Category Archives: News

by | February 16, 2023 · 11:00 pm

News: Blackbird launches New Cigar Line: the ‘’GLITCH’’

Here’s some news from the folks at Blackbird Cigars.  I’m skipping the TPE this year, scheduling problems, but I’ll miss catching up with Jonas and his team.  TPE is a good show for releasing more wallet friendly cigars, it seems, these are a very well priced cigar.  

 

The Blackbird team launches new cigar line, the ‘’GLITCH’’, at TPE 2023. 

 

Jonas Santana, Co-Founder of Blackbird Cigars,  is excited to announce the newest addition to the company, the GLITCH. ‘‘On behalf  of the Blackbird Team, we are more than happy to announce this new product. For us,  the feeling of a new creation is always a great motivation to keep growing in the cigar  industry. This is an example of… listen to what the team has to say!! We can’t wait for  you to enjoy this affordable but great cigar’’. Said Jonas Santana. 

 

How often a GLITCH becomes an opportunity? 

 

In 2022, we were producing a particular blend at our factory, and everything was  normal as usual but, after a few days of producing the cigars, our Master Blender  arrived at the factory from a trip overseas to check on a tobacco crop. After  performing his usual quality control procedures, he was taken by surprise. The blend  was not exactly what he was expecting. The Master Blender immediately called for a  team meeting at the factory. He questioned everyone to understand what happened. 

 

He needed someone to elaborate how this was possible? Of course, no one had a  response, now frustration levels were high. After a couple of minutes in the meeting,  one of the new guys told the Master Blender, he didn’t know what was going on with  the blend because he did everything correctly. He chose the right tobacco for the  blend. Then, the new guy said: The day you left, we received two varieties of tobaccos.  I wrote the code names on the bales as I was instructed. With this information, the  Master Blender found out the error. The new guy mixed up the codes. 

 

 

The Master Blender immediately called the partners of the company to explain the  situation as he felt the issue was dire. He was wondering how to resolve the problem.  This was not the blend the company were supposed to produce. Silence was in the  room… Three gentlemen tasting the ‘‘mistaken blend’’ with a frustration that was  noticeable on their faces. An inch later, one of the partners asked the Master Blender: 

 

Did you really try this cigar? The Master Blender said: Yes, that is not the blend that I  created. The partner asked another question: Did you dislike the flavor profile of the  cigar? The Master Blender responded: I was not really thinking about it, why? The  partner said: This is what we were looking for. We were looking for an affordable cigar  that can compete in this market. The frustrated group turned into a room filled with  laughter. 

 

The other partner said: I think I have the name for this blend, we will call it the  GLITCH!! The GLITCH is a mistake, a blip, a temporary technical malfunction. In this  case, this GLITCH was a wonderful mistake. 

 

This line’s offering will be Claro, Habano and Oscuro. Every box will have 20 cigars  and it will be packed in a cardboard box to save the customers in shipping. Each blend  will come in Robusto 50×5 (MSRP $6.10 each) and Toro 52×6 (MSRP $6.6 Each). 

 

GLITCH Claro 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut 

Binder: Mexican 

Filler: Dominican & USA 

GLITCH Habano 

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 

Binder: Mexican 

Filler: Dominican & USA 

GLITCH Oscuro 

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres 

Binder: Dominican 

Filler: Dominican & USA

 

Shipping will be made in late March or beginning of April. NO CHARGE will be made  until we ship the order. 

#CantClipOurWingz 

 

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by | · 5:48 pm

News: Fratello Cigars Shipping ViceVersa

Last May I had the opportunity to smoke prototypes of this cigar (Here).  This was a project suggested to Omar by Kevin Shahan of CigarProp.  I’ve been looking forward to its release ever since.  This may not be the first “reversible” cigar, but it might be the best. Looking forward to picking up a few of these.  The genius of this is that you can’t just buy one!


FRATELLO VICE VERSA SHIPPING FEBRUARY 20TH

Fratello Cigars is pleased to officially announce that the VICEVERSA is shipping to retailers starting on February 20th. Keep checking the Fratello Website, as we will soon publish which retailers will have these highly anticipated cigars available.

​ 

“This project is easily one of the most challenging projects I have had the pleasure to work on,” said de Frias in a press release when the cigar was announced. “We blended a cigar and tripled capped both ends. The consumer decides if they want to start their smoking experience Mild and Creamy or Strong and spicy.”

Better described by Cigar Aficionado, these cigars have two personalities, and come in one size, 7 inches long by 52. The cigars come in untraditional packaging: a box contains 60 cigars, divided into five packs of 12. The release is limited to 2,000 boxes of 12 cigars. Each cigar has an MSRP of $15, and a portion of sales will be donated to the Premium Cigar Association. VICEVERSA was made at the La Aurora Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic.

