IPCPR | Half Ashed

News: Room101 Master Collection One

July 8, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Some news concerning the Room101 Master Collection One has been circulating in recent weeks, but some more information has been released today. The line will be produced at the AgroIndustrias Laepe, S.A. (Honduras) factory, and total production will be approximately 100,000 cigars – 20,000 in each of five vitolas (Papi Chulo 4″X42, Roxxo 4″X48, Mutante 7″X38, Sucio 7″X48, and Monstro 5″X60). This will include 1,000 boxes of 20 for every size except the Papi Chulo, which will be produced in 50-count boxes. The blend is composed of a San Andres Ligero Rosado wrapper, Honduran corojo corte binder, and Honduran/Nicaraguan/Mexican filler blend. MSRP is set at $8-12 per stick, depending on size. The line will be available for pre-order at IPCPR 2013, and will begin shipping early to mid-October 2013. Room101 currently projects the Master Collection Two to launch later this Fall – late November. The Master Collection One will carry the famliar Cherry Blossom on the packaging, for which the backstory is included below:

This cherry blossom represents the ever-changing seasons that are experienced throughout one’s lifetime as well as the concept of a short, yet beautiful life. The tattered leaves this blossom bears signify the storms we have weathered together as a family and those we have yet to weather. Finally, the intact and unblemished core of this blossom represents the unfaltering and un-moveable nucleus of our family unit.

The Mon (or Kamon) is the format in which thie Japanese present their family crest. Each is simply beautiful yet complex enough to encapsulate the DNA of each particular family unit from inception to present day.

The Room101 Brand implements the Sakura Mon to represent our family unit. The products that bear this mark will be nothing short of our finest works to date. Within them we hope that you can experience a small taste of the journey we have endured to bring these pieces of handcrafted art to you. It is our most humble honor to have the opportunity to have our voice heard and our message received.

Episode 022: Ramon Allones Petit Corona

July 6, 2013 By Kip Fisher

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Ramon Allones Petit Corona

Welcome back for another fun-filled, exciting episode of Half Ashed. This week, we take a look at the 2002 Ramon Allones Petit Corona – one of Craig’s very favorite cigars. He says, “Since its discontinuation in 2002 the PC has remained a “special” cigar in my humidor. Its big brother the corona is viewed as one of the most saught after regular production cigars since the mid 90s. Both being made in small numbers, thus always maintaining the quality, both of these cigars are great. The PC is legendary.” Tune in to the show to get both our full thoughts on this episode’s examples.

Industry News:

Oliva is making a machine-made cigar, to be released in various markets during the coming months.
As first mentioned last week on Half Ashed when we hosted Terry Johnson of TL Johnson Cigars, the news is out that he is moving some of his operations to Miami – and is partnering with Luis Sanchez of La Tradicion Cubana for a joint venture cigar brand.
Dona Flor has announced a special Limited Edition IPCPR release, as well as the fact that the Alonso Menendez line is now available in the US.
Yet another 7”X70, this time from Drew Estate. They’re adding this to the MUWAT line, per Halfwheel.
Xikar has divested itself of its HC & Defiance Cigar brands….selling them to CI effective July 1. CI has agreed to current price protections to existing retailers through September 30th.
IPCPR starts a week from Saturday. We’ll be doing….something….during the show, depending on internet connections, travel times, etc.
Well wishes and quick healing to Charlie Rutherford of Boveda, who had a terrible motorcycle accident last week. I know the guys behind Boveda personally, and all are good people.
Finally, we held our giveaway for June’s prize packs of Michael Stewart’s home-blended, home-rolled cigars. Michael Thomas and Steve Dorau were selected by random.org, and will be receiving those prizes. Congrats, gentlemen!

Wrap:

We covered a good bit more during the show – various topics of interest this week, what we’ve been smoking, etc. Tune in to get the entire story on those items as well.

Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 023, when we will be attempting to put a show together while Kip is in Vegas for IPCPR. We will be featuring the upcoming Ezra Zion Eminence as our Cigar of the Week. That show will likely be recorded outside our normal Friday night timeframe due to travel/show scheduling. I will tweet/post the exact time and date once we finalize it. In the meantime, if you would like to contact us, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]. Please feel free to drop us a line if you have any questions you’d like answered, comments to make…or even compliments and complaints! Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes to subscribe.

