More Losses in the World of Cigars
Unfortunately, we lost two more gentlemen that were well loved by the cigar industry this week. Last Sunday (March 25), Bert Sugar passed at the age of 75 after a long battle with cancer. Bert was a sort of a “jack of all trades” in the boxing media world. Over the years, he owned and/or edited a number of boxing magazines, wrote for various newspapers, wrote dozens of books on boxing history, and even appeared in a number of movies as himself. He was seen by many as an ambassador of the cigar world as well, and rarely appeared without a cigar hanging from his mouth. You can find more about Bert at SMOKE Magazine.
On Tuesday, the cigar industry lost another leader. Manny Ferrero, Sr. VP of Sales for Ashton Cigars passed unexpectedly of a heart attack at the TAA (Tobacconists’ Association of America) convention in Mexico. My path only crossed once with Manny, many years ago at an Ashton event, but he was widely known for his creative ideas in pairing cigars with various foods and drink, as well as his gregarious but lovable personality. He suffered the heart attack while dancing with his wife at the TAA convention. Manny was loved by the entire cigar industry, and the written tributes from within the industry have been too numerous to list. Ashton Cigars posted the following status update concerning funerary arrangements:
“Thank you for your overwhelming support during this extremely difficult time as we mourn the loss of Manny Ferrero. Many of you have asked about information in regards to Manny’s services. We have just received the following information. We will update you if further information becomes available.”
Services for Emmanuel “Manny” Ferrero:
Trinity Episcopal Church Solebury PA
6587 Upper York Rd 18963
Tuesday April 3rd
Visitation: 9-11AM
Service 11AM
Other News
The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Assocation (IPCPR) has published a flyer promoting awareness of how a trip to your local tobacconist will change should the FDA be given control over premium cigars. If that doesn’t scare you, it should – at least if you enjoy a cigar from time to time. The industry is being assaulted on many fronts. If you are a tobacconist, or if you ever visit one, please pass this flyer along. You can download and print it HERE. They have also supplied a petition you can download, print and sign to be submitted to your Representatives and Senators in support of legislation protecting premium cigars from being lumped into the same legislative category as cigarettes, which would be a very important protection.
CRA News – The Cigar Rights of America published the Winter 2012 edition of the Cigar Patriot. You can find the Digital Edition on their website. As I’ve said before, the CRA is one of the most powerful ways that we, as consumers, can effectively have our voices heard concerning the legislation that impacts the cigar industry. If you don’t belong, I really encourage you to join. Membership costs less than $3 per month ($35/yr), and includes two limited edition, premium cigars. I continue to be impressed with the actual changes taking place through the efforts of CRA. Rather than simply talking about change, CRA is effecting change. They need our support to continue and build momentum.
We also want to wish a Happy 86th Birthday to Avo Uvezian, celebrated jazz musician and maker of outstanding cigars. He celebrated, as has been the case for the past several years, with a new line of Limited Edition sticks. This year’s Avo LE is La Trompeta, a 6.5″ X 54 ring torpedo adorned with three circular appliqués of natural leaf to represent the valves on a trumpet. It began shipping to select retailers this week, with a retail price of $15.50.
Upcoming Events
There are a number of upcoming events which one of more of us at The Cigarmy will be attending. The first is the launch of the Studio Tobac 2012 Tour at Tampa Humidor. The event starts at 6:00pm on Thursday, April 5th at Tampa Humidor, and will feature great deals on Oliva cigars as well as a special limited release sampler made for the Tour.
Many of you know that my wife and I regularly watch Dogwatch Cigar Radio on Friday nights. Bob, Dale, and Liz put on a great show every week at 9pm EST on Friday nights. If you can’t catch it live, they also publish an edited audio podcast following the show. This Summer, they will be hosting a Dogwatch Cigar Radio herf in Melbourne, FL at Tranquilo Cigars on July 27th & 28th. There will only be 25 tickets available, so if you are going to be in the area tune in or download the podcast soon to get the details. You can find out more by listening/watching this week, or reviewing last week’s show notes.
The final event I wanted to mention is the CHATWEETUP2012. This will be a large gathering in Chattanooga this August 24th & 25th, sponsored by Tiki Bar Online and Stogie Review (both outstanding cigar blogs, by the way). The Tweetup will be hosted at Burns Tobacconist, which is also where you can purchase tickets. There will be many manufacturers in attendance, as well as a number of Twitter personalities within the cigar industry and blogosphere as well. You can find details at the Tiki Bar Online CHATWEETUP page. Scheduled Attendees include Pete Johnson (Tatuaje), Jonathan Drew (Drew Estate), Eddie Ortega (Ortega Cigars), Jon Huber and Mike Conder (Crowned Heads), Matt Booth (Room 101 Cigars), Gary Griffith (Emilio Cigars), Bryan White (13th Floor Cigars), Clint Aaron (262 Cigars), Sean Williams (El Primer Mundo Cigars), Nada and Jeff Jumper (Nadi Cigars), Steven Ysidron (Del Fuego Cigars), Frank Herrera (Herrera Cigars / La Caridad del Cobre), and Michael Herklots (Nat Sherman).
Well, that’s about it for this week. I’ll be posting a new review over the weekend, so check back for that. Y’all have a great weekend!
EDIT: Ashton Cigars has just posted further details concerning Manny’s arrangements:
FERRERO, EMMANUEL “MANNY” died suddenly on March 27, 2012. He is survived by his wife Rosemary{nee “Gates”}, his children Anthony ( Edith), Jennifer Townsley ( Daniel), and Gina Marie and two grandchildren, Anthony John and Anna Belle. Predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Carmella. Family and friends may give their condolences on Tuesday, April, 3, 9:00- 10:45 AM, followed by a mass at Trinity Episcopal Church, 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury PA. 18963. In lieu of flowers, send contributions to the Manny Ferrero Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ancillae Assumpta Academy, 2025 Church Road, Wyncote Pa.19095