CigarCraig's Blog

by Craig Vanderslice | April 21, 2020 · 10:58 pm

News: Frontier Brands, LLC Appoints John Giese, Sr. as the VP of Sales & Marketing

This falls outside of my usual premium cigar coverage, but Frontier is a subsidiary of Island Lifestyle Cigars, and John is a great friend of CigarCraig.com and myself, and I want to offer my congratulations. I’ve enjoye

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d his company many times at his shop in Limerick, PA. and appreciate his council and friendship. Of course, I am a fan of the Tommy Bahama accessories and Island Lifestyle Premium cigars, even if the Frontier lines aren’t in my area of interest.

Frontier Brands, LLC is pleased to announce the appointment of John Giese, Sr. as the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing. In a career spanning 41 years in various executive management positions within the tobacco industry, Giese has a long-established resume of building successful brands and catapulting them to success within the tobacco industry.

As the Vice-President of Sales & Marketing he will lead the marketing strategies and direct the distribution efforts for the new Frontier Cheroots. Launched in late 2019, Frontier Cheroot cigars are manufactured in the Dominican Republic. Made from quality premium filler and wrapped in a lush Pennsylvania broadleaf wrapper they come in four flavors: Honey, Honey-Berry, Russian Cream and Sweet Aromatic.

Giese previously had a distinguished career at the storied John Middleton, Co. whose roots date back to 1856. As the leader of the Sales & Marketing Team at John Middleton he was instrumental in the launch and successful growth strategy that propelled Black & Mild Cigars to the #1 ranking in the USA for mass market cigars. Over his career Giese has been named a “Captain of the Industry” by the Pennsylvania Distributors Association and honored as “Tobacco Man of the Year” by the Southern Association of Wholesale Distributors.

“We are thrilled to have John as part of our management team. His wealth of knowledge, breadth of experience and stature in the industry will greatly assist in our acceptance and growth within the mass cigar market.” said Rick Louis, CEO of Frontier Brands, LLC.

After retiring from John Middleton, Co., Giese opened the 7000 square foot Goose’s Montecristo Lounge & Tobacconist in Limerick, PA. The Montecristo Lounge designation signifies the quality of the cigar lifestyle that Goose’s has promoted for 10 years.

“Having been in the cigar business for as long as I have on both the manufacturing and retail side, I was blown away at the quality of the Frontier product. The draw is perfect. The Pennsylvania broadleaf and premium tobacco filler is a winner. Simply put, a better draw, a better flavor, a better experience.” Said Giese.

He further stated “supply will not be an issue and the initial ‘sell-in program’ for both distributors and retailers is very supportive and lucrative. I am looking forward to reengaging with many friends and business associations developed over the years.”

For distribution inquiries on Frontier Cheroot cigars contact John Giese direct at 610-420-4742 or John@FrontierCigar.com.

About Frontier Brands, LLC:

Frontier Brands was established in 2019 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Island Lifestyle Importers, LLC in Sarasota, FL. Island Lifestyle Importers is the manufacturer and owner of the Island Lifestyle, Island Club and Royal Leaf premium cigar brands as well as the exclusive manufacturer of and world-wide licensee for Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories. The focus of Frontier is to bring the same high qua

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lity standards to the traditional mass cigar market at affordable price points. Additional cigar products are slated for launch later this year.

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Tagged as cigar, cigars, Frontier Brands, Frontier Cheroots, Goose's, Island Lifestyle

by Craig Vanderslice | · 5:59 pm

News: J.C. Newman Cigar Company Launches #BrickHouseAtMyHouse

Here’s a new program from J.C. Newman aimed at helping out the brick and mortar retailers. If you find that you need cigars, give your local shops the first shot. Many are doing curbside delivery or shipping. I’m going to take my evening walk and smoke a Brickhouse cigar.

Amid uncertainty for retailers, and a consumer population practicing social distancing, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is launching #BrickHouseAtMyHouse to bring a sense of normalcy to these unprecedented times.

J.C. Newman will be partnering with retailers nationwide to offer a special on Brick House cigars. With every purchase of this deal, consumers will receive five (5) mix and match Brick House cigars, two (2) five-year-aged Brick House Teaser cigars, and a J.C. Newman torch lighter. Consumers will pick up their orders from their favorite retailers and be given instructions on how they can enter the social media component of this promotion.

When users on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram post a photo of a Brick House cigar and use the hashtag #BrickHouseAtMyHouse, they will be entered to win a J.C. Newman 125th Anniversary backpack, filled with classic, stay-at-home games like dominoes and crosswords. Nine (9) total winners will be chosen to receive the backpacks, and one grand prize winner will receive the Brick House “Man Cave” chair; a black recliner valued at $1,500.

