Author Archives: CigarCraig

by CigarCraig | May 28, 2018 · 3:43 pm

News: Screwpop® Tool to Offer Redesign of Cigar Cutter “Chopo™”

Just getting back from Rome to find some news from my friends at Screwpop. This looks like a real improvement over the original, these are great for cutting Toscano cigars in half!

The latest in compact and highly functional tools, Screwpop® introduces – Chopo™Cigar Cutter, a reengineered force in cigar cutting technology.

Chopo™ is the successor of the original Screwpop® Cigar Cutter with a few major improvements. First, the Eyelet has been generously enlarged that puts the pivot motion closer to the cutting circle. Second, two ultra-thin washers have been added (one each side) to further minimize blade separation and to additionally prevent less wear on the Eyelet mechanism.

A few other key improvements are in the materials and methods of fabrication.

Chopo™ is made from high quality ultra flat 420 J2 (Japanese) stainless steel. Additionally, CNC manufacturing aids in helping with a few finishing touches that ensures the cutter fully closes and is virtually perfectly flat, in light of the 90 degree bends that dub as both finger and thumb grips.

Like it’s predessesor, Chopo™ includes a well-placed bottle opener for those who enjoy pairing a fine cigar with micro-brews.

Chopo™ is available for pre-order on Screwpop’s website: www.screwpoptool.com. It will also be available on Amazon.com, soon to follow.

Blades — 420 J2 sharpened stainless steel

Eyelet — Yellow Brass

Weight — 2oz

Size — 1/8 inch x 1.5 inch x 3 inch

Price — $24.95

Release Date — June 15, 2018

Intellectual Property Status — patented USPTO (design patent)

www.screwpoptool.com

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Tagged as Chopo, cigar, cigars, cutter, ScrewPop

by CigarCraig | May 27, 2018 · 10:14 am

Smoking Cigars and Sightseeing in Rome

My wife and I took a couple of days and are seeing the sights in Rome, Italy. This is going to be a short post, we still have some things to do and gelato to eat! I’ve smoked a few cigars whilst wandering around. I figured a Fratello Firecracker would be appropriate while at the Spanish Steps for several reasons. It was awesome, by the way. I look forward to trying Saka’s Mi Querida Firecracker

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when it comes out.

Any way, we hit all the tourist sights, Trevi Fountain (apparently all the fountains in Rome have potable water!) Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, incredible all the ancient ruins and buildings mixed in amongst the city. I tried to visit Fincato, the La Casa Del Habanos store in Rome, but it’s closed Sunday! I picked up some Toscano Cigars at another little tobacco shop along with a Cuban Montecristo Open Reg

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alo Tubo which I smoked walking back from the Colosseum and Roman Forum tour. I should have given it some humidor time at home since it burned crappy. Good flavor, just a nuisance to smoke. Fairly priced at 11,40 Euros I guess.

A couple of observations: many of what we would think are sidewalks are roads. If you’re a fan of scooters and small cars, and I am, this is the place for you. Finally, every Sunday at noon the Pope pokes his head out his window to bless the cigars, at least that’s the way I translated it. There were even cosplayers in St Peters Square for the blessing, we stood next to three guys in brown robes tied with rope at the waist!

Having fun in Rome, until the next time,

CigarCraig

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Tagged as cigar, cigars, Coliseum, Fratello, Rome, Vatican

by CigarCraig | May 24, 2018 · 10:36 am

News: J.C. Newman Distributes 100,000 FDA Comment Cards to Retailers

I’m getting ready to travel this weekend, so I may or may not be posting anything for a few days. Here’s a news item from the Folks at J.C. Newman. It’s amazing that the greatest threat to some business is our own government! I doubt that all those who we are supposed to be celebrating this weekend died so that their government could crush family businesses arbitrarily!

This week, J.C. Newman Cigar Company began distri

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buting 100,000 postcards to premium cigar retailers across the country as part of its “Save Cigar City” campaign.

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The postcards, which are pre-addressed to the FDA, allow Americans who enjoy fine cigars to submit comments urging that the FDA exempt premium cigars from regulation. The FDA’s deadline for public comment is June 25, 2018.

