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On Saturday, August 23, Famous Smoke Shop will host an Arganese Cigars
event at their retail store in Easton, PA from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
In attendance will be real estate-developer-turned cigar maker, Gene
Arganese, and his good friend, Joe Gannascoli, best-known for his
role as "Vito Spatafore" on HBO's The Sopranos.
Gene will be offering some discount cigar specials on his latest cigars, the
Arganese CL3 and Arganese ML3 cigars, which were recently introduced at the
International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association show in Las Vegas last
month.
Made with all Dominican wrapper, filler and binder, the CL3 cigars are rolled in
a dark brown Corojo wrapper, whereas the ML3 cigars have an oily, ebony-hued
Maduro leaf wrapper. The cigars contain three times more Ligero tobaccos than is
normally used, which gives both blends more muscle. The smoke is robust and very
peppery, with the CL3 revealing a deep earthy-woody character, and the ML3
offering similar attributes with subtle notes of espresso and cocoa.
Event attendees who buy any box of Arganese cigars will get 13 more cigars free
and a chance at winning a trip to the Dominican Republic for a tour of Gene's
farm and factory. The trip alone is worth over $2,100.
Allentown Beverages will provide samples of "Hop Wallop" beer, an IPA (India
Pale Ale) micro brew from Victory Brewing Company. Since the bitterness of the
hops stands up well to full-bodied cigars, it will also make a good "pairing"
for the event.
In preparing for the in-store, Gene Arganese told Famous Smoke Shop retail store
manager, Jeff Brown, "Joe Gannascoli is coming with me to announce 'Vito's' new
cigar that we're making for him." Scheduled for an October release, the cigar
has a Connecticut wrapper from Ecuador, a Sumatra binder, and prime Cuban seed
Dominican long-fillers. "It will be a mild to medium smoke, but full of flavor
and complexity," Gene added.
Gene and Joe will be signing boxes of Arganese Cigars at the event, so attendees
will also get to take home a couple of valuable autographs.
Famous Smoke Shop is located at 1100 Conroy Place in the Forks Township section
of Easton, PA. For more information on this event, interested parties should
call 610-559-8800.
When one thinks of cigar producing countries, the places that come to mind are
usually; Cuba (illegal in the US), the Dominican Republic, Honduras and
Nicaragua. Now new brands entering the market are expanding the scope of Latin
American countries exporting cigars to the US.
We recently reported on a new line of
Colombian cigars named Colombian Gold by
Bravo Cigars. Now we have new cigars from Panama named Joyas de Panama.
(We will be publishing reviews on both of these next month.) Joyas de Panama had
limited availability in the US market in 2004 - 2006. Now they are being
re-introduced with a new distributor.
Last fall, BCB Design brought Joyas de Panama cigars to Europe, and they are
now introducing them to the U.S. Panama has a rich history of cigar
manufacturing for over 100 years. Miriam Padilla and her sons run a factory in
the small town of La Pintada, nestled in the foothills of the Continental
Divide. Miriam has been making cigars for over 26 years. Stepping into her
factory is like stepping back in time. Simple wood desks line in rows, stacks of
cigar forms, presses and dried tobacco await the skilled hands of each roller.
Joyas de Panama will initially come in five classic varieties such as;
Churchill, Especial #1, Torpedo, Robusto and
Coronita. The cigars are 100% puros, all Panamanian product of the same
blend. These quality artisan products are made of organic Cuban seed tobacco.
The cigars are constructed of a long filler with Sumatran wrapper. They are mild
to medium in flavor, with a smooth, even draw.
The leaves are hand selected and examined for quality assurance. No chemicals,
pesticides or machines are used in the growing or production of this sustainable
product. The mid-range price point of this selection is a notable value,
retailing between $6 - $8. The cigars are offered in bundles or boxes of 25.
The tobacco is grown in the Chiriqui province of Panama, a lush region well
known for it's agricultural products, from internationally award winning coffees
to varied tropical flowers. The rich volcanic soil and shade canopy give the
tobacco it's Colorado Maduro color and smooth, rich flavor. The consistent
tropical climate of Panama has been a prime location for cigar production, much
like her neighbors, Cuba, Nicaragua and Honduras.
Due to political problems in the past, Panama and it's diverse products have
been kept in the shadows, until recently. The world is just now rediscovering
this tiny country, for business, tourism, and beauty. Panama now boasts the
fastest growing and stable economy in Central America.