“We are continuing to look at this pandemic with a glass-half-full approach,” said Eric Newman. “If we can help our retailers, and give everyone a reason to relax [with a good cigar] then we are doing our small part.”

This promotion launches today, April 21, 2020, and the social media contest will run for two weeks, with winners being chosen on Friday, May 15, 2020.

For more information and to find participating retailers, please visit: www.jcnewman.com/brickhouseatmyhouse.

Find Retailers

About J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

Founded in 1895 by Julius Caeser Newman, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the oldest family-owned premium cigar maker in America. J.C. Newman rolls its El Reloj, Factory Throwouts, and Trader Jacks cigars by hand-operated, vintage cigar machines at its historic cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. It also hand rolls its Brick House, Perla del Mar, El Baton, and Quorum cigars at the J.C. Newman PENSA cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. J.C. Newman’s Diamond Crown, MAXIMUS, Julius Caeser, and Black Diamond cigars are handmade by Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic. With its longtime partners the Fuente family, the Newmans founded the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation, which supports low-income families in the Dominican Republic with education, health care, vocational training, and clean water.

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by Craig Vanderslice | April 19, 2020 · 8:48 am

A Yargüera H. Upmann Toro and Some Other Cigars

I haven’t gotten to anything new in the second half of the week, I went with some standards. I smoked a Mi Querida Ancho Larga, and whenever I smoke one of these I can’t be happier. This cigar is just about as good as it gets. I have a Unicorn in my humidor that I’m kind of saving for when I finally land that next job, but when I smoke a Mi Querida it’s hard for me to imagine how the Unicorn could be that much better! It hits my palate just right. I had the Ancho Larga (might have been my last one), and an Umbagog in my hand and went for the Mi Querida, but the Umbagogs are awesome too. I also went with another favorite, the Don Juan Calavera, this time the Connecticut. This is among my favorite Connecticuts because it has a very rich flavor and doesn’t have any grassy flavors that one finds in some shade wrapped cigars. I had to deliver a new chick to my daughter for my grandaughters to

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raise (6 chickens isn’t enough, we decided to add a few more to the flock, and

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the girls needed something to do while they are home), so I took a La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Maduro Sixty for the ride home. I really enjoy this cigar, and I enjoy the Nicaraguan wrapper version too, but I dig the Broadleaf. I prefer the Toro, but I had a handful of the gordos and it was the first one I grabbed out of the humidor. It was a great cigar. With everything going on in the world, having a couple cigars that were just absolute winners to my palate was quite therapeutic.

Yesterday I decided to take a shot and try a cigar for the third time that I didn’t really care for the first two times I smoked it. It’s been a few years, so I figured it was time to give my last Yargüera H. Upmann a try. To be honest, Altadis may not even make this anymore, although the yarguera.com website does have a 2020 copyright date. This toro has probably been in the humidor for close to four years, and I haven’t really bee

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n to keen to smoke it since I cared for it so little initially. I have to say, this one wasn’t bad. It performed well, and had a pleasant flavor. I’m not going to bother running out to someplace that’s doing curbside pickup and getting more, because the leathery flavor with very little sweetness or spice isn’t my preferred flavor profile, but it wasn’t bad and I was satisfied with the cigar. I guess it a few years

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of age helped. I can remember smoking H. Upmanns when I first got started 25 years ago, I think they had Cameroon wrappers, but except for the newer AJ Fernandez Upmann I haven’t been too much of a fan. I do like some of the Cuban H. Upmanns though.

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

CigarCraig

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by Craig Vanderslice | April 18, 2020 · 12:02 pm

News: Drew Estate’s Flying Pigs Soar for Seasonal Release

Drew Estate announces the Spring Seasonal Release of their infamous Flying Pig vitola, including Liga P

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rivada No. 9 and T52, Undercrown Maduro, Shade and Sun Grown, as well as Kentucky Fire Cured.

The Flying Pig is one of the most desired vitolas in the company’s portfolio, presented in a 100mm x 60 ring gauge and is a favorite amongst cigar enthusiasts worldwide. The shape is based on a photograph of an 1895 cigar salesman’s size selection case. It is one of the most complicated vitolas to manufacture due to the unique size and signature pig-tail, which required specialized training of the buncheros and rolleras at La Gran Fabrica in Esteli.