P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected]. This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

News: TL Johnson & La Tradicion Cubana Joint Venture

July 3, 2013 By Kip Fisher

[NOTE: Many of you who have been following this site for a while know that I am a big fan of both TL Johnson and La Tradicion Cubana (who now produces TL Johnson Cigars for Terry Johnson). In fact, I have reviewed the TLJ Tempio, the LTC “American Born Cuban,” written a Cigar Spotlight on La Tradicion Cubana, and featured Terry Johnson on a recent Half Ashed Episode. So, it will come as no surprise that the following news is exciting in my book. In a move that we discussed on the aforementioned Half Ashed episode, Terry and Luis Sanchez will be partnering in a joint venture cigar brand, of which the name has as yet remained unannounced.] Read on for full details:

Luis Sanchez of La Tradicion Cigars and Terry Johnson of TL Johnson cigars are excited to debut a new joint venture line of cigars that will release fall 2013. A limited release of the new blend will be available at the 2013 IPCPR in Las Vegas. The name of this blend is currently being withheld until release date.

The new blend will be available thru the Cuban Tradition Cigar Group Appointed Merchant Program only. Details about the program will be available at the 2013 IPCPR Show.

The first production release will be a 6 x 60 with a genuine African Cameroon wrapper. Other details will be available at the show along with Pre-Purchases that can be made at the IPCPR.

“I am honored to be working closely with Luis Sanchez on our first joint release produced at the La Tradicion Cubana Factory. This is an awesome new blend with a new packaging and marketing format that will stand out in industry. Terry Johnson- TL Johnson Cigars

The Cuban Tradition Cigar Group based out of the 8th Street Miami, Fl. location will house all cigars produced by La Tradicion Cubana including La Tradicion Cubana, Jameson and TL Johnson brands. These current brands make up The Cuban Tradition Cigar Group.

TL Johnson Cigars has begun the transition of moving all operations to the Miami, Fl. location. The main sales office will remain in Colorado and handle sales for the Cuban Tradition Cigar Group.

Sales Contact:
Terry Johnson, President TL Johnson Distributors
[email protected]

2013 IPCPR Booths # 205-206-207-305-306-307

Press Release: Nomad Cigar to Release Nomad S-307

July 1, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Esteli, Nicaragua (July 1, 2013) – Nomad Cigar Company is pleased to announce a new Fall Nicaraguan blend called the Nomad S-307.

The cigar is scheduled to be released in September/October (2013) and will be made available to authorized retailers.

The final production is a box-pressed cigar with an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper called the Nomad S-307. It will be released in three sizes (Toro (6″ X 50), Robusto (5″ X 50), Torpedo (6.5″ X 52)) and be available for pre-purchase at IPCPR.

“I am honored to have my first full production of a Nicaraguan cigar being blended and manufactured at Tabacalera Fernandez. The new blend is amazing and I am thrilled to expand the Nomad cigar line to include Nicaragua in a really big way,” said Fred Rewey, Founder.

Nomad Cigar Company launched in 2012 with four sizes of classic hand rolled Dominican cigars and quickly grew the line to seven sizes; not to mention conquering social media (@Godfadr on Twitter)

In spring of 2013 Rewey created Esteli Lot 1386, his first project in Nicaragua, available in limited edition 12 count boxes. Nomads next step is this full production of Nicaraguan cigars.

For sales Contact:

Nathan McIntyre, National Sales Director House of Emilio Cigars
Twitter: @CigarNate

Or…

Fred Rewey, Nomad Cigar Company
Twitter: @Godfadr
[email protected]

Episode 021: TL Johnson Tempio and Guest Terry Johnson

June 29, 2013 By Kip Fisher

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Half Ashed Ep. 021: TL Johnson Tempio

Good day and welcome back for another fun-filled episode of Half Ashed. This week, we host Terry Johnson of TL Johnson Cigars. Terry sits in for the first hour of the show, while we smoke his fantastic Tempio and talk cigars, flyfishing (TL Johnson also produces fly rods), and other gentlemanly topics. We then covered a few news items for this week, and some of the usual suspects in show segments. Thanks for tuning in, and enjoy!

