New Cigars for 2010

[podman28]

You probably should update the Alec Bradley section there Larry. Mundial is still on hold for the near future at least. They have released the Family Blend line and will have Tempus Maduro and MAXX Connecticut at the show.

Wait a second. No mention of the BOTL Small Batch 2010 by Pinar Del Rio?

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

You probably should update the Alec Bradley section there Larry. Mundial is still on hold for the near future at least. They have released the Family Blend line and will have Tempus Maduro and MAXX Connecticut at the show.

Wait a second. No mention of the BOTL Small Batch 2010 by Pinar Del Rio?

Updated, thanks Tim and enjoy New Orleans my friend!!

 

[bigbwalls]

podman, thank you for the updates. A T-52 Flying Pig, you say...? This is gonna be a good year for cigar smokin'.

 

[Cigar Cowboy]

Thanks Larry!!!

 

[LiLo]

Dirty Rats are shipping in October with T-52 Flying Pigs according to JD.

Also T-52 double coronas. And they are mighty tasty!

 

[KPP]

Dirty Rats are shipping in October with T-52 Flying Pigs according to JD.

Is this why I spotted JD and Steve getting the rigths to the term "razorback", on a rumor thread posted here a while ago??

Razorback seems a fitting term for a T52 flying pig!

 

[coastalgriff]

The reason people prefer Netflix is mostly because they don't want to leave their house to get a movie, and it is this kind of attitude that are killing local businesses.

Any true cigar smoker SHOULD find a good local shop and support it! Now I am not saying never order stuff online, just make an effort to keep some your money in your local area and show support for shops that are sharing the same passion as you.

Craig- I would point out that a lot of us do not live in an area with a b&m. I live in a rural area and wouldn't have it any other way. The closest cigar store to me is an hour away. The closest good one is an hour and a half away. For this reason I do most of my shopping online. I've been a fan of Netflix since the beginning for the same reason. Online sales have doubled the marketshare of retailers if anything. Without online sales, the majority of local smokers I know would not be smoking. They would remain an untapped market. -John

 

[tmoney2007]

Okay, I've just gotta say it, I"m sure it's not going to be popular ...

I think that concept of a "B&M Only" cigar is a cool idea, but too late to be relevant. Why would I pay close to twice as much for a cigar just because it's at a B&M? And yes, I think the Padillas (and others) will be close to twice as much. If they manage to surprise me and do what CAO did with the La Traviata--an inexpensive but excellent B&M-only cigar--then great for them. But for this to "level the playing field" in any sort of way, the B&M exclusives have to be frickin' phenomenal cigars (I can get Padilla 1932 and Dominus any time for $4/stick, and they're both phenomenal cigars!).

But the cigar industry has to face the same facts that every other sales industry is facing ... the era of B&M stores for is over. The era of the internet has not only arrived, but taken over. Blockbuster has been completely dethroned by Netflix and has filed for bankrupsy (anyone who guessed that 10 years ago would have been committed), and iTunes is the #1 music sales store in the world, etc. etc.

So while I don't think the Padilla sticks are a bad idea (and hope to try them), I think the mentality that most B&Ms seem to have is "Whoa is me ... if we go down, the whole industry will go down." That's a bunch of crap, and will lead to one thing--all of those stores going bust. The B&Ms that survive will be the ones that learn to adapt to the changing marketplace, namely, those who become cigar lounges and hang-out places FIRST, and cigar stores second. If cigar shops can become "the man's coffee shop," then they have a real chance. If they piss and moan about taxes and internet sites, well, good riddance.

The epic irony here is that Padilla is distributed by Cigars International, lol.

The thing that you also don't see is that B&M's are much more likely to stick to MSRP than online shops since their overhead is more significant. Huge discount sellers that make their money on volume not only put B&M's out of business, but can put any small operation out of business.

It puts a barrier to entry into the industry. If you can't make a business work at 10% profit per stick (just throwing out a number), you can't compete with the likes of cigars international selling things like rocky patel.

 

[njstone]

The thing that you also don't see is that B&M's are much more likely to stick to MSRP than online shops since their overhead is more significant. Huge discount sellers that make their money on volume not only put B&M's out of business, but can put any small operation out of business.

It puts a barrier to entry into the industry. If you can't make a business work at 10% profit per stick (just throwing out a number), you can't compete with the likes of cigars international selling things like rocky patel.

I'm quite aware that B&Ms have more overhead. The market doesn't care. This is why B&Ms in every industry, including those who were though rock solid (Circuit City, etc), have been closing at a record pace in the last few years. Those cigar shops will all die when people realize they can get great sticks (in many cases, the SAME sticks) online for a significant discount. This is particularly true when the ecomony is bad, since most people consider cigars a luxury and budgets are tight. The only thing that can save B&Ms is NOT exclusive cigars, imvho, though it's a good idea in the short term. Tatuaje's been doing this for years, as all his small batch cigars are done through individual shops.

