Category Archives: Reviews

Reviews

Umbagog Bronzeback

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This cigar looks great. The wrapper is not as dark as the Broadleaf of the original Umbagog, but smoother and a slightly lighter color. The cigar clipped cleanly with my Cera ceramic blade guillotine. The cold draw was perfect with hints of things to come. Tonight’s beverage is a Mean Old Tom vanilla bean stout from Maine Brewing.

In the first third the pepper notes are already starting build; this is where the Bronzeback starts tasting different; more pepper and not deep Nicaraguan soil. The earthy notes kick in just after the pepper settles. Ash is solid and the burn is very even.

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Reviews

PLASENCIA CIGARS ANNOUNCES THE ALMA DEL CAMPO GUAJIRO

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ROBUSTO GORDO BOX-PRESSED IS NOW SHIPPING

(MIAMI, FL) July 2, 2024- Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower, established in 1865, has announced the Plasencia Alma Del Campo new box-pressed vitola, Guajiro 5 ½ X 54, is on the way to stores across the nation. This box-pressed vitola will eventually replace the existing round Guajiro which will remain available for clients to purchase while supplies last. The highly popular Alma Del Campo line made its debut in 2017.

The Alma Del Campo is a Nicaraguan puro that was an instant hit with consumers. The inspiration behind the blend draws deeply from the Plasencia family’s rich heritage. “Alma Del Campo” (Soul of the Field) signifies the essence and spirit of the fields where premium tobacco is cultivated. This blend is a tribute to the fertile fields, and the meticulous cultivation practices, which have been passed down through generations of the Plasencia family.

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Reviews

Shipping Nationwide – The Palió® Tazza Piccola Ashtray!

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company ® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, announces the nationwide shipping of the Palió® Tazza Piccola
Ashtray. Unveiled this past spring at PCA, this compact, all-metal, four-cigar rest personal ashtray provides cigar aficionados with a clean and stylish smoking experience.

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Reviews

SCOTUS Facilitates Challenges to Agency Law

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WASHINGTON, DC (July 01, 2024) – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States published their decision in Corner Post v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in which they ruled that the six-year statute of limitations to challenge an agency regulation begins when a party is first harmed by the regulation. Prior to this decision, the statute of limitations had begun when the regulation was first published. As a result, a newly formed company appears to have the capacity to challenge any regulation that has an impact on it, regardless of how long ago the regulation was created.  The New York Times’ article on Corner Post is available here.

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Reviews

Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Deference

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Earlier today (6/28/24), the Supreme Court published their decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo, a case which significantly curtails the power of federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to interpret ambiguous statutes.  The court’s 6-3 ruling struck down a principle known as ‘Chevron Deference,’ a precedent created by the Court in the 1984 case, Chevron v. NRDC. Chevron essentially allowed Agencies wide latitude in interpreting the scope of their own authority in cases where laws passed by Congress were ambiguous, by requiring judges to strongly defer to the agency’s interpretations of vague statutory language.

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Reviews

HumidifGroup Partners with Kingmakers to Develop the First “Shoemidor” Supporting WNBA Star Kelsey Plum’s Under Armour 2024 Shoe Drop

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June 11, 2024 – HumidifGroup, a company specialized in the design and fabrication of packaging and accessories for the cigar industry, has stepped out of just packaging cigars into the shoe world.  

Kingmakers brought HumidifGroup in to develop the packaging for a luxury humidor to support the launch of Kelsey Plum’s cigars.  The WNBA superstar also launched her 2024 Under Armour shoes the same week, giving a nod to the cigars by including one of the cigar bands in the back of the shoe.  The half shoe box half humidor coined the ‘shoemidor’ turned heads at the launch event held in Las Vegas last month.

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Reviews

A Message from PCA’s New Executive Director

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Dear PCA Members,

Thank you for having the confidence in me to lead the Premium Cigar Association. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I vow to put my heart and soul into this association with a rich history, massive past successes, present stability, and, most importantly, a bright future. We will never be bashful about promoting the positive impact of this organization and industry on communities across the country and the joy that premium cigars bring to adult consumers throughout the world. I am extremely fortunate to take on this role with an incredible staff and experienced board of directors who will work as a team as we access, grow, and generate new ideas. 

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Reviews

Generational Bans: A Prohibition That’s Bigger Than Tobacco

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First, it was New Zealand, saying, “Hey, let’s ban access to a perfectly legal product, in a manner that if you’re fifty years old, yet born after January 2007, you’re still not allowed to purchase a cigar to enjoy on the golf course.” 

Then, a California legislator hears of this grand proposal and says, “Hey, what a great idea! I’ll put in a bill that says the same thing!” Hit repeat, in the Tennessee legislature.

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Reviews

Perdomo 30th Anniversary Sungrown

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This cigar is a thing of beauty, the construction is so good. Smooth wrapper. The cold draw is perfect. Tonight’s beverage is a Dogfish Head 120 Minute IPA.

The initial draw is so smooth. No initial roughness. First flavor impression is earth and cedar. The burn is steady and mostly even. The ash looks like it may drop off soon. Not flaking, but cracking.

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Reviews

ALTADIS U.S.A. LAUNCHES ROMEO Y JULIETA 1875 ‘RUN FOR THE ROSES’ COMMEMORATIVE EDITION CIGAR TO CELEBRATE THE 150TH KENTUCKY DERBY

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(Fort Lauderdale, FL) April 15, 2024– Altadis U.S.A., makers of the finest premium cigars, are proud to announce the launch of Romeo y Julieta 1875 ‘Run for the Roses®,’ a limited-edition premium cigar that pays tribute to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in the world. The brand has partnered with Churchill Downs to create a winning cigar that will be sold exclusively at participating Liquor Barn stores, the cigar retailer at the Kentucky Derby.

