a friend, and there’s the whole recent Island Lifestyle distribution news item too. So I hope to try the new Archetype offerings soon. 

 

The Journey Continues.

The next chapter of the popular Archetype saga is set to be revealed this July, at the 2018 IPCPR show. Continuing the narrative of the hero’s journey, this three-cigar series unveils new details of the overarching story, a flavorful new tangent to be smoked and savored.

Crystals, Curses, and Cloaks, the cigars of the Archetype Fantasy Miniseries, have been custom-crafted and blended with rich, premium tobaccos at the acclaimed Oliva factory. Specifics of these soon-to-be legendary cigars include:

Crystals

20-count box

Size: 5×50

Format: Robusto with closed foot and pigtail cap

Wrapper: Sun-grown Habano

Binder: Nicaragua Habano

Filler: Nicaragua Habano

MSRP: $180/box, $9/Cigar

Curses

20-count box

Size: 5×50

Format: Robusto with closed foot and pigtail cap

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’re telling a story at Ventura Cigars,” says Michael Giannini, General Manager at Ventura Cigar Company, and visionary behind the Archetype miniseries. “And although Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell would agree that there are similarities within any tale, it’s the particulars that set every story apart. The Archetype miniseries reveals more details of the hero’s journey. Really of every smoker’s journey. We’re all heroes on our adventure through life, and we’ll all uncover different nuances, flavors, and essences from these cigars. And that uniqueness is the beauty of this release.”

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.

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Podcast: CigarCraig Podcast Episode Four

In this, the fourth episode of the CigarCraig podcast, I present another recap of the Drew Estate Pennsylvania Barnsmoker held Saturday, June 23, 2018 in Strasburg, PA., this time with Pedro Gomez, Drew Estate’s Factory Spokesman. Pedro talks to me about the event. A full recap of the event can be found here.  I had hoped to talk with a few other people at the event, but everyone there is so busy, it’s hard to get people to get a few minutes uninterrupted, which, you’ll hear, didn’t even happen with Pedro, who was very generous with his time (we go way back!).  Barnsmoker’s are a good time, a great mix of education, good food and smokes a great people.  If there’s one you can get to, I recommend attending one if you can. I can hardly imagine one being disappointed if one were a fan of anything cigar related.

 

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

 

CigarCraig

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News: Drew Estate Releases Isla del Sol Maduro and Isla del Sol Sun Grown Gordito

For the fans of the coffee infused cigars, here’s some news from Drew Estate. I don’t mind a Java or a Tabak Especiale, but I can’t say as I’ve ever smoked a Isla del Sol, but I’m certainly not opposed to trying them, and they are easy on the wallet. I look forward to seeing these hit the market.  

 

Drew Estate announces its long awaited national release of Isla del Sol Maduro, the maduro wrapped blend of Isla del Sol, and the Gordito size of Isla del Sol Sun Grown, our original line of Isla del Sol, which will both be displayed in Drew Estate’s Booth at the IPCPR Convention and Tradeshow held, July 14-17, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Isla del Sol Maduro by Drew Estate is a premium handmade cigar blended with a rare triple-Nicaraguan-leaf mix, infused with coffee, and wrapped in luscious maduro leaf that’s garnished with a sweetened cap. The infusion process, great burn and draw, cocoa notes and mellow room aroma create an island of joy during the smoke.

 

IslaDelSolIsla del Sol Maduro will be featured in the following vitolas:

  • Isla del Sol Maduro Robusto 5 x 52, 10 Count Box, MSRP $50
  • Isla del Sol Maduro Toro 6 x 52, 10 Count Box, MSRP $54
  • Isla del Sol Maduro Gran Corona 5 x 44, 10 Count Box, MSRP $46
  • Isla del Sol Maduro Churchill 7 x 50, 10 Count Box, MSRP $58

IslaDelSol2

 

Isla del Sol Sun Grown Gordito is a 6 x 60 vitola and comes in a 16 Count Box, MSRP $91.52.

 

The Isla del Sol Maduro and Isla del Sol Sun Grown Gordito are shipping in September.

 

For full coverage of Isla del Sol Maduro and all of Drew Estate’s IPCPR national releases check out our 2018 #DEIPCPR promotion at www.drewestate.com/IPCPR. If you are attending IPCPR stop by for a smoke at the Drew Estate Booth (Booth #1814), and a cocktail under the Water Tower curated by John Drew Brands.

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News: Alec Bradley Announces “Mystery Cigar” For IPCPR 2018

I don’t get a lot of news from Alec Bradley, and I’ve known Jon Lipson there for quite a while, but I thought this was kind of interesting in that it’s really news that’s not saying a lot! It’s a teaser, and is up front about that. Obviously this news is targeted at retailers attending the IPCPR show, as with all of these news items, if something interests you, tell your local retailer to go to the show and look into it. Feel free to tell them you heard about it here, but nobody will care about that…😁

 

Alec Bradley Will Have an IPCPR Release, but It’s a Surprise

Hot off the heels of Alan Rubin’s sons, Alec & Bradley announcing, “Blind Faith”, their debut release, as second-generation cigar makers, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. is announcing its own “mystery” release at the International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Trade Show in Las Vegas, NV beginning July 13.

New School Innovation/ Old School Excitement:

Alec Bradley Cigar Co. prides itself on inspiration and innovation. Bucking the trends of the Premium Cigar Industry, the company has decided to announce a release, but keep it a mystery, providing very little detail prior to exhibiting it at the show.

“We want our tobacconist partners and our fans around the world to get just as excited as we are about this very special Alec Bradley release,” founder, Alan Rubin said. “That’s why we’re teasing it. There is something to be said about the old days in this business and the meaning of IPCPR. Retailers were eager to get to the show and see new products, so they could go back to their customers and say ‘Hey, check this out’. I want to bring that magic back to the show.”

Alec Bradley Cigar Co. invites all attendees of IPCPR to visit their booth- #2130 to get the first glimpse of their new release. At this time, they are confirming that the cigars are being made at the famed Raices Cubanas Factory in Danli, Honduras. Amongst the many award-winning cigars in the Alec Bradley portfolio, the 96-Rated ‘2011 Cigar of the Year,’ Alec Bradley Prensado was and continues to be produced at Raices Cubanas.

AlecBradleyMystery

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