But at the end of the day, I've wager that most of us smoke many of our cigars alone. What's to encourage us to patronize a local shop vs a big discount online? What will save the cigar shops that are smart is doing what I said earlier, and what Craig Mac is fortunate enough to experience at his local shop. It means smaller profit margins, changing the atmosphere and nature of the shop and of advertising, more events of a social nature, etc. It means more focus on the people and on the social comradery that sharing cigars brings.

 

[Psojka RP,601]

thanks larry, wish like hell i was going haha

 

[tmoney2007]

I'm quite aware that B&Ms have more overhead. The market doesn't care. This is why B&Ms in every industry, including those who were though rock solid (Circuit City, etc), have been closing at a record pace in the last few years. Those cigar shops will all die when people realize they can get great sticks (in many cases, the SAME sticks) online for a significant discount. This is particularly true when the ecomony is bad, since most people consider cigars a luxury and budgets are tight. The only thing that can save B&Ms is NOT exclusive cigars, imvho, though it's a good idea in the short term. Tatuaje's been doing this for years, as all his small batch cigars are done through individual shops.

But at the end of the day, I've wager that most of us smoke many of our cigars alone. What's to encourage us to patronize a local shop vs a big discount online? What will save the cigar shops that are smart is doing what I said earlier, and what Craig Mac is fortunate enough to experience at his local shop. It means smaller profit margins, changing the atmosphere and nature of the shop and of advertising, more events of a social nature, etc. It means more focus on the people and on the social comradery that sharing cigars brings.

Why would someone open a new shop with a lounge if they do the math and quickly see that they can't compete with online sites pricewise? With no price protection, it is extremely hard to make a B&M work, even with a lounge. How are you going to convince cigar smokers to buy cigars at a higher price in large enough quantities to support a shop with a lounge if they would just as soon smoke alone in their houses at lower prices?

Another huge problem is state cigar taxes, but that is a whole other can of worms. States are losing out on regular sales tax revenue by making in impossible for instate businesses to compete with out of state retailers. This is one thing that my state (amazingly) hasn't screwed up (yet. Knock on wood).

I support my local shop with purchases and smoke there way more than I smoke alone. The camaraderie is as big a part of my enjoyment as the cigars are.

 

[njstone]

Why would someone open a new shop with a lounge if they do the math and quickly see that they can't compete with online sites pricewise? With no price protection, it is extremely hard to make a B&M work, even with a lounge. How are you going to convince cigar smokers to buy cigars at a higher price in large enough quantities to support a shop with a lounge if they would just as soon smoke alone in their houses at lower prices?

Another huge problem is state cigar taxes, but that is a whole other can of worms. States are losing out on regular sales tax revenue by making in impossible for instate businesses to compete with out of state retailers. This is one thing that my state (amazingly) hasn't screwed up (yet. Knock on wood).

I support my local shop with purchases and smoke there way more than I smoke alone. The camaraderie is as big a part of my enjoyment as the cigars are.

I'm not talking about new shops, I'm talking about changing the existing method of operations for most shops. If there isn't a lounge in the shop, try to figure out a way to make one. If that's not possible, do what Jungle Jim's and The Party Source have done and have events anyway--host them outside, at another location, etc. Focus on the camaraderie. Adapt or die, pure and simple.

Don't mistake me here, I'm not saying I think cigar shops are moot and should just go away. I'm saying that I'm worried that's exactly what's already happening now, and pretty soon the only shops left will be the big ones (and the ones who also have good websites). That would be bad.

 

[Seminole]

Our BOTL over at Zen and the Art of the Cigar also has a good 2010 new release list. Check it out at:

http://zencigar.com/new-releases-for-2010/

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

Our BOTL over at Zen and the Art of the Cigar also has a good 2010 new release list. Check it out at:

http://zencigar.com/new-releases-for-2010/

Thanks! :glassesgr

 

[tmoney2007]

I'm not talking about new shops, I'm talking about changing the existing method of operations for most shops. If there isn't a lounge in the shop, try to figure out a way to make one. If that's not possible, do what Jungle Jim's and The Party Source have done and have events anyway--host them outside, at another location, etc. Focus on the camaraderie. Adapt or die, pure and simple.

Don't mistake me here, I'm not saying I think cigar shops are moot and should just go away. I'm saying that I'm worried that's exactly what's already happening now, and pretty soon the only shops left will be the big ones (and the ones who also have good websites). That would be bad.

I think that B&M only lines encourage people to go support local shops where they might not have otherwise. I also think that they give the shops a way to compete with online retailers, when they can't really do it with price.

