Interesting Article

[BlackDog]

I know most of you are not too fond of machine made cigars, but I happen to like Topper Xtra Oscuros for just "knocking around." IMO they're a nice medium body cigar, decently constructed with Connecticut grown wrapper and DR/HON/USA medium length filler. They're under a buck a stick at JR's, and I think they're a pretty good value.

Anyhow, I stumbled upon this article about the Topper company, and thought it was worth sharing. Pretty neat that the company has been in the same family for so many years.

Has anyone tried the Xtra Oscuro or any of the other Topper cigars?

http://www.smokemag.com/1297/feature.htm

[oldforge]

Your article is from 1997.

Since then I believe that Topper has been taken over by one of the large companies and the smokes are manufactured in Honduras. My memory is that they were bought either by General Cigar or Altadis.

People around here are always asking about Topper and talking about what a great local smoke it is and I keep saying "sorry, Honduras".

[BlackDog]

With all due respect, your information is incorrect. Topper cigars are made in Meriden, CT. Chris Topper is still the president of the company.

[oldforge]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

With all due respect, your information is incorrect. Topper cigars are made in Meriden, CT. Chris Topper is still the president of the company.

I stand corrected. Topper is still independent.

However, my Perelman's Pocket Cyclopedia (2006) says this about the brand:

"Handmade, with medium filler, in Danli Honduras.
Wrapper/USA Connecticut
Binder Honduras
Filler Honduras

The Danli line was introduced in 2002..it offers a medium body ...The Long T and Shorty were introduced in 2003 and are medium bodied with short filler..."

Many folks in central CT seem to believe the cigars are made locally, which of course is not correct.

Apparently the owners remain local, however.

[BlackDog]

I believe you are talking about a different cigar. The Danli Topper was one they had made for them in Honduras. It is no longer available. I just checked the box of Xtra Oscuros in my coolerdor, it is not stamped with a country of origin. I admit I'm new to cigars, but I've been a pipe smoker for a long time, with a rather substantial cellar of imported tobaccos. I've never seen an imported package of tobacco that was not stamped with the country of origination. This box has none. JR's, Famous, and Cigar Advisor all list them as "Origin USA".

However, to your point, I cannot find anywhere either on the box nor on the internet where they clearly state "Made in USA." The closest I can find to that type of statement is "Headquartered in Meriden, CT." Hmmmm, this may warrant a phone call on Monday.

[oldforge]

If the current Toppers really are "made in the USA" it would be interesting to know where...

[BlackDog]

OF, I think I found who makes the cigars for Topper:

Company Profile
Updated: 10-JUN-08
F.X. Smiths Sons Co.
Private Company, Headquarters Location
372 N St., Mc Sherrystown, PA, United States
(717)637-5232, USA (717)637-4092 fax,
Primary SIC: Tobacco And Tobacco Products, Primary NAICS: Tobacco and Tobacco Product Merchant Wholesalers
Description: Wholesale: Tobacco Products

Manufacturer of cigars. BRANDS: Betsy Ross, Lord Baltimore, Private Brands, Amish, Topper, Muniemaker, F.X. Smith's, Tuscarora, White Orchid, John Hay, Blue Ribbon, Newcomer

[brigey]

Originally Posted by BlackDog

I know most of you are not too fond of machine made cigars, but I happen to like Topper Xtra Oscuros for just "knocking around." IMO they're a nice medium body cigar, decently constructed with Connecticut grown wrapper and DR/HON/USA medium length filler. They're under a buck a stick at JR's, and I think they're a pretty good value.

Anyhow, I stumbled upon this article about the Topper company, and thought it was worth sharing. Pretty neat that the company has been in the same family for so many years.

Has anyone tried the Xtra Oscuro or any of the other Topper cigars?

http://www.smokemag.com/1297/feature.htm

Great, first thing I do is research the company and now I'm intrigued. But where are they from really? I'd still say CT, but what do I know....How do the cigars smoke, flavor, strength, etc...

Let me know, I'll be back....