Category Archives: News

by Craig Vanderslice | June 3, 2020 · 10:05 am

Some DE News and the Contest Winner Announcement!

I’m doing my best to try to maintain some semblance of normalcy in what’s turning into quite the shitshow of a 2020, quite frankly. I’m not sure how else to characterize it. I have my feelings on things, but I’m just going to try to stick to my “don’t be a dick” mantra, and keep on doing what I need to do to get through the day. I encourage everyone to live by that philosophy, the world would be a better place. One can dream. Anyway, before I announce a winner of the great Drew Estate goodies, here’s some news they sent my way.

Drew Estate has been putting out more news than I can keep up with lately! I’m sure you’ve seen the news about the new Joya Numero Uno size and the Acid Samplers already, so I won’t revisit those, but these are from the last few days:

Drew Estate Unveils Four New Gift Sets

Drew Estate announces today four new gift sets of their most popular brands including Undercrown Shade, Herrera Esteli Habano, Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty and Tabak Especial Dulce. This release will be showcased on the upcoming Freestyle Live: Special Edition hosted on facebook.com/drewestatecigar on June 11^th from 7:00-9:00pm EST.

Each gift set features 5 toro sized cigars and a branded lighter exclusive to the gift set release. Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty toro kicks off the releases, wrapped in lush Maduro and blended with rich and exotic tobaccos. Next, the Herrera Esteli Habano toro features a spicy Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Honduran Binder, and bold filler leaves from Nicaragua. The Undercrown Shade is highlighted by a smooth Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Sumatra binder with Dominican and Nicaraguan filler leaves. Finally, the Tabak Especial Dulce features a creamy Connecticut wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler leaves, perfect to pair with your cup of coffee.

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Jonathan Drew Founder and President of Drew Estate notes, “Gift Sets are cool as fuck. I dig em.”

The following gift sets featuring a branded lighter are shipping in August:

Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty Toro Gift Set MSRP $57.99
Herrera Esteli Habano Toro Gift Set MSRP $57.99
Tabak Especial Dulce Toro Gift Set MSRP $57.99
Undercrown Shade Toro Gift Set MSRP $57.99

For full coverage of Drew Estate Gift Sets and all of Drew Estate’s upcoming national releases check out our 2020 #DESummerTakeover promotion at www.drewestate.com/summertakeover and be sure to tune in to Freestyle Live: Special Edition hosted on facebook.com/drewestatecigar on June 11th from 7:00-9:00pm EST.

ABOUT DREW ESTATE

Founded in New York City in 1996, Drew Estate has become one of the fastest growing tobacco companies in the world. Under their mantra “The Rebirth of Cigars”, Drew Estate has led the “Boutique Cigar” movement by innovating new elements to the tobacco industry with their unique tobaccos and blending styles that attract new and traditional cigar enthusiasts. In their Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, the Nicaraguan headquarters, Drew Estate produces a variety of brands such as ACID, Herrera Estelí, Herrera Estelí Norteño, Isla del Sol, Kentucky Fired Cured, Liga Privada, MUWAT, Larutan by Drew Estate, Nica Rustica, Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Cigars, Tabak Especial, Undercrown, Florida Sun Grown, and Java by Drew Estate.

Not to be outdone, Joya de Nicaragua has been announcing new stuff too:

JOYA DE NICARAGUA DARES YOU TO “SHUT THE BOX”

A LIMITED AND PLAYFUL EDITION OF THE LEGENDARY ANTAÑO

Back in 2012, Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, Chairman of Joya de Nicaragua, won his first game of Shut the Box. He was on tour, visiting old friends in the cigar industry, and in one stop at Havana Mix Shop in Memphis, TN, he was challenged to a game. As a numbers guy, backed by a PhD in Economics, he accepted the dare. You could argue that an exact science has nothing to do with rolling the dice, or you could simply try to shut the box!

Shut the Box is a traditional American game that Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca has become obsessed with and dares anybody to challenge him! “I never thought that day I would discover one of my now favorite pastimes, and moreover, that 8 years after, my team would come up with the idea of making a cigar box that transforms into it. The best of all is that now I’ll find it in cigar lounges across America when I visit,” explained Dr. Alejandro Martínez Cuenca, Chairman of the Board.Antaño is one of Joya de Nicaragua’s oldest and most successful blends of all time. Launched in 2001, it is considered by many as the first real full body cigar in the market. An innovative approach of the most traditional factory in Nicaragua, that became an iconic cigar for American smokers, now considered a true classic. With a Nicaraguan Habano Wrapper and Nicaraguan Binder and Fillers, this cigar is an ultra robust, spicy smoke with an earthy finish, and unbridled body and aroma, which showcase the authentic Nicaraguan Puro.