 

[tobii3]

(As Larry can account for me)

My "local" is 80 miles away. Yes, I have a place here in town that I support, but my "local" is an hour and a half roadtrip.

Once you've been there, you'll understand it...you're only a stranger once.

I walk in, I'm treated like family.

My wife can show up after hours and they will unlock and open the door for her.

I can call from the road, and they will keep the store open for me, no matter if I'm buying or picking up someone else's order to save time from mailing it.

There is NO online Vendor that can compete with that kind of Customer Service.

 

[ninersfan]

Don't a large majority of "B&M only" sticks end up being offered on-line at the end of the day? I've only recently returned to cigar smoking, and I've seen several "only available at B&M" lines be offered up on the web. Frank Llaneza 1961 and Devil's Weed come readily to mind. More and more, B&M's seem to have an on-line presence these days, so how exclusive are these really? I'm genuinely curious on this topic, as I don't know.

With regard to the new-for-2010 cigar list, how about the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor? Sun-grown Mexican wrapper - seems like an interesting concept.

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

Here's an updated version from my blog featuring as much on the new IPCPR releases as I could find:

90 Miles - This new line from the folks at Flor de Gonzalez will come in 4 sizes with an Ecuadorian Habano Rosado wrapper. The name refers to the distance between Cuba and Key West.

Alec Bradley Maxx Connecticut - third in the Maxx line.

Andiamo - a new line with two different wrappers from the folks who brought you La Perla Habana and Black Pearl.

Aurora 107 - this new blend is dedicating the 107th (?) anniversary of the La Aurora line. Odd anniversary, tasty cigar.

Avo Heritage - their strongest yet, with an Ecuadorian Sungrown wrapper. I smoked an early release of this, and wow it packs a punch!

Berger & Argenti Mooch - a cigar made for sharing.

Camacho Plus - a more novice-accessible Camacho. Press. Haven't heard much more about this, not sure if it's still coming out.

CAO La Traviata Maduro - a maduro version of this breakout star.

Carlos Torano Single Region Jalapa - working from the pages of Pete Johnson, the Toranos' are spotlighting the great region of Jalapa first.

Cohiba Behike "BK" - a new three-size line from Habanos but not as limited as the original Cohiba Behike. Info here. Take a loan out on the house to pay for these bad boys...

Cuban Bullet - the second version of this Perdomo-made cigar originally released in '98 will drop in stores later this year. It will be available in Maduro, Cuban-seed and Connecticut.

Cusano 15th Anniversary - a special blend in only a Lancero size! PS - all Cusanos have been reblended by Kelner.

Davidoff Puro d'Oro - the long awaited and delayed Dominican puro from the Master Henke Kelner.

Dignity - a brand new line by Don Juan Gross in three marcas, Black Gold and White.

El Legend-Ario Connecticut - a Connie wrapper from the folks at Camacho.

El Triunfador - Once a secret release LE cigar from cigar-star Pete Johnson, this will now be available in six sizes with a Ecuadorian Habano wrapper. Great flavor w/ a medium body, this my favorite line from Pete to date!

Esteban Carreras 187 - two size value priced line w/ a Nicaraguan Maduro wrapper.

Esteban Carreras 5150 - two size value priced line w/ an Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed wrapper.

Flor de Ybor City - a new (but old) value line from the Fuente factory in 12 sizes and three wrappers.

Garcia y Leon - a collaboration between La Aurora and My Father Cigars, the blend will be created by Leon but will be made in Pepin's My Father factory.

Gran Habano Azteca - a new double-maduro cigar w/ a Mexican wrapper and binder.

Graycliff Cabinet Selection 2010 - a new "value" line from the Bahamas.

Graycliff Heritage Royale - once called "Project X" , this will feature a Costa Rican wrapper.

Guillermo Leon by La Aurora - little info available except it will feature two binders!

Gurkha Havana Legend - a new value conscious line with a Nicaraguan wrapper. Here's the press release.

Gurkha Monogram - a new value conscious line with a Connecticut wrapper, similar to the Elegance. Here's the press release.

Gurkha Nautilus - a new value conscious line with a Nicaraguan H2000 wrapper. Here's the press release.

Hammer & Sickle Berliner Mauer - a new line for H&S made by Camacho. Features a band made of real copper!

Hoyo de Monterrey Reposado en Cedros - a new line aged in cedar.

Jamie Garcia Reserva Especial - a new stick from Pepin's son Jamie!

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Dark Corojo - stronger than the original Antanos - with 75% ligero! This is JdN's best to date! Update: these have been disappointing since their release...

Joya de Nicaragua Cabinetta - a mellower line that's half maduro wrapper and half claro. These are really great flavorful cigars.

Joya de Nicaragua Fuerte Series B - a bundle line from JdN.

