PCA Announces Furloughs in Response to COVID-19 The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced today that there will be some temporary changes to its staffing and programs as a result of the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic hardships. As of July 15, the PCA staff will be furloughed, with benefits, as…
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I had the opportunity to sit down with co-owner of Up Down Cigar (located at 1550 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL) and current PCA Board Member, Phil Ledbetter. Phil and I discussed his cigar journey, starting from pipe smoking and going all the way through his becoming co-owner of Up Down Cigar. We discussed the…
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Crowned heads Announces Casa De Montecristo Retail Exclusive Four Kicks-No.7 Today, Crowned Heads announces an exclusive release for 28 Casa de Montecristo retail locations around the country, the Four Kicks- No. 7. The Four Kicks- No. 7 uses the original Four Kicks blend which has earned 90+ ratings. The Four Kicks- no. 7 is crafted…
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I get to catch up with the Executive Director of the Cigar Rights of America, Glynn Loope. We discuss how COVID-19 has impacted cigar retailers and manufacturers, the government’s response, and the current fight against regulation and why it’s so important given the global pandemic. We also discuss the cigar industry as a whole, we…
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Crowned Heads Announces Las Calaveras EL 2020 Yesterday, Crowned Heads announced their seventh installment to the Las Calaveras franchise, Las Calaveras EL 2020. The Las Calaveras was first introduced in 2014 and was born as a tribute to those who have passed away the previous year. It is intended to be a celebration of life…
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I sat down, via Zoom, with Andy Yaffe, National Sales Director for Micallef Cigars. Andy tells the story of how his cigar journey began, how he came to in the cigar industry, and the friendships he has made. Andy and I then have a frank discussion on the impact COVID-19 has had on local B&Ms,…
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Cavalier Genéve Cigars Heading to Norway Nordic Cigars, owned by Arnt Anensen and Cavalier Genéve have agreed on an exclusivity agreement to distribute the brand on the Norwegian market. The first Cavalier Genéve cigars to be offered will be the White Series and the Black II. Norway will also have access to the yearly LE…
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Micallef Cigars Launches the Phoenix Program for Brick and Mortar Retailers. While brick and mortar retailers are struggling to overcome hardship during these unprecedented times, Micallef Cigars launches the Phoenix program to better serve retailers. Micallef Cigars published an open letter to the cigar industry earlier this year, in which they made a commitment to…
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This week, I quickly gives my thoughts on the PCA cancelling the 2020 trade show and how this presents the PCA with a unique opportunity for change; change for themselves, and change for the industry. I then jumps into my review of the Cigar Scanner Application and the Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer. I…
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OVERVIEW PRODUCT MANUFACTURER     Cigar Scanner WiFi Hygrometer and Thermometer Cigar Scanner PRODUCT PRODUCT TYPEORIGINALLY RELEASED STILL IN PRODUCTION CLAIM/GIMMICK BREAKDOWN Wireless Hygrometer and Thermometer2017 Yes o Ability to monitor your humidor condition anytime, anywhere.o Notify you of changes to temperature and humidity levels inside your humidor.o Track the history of humidity and…
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