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!

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!

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

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

IPCPR 2013: Take-5 Rewind 5 Years Of Game Changers

As we prepare for this week’s up-coming IPCPR Trade Show and Convention in Las Vegas, NV – we are eager to see how things play out during the show and the weeks and months that soon follow. What we’re looking for are those major trend-setting topics that come out of the show gaining momentum, spreading like wild-fire across the cigar industry as a whole.

Looking back over the last five (5) years, there have been a number of exciting topics and trends – some died a quick death. But others, like the 5 select topics below, truly helped shape the industry – making it a win-win for growers, manufacturers, retailers and consumers alike. So, over the next couple of days leading up to the show, allow us to rewind the clock and share a few of our select hot topic game changers with you – enjoy!

Press Release: La Flor Dominicana New Releases IPCPR 2013

LFD LogoCoral Gables, FL - La Flor Dominicana will introduce five (5) exciting new items at this year’s IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas, July 13 – 17.  Known for their top-quality cigars loaded with worlds of flavor, Lito Gomez and company are proud to present the following new offerings and line extensions. Continue reading

IPCPR 2013: 2nd Annual Davidoff Golden Band Awards

Golden Band AwardsDavidoff, a company steeped in rich tradition and the ultimate in luxury premium tobacco products, is proud to present the 2nd Annual Golden Band Award Show.  This year’s ceremony will once again take place at the IPCPR Trade Show and Convention.  The Davidoff exclusive event will be held July, 15th in Las Vegas, Nevada.  According to the Golden Band Awards website:

“The Second Annual Davidoff Golden Band Award Show will honor those Appointed Merchants who truly embody the Davidoff standard of excellence…the Golden Band Awards materialized from the brand’s success, rooted in decades of long-standing partnerships with trusted merchants. Davidoff has a long history of working with its family of retailers to help them expand their businesses, discuss best practices and grow the Davidoff brand, hand in hand. The awards are an opportunity to officially recognize these retailers for their commitment and passion for Davidoff.” Continue reading

IPCPR 2013: Take-5 Hidden Gem Independent (Boutique) Brands

Chinnock Cellars LogoChinnock Cellars Cigars – We first discovered Chinnock Cellars at the 2010 IPCPR convention in New Orleans.  Since that time we have watched them continue to grow and gain momentum across the country.  Brian Chinnock is not only the man behind the cigar, he also owns Chinnock Cellars vineyard and winery in Napa California.  Continue reading

Announcement: RoMa Craft Tobac Mode-5 Becomes Coreline

RomaCraft Mode-5 BoxBack in February we brought you an update on two of RoMa Craft Tobac’s newer releases – the CroMagnon Blockhead and Mode-5.  Today, it was announced that Mode-5 would become a coreline offering and is to debut at IPCPR 2013 this coming July. Continue reading