From the Wynwood Safehouse, Jonathan Drew Founder and President of Drew Estate notes, “It is such a challenging time in the world right now, incredibly difficult for everyone in every corner of the world. To those who have lost loved ones, we especially feel your pain. To the first responders and their families, nurses, doctors, police, fireman, hospital staff, truck drivers, and others who are fighting the good fight – we are with you and love you. We spark up a Flying Pig in your honor and salute you!!!”

This seasonal release commences with the Kentucky Fire Cured Flying Pig, featuring a Kentucky seed tobacco, grown and fire cured in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, accompanied with Nicaraguan and Brazilian fillers. The cigar is wrapped with a Mexican San Andres cover leaf that adds depth and balance to the blend profile. The Kentucky Fire Cured Pigs are presented in 12 count boxes and have an MSRP of $115.17.

The Undercrown Maduro, Undercrown Shade, and Undercrown Sun Grown Flying pigs are packaged in 12 count boxes with an MSRP of $153.17, with Undercrown Shade and Undercrown Sun Grown Flying Pigs exclusive to Drew Diplomat Retailers. The Undercrown Maduro features a Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper, Connecticut Stalk Cut and Sun Cured Habano binder, an

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d Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan Habano filler leaves. The Undercrown Shade Flying Pig features an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper over a Sumatra binder with Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. The Undercrown Sun Grown features a Sun Grown Sumatra wrapper with a Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut and Sun Cured Habano binder with fillers exclusively from Nicaragua.

Rounding out the release, the Liga Privada No. 9 and Liga Privada T52 Flying Pigs are packaged in 12 count boxes with an MSRP of $181.17 and available exclusively to Drew Diplomat retailers – shipping in May. The No. 9 features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina Binder and filler leaves from Nicaragua and Honduras. The Liga Privada T52 features a Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut and Sun Cured Habano Wrapper, Plantation Grown Brazilian Mata Fina Binder and filler leaves from Nicaragua and Honduras.

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.

drewestate.com

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by Craig Vanderslice | April 15, 2020 · 6:58 pm

Micallef Experiencia La Crema Cigar

I smoked a bunch of cigars so far this week. I jumped in on a question on a large Facebook group asking about the difference between the Liga Privada T52 and No. 9 after seeing a bunch of non-answers. The question included which one was better, and after answering that the difference was that the T52 has a Connecticut stalk cut Habano wrapper and the No. 9 has a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper (and later noting that all Connecticut tobacco is stalk cut, because I can’t help myself), I noted that one being better than the other was a matter of preference. Of course, I’ve talked about this before, and it can be like arguing religion or politics, but taste is subjective. I can say that Lima bean

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s suck because I don’t like them, but some people love them and that means that they don’t suck and I’m wrong, I just don’t like them. I love black licorice, other people think it sucks. That makes them wrong. I’m kidding, of course, it means there’s more for me and I can have a stash in the house that nobody is going to touch! It all goes back to wh

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at I always say, tastes are personal, just because you don’t like something, doesn’t mean someone else doesn’t! I smoked a T52 Belicoso that Jonathan Drew handed me at TPE because I was thinking about it and I hadn’t smoked one in a while and it was pretty darned good.

Among the cigars I smoked this week, the new-to-me cigar I smoked was the Micallef Experienia La Crema toro. This was a cigar that came back with me from the TPE show, and was one which I was unfamiliar. The “La Crema” part of the name made me think it was a Connecticut shade, but it certainly didn’t look like it, it had the look of a Sumatra, so I looked it up and it is listed as 4 year old an Andrés Sumatra, which I assume is Sumatra grown in Mexico. Interesting! The binder is 4 year old Ecuadorian Habano and the fillers are 4 year old Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Panamanian. I noticed the website lists smoking times for the four vitolas in which this blend is offered, Robusto – 45 minutes, Toro – 60 minutes, Churchill – 60 to 90 minutes and Gordo – 60 to 90 minutes. I suppose I’m a slow smoker, because these look like power smoking times to me! The 6″ x 52 toro smoked for two hours for me, which is about my average for a toro. I’m a fan of Sumatra wrappers. This one had the sweetness that I like in that wrapper. It had a good balance of strength and flavor, there was some spice and earth as well as the sweetness. It burned well, although it was a little more resistant than I would have liked. Perhaps it could have been a little drier, although it measured within my acceptable range with the Humidimeter (64%). I suppose one day I’ll try to find another one and try again, it was an enjoyable cigar, perhaps on of my favorites in the Micallef line. While I was on the site I signed up for their ambassador program, I figured what the heck. I was told to do it a year or so ago by my local rep, Paul, and forgot about it. I kept hearing about it on the CigarTalk Podcast too, so I finally got around to it.