For more information about the cigars, visit www.fratellocigar.com

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by | February 11, 2023 · 7:43 am

News: Diesel Fools Errand Simple Fool Due For Release

I’ve liked a lot of the Diesels over the years, this one looks fun.  Not only is there s a cool shaped cigar, but they’ve included an online game with it!  Pretty cool, read on: 

 

 

DIESEL RELEASES SECOND FOOL’S ERRAND ITERATION WITH INTERACTIVE GAME

Diesel is set to roll out the second release in its Fool’s Errand trilogy with Simple Fool, a new, limited edition expression that blends cigar mastery, storytelling and interactivity in one. 

 

Simple Fool will ship to retailers on March 6.

 

Blended by AJ Fernandez and Justin Andrews, Diesel Fool’s Errand Simple Fool is a Nicaraguan-forward smoke. Crafted with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper and a blend of proprietary tobaccos cultivated by AJ in Nicaragua’s celebrated growing regions, the binder and filler tobaccos are all Nicaraguan Habano harvested from various primings. Simple Fool is a full-bodied, dense smoke with espresso, earth and spice notes balanced by a rich creaminess.  

 

Justin Andrews said, “There is nothing foolish about simplicity and this cigar echoes what AJ and I believe to be true about life in general: that less can often be more. Think about the aroma you smell when you first open a box of cigars. Or a relaxing place to unwind with a great smoke. These are simple things that mean a lot. Simple Fool is no different. This cigar exercises restraint beautifully with proprietary, full-bodied tobaccos blended to perfection. Nothing more, nothing less.”

 

Simple Fool is being released in one size, a 5” x 58 tapered perfecto that tells the blend story perfectly.

 

For this, the second release in the Fool’s Errand series, the Simple Fool character will be introduced via a collectible tarot card inside the box. The card contains a QR code that, when activated, will launch an interactive game which invites the cigar smoker to complete the Simple Fool’s errand by solving a series of riddles. Special Diesel Fool’s Errand prizes created specifically for the Simple Fool character will be awarded at random to the top 10 participants. 

 

The Diesel Fool’s Errand trilogy is released annually in early Spring, and includes the introduction of a new character with a unique backstory and a customized interactive game and prizes. The line debuted in 2022 with Diesel Fool’s Errand Stubborn Fool. The third and final release in the trilogy is planned for Spring 2024. 

 

Justin Andrews hints, “A simple fool is still a fool yet a wise person thinks ahead. Wise cigar smokers among us will put the Simple Fool tarot card in a safe place for safe keeping…”

 

Diesel Fool’s Errand Simple Fool is handmade at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigars will come in 10-count boxes.

 

Diesel Fool’s Errand Simple Fool (5” x 58); SRP per cigar $9.99

 

Diesel cigars are distributed by Forged Cigar Company.

 

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 and his insistence on using the highest quality tobacco. The Diesel portfolio includes Hair of the Dog which was released in 2019; Whiskey Row which launched two expressions, one in 2019 and one in 2018, and Diesel Grind which debuted in 2017. For more information, visit www.dieselcigars.com.

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by | January 31, 2023 · 5:48 pm

News: Smokin Tabacco Cigar Family Charitable Foundation Fundraiser

I don’t generally post news from other media outlets, I figure they have plenty of reach as it is. This is different, because Matt and Nicole have been hosting a raffle for the last couple years for a great cause, and it’s been wildly successful.  Get in on this, CFCF is a wonderful organization.

 

Smokin Tabacco is proud to announce the third annual Smokin Tabacco Cigar Family Charitable Foundation fundraiser raffle. In their first two years, Smokin Tabacco has been able to raise a total of $57,000 for the cause that is run and operated by the Newman and Fuente families of J.C. Newman and Arturo Fuente, respectively. This was something that Matt and Nicole first started in 2021 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their first podcast, The Smokin Tabaco Show. Instead of more traditional methods of marking an anniversary, they decided to use their media platform to host a raffle that would benefit a cause they both felt strongly about. While going through many different foundations and causes, they ultimately decided upon hosting a raffle that would benefit The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation.

 

 

In year one the fundraiser finished at $7,000. In year two however, things heated up when nearing the $20,000 line, Carlito Fuente called Matt and Nicole and told them he would personally match the finalt otal bringing the final amount for 2022 to $51,000. The goal for 2022 was $10,000 and was easily exceeded. Now, going into 2023, Smokin Tabacco is proud to announce a third round and hopes to pass the amount raised from the year before.

 

 

In November 2022, Matt and Nicole traveled to the Dominican Republic to visit the Cigar Family campus and met all the amazing kids, teachers, personnel and even some former students who return to the school to give back. It was a life changing experience and gives you a new sense of how important this organization is once you see how far this money goes. “It is such an honor to be able to play a small role in this great organization. We are so proud of everyone who came out and donated these past two years and hope to see another amazing year in 2023.” says Matt Tabacco, owner of Smokin Tabacco.

