Category Archives: News

News: Drew Estate Announces Soft Re-Opening of Cigar Safari

Here’s some news that’s near and dear to my heart.  I’ve had the great pleasure of having attended two Cigar Safaris, the first in 2011 as a consumer (as my site was just getting off the ground, and the resulting blog posts were a great help in establishing my credibility), and the second in 2013 was with a group of bloggers whom I consider great friends to this day. I encourage anyone with a love of cigars to take such a trip if you have the opportunity, it’s a great education and a load of fun. I’m happy to see that the political climate in Nicaragua is such that these trips are once again possible.

 

Drew Estate Announces Soft Re-Opening of Cigar Safari

Today Drew Estate announces the soft re-opening of the Cigar Safari Program, the ultimate experiential cigar tour to Esteli, Nicaragua hosted at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate for 4 days and 3 nights.

 

Since 2008, Drew Estate has been the industry leader in cigar tourism through their Cigar Safari program. Safari presents an opportunity for Consumers and Retailers to take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Drew Estate’s Nicaraguan cigar factory and explore the eco-tourism of Nicaragua. At La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate, our guests learn the entire process of creation from seed to cigar, including the magic experience of blending their own cigars. While visiting Subculture Studios, attendees will have Drew Estate’s very own art team custom paint an item of their choosing. The experience is truly unforgettable and unique among cigar manufacturers.

 

The 2020 season will be used as an incubator season for a variety of planned enhancements and limited to only 5 trips. These enhancements will be fully unleashed during the 2021 season.

 

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Founder and President of Drew Estate Jonathan Drew enthusiastically adds, “There is nowhere in the world like Nicaragua for cigar enthusiasts. As the global cigar culture has shifted focus from Cuban brands to the enlightened age of “New World Brands” – Nicaragua is unquestionably front and center. Drew Estate has believed in Nicaragua when others simply did not, and we’ll never waver from Nica as our conceptual lens. Your brothers and sisters at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate are waiting for you with open arms, and plenty of gallo-pinto and Flor de Cana… so let’s get it poppin’.”

 

For more information regarding Cigar Safari, please visit www.cigarsafari.com

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.

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News: Drew Estate Ships Humidified Fivepacks of Popular Brands

I’m actually quite surprised it taken Drew Estate so long to do this, as other large companies have been presenting cigars this way for some time. It’s not the classiest presentation, but it get’s the job done, and provides a convenience. My local chain of shops has a wall of these, some of their own making which have some incredible cigars in them! Anyway, I’d love to see some other of their lines in this kind of packs, I don’t always want more than five KFCs or Swamp Things, but I like to have some on hand.

Drew Estate Announces Shipping of Humidified 5-Packs Nationwide

 

Drew Estate announces today the shipping of the ten humidified 5-Packs, including: ACID Kuba Kuba, ACID Kuba Maduro, ACID Toast, ACID Cold Infusion ACID Blondie, Undercrown Maduro and Shade, Tabak Especial Dulce and Negra, and La Vieja Habana Cuban Corojo.

Meticulously designed for the consumer who is on-the-go, each 5-Pack is resealable and will feature Boveda Active Humidification inside to allow for placement anywhere in the retail environment, inside or outside the humidor. All 5-Packs ship with a countertop merchandising solution and clip strips to be hung in any retail location are available upon request. Our strongest suggestion, however, is to hang the 5-Packs on our new “Manhole Cover” merchandising display, also currently available upon request.

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Jonathan Drew Founder and President of Drew Estate notes, “Yeah…5-Pack action is in full effect from your buddies at DE. Designed for “Snag & Go” activities, like back in the days of “Ring & Run.” As a former premium cigar retailer myself, these 5-Packs are super dope for “build your own boxes,” as well as chucking something extra for a box purchaser during the holidays. Oh, and the best way to merchandise them is the “Manhole Cover” displays together with the 4 x 32 tins. Let me know what’s up… #LetsDoItTogetherJD.”

The following 5 packs will be shipping in a 5-count display:

  • ACID Kuba Kuba 5×54 5-Pack MSRP $49.25/pack
  • ACID Kuba Maduro 5×54 5-Pack MSRP $49.25/pack
  • ACID Cold Infusion 6.5×44 5-Pack MSRP $42.55/pack
  • ACID Toast 6×50 5-Pack MSRP $48.40/pack
  • ACID Blondie 4×38 5-Pack MSRP $27.50/pack
  • Undercrown Shade Toro 6×52 5-Pack MSRP $44.60 /pack
  • Undercrown Maduro Toro 6 x 52 5-Pack MSRP $44.60/pack
  • Tabak Negra Sampler 5-Pack MSRP $38.00/pack
  • Tabak Dulce Sampler 5-Pack MSRP $38.00/pack
  • La Vieja Habana Cuban Corojo Bombero 6×54 5-Pack MSRP $22.00/pack

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.

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News: Cigar Box Factory Esteli Moves to New Facility

I know, who cares, right? Well, I thought it was interesting, and who among us hasn’t held something made by this company in their hands, whether they knew it other not. Unfortunately, the city of Esteli is seeing a lot of layoffs in the cigar industry, it’s nice that this part of the industry is experiencing growth. 

 

CIGAR BOX FACTORY ESTELI MOVES TO A LARGER AND MORE MODERN FACILITY

 

Cigar Box Factory Estelí (CBFe), well known in the cigar market for making high quality cigar packaging and humidors, celebrates the opening of their new, larger, and modern factory. CBFe will continue to reside in the world capital of handmade premium cigars: Estelí (Nicaragua). The new 21,500 square foot facility is located at Km 156 1/2 Carretera Panamericana Norte within the Free-Trade zone.

The new location has the highest quality machinery that, along with: their know-how, highly qualified and expert staff (over 100 workers), the use of novel and maximum quality materials, guarantee a greater productivity and efficiency. These factors together make Cigar Box Factory Estelí one of the leaders of their market.

 

CBFe boasts over 30 years in the tobacco industry, while specializing in cigar packaging for brands the world over, to include renowned brands such as Drew Estate, AJ Fernandez and Altadis U.S.A. After the great success of the first factory, back in 2014, with its new location, Cigar Box Factory Estelí is now better positioned to serve its customers. Armed with an International gestation certificate ISO 9001, their new more modern facility improves working conditions, provides a better experience for visiting customers and will increase the factory’s already heralded efficiency.

Cigar Box Factory Estelí’s General Manager, Cesar Ramírez Saez stated: “We, at CBFe, welcome our current and future clients to the new and improved factory. We look forward to participate once again in the Puro Sabor Cigar Festival next January (2020) as well as hosting guided tours to our facility”.

 

If you’d like more information about Cigar Box Factory Estelí please contact Mr. Cesar Ramírez at Tel: +505 2713 6948 or Tel: (786) 508-5972 or visit the company web site https://www.cigarboxfactoryesteli.com/.

For more information please view video: Video: 

 

 

 

 

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News: Mombacho Cigars Announces Collaboration with Diplomatico Rum Brand

You all know I have no care or knowledge about spirits, but here’s the latest from Mombacho Cigars. I hadn’t heard much from them recently, so I thought I’d pass this along.

 

Mombacho Cigars S.A. announced today that they have commenced the distribution of a new line of cigars, “Diplomático By Mombacho Cigars S.A,” this marks the first time in the industry that a cigar maker has collaborated with a rum company to create a one-of-a- kind cigar experience.

 

“It is a tremendous honor for Mombacho Cigars to be the cigar maker for this very special project. A world-class rum like Diplomático is the perfect spirit to pair with a memorable cigar, and today we make history by making this possible!” said Claudio Sgroi, President and Master Blender of Mombacho Cigars. “Inspired by the profile and character of Diplomático Rum’s aromas and balance, I made a unique cigar blend. The cigars are not only meant to go well with the rum, they are made because of the rum,” added Sgroi.

 

“We are excited to partner with Mombacho Cigars, a cigar company whose ideals for making high-quality products with passion reflects our own philosophy for creating award-winning rums,” said Nino Curbelo, Diplomático Export Director in North America. “Together, our brands seek to not only elevate the pairing of a fine cigar and rum, but to create a new, one-of-a-kind experience. Additionally, we are very proud to donate a percentage of proceeds to the “I Love Venezuela Foundation,” a non-profit organization making a huge difference for the people of Venezuela.”

