Introducing a Modern, Bold and Unique brand in the US Market: SLR Gen2

PRESS RELEASE:

Saint Luis Rey is one of the well-known and trusted heritage brands in the US Market.  Originated in Cuba after WW2, and was named after the town of San Luis in the Vuelta Abajo tobacco growing region in Cuba – one of the best tobacco growing regions – where these cigars were originally rolled.

The brand has been in the US Market since 1982 and according to the recent consumer research that is conducted in January 2013, it is in the top 15 most recognized brands list. It is also one of Altadis USA’s biggest potential brands, selling over 1 million cigars per year.

As Altadis USA, we wanted to build on that image and launch an innovative new concept with SLR Gen2 to attract a wide range of different consumers not only with the unique blend but also with the attractive price positioning.

The new SLR Gen² is available in three sizes which are in line with market trends: Robusto (54 x 4 ½”), Toro (54 x 6″) and Titan (60 x 6″) all in a 21 count box.  The blend consists of a Dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Honduran & Nicaraguan filler. 

Priced right at the sweet spot, very competitive in the US Market, $5.75 to $6.75.

This fuller bodied cigar also uses three year aged tobaccos exclusive to our cigar.

Easily identifiable with the use of double band from the other prestigious SLR brands that we offer.

Gen² is not just a new version of a classic.  It is much more.  It is the heritages of many generations of know how.  It is the expression of wisdom and passion from some of the most expert craftsmen in the world as they bring forth a most sublime smoking experience.  From our recent consumer research, we know that US Consumers are always looking to try something new; this was one of the aims of the launch – to offer something new, compelling and punchy to these targeted profile.

Gen² is a rare combination of quality, tradition, innovation and the passion of centuries expressed in a singular cigar.

There is only one formula for pleasure!

Quality + Passion + Innovation = Gen²

Passion Squared!

Zino Introduces “The Make of New York” Collector’s Edition

Press Release:

Pinellas Park, FL  April 26, 2013. A brand with roots deep in self expression, that’s pushed the limits  of the cigar industry. Zino Platinum recognizes that same disruptive innovation of a city that’s constantly redefining the culture that surrounds it. Following the global success of the first limited edition, launched in 2012 for the ten year anniversary of Zino Platinum, the brand has produced its second premium cigar collector’s edition set of four custom art boxes in collaboration with urban artists UR New York.

ZinoPlatinum is heading back home to its original stomping grounds with a release suitably dubbed “The Make of New York” this collector’s edition celebrates four pillars of self

expression in the greatest city of the world for challenging the status quo and disruptive innovation.

FASHION- THE THREAD OF THE CITY

FOOD- THE FLAVOR OF THE CITY

MUSIC- THE PULSE OF THE CITY

MIXOLOGY- THE SPIRIT OF THE CITY

Zino Platinum has teamed up again with the illustrious UR New York an urban artist collective who have redefined themselves and the landscape that surrounds them to help capture the same maverick spirit of Zino Platinum. Brooklyn based, Mike Baca aka 2ESAE and Fernando Romero aka SKI originally joined forces with the goal of transforming the perception of street art and have become successful international artists.

The dynamic New York duo went to work on the

collector’s edition Zino Platinum boxes with the same passion

and artistry that brought them success in their

professional art career.

This limited release of only 7 50 sets of 4 boxes will appear on retailer’s shelves on May 15th with a kick off event in New York City supported by an eight week east coast US Tour

featuring the ZP Mobile Lounge.

“This special collector’s edition perfectly illustrates what Zino Platinum represents self expression. New York is a city that inspires self expression like no other and we are thrilled to pay homage with this limited edition cigar to the pioneers that continue to disrupt the status quo.“ states Scott Kolesaire, Zino Platinum Brand Manager.

Cigar Information: The tastefully crafted Perfecto shape, enclosed in a specially selected Ecuador Connecticut “Rojiza” wrapper leaf, starts off with light wooden notes that begin to tease the taste buds

and develop into vibrant cedar wood and earthy flavors. The Criollo filler tobacco delivers a delightful spiciness that is balanced by the San Vincente Mejorado by stimulating the back area of the palette. The blending of these special tobaccos allows this cigar to express itself with flavors that truly inspire self expression.

