James welcomes the new Content Director/Editor of simplystogies.com, Matthew Kang. Matthew discusses his cigar journey, and how his real job at Eater LA will help us give us some direction. We also talk a little COVID-19, and Matthew mistakes a travel humidor for a takeout box. James also announces a brand new Cuban Cigar review,…
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OVERVIEW VITOLA:Â Â CubaSIZE:Â Â 5.6″ x 46 ORIGIN:Â Â CubaFACTORY/BOX CODE:Â Â DEC 19 WRAPPER:Â Â Cuba (Vuelta AbajoBINDER:Â Â Cuba (Vuelta Abajo)FILLER:Â Â Cuba (Vuelta Abajo) STRENGTH:Â Â Medium SOURCE:Â Generous gift from a friend at simplystogies.club ENVIRONMENT WHERE:Â Â Open patio in my backyard WHEN:Â Â July 6, 2020 @ 8:30 AM DRINKS:Â Â Black coffee WEATHER:Â Â Beautiful summer morning;low-80s in the shade, light…
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Illusione Cigars Taking over Cavalier Genève Cigars Distribution in the United States of July 1, 2020 Illusione Cigars, based out of Reno, Nevada, are as of today, July 1, 2020 the new importer and distribution partner of Cavalier Genève Cigars in the United States. Illusione Cigars has a fully functional FTZ on top of the…
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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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Stay smoky, friends.