Joyas de Panama cigars are available for sale in the U.S. at the following
retail locations.
Michigan
Hayes Market
22580 Telegraph Rd.
Southfield, MI 48034
248.352.2216
The Arturo Fuente and J.C. Newman families are holding an online charity auction
of ultra-rare and exclusive cigars to raise funds for the Cigar Family
Charitable Foundation. This online auction is in celebration of "8-5-8" day. The
auction began August 5, 2008, and will end on Sunday, August 17.
Among the unique items being auctioned are the following:
● 1 box of 50 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 Sungrown cigars. These cigars will be hand
selected by Carlos Fuente, Jr., and will be personalized, dated, and signed by
both Carlos Fuente, father and son.
● 1 box of 50 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 cigars with Carlos Fuente, Sr.'s Don Carlos
"my way" blend. These cigars will be blended and hand selected by Carlos Fuente,
Sr., and will be personalized, dated, and signed by both Carlos Fuente, father
and son.
● 2 Lower Bowl seats to the "Big Game" that will be played at Raymond James
Stadium in Tampa, Florida on February 1, 2009.
● 1 box of 25 Arturo Fuente 8-5-8 cigars from 1984 in a wrap set box.
● The very last original release box of AF 13 cigars.
All proceeds from this charity auction will benefit the Cigar Family Charitable
Foundation ("CFCF"), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, which that serves the
impoverished children and their families in the Dominican Republic's famed
tobacco-growing region.
Due to the kind generosity another foundation, all donations will be matched
$1.50 for every dollar donated, up to $35,000. With this matching contribution,
the Fuente and Newman families expect to raise over $50,000.
About Cigar Family Charitable Foundation
In 2001, the Fuente and Newman families and their Cigar Family members
established CFCF. The foundation has created a 23-acre project, which is home to
primary and high schools that educate 490 students, a medical and dental clinic,
a community center, sports and recreation facilities, and an organic farm and
fishery. Because the Fuente and Newman families underwrite all of CFCF's
administrative costs, 100% of all donations directly help those in need.
The Cigar Family Community Project in the Dominican Republic. The Cigar
Family Primary School is on the left and the Cigar Family High School is on the
right.
Children playing on a playground at the Cigar Family Community Project in the
Dominican Republic. The Cigar Family Health Center's ambulance is parked in
front of the Cigar Family High School on the right and the Cigar Family Primary
School is in the background on the left.
Children attending school at the Cigar Family Community Project in the
Dominican Republic.
School children outside of the Cigar Family Primary School in the Dominican
Republic.
About Cigar Family
Cigar Family was founded in 1996 by the Fuente and Newman families. The Arturo
Fuente family began rolling cigars in 1912 and today is known as the "Reigning
Family of Premium Cigars®." Founded in 1895, the J.C. Newman family is America's
oldest family-owned premium cigar maker.
Contacts
J.C. Newman Cigar Co.
Jessica Springer
Office: (813) 248-2124
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Arturo Fuente Cigar Co.
Karl Herzog
Office: (813) 242-1907
E-mail:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CIGAR RIGHTS OF
AMERICA LAUNCHES NATIONAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
WITH “CRA FREEDOM TOUR 2008” ON AUGUST 19
LOS ANGELES, July 30 – Formed to advance the interests of cigar
enthusiasts across the nation, the Cigar Rights of America Freedom
Tour 2008 will kick off the organization's national membership drive
with a five-state blitz beginning on August 19 in New York City.
Driven by increasing calls from cigar enthusiasts, CRA was formed in
early 2008 by a consortium of cigar manufacturers and premium cigar
retailers to give cigar enthusiasts a forum to collectively showcase
their outrage at continuing legislative and regulatory attacks which
deprive them of reasonable opportunities to enjoy premium, handmade
cigars . . . even when all alone on a city street!
The Freedom Tour will commence with a blitz of five states in four
days, beginning with CRA's Launching Gala Dinner overlooking the
Hudson River on Tuesday, August 19 in New York City at Hudson Terrace.
The Tour's first leg schedule includes:
All events include
refreshments, musical entertainment and the ticket price includes a
one-year Cigar Rights of America membership. Tickets can be purchased at
local retailers listed below.