Antaño Shut the Box Limited Edition is a special gift from Fábrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua to those loyal consumers that have been supporting the brand for almost 20 years. It has manufactured 500 Collector’s Edition boxes of each of the two most popular vitolas in this blend, JDN’s signature Gran Cónsul (4 ¾ x 60 – MSRP $ 182/box or $9.10/stick) and Robusto Grande (5 ½ x 52 – MSRP $169/box or $8.45/stick). After the cigars have been enjoyed, the box is ready to play “Shut the Box”.

“For many years we have been thinking about ideas on how to make our empty boxes be useful after all cigars are smoked, and this is how we decided to let people have some fun. At the moment, we didn’t know we were going to be bringing to smokers a special game so useful these days that we have to stay longer at home,” said Juan Ignacio Martínez, Executive President.

Antaño Shut the Box will be available to stores across the country as of June 2020, and will come in the traditional 20 count boxes, with cigars, instructions and two dice ready to be played with those closest to you. The perfect kit for cigar smokers that want to add some fun to their smoke.

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 from Nicaragua. Based in Estelí, many regard JDN as the patriarch creator of the Nicaraguan cigar industry, and its cigars are sold in more than 55 countries around the world. The company’s commitment to quality along with its skillful and resilient people, have rewarded it with the industry recognition of Cigar Factory of the Year 2018 & 2019.

Contest Winner!

I am still throwing cigars in a bag, but so far, along with a Year of the Rat as promised, I’ve included a Nica Rustica Belly from the launch event in Louisville KY in July of 2015 and one each of the new Undercrown Corona Pequeños. I’ll rummage around and find some more to add, I’m sure there will be some Joyas too. I’ve consulted the Random Number Generator, and, as Patrick H predicted, it got close to him, but missed him by this much! Patrick G is the winner! Please send your address so I can get this stuff out to you. I just thought of two more great cigars to put in while I was typing this! Thanks so much to Drew Estate for sending me the Liga Privada Survival Kit and the other swag I’ve collected over the years! It brings me great joy to give stuff like this away! It’s a good thing they didn’t send one of those Benchmade knife/cutters or we wouldn’t have been having a contest, those things are wicked-cool!

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

CigarCraig

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 20, 2020 · 8:55 am

News, Etc: Island Lifestyle Cigars ADAP Program, New Packaging and Sungrown Toros

Here’s some news from my friends at Island Lifestyle Cigars, but first, I smoked a few of their cigars over the last few days while I was thinking about these two news items. Also, I know I said I’d have a contest this week, I’ll get to that later in the week, patience, amigos. I’ve actually been doing some projects around the house in my copious free

Old on the Left, New on the Right

time, and time got away from me. Anyway, I smoked some Island Lifestyle Sungrown Toros, an old one and a new one. The old one was from the original release, several years ago. It was a tightly guarded secret who made the original release, try as I may, I was unable to get the guys there to tell me who was making them, until later last year when they changed factories, and they revealed that the old versions were, in fact, made by Perdomo. This certainly came as no surprise as the quality was always excellent and the cigars were very good. The new cigars are made by the Oliva Cigar Company, and maintain the excellent quality. While comparing the aged old version to the less aged new version is an unfair comparison, the new version seems to me to be an improvement in depth of flavor. The Sungrown has some strength, some spice, but has a nice ballance and were very nice cigars. I’m a little sad that the old one was the last one I’ll smoke, but happy that I’ll be able to get the new ones, especially because there’s a shop not far away that carries them. They livened up the bands too, they look really nice!

ISLAND LIFESTYLE AGED RESERVE CIGARS NOW IN REVAMPED PACKAGING

Island Lifestyle Importers is pleased to announce their highly rated Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve Cigars are now packaged in beautiful 10 count boxes. The new white boxes with the distinctively colorful box wraps are more emblematic of its tropical namesake.

Island Lifestyle Importers focused on a box quantity more in keeping with today’s consumer wishes. The 10 count box is not only more economically friendly for the consumer, it also allows for a smaller footprint within the retailer’s display areas. The new packaging replaces the old 25 count box quantity.

According to Ryan Frailing, Chief Operating Officer for Island Lifestyle Importers, “We listened to our dealers’ feedback regarding space and consumer retail buying trends and we adjusted accordingly. We want them to know we are committed to assist them in the success of their stores.”

Island Lifestyle Importers is the owner and importer of Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve and Island Club Cigars. Island Lifestyle Importers is also the exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories. These accessories are known for their beautiful look, leading edge technology and outstanding quality.

For further information contact Rick@IslandLifestyleImporters.com or (941) 378-3200.

ISLAND LIFESTYLE IMPORTERS CREATES THE “ADAP” PROGRAM

Now that the PCA convention has unfortunately, but necessarily, been canceled for 2020, Island Lifestyle Cigars and Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories have established the Additional Dealer Assistance Program (ADAP) for retailers.