Featured Cigar

This week, we take a look at the TL Johnson Tempio, a cigar that I reviewed last year and smoke on a regular basis myself. I had a suspicion that Craig would enjoy it just as much as I. I was right. Produced for Terry by Luis Sanchez at La Tradicion Cubana, the Tempio is chocked full of sweet cedar, mild citrus, and toasty oaken flavors. As is the case with Luis’ other production, the Tempio never disappoints in terms of construction and consistency. Definitely worth seeking out a retailer that carries the line – or requesting them from your local shop. It features a Pennsylvanian wrapper, draped around a Dominican and Nicaraguan binder/filler blend – and is fantastically flavorful.

Industry News

Legislatively, the only news we cover this week is the recent development for the FDA in beginning to exercise more power in controlling product introduction into the marketplace with regard to tobacco products – denying 4 of 6 requests for new cigarette products.
In cigar news, we go through a small portion of the IPCPR news this week concerning new cigars to be launched in the near future – notably, the Casa Fernandez 35th Anniversary and Reserva Maduro, a special release from Espinosa for CHATWEETUP2013, and other offerings from Royal Gold (produced by Drew Estate), Pinar Del Rio, George Rico (GAR), and House of Emilio.
We also cover the departure of a familiar face at My Father Cigars, and recent acquisition of Heavenly Cigars by Drew Estate.

What Else Have We Been Smoking?

Craig: Back to some Cuban roots this week

Kip: Sam Leccia’s Black & White

Miscellany

Family time with Craig, and a 3-day jaunt to South Florida for Kip – as well as a couple of listener emails for the week.

Wrap

Be sure you all come back next week for Episode 022, as we get into highgear leading into IPCPR. That show will likely be recorded outside our normal Friday night timeframe due to the Independence Day holiday. I will tweet/post the schedule once we finalize the timing. In the meantime, if you would like to contact us, you can reach us through the contact page or at the following email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]. Don’t forget to get those emails in this month to be entered in our current giveaway. Also, remember you can always go back and listen to previous episodes, which can be found in the Half Ashed Archive. You can download this week’s audio directly below (right-click “Download” and save), or find us on iTunes.

P.S. – If you have unbanded suggestions or contributions, you can get those to us by sending an email to [email protected]. This email address goes directly to my wife, so you can simply suggest an unbanded cigar for her to source, or send me an email to [email protected] if you have something you’d like to send in. I will provide an address to send them. Thanks!

Press Release: Arandoza to Release White Label

June 28, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Many of you may be familiar with Arandoza Cigars, and some may not. Arandoza has been in the cigar marketplace since 2011, offering cigars made at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. I recently took the opportunity to buy a few of their Blue Label line (Nicaraguan Habano wrapper; Nicaraguan binder & filler) and enjoyed them immensely. So, I am excited to learn of the following news in which they announce a new line to be released at IPCPR – the White Label. Here is the press release:

The Evolution of the Arandoza Cigar line has arrived! Arandoza announces the “rebirth” of the Arandoza Blue with its new bold label representing the strong solid foundation of this Cigar Family. Its bold taste, yet smooth finish, is a well-known flavor in this industry.

With a solid foundation, comes the opportunity to grow and expand. Stay tuned for the upcoming launch and unveiling of the Arandoza White Label at the IPCPR this July! This new label provides a well-balanced, full-body smoke, directly from Esteli, Nicaragua with its binder and filler from Nicaragua, Viso from Jalapa and its wrapper in a Dark Habano. This exquisite blend is sure to be the Rolls Royce of the Arandoza Cigar line. Its presentation is as exquisite as its flavor, as the cigars are nestled inside its white box branded with the Arandoza label and lined in black felt. It is sure to be a memorable classic piece to treasure. Both cigars are manufactured at La Zona Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Press Release: Pinar Del Rio Announces New Lines

June 25, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Pinar Del Rio Cigars Announces New Signature Lines