A phalanx of cigar stars will be on hand at
each stop to greet cigar enthusiasts and underline the importance of the
CRA's mission. Among the legends already committed to attending one or
more of the CRA Freedom Tour 2008 kickoff events are:
Avo Uvezian, Avo Cigars
Carlos and Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente Cigars
Charlie Torano, Torano Cigars
Christian Eiroa, Camacho Cigars
Eric Newman, Cuesta Rey and Diamond Crown Cigars
Ernesto Perez Carrillo, La Gloria Cubana Cigars
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Cigars
Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars
Jose Oliva, Oliva and NUB Cigars
Keith K. Park, Prometheus/God of Fire Cigars
Litto Gomez, La Flor Dominicana Cigars
Nick Perdomo, Tabacelera Perdomo
Peter Baenninger, Davidoff Cigars
Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars
Robert Levin, Ashton Cigars
Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Cigars
Tim Ozgener, CAO Cigars
Each event will be geared to
informing cigar enthusiasts of the crucial role they play in balancing
the debate between anti-cigar advocates and those who enjoy cigars for
pleasure, and asking for their help in recruiting CRA members
nationwide.
You can joining Cigar Rights
of America via its web site (www.CigarRights.org);
news concerning CRA activities and legislative and regulatory issues are
covered on the site as well.
Join us in celebrating the
formation of Cigar Rights of America. Meet the cigar makers and fellow
cigar enthusiasts at CRA Freedom Tour. Let's unite to fight for our
freedom and right to enjoy cigars.
August 19th: CRA
Launching Gala, New York City
When: August 19th (Tuesday), 7:00 pm - 11:00
pm
Where: Hudson Terrace
621 West 46th Street, New York, NY 10036
Tickets: $300 for Advance Purchase, and $350 at the Event if available.
300 Advance Tickets are available until they sell out.
Ticket price includes:
1 Year Membership to CRA
Finest Cigars and DJ Music
Premium Open Bar
Hors D'Oeuvre
Sumptuous Summer Dinner
Meet the following cigar makers (in
alphabetical order of their first names):
Avo Uvezian, Avo Cigars
Carlos and Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente Cigars
Charlie Torano, Torano Cigars
Christian Eiroa, Camacho Cigars
Eric Newman, Cuesta Rey and Diamond Crown Cigars
Ernesto Perez Carrillo, La Gloria Cubana Cigars
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Cigars
Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars
Jose Oliva, Oliva and NUB Cigars
Keith K. Park, Prometheus/God of Fire Cigars
Litto Gomez, La Flor Dominicana Cigars
Nick Perdomo, Tabacelera Perdomo
Peter Baenninger, Davidoff Cigars
Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars
Robert Levin, Ashton Cigars
Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Cigars
Tim Ozgener, CAO Cigars
Tickets are sold by the below retail tobacconists (in order of zip
codes):
Santana Tabacalera
481 Franklin Ave.
Nutley, NJ 07110
Tel) 973-667-6688
O.K. Cigars
383 W. Broadway # A
New York, NY 10012
Tel) 212-965-9065
The Cigar Inn
1314 First Ave.
New York, NY 10021
Tel) 212-717-7403
J. Barbera Tobacconist
990 Franklyn Ave.
Garden City, NY 11530
Tel) 516-284-7806
Barclay Rex 75 Broad St.
New York, NY 10004
Tel) 212-962-3355
De La Concha America
1390 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10019
Tel) 212-757-3167
Davidoff on Madison Avenue
535 Madison Ave.
New York, NY 10022
Tel) 212-751-9060
Holt's Cigar Company
1522 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pa 19102
Tel) 215-732-8500
Barclay Rex
70 East 42nd St.
New York, NY 10017
Tel) 212-692-9680
Davidoff at Columbus Circle
10 Columbus Circle #S104A
New York, NY 10019
Tel) 212-823-6383
Barclay Rex 570 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10022
Tel) 212-888-1015
Holt's Cigar Company
12270 Townsend Road
Philadelphia, PA 19154
Tel) 215-676-3926
Tickets: $60 for Advance Purchase, and $75 at the Event if available.
