Half Ashed Cigar News Archive

Here at Half Ashed, we strive to be a leading provider of industry coverage for the premium cigar industry. We do this through both written editorial commentary, cigar news and reviews – and, of course, a weekly cigar podcast / live internet radio show. Both written content and the broadcast show cover the latest news, industry happenings, and legislative concerns within the world of premium cigars. We welcome you to browse around the site, join us in the forum – and by all means come by and join us during scheduled recordings every Friday night. We provide a live video stream and chatroom so you can participate with the show. Come on in!

MBombay Tobak introduces new Habano Blend

May 11, 2015 By Kip Fisher

After a successful launch of their Connecticut Classic and Corojo Oscuro lines, MBombay Tobak has announced a new introduction into the marketplace. The company will soon release a “medium bodied, flavor packed cigar” called the MBombay Habano. The offering will be a part of their core line portfolio.

“It is our Passion as a Brand to create an enjoyable Experience for cigar smokers of all levels. It is our pleasure to create a medium bodied blend that truly encompasses the complexity and nuances a tasty cigar should provide.” ~ Mel Shah (Owner/Creator)

The new cigar will feature and Ecuadoran Habano wrapper over an Ecuadoran Criollo binder and filler tobacco from Nicaragua and Peru. It will be available in five vitolas, including a corona, robusto, belicoso, churchill, and gordo. Suggested retail pricing will range from $8.50 to $12.50, depending on size.

The MBombay Habano is a follow up to the company’s first year introductions listed above. MBombay supports its retailers by refusing to allow for online sales of their cigars, and provides online marketing coverage for their accounts. The company reports more than 65 retail accounts after its first year of production, and growth in the U.S. market. More information can be found at: www.bombaytobak.com.

Cigar Sense launches service to match consumer tastes with cigars

May 11, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Cigar Sense Inc., a group we have discussed on past episodes of Half Ashed, has launched a service to aid consumers in finding new cigars that suit their unique tastes, and hopes to eliminate some of the guesswork that comes with choosing new cigars. The service acts in an advisory role, and offers personalized advice about which cigars best suit one’s taste preferences.

“It all began when I re-located to California in 2013. I was suddenly confronted with two problems” Cigar Sense founder Franca Comparetto explains “I could not legally buy the Cuban cigars I was accustomed to smoking in Italy, and instead was overwhelmed by the thousands of non-Cuban cigars available in the New World.”

The Cigar Sense aromas wheel is based on the most commonly used descriptors by the company’s panel when testing cigars

This led to the Cigar Sense concept. Knowing that not all cigar smokers are dedicated to a specific brand or line, she aims to provide help to both novices and aficionados in search of expanding their horizons. The goal is to reduce trial-and-error while simultaneously organizing a smoker’s preferences and tendencies in choosing a favorite cigar.

“Cigar Sense is a unique service that has helped me further grow as a cigar smoker. I’ve discovered what flavors and characters appeal most to me, and the selections have exposed me to cigars I would not normally try.” says early adopter and longtime aficionado Art Schlussel.

The company has built a methodology around a database of blind tasting protocols from its international panel of cigar experts.

“Independence is one of our key pillars. Cigar Sense does not sell cigars, ads, nor our members’ personal information” states co-founder David Wells, who adds “In the process, we believe we can help all segments of the industry, since happier consumers will inevitably buy more cigars. Rather than competing with retailers by selling cigars, we want to partner with them.“

About the Company:

Cigar Sense Inc. is a Silicon Valley based, lean agile start up focused on maximizing the premium cigar lovers experience. Established in 2014, the company offers personalized expert advice on which cigars best suit a consumer’s unique tastes.

TL Johnson and La Tradicion Cubana to Part

May 11, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Long time friends of Half Ashed Luis Sanchez (La Tradicion Cubana) and Terry Johnson (TL Johnson Cigars) have decided to part ways, with TL Johnson to found a new factory in the Dominican Republic. The news came from TL Johnson first on May 9th, with the following announcement on the company’s Facebook page:

T.L. Johnson Cigars is no longer part of the Cuban Tradition Cigar Group. We have decided to part ways with the Cuban Tradition Cigar Group and open our own factory in the Dominican Republic. We will be rolling all T.L. Johnson Cigars as well as Counsellor Cigars and will be taking on producing private label cigars as well. We are exciting about our new endeavor and producing the best quality cigars as you have come to expect from T.L. Johnson Cigars.