June 17, 2013: Doral, Florida based boutique cigar maker, Pinar Del Rio (PDR) Cigars is excited to announce the release of two new signature cigar series to debut at this summer’s IPCPR show in Las Vegas, to be held at the Sands Expo Center from July 13-17. The AFR-75 is a rich, full bodied cigar with a balanced blend of Nicaraguan Criollo 98, Connecticut Broadleaf, & Dominican filler enveloped in a beautiful San Andres Maduro wrapper. The AFR-75 will be available in three sizes; the Sublime(5×56), the Edmundo(6×58), and the Inmenso(7×60). There will only be 500 boxes per size made available this year. The AFR-75 marks the second release in a series of signature lines from PDR. AFR-75 references the initials for Master Blender Abraham Flores Rosario and his year of birth, 1975. “I’m really excited about the new lines. We had a lot of success with the A. Flores Serie Privada line and we’re going to be doing more special release small batch projects. As a blender I have a lot of fun creating different blends that we can put out in smaller amounts for the hardcore cigar guys to enjoy”, says Abe Flore of PDR Cigars.

Accompanying the AFR-75 this summer as a new release will be the A. Flores Gran Reserva. As is the AFR-75, there will only be 500 boxes of each size of the A. Flores Gran Reserva made available. Replete with a delicious Corojo 2006 Domican wrapper the Gran Reserva delivers a rich, creamy, medium body smoke. The filler is a complex blend of Corojo Dominican and Habano Nicaraguan tobaccos. The A. Flores Gran Reserva will be made available as a Half Corona(3.5×46), Robusto(5×52), Gran Toro(6×54). The Half Corona will also be available in a 5-count tin as a regular production line. Both the AFR-75 and the A. Flores Gran Reserva will begin shipping in July as this summer is shaping up to be a very exciting one for PDR Cigars. The factory is also producing new releases for El Primer Mundo Cigars with its Costa Fuerte line as well as new lines for Kristoff Cigars and Ortega Cigar Company.

www.pdrcigars.com

Morning Updates from Boutique Cigars (Swag, Aging Room)

June 22, 2013 By Kip Fisher

News and Updates from Boutique Cigars / Swag / Aging Room

Activity has begun to increasingly rise as we head into full throttle IPCPR season. Boutique Cigars (Aging Room; Swag Cigars) is no exception, with company president Rafael Nodal publishing a number of pictures and comments this morning about their upcoming new cigars. Below are some quick notes and comments regarding those releases:

Aging Room Maduro

The highly anticipated Aging Room Maduro is blended using all Dominican grown habano as filler and binder with a beautiful oily and powerful Nicaraguan maduro wrapper, aged for over 5 years using our unique proprietary curing and aging process that has made the Aging Room one of the highest rated cigar brands. Body: Medium to Full

In further comments, Mr. Nodal additionally noted that this is Aging Room ‘s “top new release for IPCPR, […]in the works for a long LONG time. This powerhouse of aroma and flavors has a medium to full body with a blend of Dominican Aging Room Tobacco and a wonderful NICARAGUAN Maduro. Did I hear AMEN!!! I am a religious person and I must say, this is an spiritual experience.”

Being a fan of Aging Room ‘s products already in the market, I have to say I am anxiously anticipating this release – Dominican tobacco clothed in a Nicaraguan maduro wrapper sounds quite enticing.

Swag S

Cigar Coop reported in an exclusive story that Boutique Blends will also be adding a maduro line to their Swag marque this year as well. It also will feature Dominican internal components and a Nicaraguan maduro wrapper. The picture at right was released this morning via Mr. Nodal, with the added information that it would be available in bigger ring sizes (up to a 70 ring).

Aging Room Mini

In what seems to be a budding trend at this year’s show, Aging Room will be the third company I know of to release a miniature cigar (Ortega Cigars and La Tradicion Cubana being the other two). My interest is piqued to see how this pans out in light of the trend toward larger and larger cigars in recent years. The philosophy and model being that these cigars will fill the need for those who have the desire for a premium, handmade cigar but limited time. It will be worth watching to see how this niche develops – will there be enough demand for this type of product, or will many cigar smokers simply opt to wait until they have the time to dedicate to a larger cigar?

Aging Room Wild Pack

As was recently reported around the online cigar community, the Aging Room Wild Pack will be another IPCPR release. It will be a 10-cigar sampler, consisting of 2 each for 5 different previously unreleased small format cigars. Mr. Nodal indicated this morning that this will be a market test “for consumers to help us find the next Aging Room Cigars blend.” There will be a rating card included to report notes back to the company and help determine interest in each of the blends for subsequent release to market.