“As the FDA reconsiders the regulation of premium cigars, we wanted make it easy as possible for cigar connoisseurs to share their comments with the FDA,” said Eric Newman. “It is critically important for our leaders in Washington to hear from adults across America who enjoy premium cigars.”

In 2016, the FDA decided to apply the same massive and costly regulations designed for cigarettes to handcrafted, premium cigars. According to the FDA’s own estimates, regulation is expected to put up to 50% of the cigar industry out of business. This spring, the FDA announced that it is reviewing the regulation of premium cigars and is accepting public comments through June 25, 2018.

“As a 123-year-old, four-generation, family-owned cigar company, we want to be able to stay in business for another 123 years,” said Bobby Newman. “Unfortunately, complying with FDA regulations will cost our historic cigar factory in Tampa, Florida approximately $30 million — three times its annual gross sales. Many other premium cigar businesses will be forced to close as well if the government doesn’t relieve us of the burdens of FDA regulation.”

Earlier this month, J.C. Newman launched “Save Cigar City,” a grassroots campaign to highlight how America’s historic premium cigar industry is seriously threatened by excessive FDA regulation. A century ago, Tampa was known around the world as “Cigar City.” At that time, there were 150 large cigar factories in Tampa that rolled more than 500 million cigars per year. Today, J.C. Newman’s 108-year-old “El Reloj” factory is the last cigar factory left in Tampa.

“We are very grateful to Commissioner Gottlieb and the FDA for their willingness to take a fresh look at regulation of premium cigars and for giving us this new opportunity to submit comments,” said Drew Newman. “We also greatly appreciate all of the premium cigar retailers across the country who are helping us spread the word about FDA regulation and encouraging their customers to submit comments to the FDA.”

The postcards are pre-printed with a message asking the FDA to exempt premium cigars from regulation and save J.C. Newman’s historic cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. The message also supports more detailed comments that J.C. Newman, the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association, Cigar Rights of America, and the Cigar Association of America are filing with the FDA that explain the issue in more depth. As J.C. Newman is paying for the postage, consumers just need to sign their names and drop the postcards in a mailbox to make their voice heard. Alternatively, consumers can submit their comments to FDA electronically, by going towww.SaveCigarCity.com.

Cigar retailers who would like a set of postcards for their store can contact their J.C. Newman / Arturo Fuente regional sales manager or call 813-248-2124.

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Tagged as cigar, Cigar City, cigar rights, cigars, FDA, J.C.Newman

by CigarCraig | May 22, 2018 · 3:00 pm

Podcast: CigarCraig Podcast Episode One

It’s been a couple of weeks since I announced I’d be jumping into this podcast thing, and I’ve been trying desperately to figure out an angle that hasn’t been done yet, I don’t want to do the same thing everyone else is doing! So I had the audio from a conversation I had in 2010 with George Hamilton. He’s not just a Hollywood icon, author and famed ladies man, George Hamilton loves cigars. Not only does he love them, but his knowledge of the growing and manufacture go well beyond that of even the most hardcore enthusiast. From landing in Havana in January of 1959 and being detained by the revolution (read “Don’t Mind if I Do”!), to having brands of cigars and cigar bars bearing his name, Mr. Hamilton knows cigars and took some time out of his busy day to speak with me about them. I transcribed the recording, which, by the way, was made using very old technology involving cassette tape, and posted it in text form (here). I have another iconic interview recorded that might make it into a future episode! In the mean time I’m still trying to come up with a solid concept, so send in your ideas!

Thanks for taking the time to listen! Until the next time,

CigarCraig

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Tagged as cigar, cigars, George Hamilton, podcast

by CigarCraig | May 21, 2018 · 2:42 pm

News: Diesel Launches Whiskey Row in Partnership with Rabbit Hole Bourbon

Here’s some news from General Cigar Company today. You know I’m not a drinker, so when I smoke cigars that are aged in spirits barrels I often wonder if I’m missing something because of my lack of taste experience. Hardly matters, give them a try and let me know!