Earlier today, I received a subsequent message from Luis Sanchez of LTC, relating the following:

After 3 -years working with Tabacalera LTC in Dominican Republic and La Tradicion Cubana in Miami and being part of The Cuban Tradition Cigar Group., TL Johnson Cigars has decided to branch out and open its own cigar factory. We at Tabacalera LTC, La Tradicion Cubana and The Cuban Tradition Cigar Group are happy that as a result of the great product we produced for TL Johnson Cigars, and the market exposure we provided, they are now able to go out on their own. Just like a parent is proud and wishes only the best for their child, so we at Tabacalera LTC, La Tradicion Cubana and The Cuban Tradition Cigar Group wish TL Johnson Cigars ‘long ashes’.

The two have been partners in a joint farming venture in Villa Gonzàlez, Dominican Republic for the past two years, and La Tradicion Cubana has rolled TL Johnson cigars since 2012. Terry was a guest on Episode 021 of Half Ashed

Cigar News: Camacho Announces American Barrel Aged

May 4, 2015 By Kip Fisher

The New Camacho American Barrel-Aged

HONORING ONE TRADITION, WHILE BREAKING ANOTHER

This past Thursday, Camacho announced the first release of their new Master Built Series, the Camacho American Barrel Aged. The cigar will feature bourbon barrel-aged Corojo as a core component.

The line is promoted to celebrate “the hardworking grit of Kentucky bourbon makers and the passionate artistry of our master builders. Challenging convention at every turn. Working together to forge an intense smoking experience unlike anything else. A process that begins  with the original Corojo plant, aging its legendary leaves for six years and then locking them in charred Kentucky bourbon barrels.”

The American Barrel Aged will feature a five year old American broadleaf wrapper, which is said to provide oaken flavors and sweet bourbon aromas.

“American Barrel-Aged is something we have been working on for some time and we are very excited to finally share it with aficionados now in the US and across global markets in the near future. This project marks the first time a Camacho core line has been made outside of Honduras and we are extremely proud of what our master builders in the Dominican Republic have brought to life. Barrel aging is a very tedious and hands-on process. We are aging around 2,000 lbs of Corojo filler tobacco and rotating the barrels one leaf at a time every few weeks. Each batch takes a full five months to complete and requires constant attention to ensure the proper journey for this special tobacco,” said Dylan Austin, Director of Marketing for Davidoff of Geneva USA.

Interestingly, the cigar almost entirely utilizes American grown tobacco, including the broadleaf wrapper, binder and filler – including a maduro filler tobacco from Pennsylvania. A single leaf of six year old bourbon barrel aged Corojo was added to the recipe, aiming to amplify the complexity of the blend.”

A full nationwide road tour is in the works, and will kick off with “a week-long extravaganza at Corona Cigar in Orlando starting on June 8th.” Each of the remaining American Barrel Aged launch events will last for three days, and are being limited to a group of twenty five selected retailers. The grand finale will close out the tour at Tampa Humidor in Tampa, FL on December 19th.

The new line will begin shipping nationwide on Monday June 15th, with a suggested retail of $10-$12 per cigar.

Camacho American Barrel Aged Road Tour Dates & Locations

Jun 8 – 13
Corona Cigar Co. (Orlando, FL)

Jun 18 – 20
Prime Cigar (Boca Raton, FL)

Jun 25 – 27
Emerson’s (Virginia Beach, VA)

Jul 1 – 3
Cigar Realm (Ashland, VA)

Jul 9 – 11
Tinderbox Waldorf (Waldorf, MD)

Jul 30 – Aug 1
Humidour Cigar Shoppe (Cockeysville, MD)

Aug 6 – 8
TBD

Aug 13 – 15
Two Guys Smoke Shop (Nashua, NH)

Aug 20 – 22
Cup of Joes (Queensbury, NY)

Aug 27 – 29
TBD

Sept 3 – 5
Blend Bar (Indianapolis, IN)

Sept 9 – 11
Just For Him (Springfield, MO)

Sept 17 – 19
Outlaw Cigar Co (Overland Park, KS)

Sept 23 – 25
Addison Cigar (Addison, TX)