Ticket price includes:
1 Year Membership to CRA
Fine Cigars
Limited Edition CRA Freedom Tour
T-shirt
Appetizers and Cash Bar
DJ Music
Meet the following cigar makers (in
alphabetical order of their first names):
Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente Cigars
Christian Eiroa, Camacho Cigars
Jose Oliva, Oliva and NUB Cigars
Keith K. Park, Prometheus/God of Fire Cigars
Nick Perdomo, Tabacelera Perdomo
Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff Cigars
Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Cigars
Tim Ozgener, CAO Cigars
CRA Freedom Tour Minneapolis is hosted by Cigar Store Alliance of
Minnesota and the event tickets are sold by its members listed below (in
order of zip codes):
Perfect Ash
809 Sibley Memorial Hwy
St. Paul, MN 55118
Tel) 651-457-4953
Cigar Jones
17643 Minnetonka Blvd.
Minnetonka, MN 55391
Tel) 952-475-3131
Sarna's Tobacco Depot
2501 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55418
Tel) 612-782-6940
Stogies on Grand
961 Grand Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Tel) 651-222-8700
Tobacco
Grove
8063 Wedgewood Lane
Maple Grove, MN 55369
Tel) 763-494-6688
Golden Leaf
3032 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Tel) 612-824-1867
August 20th:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
When: August 20th (Wednesday), 4:00 - 8:00
pm
Where: Western Lakes Golf Club
(Exit SS from I-94 West; Left on Oakton)
W287 N1963 Oakton Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072
Tickets: $45 for Advance Purchase, and $60.00 at the Event if available.
Ticket price includes:
1 Year Membership to CRA
Fine Cigars
Limited Edition CRA Freedom Tour
T-shirt
Food and Cash Bar
Live Music
Meet the following cigar manufacturers:
Charlie Torano, Torano Cigars
Eric Newman, Cuesta Rey and Diamond Crown Cigars
Ernesto Perez Carrillo, La Gloria Cubana Cigars
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Cigars
Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars
Litto Gomez, La Flor Dominicana Cigars
Peter Baenninger, Davidoff Cigars
Robert Levin, Ashton Cigars
CRA Freedom Tour Milwaukeeis hosted by Cigar Store Alliance of Wisconsin
and the event tickets are sold by its members listed below (in order of
zip codes):
Jack's Tobacco & MCS
13640-A W. Capitol Dr.
Brookfield, WI 53005
Tel) 262-783-7473
Andrea's
2401 60th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
Tel) 262-657-7732
Havana Lounge & Cigar 9505 W Greenfield Ave
West Allis, WI 53214
Tel) 414-258-8219
Lake Country Cigars
2566 Sun Valley Dr.
Delafield, WI 53018
Tel) 262-646-7530
Nice Ash
327 W. Main St.
Waukesha, WI 53186
Tel) 262-547-9009
Tobacco World
4818 S. 76th Street
Greenfield, WI 53220
Tel) 414-281-1935
Metro Cigars
W182N9606 Appleton Avenue#104
Germantown, WI 53022
Tel) 262-255-1996
Uhle's Premium Cigars, Pipes &
Tobacco
114 W. Wisconsin Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53203
Tel) 414-273-6665
St. Croix Cigar Co.
525 Second Street
Hudson, WI 54016
Tel) 715-386-4030
August 21st:
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Event #1
When: August 21st (Thursday), 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Where: Up Down Cigar
1550 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel) 312-337-8505
Tickets: $40 for Advance Purchase, and $50 at the Event if available.
Ticket price includes:
1 Year Membership to CRA
Fine Cigars
Limited Edition CRA Freedom Tour
T-shirt
Food and Drinks
Live Music
Meet the following cigar manufacturers:
Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente Cigars
Charlie Torano, Torano Cigars
Christian Eiroa, Camacho Cigars
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Cigars
Jose Oliva, Oliva and NUB Cigars
Keith K. Park, Prometheus/God of Fire Cigars
Peter Baenninger, Davidoff Cigars
Robert Levin, Ashton Cigars
The tickets for CRA Freedom Tour Chicago Event #1 are sold by the below
retail tobacconists (in order of zip codes):
Cigars & More
314 S. Milwaukee Ave.
Libertyville, IL 60048
Tel) 847-918-9999
Jack Schwartz Importer
141 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
Tel) 312-782-7898
Iwan Ries & Co.
19 S. Wabash Ave.
2nd Floor
Chicago, IL 60603
Tel) 312-372-1306
Up Down Cigar
1550 North Wells Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel) 312-337-8505
Chicago
Event #2
When: August 21st (Thursday), 4:00 p.m. -
8:00 p.m.
Where: 8 To 8 Cigar
302 E. St. Charles Rd.
Villa Park, IL 60181
Tel) 630-993-1234
Tickets: $40 for Advance Purchase, and $50 at the Event if available.
