IPCPR 2013 – A Moment With LFD’s Litto Gomez

Today we spend time with one of the true legends in the industry, Litto Gomez of La Flor Dominicana Cigar Company. In this interview, Gomez shares with us information on the all-new LFD Chapter One, Factory Press Limitado and all-new tubos – enjoy!

IPCPR 2013 – Iconic Leaf Cigar Recluse and Draconian Sidewinder

Today we spend time with Iconic Leaf Cigar master blender J.R. Dominguez.  In this interview, Dominguez discusses last year’s Kanu as well as the 2013 all-new Draconian Sidewinder – enjoy!

Cigar News: Steve Saka Retires, Trades In Chaveta for Shimano

Drew Estate LogoMiami, FL – In a written statement from Drew Estate, it was announced that CEO Steve Saka has retired from the company effective Thursday, July 11th.  The statement went on to thank Steve for his hard work and dedication during his 8-year reign as president and later CEO. Saka’s passion, leadership and expertise were a rare combination in the industry. “Steve will be truly missed and we wish him all the best moving forward,” said owners, Jonathan Drew and Marvin Samel. Continue reading

IPCPR 2013: Seminar, FDA and Tobacco Legislation

Representative Bill Posey (FL)Las Vegas, NV – Today marks the first day for IPCPR registration as retailers, exhibitors and media begin picking up their trade show packages before tomorrow’s Day-1 activities begin. Today also saw a joint seminar hosted by the IPCPR and Cigar Rights of America focused on the FDA and how we can do more to help our cause in the fight for cigar rights.

Florida state representative, Bill Posey (R) was the guest speaker bringing his thoughts and vast experience to those in attendance.

Posey’s main message today was on building a stronger grassroots movement aimed at shifting the thought in this country away from being a state of entitlements. Posey questioned the audience with a series of questions aimed at getting a feel for how active the audience was with regards to cigar rights. “Let me see a show of hands if you’ve signed a formal petition… Now let me see a show of hands if you have personally contacted your local state representative…” Posey passionately urged all attendees to do more in terms of getting the word out. “If you’re not a member of CRA, join. If you haven’t signed a petition yet, do so. If you haven’t personally contacted your local state representative, do it now because that is the only way your voice will be heard. My challenge to each of you here is to be sure your hand is raised the next time these questions are asked of you.”

Posey went on to share stories on how politics work at the state level. He also spent about 15 minutes taking questions from the audience.

It was a unique opportunity to hear first hand from one of the many government officials fighting on our behalf. Posey was enthusiastic and engaging – a great way to kick off IPCPR 2013.

So now comes my challenge to you, the casual cigar enthusiast. There are three things you can do today to help our cause: 1) Sign the CRA petition today, this costs you nothing; 2) contact your local state representative. By this I mean, take a few minutes to call your representative, send them an email. If you don’t know how to contact your representative, you can look here; and 3) Join Cigar Rights of America today!

IPCPR 2010 Game Changer – Value Priced Premium Cigars

In 2008, Cigar Aficionado awarded the Cas Magna Colorado Robusto as the #1 Cigar of the Year.  This is a cigar with two primary and distinguishing characteristics:  1) the cigar happened to be the brain-child of two legends in the industry – Manuel Quesada and Nestor Plascencia; and 2) the cigar retailed for only $5 – proving once and for all you could get a top quality cigar without spending and arm and a leg. Continue reading

Press Release: First Look Room101 Master Collection One

Room101 Master Collection OnePinellas Park, FL - Today Room101 officially announced the release of the much anticipated Master Collection One.  We brought you one of the very first sneak peek smoking previews of this cigar back in February.  Master Collection One will be available for pre-sale orders at the upcoming IPCPR Trade Show and Convention, and nationwide shipping is expected to take place in early October.  Another blend called Room101 Master Collection Two is also due to be unveiled this year - with an expected shipping date in late November. Continue reading

Exclusive: EloGio Cigars Announces Excentrico No.2 and Robusto Limitada

EloGio LogoWichita, Kansas – EloGio Cigars will introduce two (2) new cigars to their portfolio for 2013 – both of which will be on display at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada. Known as an exclusive boutique / independent company steeped in rich Cuban tradition, brand owner Nabil Sabbah sat down with Leaf and Grape and discussed the following details of these new releases.

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IPCPR 2009 Game Changer – Stalk Cut Habano Wrapper

Our major game changer from IPCPR 2009 happens to be a wrapper – one that was introduced in 2009, but would not fully be felt across the industry for a couple of years. 

It all started with Drew Estate’s follow-up cigar to the already popular Liga Privada No.9 – a 2008 release so popular supply could not keep up with consumer demand.  The 2009 follow-up would be known as Liga Privada T52 – and would prove to be a game-changer, particularly for its use of an all-new wrapper which hales from the Connecticut River Valley. Continue reading