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!

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

Take-5: Drew Estate Cigar Safari 2013 – Part-3, Stalk Cut Habano

Continuing our recap of last month’s Drew Estate Cigar Safari, we spend more time with masterminds Steve Saka and Nicholas Melillo. In this video clip we get a behind-the-scenes look at how pilones (large piles of stacked tobacco leaves) are used to cure tobacco during the fermentation process. The tobacco discussed in these videos is one of my all-time favorites, the extremely temperamental yet oh-so-flavorful Connecticut River Valley Stalk Cut and Cured Sun Grown Habano wrapper. (aka “Stalk Cut Habano”) This signature wrapper has been used on such legendary Liga Privada blends as T52, Dirty Rat, L40, Ratzilla, UF-4 and pre-release UF-13…enjoy!

Take-5: Drew Estate Cigar Safari 2013 – Part-2, Fire Cured Tobacco

Following up on our coverage of the Drew Estate Cigar Safari, we jump right in to an interesting topic for 2013 – the use of fire-cured tobacco. In this clip, Steve Saka and Nicholas Melillo share details on how certain tobaccos are fire cured at one of the Finca La Joya barns. As you’ll hear, “fire cured” is a technique that plays a major part in producing the unique mesquite BBQ flavors present in cigars such as the Sam Leccia Black and the soon-to-be-released MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured (KFC) line…enjoy!

Take-5: Drew Estate Cigar Safari 2013 – Part 1

Last month, our dear friends at Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua cigar companies invited members of the cigar media down for a special edition Cigar Safari. Media members were broken down in to two groups of 10-12 people per group. We happened to be in group-1 who went down April 28th thru May 1st.

The video below is a reflection of the great times had that very first day. There were no tours on Day-1. Instead, we simply got to know each other a little better – building and extending relationships – all in the spirit of comradery…enjoy!

Take-5: Nomad Esteli LE Lot-1386

Nomad Esteli LE Lot 1386Charlotte, NC – Yesterday I had an opportunity to sit down with Fred Rewey, owner and face of Nomad Cigar Company. During our informal conversation I was given a chance to smoke his new Limited Edition blend which hails from the great country of Nicaragua – the soon to be release Nomad Esteli LE Lot-1386.

Rewey’s current core line is a rock-solid Dominican blend. We reviewed the Nomad Navigator back in February and were very impressed with its draw, flavor and over-all quality and construction. Since that time, Nomad has been a hit with select B&M shops who tend to focus their attention on boutique cigars.

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Take 5: Cigar Cutting – Punch, Cut or V?

Welcome to another segment of Take 5. In this video, we break down three of the more common types of cuts made on traditional cigars. In addition to reviewing the basic concepts of cigar cutting, we also offer a unique look at mixing things up a bit to make it interesting and enjoyable for both novice and expert alike…enjoy!

Take 5: Great Cigars Projected For CA Top 25

Welcome to our 2nd installment of Take 5 – a series aimed at bringing you short, unique perspectives on certain facets within the cigar and/or wine industries.  As the name implies, each Take 5 segment is intended to be read/viewed in five minutes or less. Continue reading

Take 5: World’s Best Cigars By The Numbers

Welcome to Leaf and Grape’s inaugural launch of a series simply known as “Take 5″. Our goal here is to bring you a short, hopefully unique perspective on a certain facet within the cigar or wine industry, keeping it to 5 minutes or less. (hence the name Take 5) With today’s future announcement of Cigar Aficionado’s #1 Cigar of the Year, we decided to make this first installment on the topic of “World’s Best Cigars” – we hope you enjoy… Continue reading