Category Archives: News

by | March 3, 2021 · 7:00 am

News: Amendola Family Cigar Co. to be Distributed by Illusione Cigars

Here’s some news from Amendola Cigars. I’ve heard of this brand, but never smoked any of their cigars. MAybe now that they are being distributed by Illusione, I’ll find some locally. I was just saying I needed to smoke more Illusione cigars, wasn’t I? 

 

Amendola Family Cigar Co. announces that they have reached a distribution deal with Illusione Cigars. Illusione Cigars casts a wide net of retailer relationships across the US and internationally which will further expose Amendola’s premium cigars to smokers.

   

Jeffrey Amendola, a proud New York native, launched Amendola Family Cigar Co. in 2017, but his tobacco journey began in 2010. In his previous profession as a police officer, Jeffrey became immersed in what started as a cigar hobby. His passion for cigars grew and traveled to Ybor Cigar in 2012. There he learned to blend and roll premium cigars under the direction of Odelma Matos. In 2011, his blending and rolling education led to opening a small factory and tobacconist shop in Durham, N.C. In his mind the next logical step was to create his own brand, named in honor of what he cherishes most, family.

 

 

Jeffrey Amendola said: “I am grateful every day to my grandparents who arrived in the United States from Italy, penniless, and created a better life for us. Amendola cigars was created in honor of them and my Italian heritage. Together with my business partner and best friend, Christopher Monaco, we look forward to working closely with the Illusione Cigars team to further expose our story and Amendola Cigars to the smoking public.”

 

Brian Motola, Director of Sales of Illusione Cigars stated:” I have known Jeffrey and Chris for a long while. These gentlemen have worked hard to create exceptionally good cigar brands, I feel confident that Amendola Cigars will fit perfectly within the Illusione portfolio of products.”

 

ABOUT AMENDOLA CIGARS:

Amendola Cigars was established in 2017. First generation cigar blender and roller Jeffrey Amendola combined his passion for cigars with his Italian family heritage to create Amendola Cigars. Together with business partner and best friend, Christopher Monaco, Amendola Cigars boast a series of brands cigar that proudly represent their Italian American heritage.

For more information please visit: www.AmedolaFamilyCigars.com

 

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by | February 28, 2021 · 9:42 am

An Illusione HL Candela and Some Oveja Negra News

Yesterday I smoked another cigar that I bought from Scotty’s Cigars, an Illusione ~hl~ Candela.  This is a 7 ½” x 40 Lancero with a pigtail cap and a bright green candela wrapper. It’s a Nicaraguan puro made in Honduras apparently. I’ve smoked the ~hl~ in Maduro and loved it. First I’ll say that I need to smoke more Illusione cigars, I don’t frequent the local stores that have a good selection of them, enough. I love smoking them when I pick them up, and I love listening to Dion any chance I get.  I need to sample more of the lines. Regarding the Candela ~hl~, or Holy Lance as it’s sometimes referred, if you aren’t a fan of candela, this may not be for you. If you are a fan of candela, and I really enjoy it from time to time as a change of pace and palate refresher, this is a great cigar. It’s got that crisp, clean, herbal kind of flavor. You can taste the chloroform chlorophyll and, like I said, it’s refreshing! This example had a great burn and draw and gave me two hours of relaxation on the porch.  I wouldn’t have wanted to take this for a walk on a cold, winders night, but in the comfort of the propane heater, it was real nice. It was a damned tasty smoke.

 

I received a couple news stories this week from Oveja Negra, and I want to comment on the first one, involving the distribution in Belgium and Luxembourg. I usually don’t pass along news items about international distribution, but there was another piece of this that cought my eye. The company that is the distributor in that small part of Europe is called Media Rueda and Halfwheel’s holding company is called Rueda Media (Halfwheel reported on the story and commented on this, saying they had no prior knowledge of the European company until this story). I’m guessing Halfwheel has had the name since it’s inception in 2012 or ‘13 or whenever it was they started, so my question is: will there be a letter sent from the attorneys on this? Is a cigar distributor in tiny Belgium/Luxembourg worth the legal fees, or is it a matter of ego? Am I right in assuming that my readers neither care about international distribution, nor the name of Halfwheel’s holding company or are likely to confuse it with a European distributor? Disregard all of this and check out these two news items from the folks at Oveja Negra, the second of which is probably far more interesting!

 

Oveja Negra Brands is pleased to announce their distribution agreement with Media Rueda™ for Belgium and Luxembourg.

Starting today Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio cigars will be available in the Belgium and Luxembourg markets through Media Rueda™.

 

“After entering the German market a couple of years ago, we have been humbled by the incredible reception our cigars have received. We are excited to continue our expansion in Europe by adding Media Rueda™ to the Oveja Negra family.  Pieter and his partners have been amazing supporters of what we do and I’m looking forward to working with him in the Belgium market,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and BLK WKS, and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

“We are excited to bring Oveja Negra Brands to our markets. There is great demand for excellent, hand crafted cigars and we feel honored Oveja Negra Brands put their trust in us to serve our local customers,” added Pieter De Windt, partner at Media Rueda™.

Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio create handcrafted premium cigars of the utmost quality in small batch, limited quantities at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

 

Media Rueda™ bv has the express goal to import and distribute added value, hand-made premium cigars in Europe.  For more information, please visit mediarueda.eu

 

 

 

I look forward to trying this Cameroon wrapped cigar! Corona Gorda and Lonsdale are neat sizes too.

 

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of Hyena: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

HYENA is a Limited Edition that will be shipping to select BLK WKS retailers at the beginning of March.

“Hyena is the latest addition to the BLK WKS portfolio. A truly unique cigar that is focused on showcasing a perfect balance between Nicaraguan fillers and the Cameroon wrapper. The profile is spice forward with white pepper & semi-sweet baking spices blended with herbal notes & cedar. The finish is a blend of bitter cocoa, cream & malt. Hyena is an extremely complex and balanced cigar and is a tribute to my wife’s and my many years of living in Africa,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC & BLK WKS and owner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

HYENA
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Cameroon
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Corona Gorda – 5 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $12.00
Lonsdale – 6.5×42 (20 count) MSRP $12.50

 

These cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique and tobacco of our boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra. BLK WKS cigars are available for purchase through Oveja Negra Brands. For more information visit OvejaNegraCigars.com.

 

 

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

 

CigarCraig

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by | February 17, 2021 · 9:19 pm

News: Joya de Nicaragua to Celebrate Central America’s Bicentennial with Limited Edition Cigar: Dos Cientos

I’m being lazy tonight and posting a news item. I spent the evening as a guest on the Smokin’ Tabacco show with Matt Tabacco and Jon Carney. I think I didn’t make a huge fool of myself, so if you didn’t watch live, check it out on YouTube or listen to the podcast (like I do). I feel compelled to share news from the folks at Joya de Nicaragua, as it’s one of my favorite companies.  They always make great cigars and my two visits to their factory have been some of my favorite times. I can’t believe it’s been nearly eight years since my last visit! 

 

Joya de Nicaragua to Celebrate Central America’s Bicentennial with Limited Edition Cigar: Dos Cientos
 

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Central American independence from the Spanish empire. Emboldened by the independence movements in Latin America and throughout the Caribbean, and by the American War of Independence and French Revolution, Central Americans won their right to self-government and the stage was set for the creation of the nations of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

 

During the bicentennial anniversary of Central American independence, Joya de Nicaragua, Nicaragua’s first premium cigar manufacturer and one of the region’s most iconic cigar brands, will commemorate the occasion with the release of Dos Cientos, a super-premium and limited edition cigar. The introduction will be topped off with a virtual Central American Independence Day party where everyone who has purchased a box of Dos Cientos will be invited to smoke a cigar together while sharing the region’s exciting path to tobacco greatness.“For us there is always a link between the past and the present,” says Juan Ignacio Martinez, president of Joya de Nicaragua. “We are who we are today because of the decisions that were made hundreds of years ago. Dos Cientos pays tribute to those 200 years and who we are today as the leading cigar producing country and region in the world.” 

Dos Cientos means “200 Years” in Spanish. This medium-bodied and complex cigar, is the perfect way to commemorate the rich history of Central America and tobacco’s important role in the region’s history. “The leaf’s role in the development of our culture and our society has been fundamental,” says Joya de Nicaragua’s owner, Dr. Alejandro Martinez-Cuenca. “Tobacco was ever present as we created our own economic, political and cultural identities. That was the moment in which we became what we are today as a region. We want to celebrate that achievement of our own birth as a country and as a region, so we’re showcasing tobaccos from different American countries—Nicaragua, Honduras, Mexico, Ecuador and the Dominican Republic. We are paying tribute to the Latin Americans and the Americans who achieved independence to craft their own destiny.”

Dos Cientos will be part of Joya de Nicaragua’s Obras Maestras family, which includes Cinco Decadas, Cuatro Cinco and Numero Uno. This one-time release of 2,000 boxes will feature a 6 x 54 Gran Toro vitola and will be available in retail stores in August. Each box contains 21 cigars, including one cigar encased in a unique paper wrap that’s intended to be smoked during a special virtual celebration on Central American Independence Day, on Sept. 15, 2021.

 

“We will invite people to smoke it together with us and talk about our history, the value of that history and the significance of who we are, not only for ourselves but for the rest of the world,” Dr. Martinez-Cuenca concludes.”

 

ABOUT JOYA DE NICARAGUA

Joya de Nicaragua is a family-owned tobacco grower and cigar factory. Established in 1968, it is the first and most authentic premium handmade cigar manufacturer in Nicaragua.

 

Based in Estelí, many regard Joya de Nicaragua as the patriarch creator of the Nicaraguan cigar industry, and its cigars are sold in more than 65 countries around the world.

 

The company’s commitment to quality, along with its skillful and resilient people, have been rewarded with the industry recognition of Cigar Factory of the Year 2018, 2019 & 2020.