Drew Estate To Add Kentucky Fire Cured To My Uzi Weighs A Ton Line

Press Release:

April 4th 2013-  Drew Estate Inc. announced the impending release of Kentucky Fire Cured Cigars, an extension to the MUWAT brand also to be produced at the Joya de Nicaragua factory. In development for over 2.5 years, this extension to the MUWAT line of premium cigars was inspired during a trip to the Dominican Republic where Jonathan Drew and Steve Saka were visiting the Universal Leaf tobacco pre-industry facility.

“I remember it as if it were yesterday” states JD. “Fritz Bossert (President of Universal Leaf), Steve Saka and I were smoking Liga Privada T52s in the fermentation area when I noticed a pilon of Kentucky Fired Cured tobacco. We took the wrapper off the T52 and placed a thick Kentucky Fire Cured leaf in its place. The taste and aroma were simply amazing, but there was just one huge problem – the cigar would not burn properly, and is one of the reasons of the lengthy process it took to get ‘KFC’ to market.”

Nicholas Melillo, Executive Vice President of International Operations, was tasked with working on a solution to the burn issue in conjunction with Fritz Bossert, experimenting with using the fire cured leaf in the wrapper leaf position as well as using limited amounts as part of the filler. Six months later we were already producing blends and sharing samples with good friends throughout the cigar industry, while keeping the project completely quiet.

“In February 2011 we had the pleasure of smoking some of these early samples on the Corona Cigar Co.’s Cigar Safari tour,” says Jeff Borysiewicz founder & owner of Corona Cigar Co. “My group really enjoyed the aroma and flavor profile and kept asking JD when this product would be ready to market. He kept me waiting until December 2012, when we smoked more KFC samples at my lake house during the Christmas holiday. They’ve really come a long way and we look forward to the release.”

“The My Uzi Weighs A Ton brand was the first true collaboration between Drew Estate and Joya de Nicaragua,” says Michael Cellucci, President of Drew Estate.

“The fact that JD wanted to bring the ”MUWAT” franchise under the flag of Subculture Studios is a reflection of his love of working with other talented cigar makers. Subculture Studios is more than just a graffiti factory in Nicaragua, it is a ‘mental space’ that JD and Jessi Flores have cultivated throughout the years and reveals innovation, raw talent and creativity that you find throughout all of Drew Estate at every level.”

There is a lot we have experimented with and all shall be revealed in short order, but for now here is a little quote from Nicholas Melillo, Chief of the Broadleafs, “First off, Kentucky Fire Cured is from a stalk-cut tobacco. The initial firing of KFC is done at low heat between 100 F to 115 F degrees and maintained until the color reaches solid brown. Once color is set temperatures increase to 120F- 130F to completely cure down the midrib of the leaf and darken. Once the midrib is dried the temperature will be reduced and the smoke maximized with saw dust to finish the leaf. When KFC hits your olfactory nerve you know it! “

MUWAT Kentucky Fire Cured will be Available in three sizes: 6 x 52 “Just a Friend”, 5 x 56 “Fat Molly” and a 4 x 46 “Chunky” in the familiar MUWAT craft paper bundle. Americana style graphics adorn these new packs.

“Kentucky Fire Cured is not something new to the world of tobacco, as it has been grown for over 200 years. Easily compared to the smokey taste attributed to a peaty scotch, the KFC picks up nuances of the roasted hickory, oak or maple wood that makes you say ‘Damn, that’s tasty,’” expels Jonathan Drew.

“In addition to the fire cured tobaccos of Kentucky and Dark Fire Cured of Virginia, we are finishing the two year project of our fire cured tobaccos from another country which DE will not disclose until a time closer to the actual release of the brand. I’ll just say this: they don’t speak English, Italian or Spanish in this region of the world.”

