News/Features

YAYA CIGARS BEGIN SHIPPING TO RETAILERS

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Nashua, NH- YAYA from CigarZona made its US launch at this year’s PCA (Premium Cigar Association) trade show in Las Vegas, NV. YAYA landed in the United portfolio after its hometown launch in 2021 that then led to a branded lounge in owner Carlos Gonzalez’s backyard of Santiago, Dominican Republic. The Yaya name has a rich history to the people of the Dominican Republic but an even deeper meaning to Carlos and his family. On his grandfather’s campo, an old lady would roll cigars and the grandchildren would sneak cigars from her. She was lovingly known as YAYA and now the memories that Carlos has of her live on trough the line.

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News/Features

PCA Objects to Malaysia’s Generational Smoking Ban Bill

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[Washington, DC — Sept 2, 2022] Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) submitted evidence for consideration by the Members of the Parliamentary Select Committee and Health Minister for Malaysia to revise The Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill. The bill in its’ current form removes the ability of adults to make decisions for themselves in the future. The year restriction for tobacco sales would ban all people born on or after January 1, 2007, from ever buying tobacco products, effectively banning tobacco sales moving forward.

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News/Features

This weekend: RoMa Craft Tobac hosts Weaselfest in Austin

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Fair Market in Austin will be the site for a seven-hour party with live music, good food and great cigars. RoMa Craft Tobac celebrating it’s 12th year in business and is hosting its annual Weaselfest.

The event will give patrons a taste of Austin with local BBQ, Texas Brewers and Distillers, and most importantly, a limited edition cigar taster.

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Reviews

Philips & King Slaughterhouse

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This cigar has a smooth medium brown Habano wrapper with Nicaraguan filler. It’s a bundle cigar that meassures 7×50. The cold draw is a bit tight so I reamed it once. After the ream, the draw opens up nicely. The aromas from the foot are light earth and tobacco. Tonight’s beverage is a Bulleit Old Fashioned, which is not as sweet as most Old Fashions you get at a bar. 75 proof, so mostly Bourbon. Also using the Ciccar holder, which helps the burn stay even.

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News/Features

PCA Files Comments Opposing FDA Flavored Cigar Proposed Rule

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[Fri, July 29, 2022 — Washington, DC] Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) filed public comments opposing the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) proposed rule entitled “Tobacco Product Standard for Characterizing Flavors in Cigars.” The proposed rule would prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cigars, or any of their components or parts, with a characterizing flavor other than tobacco. However, the evidence on which FDA relied in issuing the proposed rule does not demonstrate that use of flavored cigar products inherently poses an increased health risk relative to use of cigars without non-tobacco “characterizing flavors.” Further, FDA erroneously claimed that banning such products will improve health equity, particularly among certain subpopulations.

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News/Features

Quality Importers names Goldman President

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Weston FL — July 6, 2022 Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) has announced today that Alex Goldman, currently Chief Operating Officer of Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) will be taking on the additional role of President. In this expanded role, Mr. Goldman will oversee all day-to-day operations of the company as well as spearhead the implementation of the company’s longer-term initiatives, stated the company’s CEO and Chairman Michael Giordano.

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News/Features

The Premium Cigar Association and the Boutique Cigar Association of America Begin a New Collaboration

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[Wed, July 20, 2022 — Washington, DC] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and the Boutique Cigar Association of America (BCAA) announced today a new collaborative relationship to highlight the boutique cigar industry within the world of premium cigars, and to effect solidarity within the cigar industry.

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News/Features

Day 2-PCA Top 10:

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  1. Before the Mayans. The symbol for cigar from an ancient Central American civilization dons the band and the box for Foundation’s new Olmec Cigar. Foundation also is producing a Cigar marking the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s Discovery The box is a replica of one of the boxes found in the tomb, It’s called Highclear Castle Sinetro.

2. The whole package. El Septimo Geneva has brought the luxury again with El Septimo Cognac, El Septimo wine, and three different $5.5 million lighters. They also premiered the Emperor’s line of Connecticut and Maduro.

3. What’s that taste? Color has a flavor in the first Ozgener Family Bosphorus yellow by Tim Ozgener and Crowned Heads. He also promoted his Pi Synesthesia with artwork on the box inspired by his father’s tobacco leaf art.

4. Charity for the troops. Cigars for Warriors is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a medal. They are available for purchase to help the charity at their PCA booth or on their website after the convention.