Ticket price includes:
1 Year Membership to CRA
Fine Cigars
Limited Edition CRA Freedom Tour
T-shirt
Food and Drinks
DJ Music
Meet the following cigar
manufacturers:
Eric Newman, Cuesta Rey and Diamond Crown Cigars
Ernesto Perez Carrillo, La Gloria Cubana Cigars
Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars
Litto Gomez, La Flor Dominicana Cigars
Nick Perdomo, Tabacelera Perdomo
Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff Cigars
Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Cigars
Tim Ozgener, CAO Cigars
The tickets for CRA Freedom Tour Chicago Event #2 are sold by the below
retail tobacconists (in order of zip codes):
LaVita Cigars
2015 Dean St. Unit 4
St. Charles, IL 60174
Tel) 630-513-7799
Cubana Cigar
1422 W. 55th Street
Countryside, IL 60525
Tel) 708-482-4545
8 To 8 Cigar
302 E. St. Charles Rd.
Villa Park, IL 60181
Tel) 630-993-1234
August 22nd:
Orlando, Florida
When: August 22nd (Friday), 8:00 pm - 11:00
pm
Where: Rooftop Lounge at Stirling's Global Gallery,
Penthouse Floor at The Plaza
127 S.Orange Ave., Downtown Orlando, Florida
Tickets: $75 for Advance Purchase, and $90 at the Event if available.
Ticket sales are limited to 300 guests only. So purchase your tickets
early.
Ticket price includes:
1 year Membership to the CRA
Meet & Greet With The Industry's Top
Cigar Makers
Limited Edition CRA Freedom Tour
T-shirt & Poster
CRA Freedom Tour Cigars
Super Premium Open Bar
Live Cigar Auction
Live Entertainment
Meet the following cigar makers (in
alphabetical order of their first names):
Avo Uvezian, Avo Cigars
Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente Cigars
Charlie Torano, Torano Cigars
Christian Eiroa, Camacho Cigars
Eric Newman, Cuesta Rey and Diamond Crown Cigars
Ernesto Perez Carrillo, La Gloria Cubana Cigars
Jonathan Drew, Drew Estate Cigars
Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars
Jose Oliva, Oliva and NUB Cigars
Keith K. Park, Prometheus/God of Fire Cigars
Litto Gomez, La Flor Dominicana Cigars
Manuel Quesada, Fonseca Cigars
Nick Perdomo, Tabacelera Perdomo
Paolo Garzaroli, Graycliff Cigars
Peter Baenninger, Davidoff Cigars
Robert Levin, Ashton Cigars
Rocky Patel, Rocky Patel Cigars
Tim Ozgener, CAO Cigars
Tickets are sold by the below retail tobacconists (in order of zip
codes):
Corona Cigar Company & Avo
Lounge
1130 Townpark Ave
Lake Mary-Heathrow, FL 32746
Tel) 407-333-3453
Corona Cigar Company & Diamond
Crown Lounge
127 South Orange Ave
Downtown Orlando, FL 32801
Tel) 407-404-5344
Sosa Family
Cigar Co.
1520 E. Buena Vista Dr. #B-20
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Tel) 407-827-0114
Cigarz on the Avenue
333 Park Avenue South
Winter Park, FL 32789
Tel) 407-647-2427
Corona Cigar Company & Cigar
Bar
7792 W. Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Tel) 407-248-1212
Tinder Box #416
1547 Town Center Dr.
Lakeland, FL 33803
Tel) 863-802-1800
The following spirits will be poured at
separate stations during the event with the manufacturers
representatives present:
Famous Grouse Scotch
Highland Park Single Malt Scotch
The Macallan Single Malt Scotch
Remy Martin Cognac
Cointreau
Don Q Rum
Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Blanton's Bourbon
Eagle Rare Bourbon
Rain Vodka
Van Gogh Vodka
Baluarte Reposado Tequila
Blond, blue-eyed and with a decided twang that quickly reveals his "deep in the heart of Texas" roots, Williams is working
hard to bring Colombian cigars to the U.S. marketplace. He might seem an
unlikely choice to head an effort that conjures images of Juan Valdez swapping
his coffee bag for a load of tobacco, but it's a dream that Williams is deeply
committed to.
Williams - who's known to his cigar compatriots as "Roberto Juarez," a name he
picked up herding cattle alongside Hispanic workers at his grandfather's ranch -
first heard about Colombian cigars when he decided to turn a passion into a
business and set off to find a new cigar for the American market.