 

Sam Leccia Launches LECCIA TOBACCO CO.

PRESS RELEASE:  April 2, 2013 (Miami, FL) — Sam Leccia is back. After an absence of more than two years from the premium cigar industry, Leccia is excited to announce the launch of Leccia Tobacco. The Leccia Tobacco brand will encompass a variety of different products, beginning with the Spring release of its first cigar brand called “Black and White.”

Black and White will consist of two different cigar blends. The Black blend is being manufactured in the Dominican Republic and the White blend is being manufactured in Nicaragua. Both blends are very different, but each delivers a powerhouse of flavor.

The Black Dominican blend uses a Habano wrapper with a Nicaraguan Rosado binder. The filler is Nicaraguan and Dominican ligeros, Brazilian viso, and a very unique tobacco called “dark fire.” Dark -Fire is wood fire cured, which gives the cigar a distinct smoked whisky aroma. The blend is medium to full bodied with a very smooth strength that builds throughout the cigar.

The White Nicaraguan blend uses an African Sun Grown wrapper with a binder from Ecuador. The filler is Nicaraguan Ligero with Seco leaves from Pennsylvania, Sam’s home state. It is a full body smoke that delivers tons of complex flavors. It has hints of a creamy coffee, and lightly sweet cashews, while delivering strength and spices.

“For the last couple of years I’ve been dreaming of the day when I could get back to the industry that I love,” says Sam Leccia. “I couldn’t be more pumped up about introducing my new blends to cigar smokers.”

Black and White will each have 4 sizes: 4 x 46; 5 x 52; 6 x 50 and 6 x 60. The MSRP for the cigars will be in the $7.00 – $9.00 range. All Leccia Tobacco brands will be distributed by the Toraño Family Cigar Co. which is based out of Miami, Florida.

I ran into Sam while we were on the My Father Cigars trip last month.  Our group had the opportunity to spend some time with Sam, as well as Charlie Torano the last evening we were there.  For those who may not know him, Sam was formerly with Oliva & the face & creator of the NUb, as well as the Cain lines.  Sam was very relieved to have the legal issues between him & Oliva behind him, & both he & Charlie were exited about the launch of the brand & Sam being back in the business.  The lines sound both unique & extremely enticing.  Sam gave me an unbanded version of one of the above to try, but I’ve yet to smoke it.  I’m not sure which one it is, but I’m extremely excited to give it a shot!  Welcome back Sam…

~Jason

jason@vitolafinecigars.com

Twitter@OB1theStogie

 

Come Visit Our Booth This Weekend At The Honda Indy Grand Prix Of Alabama!

See us at our booth at Barber Motorsports Park this weekend April 5th-7th during the Honda Indy Grand Prix Of Alabama, brought to you by Cigars & More and General Cigar Co.

We will be located in the Red Diamond Fan Zone, & will have specials on cigars all weekend.  Also, stop by & enter to win free prizes we will be giving away during the race weekend!

We look forward to seeing you there!

AVO “The Dominant 13th Limited Edition 2013″ Being Released

PRESS RELEASE:  March 1, 2013 (Pinellas Park, Fla) — The successful AVO brand is launching a musical cigar composition “The Dominant 13th” the new 2013 Limited Edition, which was created by the passionate jazz musician and cigar connoisseur, Avo Uvezian. It has complex and promising characteristics, just like its namesake – the Dominant 13th chord. The innovative, succinct tobacco creation, in the popular and impressive Toro format, gleams in a deep brown wrapper from Ecuador.

This complex and mature cigar composition by Avo Uvezian also provides a musical inspiration. The new AVO Limited Edition 2013 offers aficionados not only a perfectly balanced cigar to enjoy, but also an excellent homage to jazz. The inside cover shows Avo Uvezian’s song, “Delightful Days”, along with a personal dedication:

“My dear friend,

Every month, I visit our tobacco fields and cigar factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, to get inspiration and blend new cigars. The cigar you are smoking right now was composed on such a trip, resulting in an amazingly complex blend. While smoking this cigar it reminded me of the most famous and complex jazz chord, the famous Dominant 13th. Thus I composed the above song “Delightful Days” to make you experience the Dominant 13th chord while smoking my new anniversary blend.