La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor - the third LADC line from Ashton featuring another blend by Pepin Garcia with a Cuban-seed Mexican wrapper.

La Aurora Corojo - a new corojo from the DR's oldest factory.

La Flor Dominicana Air Bender - features the best wrapper out there - Litto's Ecuadorian Habano! This is one very good cigar!

La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Tabaqueros - a dual wrapper cigar - 1/3 Connie Shade, 2/3 Sumatran.

La Gloria Cubana Serie N - a new line with an Ecuadorian Sumatran wrapper.

La Palina - an old Clear Havana line resurrected by the folks at Graycliff.

La Reloba - another new stick from Don Pepin available in two wrappers!

Legend-Ario Connecticut - a new wrapper for Camacho's answer to The Edge.

Liga Privada Unico Serie - in this house lives a Dirty Rat!

Macanudo Cru Royale - a new value priced Mac that's between a regular Mac and the 1968 in strength.

Macanudo Vintage Maduro -

Nestor Miranda 1989 - a value-priced line made by Don Pepin for Miami Cigars. Available in Rosado and Oscuro.

Nestor Miranda Art Deco - another collab with Don Pepin.

Nestor Miranda Selection Dominicano - a new blend from Miami Cigars blended by Pepin with a Dominican wrapper from La Aurora! Press Release.

Nick's Cigars - a new value line from Perdomo - available in 3 wrappers.

Nosotros - can't wait for this one. Here's the release. The pre-release I tried has some serious potential!

Padilla Artemis - a new line from Ernesto.

Quesada Tributo - a new release from MATASA with a (surprise!) Ecuadorian wrapper, check more out here.

Ramones - and old name once owned by Simon Camacho in the 60's makes a return with two wrappers - an Ecuadorian Connecticut and Honduran Habano. This value-priced blend will be made by Camacho.

Rocky Patel 15th Anniversary - another new Rocky cigar. n It features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and all Nicaraguan filler.

Rocky Patel Vintage Signature - no info yet. This was a hold-over from last year.

San Lotano - AJ Fernandez's first nationally released line (blended the Diesel and Man of War for CI) available in three wrappers: Habano, Connecticut and Maduro.

Sencillo - a new brand from Prometheus made by (gasp!) Camacho and will be a Honduran Puro. Sencillo means "simple" in Spanish.

Viaje 50/50 Red - a new take on the 50/50 line.

Ybor Gold Broadway Series - a new premium line from Tabacalera A. Fuente.

Limited Editions:

* AVO LE10 - the newest birthday smoke for Mr. Uvezian. The filler is all ligero!
* Bolivar Gran Belicoso - new LE from Cuba's 2010 Habanos Collection.
* CAO Escaparate Blend #7 - a new blend available at Butthead's Tobacco in Connecticut. This is the original blend for the Vision.
* Carlos Torano Roots Run Deep Tour Cigar - a special Churchill made for the 2010 Tour.
* E.P. Carillo Short Run - an excellent LE that reminds me of the very first La Gloria's that put Ernesto on the map.
* Illusione Singulare 2010 - Dion's new yearly LE, one blend one size!
* Illusione HL Candela & Maduro - two LEs with fun wrappers.
* La Gloria Cubano Artesanos de Obelisco - a new funky-shaped LE.
* Liga Privada T-52 Flying Pig - this pig will kick your butt.
* My Father Limited Edition - this expensive and limited stick will be out later this year.
* Room 101 LTD Conjura (by Camacho) - available in 4 sizes, stronger than the original 101's with box artwork by some tattoo guy.
* Tatuaje Monster Series 'The Face" - a funky new Halloween edition from Pete Johnson saluting Leatherface!
* Tatuaje La Verite 2008 - a special release featuring leaved grown all from one farm.
* Viaje Double-Edged Sword - a super limited edition perfecto.
* Viaje Exclusivo Robusto - these LEs came in a cool mason-style jar!
* Viaje Exclusivo Robusto II - released in conjunction with the DES, bundled and slightly longer than the OG robusto.
* Viaje Reserva Oro - a one size line, box pressed w/ aged tobacco.
* Viaje Reserva Platino - a one size line, box pressed w/ aged tobacco.
* Viaje Sartori - a 3 size release includeing a box-pressed double perfecto.
* Viaje Skull & Bones - super secret!
* Viaje Summer Selection - a torpedo with an 1 1/2" of a shaggy foot. Also released as a robusto in smaller quantities.
* Zino Platinum Crown Emperor Edition 2010 - Zino's strongest LE to date.
* Zino Scepter Master Edition 2010 - the new Scepter LE.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

Thanks for the list and updates Jamie!

 

[Zen Cigar Man]

Thanks for the list and updates Jamie!

No prob, some are releases I just heard about today. I'm sure we'll find out more after the show! :cjump: