Category Archives: News

News: Black Label Trading Co. Announces 2019 Santa Muerte

More news, still sick!  I’m bummed that Mick Grant is no longer going to be the rep for Oveja Negra brands in our area, I like Mick a lot, but he and his wife have some personal goals, and I wish them the best with those.  I remember smoking a Santa Muerte a few years ago and really enjoying it. I guess I’m going to have to try to get my hands on one again. 

 

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

“We have gone out of the box with Santa Muerte. It features Broadleaf, San Andres, Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco among the 6 filler tobaccos. You experience layer upon layer of coffee, malt, spice and cocoa. As the name suggests, there is a Day of the Dead tribute to honor those we have lost,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

SANTA MUERTE is shipping to select retailers this week.

 

Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Ecuador Habano
Binder: Ecuador Habano
Filler: Nicaragua / Dominican / Mexico / USA
Corona Gorda – 5.5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $10.00
Short Robusto – 4.75 x 52 (20 count) MSRP $10.00

 

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 at their own factory in Nicaragua.

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

Share

Comments Off on News: Black Label Trading Co. Announces 2019 Santa Muerte

Filed under News

News: Two from Drew: Fabian Leaving and 6×60 Fat Bottom Betty

I get to start out my joblessness with just about the worst head cold I’ve had in a very long time. So here’s some news out of Drew Estate.  I was surprised that Fabian announced his resignation. He was the face of Acid and Larutan (nee Natural) cigars and the voice of their podcast for the last few years, and MC’d the Barnsmokers.  I didn’t know him well, but he seemed like a pretty cool dude. I’m not sure where a guy like him fits into the cigar world other than where he was, but I’m sure he has a plan. Maybe Alec Bradley made him an offer he couldn’t refuse ?.  As far as the second item, I am a fan of the Deadwood line, and would certainly smoke this Gordito without hesitation. 

 

Fabien Ziegler to Leave Drew Estate to Pursue Other Interests

Drew Estate, a global manufacturer and distributor of premium cigars announced today that Fabien Ziegler, Director of Consumer Engagement, is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

A twenty-year veteran “on the street”, Mr. Ziegler has been a tremendous ambassador for Drew Estate, working in both sales and marketing, including most recently leading the company’s Consumer Engagement team.

“My years at Drew Estate have been incredibly rewarding, most importantly because of the opportunity to work and build relationships with so many retailers and cigar enthusiasts around the country and the world,” said Ziegler.  “I want to thank everyone at Drew Estate as well as the countless store owners and employees and cigar fans that have made this a fantastic journey for two decades.”

Said Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate, “Fabien is truly one of a kind. He’s a giant dude with a heart and personality to match. Fabien’s warm smile and fun persona immediately connect him to everyone he meets.  Sometimes in the sales department, sometimes in Marketing, Fabien spent the last 19 years dedicated to Drew Estate, spreading the company’s message and vision throughout the trade and to the masses of consumers.  I want to personally thank Fabien for all he has done for Drew Estate.”

Drew Estate CEO Glenn C. Wolfson added, “Fabien will always be a part of the heart and soul of Drew Estate.  We thank him for all his contributions to the Company over the years, many of which will endure for a long time to come, and we wish him great success in all his future endeavors.”

 

Drew Estate Revs the Motor on Deadwood by Unleashing Fat Bottom Betty Gordito

Drew Estate Revs the Motor on Deadwood by Unleashing Fat Bottom Betty Gordito

Drew Estate announces today the national launch of the Deadwood Fat Bottom Betty Gordito to Drew Estate retailers. The Deadwood brand continues to skyrocket in popularity among consumers and retailers alike, and now the Gordito joins the Fat Bottom Betty lineup.

The Fat Bottom Betty Gordito features a lush maduro wrapper and is blended with aromatic and exotic tobaccos that bring out the innate sweetness of the cigar. Presented in a 6 x 60 vitola, this cigars gives the larger ring gauge enthusiast ample opportunity to enjoy Fat Bottom Betty in all her glory.

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Jonathan Drew Founder and President of Drew Estate notes, “Deadwood is on FIRE for our retailers, and is evidenced by its presence on social media. We’ve been wanting to introduce a larger ring to the Fat Bottom Betty lineup for a while, and there is no better time than right before Halloween. A perfect smoke for those cool October nights.”

The Fat Bottom Betty Gordito is sold in 10 count boxes with an MSRP of $102.50 per box and is shipping on October 28th.

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.

Share

Comments Off on News: Two from Drew: Fabian Leaving and 6×60 Fat Bottom Betty

Filed under News

News: Emilios Announces 2019 Grimalkin Seasonal Edition

Here’s some Tuesday news from the folks at Oveja Negra! I never actually got around to trying the 2018 seasonal release, and I wanted to. these sound appealing, and I really like the regular new Grimalkin. I still have some old Grimalkins and might just have to do a side by side one of these days, but I know these will be totally different, as they are just totally different cigars. 

 

Emilio Cigars is pleased to announce the release of the Grimalkin Seasonal Edition: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

 

Grimalkin Seasonal is being released in time to enjoy for Halloween and fall festivities.  This cigar is packed full of flavor and perfect for the season,said James Brown, partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

 

Grimalkin Seasonal Limited Edition will be available in limited quantities at select retailers beginning this week.

 

​​Country of Origin: Nicaragua
​​Wrapper: Nicaraguan Maduro
​​Binder: Nicaraguan Habano
​​Filler: Nicaragua
Robusto 5 x 50 (25 count) MSRP $9.75

 

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

Comments Off on News: Emilios Announces 2019 Grimalkin Seasonal Edition

Filed under News

News: Drew Estate and Pappy Van Winkle Go Brick & Mortar with Barrel Fermented

Drew Estate and Pappy Van Winkle Go Brick & Mortar with Barrel Fermented

Drew Estate and Pappy Van Winkle Go Brick & Mortar with Barrel Fermented

Drew Estate unveils today the national release of Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve Barrel Fermented Cigars exclusively to brick and mortar Drew Diplomat Retailers. Until now, Barrel Fermented has been sold exclusively through Pappy & Company at pappyco.com, owned and operated by the Van Winkle Family.

 

The Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented cigar is a long-filler, premium cigar rolled in limited quantities at La Gran Fabrica Drew Estate in Estelí, Nicaragua. Deep barrel fermentation is the key process that makes this expression vastly different from anything on the market. Hand selected leaves from Kentucky are packed into small torquettes (or bundles of tobacco), which are then loaded strategically into oak bourbon barrels. Water is then added, while immense pressure is applied to the torquettes via railroad jacks. The tobacco is removed 2-3 times per year, shaken out, then repacked. The total process of fermentation takes 12-18 months, leaving a truly unique flavor profile and aroma.
This historic cigar features a barrel fermented “tapa Negra” wrapper over a Mexican San Andres base wrapper, as well as aged Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, personally selected by Jonathan Drew.  PVW Barrel Fermented is presented in hand-crafted boxes of 10, sold in brick and mortar stores exclusively by Drew Diplomat Retailers in the following vitolas: Robusto (5 ¼” x 52), Toro (6 x 52) and Churchill (7 x 48).

 

In addition, Drew Estate announces the release of the Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Flying Pig to be sold exclusively through Pappyco.com. This cigar is a 3 15/16” x 60 flying pig vitola, which remains one of the most consumer demanded sizes in the Drew Estate portfolio.

Carrie Van Winkle Greener, Co-Founder of Pappy & Company notes, “In the past five years, we have been fortunate to see this brand partnership grow as we have combined our strongest brand assets from the bourbon and cigar industries into a one of a kind product, unlike anything else sold in the market. We are excited to see how this partnership grows in the future and are grateful to have collaborated with Drew Estate, who shares our like-minded commitment to quality, craftsmanship and authenticity.”

 

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Jonathan Drew Founder and President of Drew Estate adds, “This is a historic partnership for the worlds of premium cigars and premium spirits. After five years of friendship, teamwork, and product/brand development – we are ready to move into the second phase of our aligned vision. The ongoing consumer demand for the BARREL FERMENTED expression is incredible … and we have discovered that hundreds of our brick and mortar stores were reaching out to the Van Winkles about carrying this specific line extension in their stores, even if they had to pay full retail price.  While the entire barrel fermented line will remain available for online purchase exclusively at Pappy & Company, the Van Winkle and DE families have come together with a brick and mortar only opportunity for our DDRP customers who wish to sell the product. This is a game changer in every way. The BARREL FERMENTED is highly sought after, priced right, and is now going to have carefully controlled brick & mortar distribution nationwide.”

 

The Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented is available at Drew Diplomat brick and mortar retailers (as well as online at pappyco.com) in the following vitolas:

• Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Robusto (5 ¼” x 52) MSRP $140.00/box of 10.

• Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Toro (6 x 52) MSRP $150.00/box of 10.

• Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Churchill (7 x 48) MSRP $160.00/box of 10.

The Pappy Van Winkle Barrel Fermented Flying Pig ( 3 15/16” x 60) will be available exclusively through pappyco.com in a 12 count box with an MSRP of $191.80

 

About Pappy & Company

Pappy & Company was founded in 2013 by sisters Carrie, Louise and Chenault Van Winkle who are also triplets and the great-granddaughters of bourbon legacy Pappy Van Winkle. Located in Louisville, KY, Pappy & Company is a bourbon-inspired lifestyle brand that works to infuse elements of the bourbon culture into all of their products. They sell high-end home goods, gourmet pantry items, apparel, accessories, barware, and barrel fermented cigars. What unifies the Pappy & Company brand are thoughtfully made products with strategic partners that embody the values and craftsmanship of Pappy Van Winkle himself. More information can be found at www.pappyco.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.

 

Share

Comments Off on News: Drew Estate and Pappy Van Winkle Go Brick & Mortar with Barrel Fermented

Filed under News

News: Gurkha Ships Nicaraguan Series to Exclusive Retailers

Here’s some news from the folks at Gurkha. This one is being made at Aganorsa Leaf, so I am really looking forward to giving it a try. I’ll have to see if Goose’s in Limerick is going to have these! 

 

Gurkha Cigars has begun shipping its special edition Nicaragua Series to exclusive retailers. This cigar was released at this year’s IPCPR and made available by invitation only to Gurkha’s top retailers to great reviews. The retailers were allowed to buy 5 boxes per size per store. This Nicaraguan puro is a medium to ¾ full smoke. The cigar will be made available to all retailers by next year.

The cigars will be available in four sizes in 20 count boxes for the following sizes:

Robusto (5×52) – $9.75/cigar (MSRP)

Toro (6×54) – $9.95/cigar (MSRP)

Magnum (6×60) – $10.95/cigar (MSRP)

Belicoso (6 1/8 x 52) – $10.95/cigar (MSRP)

The Nicaragua Series made by Arganosa Leaf and has an Aganorsa corojo 99 Clara wrapper leaf from Nicaragua, a Corojo 99 Aganorsa double binder and Corojo 99 and Criollo 98 Aganorsa filler.

 

Gurkha Cigars are known throughout the world for their premium and luxurious cigars, so it’s no surprise that they are the most sought-after cigars around the globe. Gurkha produces millions of cigars per year that are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide. And while Gurkha is known for its exclusivity, it has an impressive array of brands of flawlessly handcrafted, premium cigars created in a variety of strengths, tasting profiles and price-points. No matter what your taste, there’s a Gurkha cigarthat’s perfect for your palate. For additional information visit www.gurkhacigars.com.

Share

Comments Off on News: Gurkha Ships Nicaraguan Series to Exclusive Retailers

Filed under News