5. Take you to school. Noel Rojas has made a splash with several different brands in their booth but if you haven’t seen “The Complete Guide to Becoming a Cigar Specialist” Vol. 1,-Nicaragua, you should. Buyers smoke the cigars in the box from the regions used to make the blend.

6. Cuban sized. Micallef Cigars is proud of their variety and with good reason. At PCA they are showing off their pack with eight of their blends in a londres size. They are also adding another size to the A line with the “a,” named after their ambassador’s program.

7. The summer of Bewitching. It’s another very good show for Steve Saka and Dunbarton tobacco. He has several projects he has been working on that are being promoted at the show. Another Muestra De Saka, Bewitched, the Holiday Edition Stillwell star, Todos Los Dias is back with the Mas Fuerte, and the limited edition. Mi Querida “SakaKhan”

8. American aged. The relatively new brand ATL, straight out of Atlanta is enjoying the 95 from Stogie Press for their Magic and using it for their success. The company uses Nicaraguan tobacco that is curated and aged in Atlanta.

9. New approach to tubos. Cigar Bros Humidors was showing their Vending Machine like Humidors. The stand-alone boxes are full of tubos with prices and cigar description.

10. The competition is steep Integra has stepped up the game and was showing their Boost 420 humidification insert that services 200 cigars. The 320 will keep up to 150 and they offer smaller sizes as well.

News/Features

PCA Convention Day 1 TOP 10:

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  1. We live in the greatest country in the world. At the PCA Annual Meeting of the Membership sponsored by Foundation Cigar Company, breakfast was provided, cigars were plentiful and we respected the flag and recited the pledge as Cigars for Warriors presented the colors.

2. The Cigar Industry in general and PCA specifically is doing well. PCA reported on the recent court victory calling the FDA’s regulation of premium cigars “arbitrary and capricious.”

3. Drunk Chicken Cigars is no joke. In just three years, CEO Desiree Sylver has made others take notice. This minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned company creates “cigars that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.” Look for the Fat Hen or the Mother Clucker.

4. Rebranding is worth it. El Artista has become Artista and the new look is clean and well done. They are known for the Big Papi and Buffalo Ten (we gave that a 97). They created a new master brand and introduced new blends. They also added a really clever new line called Paper Boy. (see cover photo)

5. Pipes are cool again. Dominican Big League created their version of the pipe by way of a specially-rolled cigar. by Francisco Almonte

6. ATF is not so bad. The ATF magazine is a quarterly publication that writes about Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Subscribe at ATFlifestyle.com. Their latest issue cover story was Matt Booth of Room 101 Cigars.

7. It matters what you pair. When manufacturers blend a cigar, they often have a specific drink in mind for the consumer to make that cigar the best it can be. Luciano (in the Crowned Heads booth) showed off their wine to pair with their new blend, Mas Igneus.

8. Cigar manufacturers are humble and gracious people. Mrs. Have A Premium Cigar created jewelry, key chains and coasters for many vendors. They were very appreciative.

9. All the hype was right. 2022 is a great year for cigars and the health and excitement of this convention proves it. Surpassing pre-COVID numbers is something the organization can achieve and the industry needs.

10. Las Vegas may be hot but it’s very cool. The strip has many gems including the LinQ Promenade (Alley). Despite the over 100 degree temperature, the outdoor restaurants have cooling water and fans, to make the experience pleasant.

News/Features

Black Works Studio announces Killer Bee Connecticut

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PRESS RELEASE

  • July 8, 2022— Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of Killer Bee Connecticut: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

KILLER BEE CONNECTICUT will be available at select BLK WKS retailers later this summer.  This cigar was first released in a small batch in 2018.

“We are excited about the return of the Killer Bee Connecticut.  It was one of our most popular cigars in the Killer Bee line.  After several years of requests, we are happy to announce Killer Bee Connecticut will now be a core-line product. With similar profiles to the Killer Bee, it may not be what you expect from a typical Connecticut cigar.  The Connecticut wrapper gives an added creaminess and changes up the spice components quite a bit,” said James Brown, creator of BLK WKS and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

KB Connecticut will be shipping in limited quantities this week.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Connecticut and Ecuador Maduro swirl cap & closed foot 

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Petite Corona – 4.5 x 46 (24 count) MSRP $11.00

BLK WKS cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique, and tobacco behind boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra.  

For more information contact info@BlackLabelTrading.com.

Regular guy, honest reviews