Oct 1 – 3
Club Humidor (San Antonio, TX)

Oct 8 – 10
Heroes & Legacies 9Austin, TX)

Oct 15 – 17
Serious Cigar (Houston, TX)

Oct 22 – 24
Cigar Shop Biloxi (Biloxi, MS)

Oct 29 – 31
Franklin Cigar (Franklin, TN)

Nov 5 – 7
Cigars & More (Birmingham, AL)

Nov 12 – 14
Havana Phil’s (Greensboro, NC)

Nov 19 – 21
Ansteads Tobacco (Fayetteville, NC)

Dec 3 – 5
5 Point Bottle Shop (Athens, GA)

Dec 10 – 12
Smoke Inn (Boynton Beach, FL)

Dec 17 – 19
Tampa Humidor ((Grand Finale) Tampa, FL)

The company also released the following teaser video:

About Camacho Cigars

Camacho is the world’s leading brand of bold cigars, representing the concept of unleashing unmistakable and intense
experiences. Infamous since 1962, the brand has become a sanctuary for the powerful, elemental being who seeks to fill their lives with unapologetic good times. A combination of rich heritage, product excellence and a never surrender attitude has enabled Camacho to grow into an aggressive brand globally recognized as the standard of full-frontal flavor and full-frontal lifestyle.

For more information about Camacho, please visit www.camachocigars.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Selected Tobacco Releases 2 New Byron Vitolas

April 30, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Selected Tobacco adds two new sizes to Byron line; updated packaging

Founded in 1850, the Byron brand is a longstanding marque as one of the oldest brands in production today. Selected Tobacco is pleased to announce the addition of 2 new sizes to the line, as well as updated packaging.

The Serie Siglo XIX, carefully blended by Nelson Alfonso with a goal of best representing Cuban Cigars of the 19th Century is now available in a 6 x 56, known as the Grand Poemas.

The Serie Siglo XX – also blended by Nelson Alfonso – aims at representing Cuban Cigars of the 20th Century, and is also available in a 6 x 56 format known as Habanero.

Since the beginning, Byron was destined to unite smokers with exquisite taste, and today Byron continues to strive toward delivering a superior cigar that is the epitome of luxury.

Both cigars are the largest Byron vitolas to date, and as a result each blend is tweaked a bit with a higher priming to maintain the strength and flavor required to match the larger ring gauge format.

Each cigar is protected inside a Humitube^®, a uniquely effective humidified cigar tube chambered system that lets the cigar receive slow humidification through the wall of the tube that makes for a balanced humidity level throughout the cigar at any length.

The new Byron will retail for $33 per cigar, and are available in three packs with an MSRP of $98.99. The cigar is set to get a full release at IPCPR in New Orleans July 17-21, 2015.

About Selected Tobacco

Selected Tobacco is the brainchild of Nelson Alfonso who has designed some of the best known Cuban brands in the world, including the design of Cohiba Behike. He is also the Master Blender for Atabey, Byron and Bandolero which are distributed in the United States by United Cigar Group.

About United Cigar Group

United Cigar Group is the distributor for all Selected Tobacco Products in the United States as well as the Garofolo, Fleur de la Reine, La Gianna and the soon to be released KILO. They can be found on the web at http://www.unitedcigargroup.com

Asia Marketing Services to represent Drew Estate

April 30, 2015 By Kip Fisher

This past week, Swisher International Inc. and Drew Estate announced the appointment of Asia Marketing Services (AMS), led by Hans Rijfkogel, as an Independent Sales Representative for the Asian Domestic and Duty-‐Free Market. The company is based in Taipei, Taiwan.

“The international marketplace holds tremendous growth opportunities for Swisher and Drew Estate. As the two companies have been able to combine resources in specific geographies following the acquisition of Drew Estate last year, we have seen an almost immediate increase in the number of retailers carrying our brands and the number of consumers smoking our product.” stated Alex Goldman, Vice President of International Business Development.

Joe Augustus, Senior Vice President of Global Affairs, added “The Asian region has been a growing market for Swisher for several years, and we have set some ambitious goals for its growth. With the addition of the Drew Estate portfolio of products, it made sense to add a resource located in the region to better service our customers, and keep them informed of our growing product mix. With over 20 years of selling experience in the region, we feel Hans and his team are the perfect representatives to help further our goals.”