"I focused on Dominicans because the Dominican Republic is the number one cigar
exporter in the world and they have a reputation for truly excellent cigars,"
said Williams.
After an enjoyable hunt that involved years of research and hundreds of cigars,
Williams found the cigar he'd been searching for. "I knew it was the right cigar
the first time I smoked one. It delivered a pleasant punch that was just
amazing."
Eager to learn more about this amazing cigar, Williams uncovered a startling
fact: his new favorite "Dominican" was really from Colombia.
"I'd never had a Colombian cigar before," said Williams. "You can't find them in
any cigar store, I was just blown away by the quality of this cigar and had to
know more."
Uncovering the mystery of the Colombian cigar
Williams learned that the cigar was crafted by Enrique Duran, a Colombian who
has spent the last two decades in the cigar industry, and his master blender,
Antonio de Jesus. Also known as Papiro, de Jesus has nearly 40 years of cigar
experience and blended tobacco with Davidoff, one of the most famous cigar
manufacturers in the Dominican Republic.
"I knew immediately that I'd found a real treasure," said Williams. "And once I
learned the story behind the cigar, it became an obsession to bring Colombian
cigars to North America."
Duran's journey to Colombian cigar manufacturing started in Miami. "I had a good
friend there whose father manufactured cigars in Mexico. He introduced me to
cigars and, before I knew it, I was captivated."
After spending years in Miami and Pennsylvania where he learned the business
side of selling cigars - distribution, shipping and receiving - Duran headed to
the Dominican Republic where he spent seven years mastering the art of fine
cigar making. It was during this time that Duran crossed paths with a group from
the Colombian Tobacco Growers Federation who was interested in bringing the
cigar industry to their country.
"The tobacco industry has been an important part of Colombia for centuries, but
the focus has been on tobacco for cigarettes," said Duran. "Their tobacco is
excellent - once I saw the quality I immediately bought four tons to use in our
Dominican cigars!
A revolution begins
In 2001, Duran moved his operations to Colombia and began the painstaking work
of creating a world-class Colombian cigar. At the time, the Colombian growers
didn't have the skills and knowledge to turn an excellent tobacco into a
world-class cigar." Fortunately, Duran did.
One of his first decisions was to grow tobacco in multiple regions. "If you go
to the Dominican Republic or Nicaragua, you have one type of growing condition -
one altitude, one type of soil," said Duran. "But in Colombia we have four or
five diverse geographic areas with vastly different soil conditions, weather,
altitudes and sunlight. You can take the same seed and grow it in different
places and it's as if you have an entirely different tobacco that you couldn't
create anywhere else."
Ideal growing conditions mean Duran is able to produce over 50 tons of Colombian
tobaccos annually, most without the use of fertilizers or pesticides. "Many of
our tobaccos are grown either in the Andean mountain range or on the North Coast
of South America, in very humid conditions. Our volcanic soils are rich with
minerals and nutrients that allow us to produce some of the finest tobaccos in
the world," said Duran.
Duran complemented the unique natural resources of Colombia with cigar
manufacturing expertise from the Dominican Republic. "In countries with a long
history of cigar manufacturing, cigar-making expertise is typically handed down
from one generation to the next. Children sit by their parents and learn the
craft from an early age," said Duran. "We were very fortunate to have the
support of the Instituto Dominicano del Tobacco. We have employed many artisans
from the Dominican to help produce our cigars and have some of the world's
experts in farming and harvesting techniques, curing techniques and cigar
rolling. This has ensured our ability to meet the standards that international
buyers demand.
Creating the Bravo Cigar
Williams has partnered with Duran and his artisans to create five Bravo Cigar
lines designed specifically for the American marketplace. "My passion for
excellent cigars has led me to the land of coffee beans and tobacco. I've always
dreamed of going into business for myself, and being able to do it in the cigar
industry is definitely icing on the cake!" said Williams. "I am extremely proud
of these cigars and experienced smokers tell us they're like nothing else
they've ever smoked. They can't believe the intoxicating quality."
Duran attributes Bravo Cigars' quality to the excellence of Colombian tobacco
and the skills of master blender de Jesus. "I understand which tobaccos will
deliver the characteristics my customers want, and it's Antonio who works the
magic and ensures that we create the experience our customers are looking for
and keeps it consistent from one year to the next," said Duran.
And Duran believes that Bravo Cigar will play a critical role in helping
Colombian cigars take their deserved place in the marketplace. "Roberto
understands cigars. He's passionate about excellent cigars and appreciates just
what sets Colombian cigars apart. He's been bitten by the same ‘bug' that I was
- and now neither of us can stay away!"