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by | January 6, 2021 · 8:54 pm

Fratello Pennsylvanian Cigar and Fratello News

Back in September it was announced that Fratello Cigars was releasing an exclusive cigar for Pennsylvania retailers. As I said in my post when this was announced, I was excited about this since I am a lifelong Pennsylvanian, and have supported Fratello since its inception. Initially, it was announced that the blend was to be Habano Ecuador wrapper with a Dominican binder and Nicaragua filler tobacco, however that changed. The final blend has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and adds some Pennsylvania broadleaf to the filler. It’s made at the La Aurora factory in the Dominican Republic. I was surprised initially that there wasn’t some PA tobacco in the blend, I’m glad that this was addressed in the final blend. I am not one to chase down cigars, but I made a point to get ahold of some of these cigars as soon as I could, so I contacted Kameron at one of my local CigarCigars shops and he got some for me as soon as he could. I couldn’t wait to smoke one. This is a 6″ x 52 torpedo, and has a beautiful oily maduro wrapper. If this had been a Toro, I would think that Omar had made this cigar specifically with me in mind, but I’ll gladly accept the torpedo. It’s a delicious cigar! It’s full flavored, sweed cocoa, with some spice and sweetness and a perfect burn. The PA broadleaf in the filler gives it a unique spice that I’m glad it made it into the blend. It makes it special, and uniquely Pennsylvanian, and unique in the series of cigars that Fratello has made for other states. I just wish that the band had something that said PA on it. I can’t have everything! Thank you Omar! This was a stellar cigar, it may surpass the Bianco Boxer as my favorite Fratello cigar, and is certainly my favorite cigar of 2021. 

 

News

Old news, by now, but relevant to the above. I’ve known Zev for a long time and he’s a good dude. Sure, the last two companies he’s worked for have been sold, and he has a bad reputation when it comes to air travel, but cycles change! He will be a great addition to the Fratello family! 


ZEV KAMINETSKY JOINS FRATELLO CIGARS AS VP OF SALES

Fratello Cigars is proud to announce the hiring of Zev Kaminetsky as the new VP of Sales for Fratello Cigars. Kaminetsky is a cigar industry veteran, having spent nearly 15 years with Camacho, Drew Estate & most recently as National Sales Director for Royal Agio Cigars USA (Balmoral Premium Cigars).

 

“I’ve known Zev since before I started Fratello.  His professionalism, work ethic and family values fit right into our culture of hard work.  I respect his commitment and the reputation he has worked so hard to build with the hundreds of brick and mortars and consumers he has come across with.  I can’t be any more excited to welcome Zev to our small family.” Said de Frias.  

 

“I first met Omar on a trip thru the Washington, DC area with Jose Blanco while he still worked at NASA. I immediately recognized his passion for, as well as knowledge of, Premium Cigars & Tobacco. When he started Fratello Cigars a few years later, I knew it would not only be an amazing experience for him, but that his presence would have an instant & lasting effect on our industry. Watching what he has achieved in such a short time is a testament what he brings to the table, and I look forward to learning from him as we take the Fratello brand to the next level.” Said Kaminetsky

 

Kaminetsky is scheduled to begin his new position at Fratello Cigars January 11th, 2021.

 

Fratello Cigars was established in 2013.  Since inception Fratello has grown to be sold in over 800 brick and mortars in the US and 15 international destinations.    

 

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

 

CigarCraig

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by | December 9, 2020 · 8:18 pm

News: Black Label Trading Co. Announces Seventh Release of Morphine and a Short Unrelated Editorial

I just finished taking part in another roundtable discussion for an upcoming episode of the Kaplowitz Media Podcast. I’ve been enjoying listening to Kap’s podcasts for a while, and am humbled and honored to have been included in the last two episodes. I actually feel rather comfortable among this group, I feel like I can speak candidly, although I may have spoken a bit too candidly on this episode. Kap’s sense of humor aligns with my own and I appreciate his show, especially his segment with Dion Giolito. It’s very entertaining, just, avoid the segments I appear in, I can’t stand the sound of my own voice, which is largely why I abandoned my own podcast.  Now, since I haven’t smoked anything new or notable over the last few days, here’s some news from the folks at Black Label Trading Company. 

 

Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce its Seventh annual release of MORPHINE: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at BLTC’s own factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

“This is our seventh vintage of Morphine so we wanted to change things up a bit to celebrate. I designed new artwork and each of the three vitolas is wrapped in two wrappers, Ecuador Maduro and Mexican San Andrés. The 2020 vintage is rich and earthy with bold spice on the retro. The key flavors are raisin, black cherry and a big blast of anise on the finish. The dual wrappers work together to make this vintage very unique and one of the best so far,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

MORPHINE cigars will be available in limited quantities at select BLTC retailers beginning this week.

 

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés & Ecuador Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
Filler: Nicaragua
Corona Gorda – 5.5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $10.50
Lancero – 7.25 x 42 (12 count) MSRP $11.00
Short Robusto – 4.5 x 50 (20 count) MSRP $10.50

 

Black Label Trading Company is redefining the standards for cigar making. With a less is more philosophy, Black Label Trading Co. creates hand crafted premium cigars of the utmost quality at their own factory in Nicaragua.

 

For more information please visit OvejaNegraCigars.com. Consumers may search by zip code for retailers nearest them.

 

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