Fortissimo

On this week’s Half Ashed, we discussed the upcoming Fortissimo to a limited degree. Notably, the assertion from Aging Room that this may be the strongest cigar ever to come out of the Dominican Republic. Its composition will feature 100% ” tobacco from famous veteran grower Jose “Joshi” Blanco. Perfection be an understatement.”

Press Release: Padilla Vintage Reserve

June 21, 2013 By Kip Fisher

Padilla to release the new Padilla Vintage Reserve

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MIAMI, FL – June 18, 2013 – Padilla Cigars will be introducing a new cigar to the successful Padilla line; Padilla Vintage Reserve. As with the other Padilla premium cigars; Padilla Reserva, Padilla Reserva Maduro, Padilla Connecticut, Padilla Miami, and Padilla 8 & 11, the Oliva Cigar Company will be manufacturing as well as distributing the Padilla Vintage Reserve both in the United States and internationally.

Vintage Reserve offers the most select and well aged top-tier tobaccos from the acclaimed Oliva cigar factory in Nicaragua. The rich Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper, Cuban seed Corojo (aged a minimum of 36 months), and Nicaraguan Habano binder deliver a blend for the true cigar connoisseur. The fortunate cigar smokers who have had the opportunity to preview this new cigar, report rich coffee and molasses notes that result in a full bodied yet subtle smoke.

“The Padilla Vintage Reserve is a great addition to the Padilla line” says Ernesto Padilla, President of the Padilla Cigar Co. “The Vintage Reserve will come in three sizes; Robusto, Torpedo, and Churchill and will be a limited run. Hence we have included a unique number on each cigar band and box”.

The Padilla Vintage Reserve Cigars are made and distributed by the Oliva Cigar Company both in the United States and Internationally. The Oliva Family of Cigars has produced their own cigars since 1995. Every process of cigar making (growing and manufacturing in Esteli, Nicaragua; sales and marketing in Miami, FL) is directly supervised by a member of the Oliva family. Oliva takes pride in crafting cigars with uncompromising quality and exceptional value. These cigars are some of the highest rated in the industry.

Press Release: CLE Cigars

June 17, 2013 By Kip Fisher

CLE / Fabricas Unidas

For Immediate Release – Miami, FL (06/17/2013): Along with the opening of the new Aladino Cigar Factory, Christian Eiroa is also releasing two new cigar lines made entire ly by the Aladino Factory. EIROA and CLE Plus will be available in late June/early July 2013 and bring something new to the Fabricas Unidas family and to the cigar industry as a whole.

“I am making the introduction of this new factory with two new blends that are representative of my passion for bold and full bodied cigars,” say Eiroa. “These two new Honduran puros deliver strength and flavor like nothing I have ever done before; I believe in them enough to name them after my family and me: The EIROA and the CLE Plus.“

EIROA (Salud, Amor y Pesetas)

It was in the summer of 1916 when Generoso Eiroa got first job as a boat captain for the Cuban Land and Leaf Tobacco Company that the Eiroa family began a tradition that would extend into it’s fourth generation. The EIROA cigar brand is homage to this heritage that has been 100 years in the making.

The EIROA cigars come packed in 10 count boxes held together by a leather ribbon. This ribbon is representative of the way Christian’s grandfather, Generoso stored his cigars in a trunk that he kept at the foot of his bed. Each box and cigar has a very old Spanish saying: “Salud, Amor y Pesetas” which is meant to celebrate what the old Gallegos felt was the key to happiness: “Health, Love and Money.” The only missing ingredient in their formula is “y Tiempo Para Disfrutarlos – and Time to Enjoy Them.”

The production will be about 2,000 cigars per day in four sizes, 48 x 4 Prensado, 50 x 5, 54 x 6 and 60 x 6. The cigars will be in ten count boxes, with an MSRP of $8.95 to $10.95 per cigar.

CLE Plus

The CLE line is also getting a new member to its family, the CLE Plus. This is the full body CLE Corojo cigar the market has been asking for. We have increased the blends to deliver a cigar that will make you feel completely satisfied.

The production will be about 1,000 cigars per day in four sizes, 48 x 4, 50 x 5, 54 x 6 and 60 x 6. The cigars will be in ten count boxes, with an MSRP of $6.95 to $9.95 per cigar.