In announcing the new program, Ryan Frailing, Chief Operating Officer of Island Lifestyle Importers said “We will miss seeing our old friends and making new ones. We enjoy spending that time getting to know and learn more about their businesses. It provides valuable feedback as we grow and develop new products.”

Earlier this year Island Lifestyle Importers announced they had taken back responsibilities for all marketing and distribution functions of their products. Island Lifestyle Importers had planned to offer additional discounts and a number of exciting promotions at PCA 2020.

Frailing stated “In an age of uncertainty Island Lifestyle Importers desires to do everything possible to assist in dealer’s success. With the cancelation of the convention, Island Lifestyle Importers will be taking the monies wenormally spend on the trade show and rededicate it to the dealer network through weekly specials.”

The Additional Dealer Assistance Program (ADAP) will be emailed each week with promotional offerings including deep discounts, product specials, new product releases and no minimum order requirements. Frailing went on to say “We established this program to give our retail partners greater flexibility and profitability as we work together to move beyond the challenges created by the Corona virus.”

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive importer of Island Lifestyle Cigars and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories.

For further information contact Ryan@IslandLifestyleImporters.com or (941) 378-3200.

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 12, 2020 · 8:56 am

News: Cajun Cigar Czar Thrives Through Unique Distribution Channels

I am only really familiar with Dustin through being Facebook friends, but here’s some news about his cigar distribution business.

CAJUN CIGAR CZAR CLOSING THE GAP BETWEEN CIGAR MANUFACTURER AND CONSUMER THROUGH NEW AND INNOVATIVE DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS

Cajun Cigar Czar has quietly become one of the fastest growing cigar distributors by way of clever product placement, high technological acumen, and of course, love of cigars. Dustin Prudhomme. founder of Cajun Cigar Czar feels confident that he can provide new opportunities for cigar makers, by expanding sales in hard to reach markets.

Dustin Prudhomme, a Louisiana native, took on the challenge to distribute premium handmade cigars, by way of a challenge. An industry insider tried to dissuade Dustin from getting into the cigar industry. This only motivated Dustin to use his grit, technological education, and Six Sigma background to open Cajun Cigar Czar in 2017 with zero capital.

Dustin was able to identify locations in where consumers may find it difficult to access cigar shops. Dustin first approached one of the largest independent grocers in the US and offered to create stylish custom humidors for each location. Each, with a built-in computer system created by Dustin, which alerts Cajun Cigar Czar when the humidor needs replenishing. This creates a hands-off and profitable business opportunity for the retail owner and increased sales for the cigar manufacturer. Dustin’s proof of concept exceeded expectations and was able to expand to CTE stores, gas stations, country clubs, private clubs, liquor stores etc. in 17 states and growing.

Dustin Prudhomme stated: “We at Cajun Cigar Czar have worked hard to present the art of handmade cigars to untapped markets. It has been a pleasure to work with some of our partners like Espinosa Cigars, Rocky Patel, Drew Estate, Villiger Cigars, General Cigars to name just a few. We look forward to expanding our footprint and partner up with retail shops and continue a fruitful relationship with our cigar manufacturing partners.”

Cajun Cigar Czar will continue to evolve as they are a major stakeholder in Tubeaux, LLC. Tubeaux, LLC has launched a multinational patent-pending space optimization, to allow the continual deployment of premium tobacco to spaces which never were feasible prior.

ABOUT CAJUN CIGAR CZAR: Cajun Cigar Czar is the brainchild of Dustin Prudhomme, a proud Louisiana native with a love of cigars and a knack for technology. Cajun Cigar Czar is one of the fastest growing cigar distribution companies in the USA. Using custom made remote managing humidors, Cajun Cigar Czar provides high quality handmade cigars to consumers via handpicked retail partners. Cajun Cigar Czar is currently located in 17 States and growing.

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 11, 2020 · 8:00 pm

News: Black Label Trading Company Ships Bishops Blend 5 Year Anniversary Cigars

Here’s some news from BLTC. You may recall I posted about the release of the Lancero back on March 31st. Now they are shipping the Corona Larga and Robusto. Hopefully when these get to the stores they are open, at least enough so that you can get to purchase them. Oveja Negra always makes some interesting and tasty cigars.

Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the shipment of Bishops Blend 5 Year Anniversary to select retailers. Bishops Blend is hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.This is the fifth-year anniversary of Bishops Blend in the Corona Larga and Robusto vitolas. The Lancero vitola was released earlier this year. By releasing one of its top selling Limited Editions, BLTC hopes to encourage sales for its retailers in this difficult time.