 

Diplomático By Mombacho Cigars S.A. comes in a three-size series: Toro 6 x 52, Robusto 5 x 50, and Petit Corona 4 x 44. The wrapper is a Habano Ecuador and binder and fillers come from the regions of Jalapa, Condega and Estelí. The cigars will come in 10-count box with an MSRP of: Toro $14.95, Robusto $12.95, and Petit Corona $9.95.

The cigars will be available only in the U.S. at cigar shops, cigar lounges and selected liquor stores.

Mombacho will donate a percentage of sales to the Nicaraguan no-profit organization Carita Felíz Kinder based in Granada to help children in need. Diplomático Rum will be donating to I Love Venezuela Foundation, a non-profit organization raising awareness about social issues in Venezuela

 

ABOUT MOMBACHO CIGARS

Mombacho Cigars S.A. is a premium cigar company established in 2006 that entered the US market in 2013. The international interest in Mombacho has grown rapidly and Mombacho cigars are now available in 18 countries around the world. Mombacho produces all of its cigars “totalmente a mano” at its state- or-the-art factory Casa Favilli, in Granada-Nicaragua. Mombacho traditional lines include Tierra Volcan and Liga Maestro and limited editions, Casa Favilli, the first cigar in the world with a Nicaraguan broadleaf wrapper and Cosecha line which translates into harvest, is a cigar that utilizes all its components from the same year’s harvest starting at 2012.

 

ABOUT DIPLOMÁTICO RUM (www.rondiplomatico.com)

Diplomático is super premium rum from Venezuela. In 2018, Diplomático was awarded Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious “Spirit Brand of the Year,” the first-ever rum to win in this category. The Diplomático distillery is located at the foot of the Andes Mountains and is a family-owned brand inspired by the character of Don Juan Nieto Melendez, whose portrait is illustrated on its labels. Having produced top-quality spirits since 1989, Diplomático’s distillery combines traditional methods with modern technology to produce the finest of rums. The production area boasts great conditions for sugar cane and rum production including fertile lands, abundant water and a Caribbean climate. The team of award-winning Master Blenders works diligently to create unique and complex rums. The product range consists of the Tradition Range: Planas (aged up to 6 years), Mantuano (aged up to 8 years) and Reserva Exclusiva (aged up to 12 years), the Prestige Range: Single Vintage and Ambassador, both aged 12 years and finished in Spanish sherry casks for one and two years respectively, and a Special Edition: The Distillery Collection, featuring a Single Batch Kettle rum, a Single Barbet column rum and a Pot Still rum. 

mombachocigars.com | f/i: @MombachoCigars Diplomático Rum | f/I; @diplomaticorum

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News: Fratello Esclusivo Connecticut Exclusive to Old Virginia Tobacco

Hqppy December, I can’t believe it’s here already. I guess Sunday was actually the first of December, so this is my second post. Anyway, here’s some news from my friends at Fratello Cigars! Here’s another small brand doing big things. I am a fan of their cigars, and I consider Omar to be a friend. I might just smoke a Fratello cigar tonight! 

 

FRATELLO ESCLUSIVO CONNETICUT TO DEBUT AT OLD VIRGINIA TOBACCO CO.

Omar de Frias is proud to announce the Fratello Esclusivo Connecticut to be sold exclusively at Old Virginia Tobacco (OVTC). Fratello Esclusivo launched last year with a 5 x 52 Habano Nicaragua piramide. This year, the Esclusivo Connecticut, will expand the line in all 7 stores of the Northern Virginia chain.

 

The Esclusivo Connecticut uses an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper over a Nicaragua binder and Nicaragua and Dominican filler. Esclusivo Connecticut will debut in a 6 x 52 parejo and the initial production is set to 300 Boxes of 20 cigars.

“I approached Gary (Owner of OVTC) earlier this year about expanding on the Esclusivo line. The idea was to challenge the success we had with the Habano and expand the line so OVTC customers have another exclusive cigar to enjoy in their stores,” said de Frias.

 

The launch event of the Esclusivo CT is set for December 13 th , 2019. MSRP is set to $8.75 per cigar. The cigar is produced at Joya de Nicaragua.

This marks the sixth store exclusive for Fratello Cigars.

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