"If you're adventurous and want to experience something new, I invite you to
give a Bravo cigar a try," said Williams. "These are unique, complex cigars that
smoke like nothing else you've ever experienced." If you're the kind of
aficionado that arranges a decent burial for you cigar nub, then this is the
cigar for you.
Señor Roberto Juarez invites you to discover Bravo Cigars for yourself. All are
handmade in Colombia by the finest artisans Duran has to offer and all, except
the Corto, are available in five traditional sizes: Perfecto (4.5 x 50); Robusto
(5 x 50); Toro (6 x 50); Torpedo (6.5 x 52) and Churchill (7 x 50); . The
Colombia Gold line will soon add a Limitado Edicion Preidente (8 x 51).
Bravo Cigars currently offers five distinctive series:
Sosegado Series
This is a tranquil and serene smoke made from 100% Colombian tobaccos. Grown in
the region where the world's finest coffee beans are cultivated, Senor Roberto
Juarez has crafted the Sosegado cigar from six-year aged tobaccos. A smooth and
creamy Colombian dark wrapper embodies a sophisticated blend of three long leaf
Colombian tobaccos. The flavor is full-bodied and robust, and boasts rich toasty
tobacco notes of earth, cedar, caramel and coffee bean. Well- constructed in
five traditional sizes, these cigars burn in fine fashion. 24 Colombian Sosegado
cigars packed away in a beautiful cedar box.
Colombian Gold Series
Remember the days of Colombian Gold? Well they're back and better than ever
thanks to Senor Roberto Juarez who's crafted this series using the finest
Colombian tobaccos. Our tobaccos are grown in the same rich fertile soils where
the world's finest coffee beans are cultivated, then carefully aged and
hand-rolled. Smooth and creamy, the Colombian wrapper surrounds a captivating
blend of long leaf Colombian tobaccos. The flavor is mild- to medium-bodied and
boasts tender tobacco notes of earth, cedar and cocoa bean. Well-constructed in
five traditional sizes, these cigars burn in fine fashion. 24 Colombian Gold
cigars packed away in beautiful cedar box.
Roberto Juarez Signature Series
Senor Roberto Juarez has teamed up with master blender Antonio "Papiro" de Jesus
to craft this cigar from a masterful blend of tobaccos from Colombia and around
the world. This super premium cigar is handmade with aged tobaccos. A smooth and
oily Colombian rojo wrapper encases a delicious blend of three tobaccos. The
flavor is full-bodied with intoxicating aromas that boasts rich toasty notes of
earth, roasted coffee bean and spice. Handmade in five traditional sizes, these
cigars burn in fine fashion. 24 Colombian Signature cigars packed away in a
beautiful cedar box.
North Coast Series
"Montes De Maria" overlooks Colombia's beautiful North Coast and is where Senor
Roberto Juarez has selected the tobaccos to craft the North Coast Series. Using
100% Colombian tobaccos that are grown in the same region where the world's
finest coffee beans are cultivated, these medium filler cigars are handmade
using a creamy Colombian grown wrapper that surrounds a "Cuban Sandwich" blend
of Colombia's finest tobaccos. Mild- to medium-bodied, the flavors are rich with
tender tobacco notes of earth, roasted coffee bean and cedar. They finish with a
distinct smoothness and aromas that are completely intoxicating. These cigars
are a great value. Well- constructed in five traditional sizes, they burn in
fine fashion. 25 Colombian North Coast cigars packed to a bundle.
Corto Series
Senor Roberto Juarez has crafted his favorite cigar, the Perfecto, using a
splendid blend of 100% Colombian tobacco assembled by master blender Antonio "Papiro"
de Jesus. This premium chubby cigar is handmade by Colombia's finest artisans
from aged tobaccos. A smooth and oily Colombian rojo wrapper surrounds a
delicious blend of Colombian premium tobaccos. The flavor is medium- to
full-bodied with intoxicating aromas. Rich tobacco notes of earth, cedar,
caramel and roasted coffee beans provide a balanced finish. Handmade and
well-constructed, this Perfecto cigar burns in fine fashion. The Colombian Corto
cigars are packed away in a beautiful cedar display box. Senor Roberto Juarez
Bravo Cigars are available at fine tobacconists throughout the U.S. or at
www.bravocigar.com