“This has become our most anticipated release of the year. With that anticipation comes extra excitement when we are finally able to ship it to retailers. Bishops Blend boasts big bold flavors of anise, pepper, raisins and a sweet earthiness on the finish. It is very complex and extremely refined. As with the past vintages, the broadleaf fillers shine at the forefront and are perfectly balanced by the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co.and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BISHOPS BLEND will be available at select retailers.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Maduro

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut & PA Broadleaf

Corona Larga – 6.25 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $11.50

Robusto – 5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $11.00

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 in small batch, limited quantities. For more information please visit OvejaNegraCigars.com. Consumers may search by zip code for retailers nearest them.

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Tagged as Bishop's Blend, Black Label Trading Company, cigar, cigars, Oveja Negra

by Craig Vanderslice | May 1, 2020 · 8:00 am

News: Cigar Life Guy™ Announces Launch of Online Apparel Store

This is from last week, but it’s not time sensitive. If you need life insurance, check this guy out, there’s a graphic on the left sidebar of my page with a link. It’s an affiliate link, so I get a little bit of a kick-back if you end up doing business with him, but that helps keep the site going and I appreciate all the help I can get. I haven’t had too much success with the affiliate type links, so if you need stuff from Amazon or Famous keep me in mind! I’m happy to spread the word about anything that helps out Operation: Cigars for Warriors, so, in addition to shedding some light on Cigar Life Guy™, he’s supporting a worthy cause as well. Additionally, when you see me wearing a CigarCraig shirt or jacket, it came from the same company he’s partnered with, so I know the quality is good.

Additionally, Cigar Life Guy will donate 100% of net profits from the sales of its merchandise to Operation: Cigars for Warriors, a leading cigar charity (501(c)3 status) that facilitates providing cigars to US Troops while on deployment.

Dave Arlinghaus, Founder of Cigar Life Guy, said, “I’ve received numerous inquiries from the cigar community asking where they could purchase Cigar Life Guy gear. The selection of Queensboro as a fulfillment partner addresses my key criteria: They produce outstanding quality products. I love wearing them myself. Their customer service is extremely strong. Importantly the pricing to the end consumer will represent a very good value. Finally, the icing on the cake is being able to earmark all the profits I would have received to an outstanding cigar charity, Cigars for Warriors.”

Operation: Cigars for Warriors Founder Storm Boen said, “Cigars are the single most requested item by deployed troops, both men and women. A cigar provides a moment of relaxation in the middle of a stressful situation and we are excited Cigar Life Guy has chosen to support our mission.”

Queensboro Shirt Founder Fred Meyers said, “As someone who also enjoys an occasional cigar, I can appreciate what Dave is trying to do with his store. We are delighted that he has chosen us as a partner for this project. We love the logo and nothing would make us happier than to see Dave sell a ton of it. When you are a long way from home, there is nothing like a good cigar to put everything in proper perspective for you. It is the least our service folks deserve.”

Visit the store at www.cigarlifeguy.com/store

ABOUT CIGAR LIFE GUY

Cigar Life Guy™ is the cigar lifestyle brand owned and operated by cigar aficionado Dave Arlinghaus. Cigar Life Guy™’s media properties provide entertainment and education focused primarily on the social cigar smoking experience and the great conversations that occur over a social cigar. “The Cigar Smoker’s Life Insurance Broker,” Cigar Life Guy™ also builds awareness for the huge savings opportunity regular cigar smokers have when it comes to purchasing life insurance. Through its life insurance brokerage, Cigar Life Guy™ can help cigar smokers realize those savings, including non-tobacco rates for cigar smokers, often a 70% savings. Dave Arlinghaus has been an independent life insurance broker since 2010.

For more information, please visit www.cigarlifeguy.com

Follow Cigar Life Guy™ on Instagram @CigarLifeGuy

“Like” Cigar Life Guy™ on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cigarlifeguy/

Follow Cigar Life Guy™ on Twitter @CigarLifeGuy

ABOUT OPERATION: CIGARS FOR WARRIORS

Operation: Cigars for Warriors is driven by a single goal: to do our part to make our troops lives a little better. CFW distributes requested items to troops deployed in combat zones. The organization celebrated shipping it’s one millionth cigar (the #1 requested item) in 2019. A 501(c)3 organization since 2012, Operation: Cigars for Warriors has a Platinum certification from GuideStar for financial transparency.

For more information, please visit www.cigarsforwarriors.org

ABOUT QUEENSBORO SHIRT COMPANY

The Queensboro Shirt Company was founded by Fred Meyers in his dorm room in New York City in the late 1970’s. Since that time it has evolved from running small ads in the back of The New Yorker Magazine and The Wall Street Journal to being a leading online merchant of custom logo apparel and promotional products. The company operates out of a 100,000 square foot facility in Wilmington NC, and has distribution centers in Dallas TX and Indianapolis, IN.

For more information please visit www.queensboro.com

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