Truly yours, Avo Uvezian“

Both in music, as well as in the composition of the finest cigars, which Avo Uvezian began in 1987, passion and perfection are the driving forces which inspire him to achieve absolute harmony in all of his symphonies. Like no other, he knows how to reflect a love of music in all the nuances of his cigars, and how to share it with every aficionado.

The packaging of the new product captivates with measure and sophistication. The cigar box is innovative in its book-like design, featuring a brown matte exterior characterized by a vintage style leather-look. Inside the cigar box, a USB stick containing a brief movie clip, songs by Avo, the AVO cigar catalog and screen saver ensure the longevity of these unique compositions for Avo Uvezian’s birthday.

Production of “The Dominant 13th” Limited Edition 2013 is limited to 9000 boxes worldwide. The Dominant 13th will be launched in the USA on March 28, 2013. In Europe, the launch can vary from country to country, beginning mid-April 2013.

• Length: 6“
• Diameter: 52 RG
• Format: Toro
• Wrapper: Habano 2000 Ecuador
• Binder: Yamasá (DR)
• Filler: Piloto Viso (DR), Habano Viso (DR), San Vicente Ligero (DR), Corojo/Olor Ligero (DR), Peru Viso
• Price: $15.00 – (Single cigar) $195.00 – (Wooden box of 13 cigars)

Avo Uvezian will introduce his new cigar in person during his annual AVO Anniversary Tour beginning March 28th. Avo will travel to 7 different locations this year in celebration of his 87th birthday and his newest release, The Dominant 13th.

 

Davidoff Releases “Short Pleasures” Line

PRESS RELEASE-  February 11, 2013 (Basel, Switzerland) — Finding time to chill out can sometimes be a challenge. Davidoff’s new “Short Pleasures” Assortment responds to the rising need of aficionados to be able to enjoy a short, pleasing break in their hectic everyday lives. The assortment of four cigars composed of the Davidoff “Grand Cru” No. 5, Davidoff “Entreacto”, Davidoff “Millennium Blend” Short Robusto and Davidoff “Puro d’Oro” Gorditos create a symphony that allows the right cigar to be enjoyed at the right time. Thanks to the different cigar formats and strengths, the modern bon viveur can choose, from mild to full body, the appropriate cigar for his chill-out moments.

The innovation of the assortment is especially strengthened through the addition of a new cigar, the “Puro d’Oro” Gorditos which combines boldness and richness in a short format with a 58 ring gauge and 3 3⁄4′′ providing an intense smoking pleasure in a relatively short period of time.

Kick back and relax, escape and get inspired. Enjoy your free time or short breaks with full draws, experience pleasure in a brand new way: this is what defines time well spent. Here Davidoff cigars play a decisive role.

Not only an ideal gift, but also perfect for combining efficiency and pleasure, the Davidoff “Short Pleasures” Assortment shapes personal and professional lives and plays an active part in them. This makes luxury accessible in everyday life, between meetings and while travelling.

The Davidoff “Short Pleasures” Assortment, the innovative trailblazer for the modern cigar experience, will be available as a limited edition at selected tobacconists from beginning of March 2013.

Davidoff Short Pleasures Assortment Davidoff “Puro d’Oro” Gordito Wrapper Dominican Republic (Yamasá) Binder Dominican Republic Filler Dominican Republic Aroma Strong flavor

-Davidoff “Millenium” Blend Short Robusto Wrapper Ecuador Binder Dominican Republic Filler Dominican Republic Aroma Medium flavour

-Davidoff “Grand Cru” No. 5 Wrapper Ecuador Binder Dominican Republic Filler Dominican Republic Aroma Mild to medium flavour

-Davidoff “Entreacto” Wrapper Ecuador Binder Dominican Republic Filler Dominican Republic Aroma Mild