Founded in 1875, the same year as the first Kentucky Derby, Romeo y Julieta is one of the most well-known global cigar brands, steeped in its own rich history, legacy and tradition. “Romeo y Julieta is the perfect brand to partner with to create a unique cigar for this milestone for Churchill Downs and the 150th Kentucky Derby,” said Casey Ramage, Vice President of Marketing and Partnerships at Churchill Downs.

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Reviews

CRA’s Files Reply Brief In U.S. Court of Appeals

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WASHINGTON, DC (April 16, 2024) – Yesterday, Cigar Rights of America (CRA) and the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), filed the industry’s reply brief in response to the United States Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) appeal in Cigar Association of America, Cigar Rights of America, and Premium Cigar Association v FDA. 

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Reviews

MIAMI CIGAR & CO. ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE LIMITED EDITION NESTOR MIRANDA GRAND RESERVE AT THE 2024 PCA IN LAS VEGAS

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(Miami, FL) March 21, 2024–Miami Cigar & Co. announces the unveiling of the limited-edition Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 at the 2024 PCA in Las Vegas. Miami Cigar & Co. previously released prior editions of the brand in 2011 and 2012. It was felt that it was the right moment to revive the NM Grand Reserve, in time for the company’s 35-year anniversary.

Miami Cigar & Co. kicks off their 35-year anniversary by bringing back Nestor Mirand Grand Reserve. This 2024 version is a brand-new blend and complete with updated packaging. Nestor Miranda worked closely with the My Father Cigar Factory in Nicaragua, to create a blend that was worthy of such a milestone.

Nestor Miranda, Founder and President of Miami Cigar & Co. stated: “The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 was a special one for us. 35-year anniversary is a big one! My wife and co-founder of Miami Cigar, Mariana Miranda, and I are still in awe by how far we have come. I really wanted to create a blend that was worthy of such an anniversary. I thank the team at the My Father Cigar Factory, for being patient with me throughout this process, as I wanted this blend to reach the highest possible standard.”

The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve is a Nicaraguan puro, which is an elegant medium-bodied, full-flavored blend. The cigar boats flavors of spice, earthiness, and ceder, with a hint of sweetness.

Jason Wood, Vice President of Miami Cigar stated: “Nestor really wanted to create something special this year, and we believe that we hit the mark. We encourage everyone to visit us at #booth 7035 at the PCA.”

Only 1500 10 count boxes of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 were created. Vitola: 61/8 X 52.

Reviews

Cavalier Geneva USA Exclusive

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The cigar has a very smooth (almost velvety) feel with the trademark gold leaf diamond under the band. Used a punch and got a perfect draw that had tiny flavor notes of well cared for tobacco. Tonight’s beverage is a Jester King Black Metal. JK is in Dripping Springs northeast San Antonio and makes a great line of farmhouse style ales.

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Reviews

Definition Genesis

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The newest vitola from Definition Cigars is a beautiful colorado-maduro that has a silky, almost oily wrapper with some minor veins. Tonight’s beverage is a St. Arnold Tarnation, which is essentially a less intrusive Arrogant Bastard (which is my favorite non-cigar beer; the real irony being that St. Arnold’s calls it “unreasonably strong [9.0ABV], which isn’t that strong in the craft beer world).

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News/Features, Reviews

Operation: Cigars for Warriors announces Collaboration with B.A.M.F. Cigars and Lou Piscitelli for Cigar Band ArtworkOnline Raffle and PCA-exclusive Cigar to benefit CFW

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Ocala, FL – Operation: Cigars For Warriors is proud to announce the availability of online raffle ticket sales for a beautiful piece of custom artwork honoring US servicemen and women made by Lou Piscitelli of Melbourne, FL. Proceeds from the raffle benefit Op: CFW.

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Reviews

Foundation Introduces Two Cigars and One New Brand; All As Tributes

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Foundation Cigar Company, renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, proudly announces the launch of its newest brand, METAPA. Inspired by the birth town of Rubén Darío, a legendary Nicaraguan poet, Metapa pays homage to Nicaragua’s rich cultural heritage and the artistry behind its world-class cigars.

Foundation Cigar also unveils its latest creations, “Charter Oak Pegnataro-CT Shade and Pasquale-CT Broadleaf” cigars. These exceptional blends serve as a heartfelt tribute to the lasting influence and cherished memories of Nicholas Melillo’s grandfathers, whose passion for tobacco kindled his own.

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Reviews

Lounge Review: AME Cigars, Weatherford

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When you pull into the parking lot of a cigar lounge and see a space reserved for Al Micallef, you know you’ve chosen wisely.

This quaint shop has a few surprises around every corner. Their humidor is small and was not full but we found several cigars we couldn’t get anywhere else. The staff was young but knowledgeable and friendly. The shop looked small but had multiple rooms making it able to hold a large crowd.

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Reviews

Espinosa TAA Murcialago Gold

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With a medium box press and the tradition of the Murcialago heritage, I expect a great cigar. The wrapper is dark San Andreas and the binder and filler are Nicaraguan. From the foot I can smell the earth and oak common to Nicaraguan cigars, but I detect something more. The cool draw is perfect, also showing off its Nicaraguan pedigree. A Real Ale Black Quad Trappist-style ale that has excellent malty flavors with some coffee notes is tonight’s beverage. I think it will be a good pairing.

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