Reached at AMS headquarters in the Taipei 101 Tower, Hans Rijfkogel, Director of Asia Marketing Services stated “When I started AMS the goal was to build solid relationships with a small group of prominent manufacturers in order to represent a well rounded portfolio of quality products. Adding both Swisher International and Drew Estate to our mix has allowed us to reach that goal. I am excited to be a part of the Swisher/Drew Estate family and look forward to great success in the future.”

AMS will represent both Swisher and Drew Estate in several domestic and duty-‐free markets, including China, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Japan (Swisher only), Vietnam, Myanmar, Laos, and India.

About Swisher International

Swisher International, Inc. is a leading tobacco manufacturer of various filtered cigars and smokeless tobacco brands as well as a number of premium cigars through its Royal Gold Premium Cigars division. Swisher products are exported to over 80 countries. Swisher International, Inc. is headquartered in Jacksonville, FL and also has manufacturing facilities in Wheeling, WV and Santiago, Dominican Republic.

About Drew Estate Inc.

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”^TM, Drew Estate has led The “Boutique Cigar” movement by innovating new elements to the tobacco industry with their unique tobaccos and blending styles that have attracted 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, Kentucky Fired Cured, Liga Privada, MUWAT, Natural by Drew Estate, Nica Rustica, Nirvana, Tabak Especial, UnderCrown, and Java by Drew Estate.

About Asia Marketing Services

Established in Taipei in 2013, Asia Marketing Services (AMS) has been successfully marketing and promoting imported tobacco products of the highest quality throughout Asia. AMS has developed a deep understanding of how to market and promote these products and build them into powerful brands. AMS represents Swisher, Drew Estate, Royal Agio Cigars and Flandria in the Asian domestic and duty free markets and maintains close relationships with all the major tobacco importers and Duty Free operators.

Cigar News: La Tradicion Cubana shipping Figurado Series

April 23, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Luis Sanchez at La Tradicion Cubana has provided more information on a new line he has arriving in the very near future. Regular Half Ashed listeners will recognize Luis’ name from frequent mentions on the show whenever Craig and I have delved into our LTC supply. Both Craig and I are fans of his work, and both regular purchase La Tradicion products for our own humidors. For those interested, some of our favorites include the TL Johnson Tempio and most recently the La Tradicion Cubana Reserva Familiar…as well as the corona in his original La Tradicion Cubana line. In June of 2013, we also featured the Tempio on Episode 021 when we had guest Terry Johnson on the show.

The new line is to be called the Figurado Series, and for the time being will only come in a singular 5” x 54 “Chulo” vitola. As is obvious from the series name and accompanying picture, it is a figurado. Both a natural and maduro version will be available, and features the blend composition given below.

The wrapper will be either Ecuadoran (natural) or San Andres (maduro), with Dominican filler tobacco. Interestingly, the filler tobacco was grown by Sanchez and partner Terry Johnson of TL Johnson Cigars through their DOMUSA farming company. Their tobacco has begun to show up in a couple of their recent blends, and the operation has been in the works for the past three years. How extensively the two will utilize their own tobacco in the future is yet to be seen, but based on initial results my interest is piqued to say the least.

The La Tradicion Cubana Figurado Series should be available to U.S. retailers’ shelves within the next couple of weeks.

AJ Fernandez to Release New World Connecticut

April 22, 2015 By Kip Fisher

Company to extend line with New World Connecticut

(Miami, Florida) April 22, 2015— Earlier today, A.J. Fernandez Cigars announced the imminent release of the New World Connecticut. The unique blend was created after a positive response from both public and critics since unveiling the existing New World line at the 2014 IPCPR tradeshow. The original line received honors as the Number 1 Cigar in the World 2014 from Cigar Journal Magazine.

We originally published details about the New World back in July 2014, which included details about the blend and the story behind it. A.J. Fernandez said: “The New World cigar was a very special project as it was the first cigar that was created with the help of my father Ismael Fernandez since he joined me at A.J. Fernandez Cigars. I am more than thrilled that the public reception has been so positive, that it has once again allowed us, as father and son to create the New World Connecticut.”