Diesel presents Whiskey Row, a collection blended by AJ Fernandez and developed in partnership with Rabbit Hole Bourbon, a maverick new distillery making its mark on the bourbon category. Whiskey Row features binder leaves aged in bourbon barrels, in a proprietary process developed by AJ to enhance the profile of the cigar.

Diesel Senior Brand Manager Justin Andrews said, “The partnership between Diesel and Rabbit Hole speaks of going against the grain in traditional industries. Rabbit Hole doesn’t claim to use 12 year old juice or have a 6th generation master distiller, much like Diesel doesn’t claim to be an old Cuban brand or have tobaccos that have been aged for 20 years. Both Rabbit Hole and Diesel are young, energetic brands with a unique go-to-market strategy. We knew the first time both companies sat down, there was a tremendous amount of synergy.”

Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole Bourbon said, “Together, cigars and great whiskey have created uncountable moments of quiet joy. Aging fine tobacco in bourbon barrels which were used to age Rabbit Hole Bourbon modernizes that great tradition. We’re excited that our partnership with Diesel gives us a hand in adding depth to what is already a profoundly enjoyable experience.”

The synergy between both brands was brought to life in 2016 when Rabbit Hole Bourbon barrels arrived at Tabalacera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua. AJ placed the Mexican San Andres binder in the bourbon barrels in a special configuration. The tobacco was left to rest inside the barrels, and the amount of air inside was controlled at regular intervals to ensure the bourbon flavors were imparted evenly.

AJ Fernandez says, “A lot of passion went into this process and I am very pleased with the results. Aging the binder leaf in the bourbon barrels added an unexpected layer of flavor and aroma right beneath the wrapper. When you smoke Whiskey Row, you get a unique and complex experience that engages the senses unlike any other cigar I’ve smoked.”

Diesel Whiskey Row features a three-region blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos from Ometepe, Condega and Jalapa, each aged 5 to 8 years, and enveloped in the bourbon-barrel-aged Mexican binder. The entire blend is wrapped in Ecuadoran Habano which is aged for five years.

The spice and full flavor of the Nicaraguan tobacco, with the aroma, flavor and slight sweetness of the wrapper/binder combo delivers oaky flavor notes and hints of bourbon in the aroma. Diesel Whiskey Row is a very versatile, medium-bodied smoke that plays well with bourbon and other complementary flavors.

Diesel Whiskey Row will launch in June with four sizes, each presented in 25-count boxes.

Robusto 5.5 x 52 – SRP per cigar is $7.49

Toro 6 x 54 – SRP per cigar is $7.99

Churchill 7 x 49 – SRP per cigar is $8.49

Gigante 6 x 60 – SRP per cigar is $8.99

Beginning in July, Diesel Whiskey Row events featuring pairings with Rabbit Hole Bourbon will be held at select cigar shops across the U.S. For more information, visit www.dieselcigar.com.

About Diesel

Handcrafted by artisans in Esteli, Nicaragua, Diesel cigars are “bold by design.” The brand challenges the current conventions of the handmade cigar category through the bold, unapologetic style of its Cigar Master, AJ Fernandez. Diesel cigars are unified by their deeply complex flavor which is achieved through AJ’s steadfast adherence to time honored cigar making techniques. Whiskey Row is the second brand in the Diesel portfolio, joining Diesel Grind which debuted in 2017.

About Rabbit Hole

Diversifying the spirits landscape with a modern approach to whiskey is Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole. Born in 2012 by Founder & Whiskey Maker Kaveh Zamanian in the heart of Louisville’s urban bourbon trail, Rabbit Hole unifies heritage techniques with innovative mash bills, creating unique expressions of American whiskey redefining native Bourbon language. With four signature bottles – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks – Fingerprint Edition and London Dry Gin-Kentucky Rye Barrel Finished – Fingerprint Edition – Rabbit Hole turns the whiskey world on its tale, inviting imbibers to take a sip and dive down the rabbit hole, where “there’s no going back™.” Visit rabbitholedistilling.com.