 

There are also some amazing items being raffled off including items from the OpusX Society, La Flor Dominicana, Tatuaje, Aganorsa Leaf, Drew Estate, Room 101, Red Meat Lovers Club, J.C. Newman, Arturo Fuente, Cigar-Coop, Hiram & Solomon, Rabbit Air, a box of TGS 2021 Opus X from Smoke Inn and more. The fundraiser begins on March 17 th at 9 AM EST and will run until April 26 th at 5PM EST. The website for the raffle can be found at go.rallyup.com/smokintabacco2023 or by texting SMKTAB to 855- 202-2100. For questions about the fundraiser, email Matt at Matthew@smokintabacco.com or call us at
978-886-1574.

 

ABOUT CIGAR FAMILY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

The Cigar Family Charitable Foundation (CF-CF) began in 2001 when long time cigar industry business partners, the Fuente and Newman families, formalized the dream of improving people’s lives in the mountainous Bonao region of the Dominican Republic. By focusing on families, they hoped to give the children in this cigar producing region an opportunity for a better future.

 

ABOUT SMOKIN TABACCO

Smokin Tabacco began as a simple social media page in September 2019. Since then, the name has become known as the place where cigar smokers can go to find the latest and most exciting news and information on what is happening in the cigar industry, be entertained by one of our amazing shows or for reviews on cigars and other products from the industry.

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by | January 20, 2023 · 7:29 am

News: Casa de Ortez Announced

I found this interesting fr a couple reasons.  Indiana Ortez was introduced to the cigar world by Ventura Cigars, and was the next big name in cigar making.  Then she showed up briefly with Mambacho/Favili in Granada.  Some of us had been wondering what happened to her.  I also thought Altadis owned the “Ortez” name, but I guess as long as she doesn’t name a cigar Ortez it’s OK? I can’t say I’ve ever smoked a cigar she’s blended, but I’m interested. Also, the initials are CDO, which is OCD in alphabetical order, as it should be.

 

Indiana Ortez launches Casa De Ortez and announces her founding of the new cigar company that highlights the Ortez Tobacco family.

 

 

Indiana Ortez, the youngest of the third generation of the Ortez tobacco family based in Condega, Nicaragua, has announced her launching of Casa De Ortez, a company celebrating the quality and experience of Nicaragua’s oldest tobacco family. The company, founded in 2022, is what Indiana considers the rightly timed release of a culmination of seven decades of Nicaraguan tobacco experience.

 

Indian Ortez has taken the reins in dedicating herself to telling the world the story started by her grandfather at the first family farm in Condega many decades ago. Encouraged by her family, Indiana has launched her first company that delivers to consumers worldwide the vertically integrated processes of the Ortez family, doing so based on her experience in cigar production and marketing.

 

 

Working with and amongst her father, uncles, aunts and siblings, Indiana tells the Ortez story, rich in Nicaraguan heritage, one quality cigar at a time. Indiana, founder of Casa De Ortez and youngest of the third generation of Ortez states, “One of the more important things I have learned is in tobacco you have to do things correctly to last. Casa De Ortez is the way the history of my family and our work can be told and shared. I am so excited to finally launch and work even closer alongside my family, and I will humbly try to do Condega justice and work to make it a household name for cigar enjoyers everywhere.” With Indiana being well known for her blending and working alongside notable companies and individuals, consumers can expect a deep experience of proprietary tobaccos, rich blends, and a focus of bringing Condega to its rightfully deserved popularity as a tobacco town from the position of on-pulse market approach that is rooted in classic tobacco processes.

 

Retailers and distributors worldwide can expect Casa De Ortez products to launch in the Spring of 2023, with the first announced brand, Primavera, which releases with three vitolas and blends already completed by Ortez. Pricing sheets and market-release schedules can be expected by media and retailers as soon as March 2023. Consumers, retailers, and media interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the Casa De Ortez landing page and submit their email to keep up to date with the launch.

 

Contact Info:
Instagram: @casaortez

Email: indiana@casadeortez.com

Website: www.casadeortez.com

 

ABOUT CASA DE ORTEZ.

Casa De Ortez is a premium cigar company headquartered in Condega, Nicaragua & dedicated to celebrating the story & legacy of the Ortez family, Nicaragua’s oldest tobacco family. Founded & proudly presented by Indiana Ortez, the youngest of the third generation, Casa De Ortez showcases the Ortez family’s generational quality & expertise by producing cigars that truly embody a richly authentic Nicaraguan heritage. With the Ortez family’s vertical integration spanning from growing tobacco, pre-industry, aging & fermentation, & premium cigar production, Casa De Ortez handcrafts products backed by over seven decades of Nicaraguan tobacco experience & delivers to consumers worldwide a legacy-worthy expression of Nicaragua.

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