The New World Connecticut features a U.S.A-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper, Mexican San Andres binder, and filler leaf from Nicaragua and Brazil, and has been blended as a medium bodied cigar. Unlike the original, the New World Connecticut will not be box pressed. The company describes it as having “notes of cream, wood, and almonds in a very well balanced and refined cigar.”

The MSRP for the New World Connecticut will stay in line with the original New World at six dollars, and it will be available in 20 count boxes. Four vitolas are set to be released:

CORONA GORDA 5 ½ X 46
ROBUSTO 5 x 50
TORO 6 x 52
BELICOSO: 6 x 54

The New World Connecticut will begin shipping in May.

ABOUT A.J. FERNANDEZ CIGARS:

A.J. Fernandez Cigars is based on the rich tradition of the Fernandez cigar legacy. A.J. Fernandez produces unparalleled, hand-rolled cigars in Estelí, Nicaragua, which have garnered numerous top ratings and acclaim from cigar publications and consumers alike. Today he continues the family legacy as he oversees production and manages the day to day operations in his factory in Estelí.

For media inquiries please contact Creativas Group Public Relations via: [email protected].

Viva Republica Releases Limited Edition Culebra

March 12, 2015 By Kip Fisher

VIVA REPUBLICA LIMITED EDITION CULEBRA

Yesterday, Viva Republica™ announced the impending release of a Limited Edition Culebra. Only one thousand (1,000) coffins each containing a traditional three-piece culebra have been produced, shipping in retailer 5-packs (5 coffins per pack). The Culebra is comprised of three differing blends, featuring the Company’s Rapture, Rapture Maduro and Guerrilla Warfare brands.

Each of the cigars that comprise the culebra have a length of 5.75,” and 39-ring gauge. Inside each five piece package is a memo that identifies the three components by wrapper shade and discloses the blend breakdown for each cigar. The details for each cigar are as follows:

Blend Details

Rapture Natural

Wrapper – Ecuadorian HVA
Binder – Dominican Republic
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru

Guerrilla Warfare

Wrapper – Ecuadorian Sumatra
Binder – Dominican Republic/Mexico
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua

Rapture Maduro

Wrapper – Mexican San Andres
Binder – Dominican Republic
Fillers – Brazil, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Peru

Further Information

Additional details on the card describe how to diferentiate the blends: “The lightest wrapper is the Rapture Natural. The one featuring a slightly darker colored wrapper is Guerrilla Warefare. The darkest wrapper is the Rapture Maduro blend. We could have color-coded them with more ribbons – but why take the fun out of it?” –Jason Holly

“I’ve always been intrigued by and have enjoyed culebras and wanted to use creating one as an opportunity to feature three of our core lines,” said Jason Holly, owner of Viva Republica.

The cigar(s) will officially launch during the DC Tweet Up on Saturday, March 14 at Tobaccology in Manassas, VA from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The limited run has an MSRP of $18 (excluding applicable local tax).

“Pricing was always a consideration. These are time-consuming to produce. But I wanted to keep value pricing so [more] people would try a culebra,” said Holly. I think their typical cost could be a bit of a consumer barrier.”

Viva Republica is exclusively distributed in the United States by Miami Cigar & Co.

Viaje Chicharrones and Jalapeño Lines Announced

March 10, 2015 By Kip Fisher

This afternoon, Viaje has taken to the social media airwaves with a couple of imminent releases coming down the pike – the Viaje Chicharrones and Jalapeño.

Viaje Chicharrones

Photo by Viaje Cigars

First up is the Chicharronnes, produced at the TABSA (Fernandez) factory. The line will be available in three different “flavors” – Original, Bold and Spicy. The differing blends respectively feature Corojo, Maduro and Criollo wrapper leaf. Per the posted caption, all tobacco in the line is “grown and raised on AGANORSA farms in Nicaragua. Each box will contain 90 Chicharrones, which will be 4.5” x 48.

Viaje Jalapeño

Photo by Viaje Cigars

The second notice from the company detailed the Jalapeño, which utilizes tobacco grown in Honduras. The Jalapeño will be available in boxes of 25, and will be a 4.875″ x 51 figurado. They will be rolled at Raices Cubanas. No specifics were given for blend, only that “By taking our time, using traditional farming methods and doing things the old fashioned way, we’ve perfected the ultimate balance of heat and flavor in our products.”

Both lines will be shipping March 16th to all authorized Viaje retailers.