Even Lawyers Would Like This “RICO”
Guillermo RICO is responsible for the quality of Gran Habano cigars, which enjoy a reputation for above average quality and flavor at reasonable prices. Guillermo is the third generation of Rico’s associated with Gran Habano. The company’s factory near Danli, Honduras makes 3 separate blends – #1 a mild cigar with a Connecticut wrapper, #3 a medium bodied cigar in a Habano wrapper...
The Russians Are Here!!! Glasnost and Perestroika for cigars!
In 2011, a pair of Russians on rented Harley Davidsons were touring in the US Southwest and they decided to found a US expansion of their Russian cigar business, thankfully using primarily Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos and not their “local” seed. Maxim Privezentsev and Vladimir Roshchen paired up with local Texans in Amarillo and launched the Total Flame brand. Their attachment to...
A New Magnum in Town
Crossfire Cigars is a cigar importer headquartered in Louisville, KY managed by Scott Meneffe, the President and CEO. He formed this boutique cigar company several years ago as a means of producing flavorful cigars while also directing Crossfire’s economic benefits to the Dominican Republic economy and other third world countries. Scott points out that Crossfire’s profits are redirected...
Arandoza’s Battle of the Bands – Blue
Arandoza’s Battle of the Bands – Blue Arandoza Cigars is a family owned company that apparently started early 2011, launching its first line of cigars called Blue Label in 2012, with light blue bands. This cigar was reviewed by my compatriot in October 2012 and he gave it a 3.5 out of 5. At the 2013 IPCPR, Arandoza announced the “rebirth” of the medium bodied Blue Label line with a...
Arandoza’s Battle of the Bands – White
Arandoza’s Battle of the Bands – White Arandoza Cigars is a family owned and operated company that apparently started early in 2011 with the stated intention of combining their knowledge of tobacco, passions for cigars and hard work to develop and market a unique line of cigars. A large part of the uniqueness comes from Arndoza’s approach to the blending of tobaccos. All of...
New Life for Juan Lopez
Altadis USA is breathing new life into the Juan Lopez brand name. They are offering an all Nicaraguan cigar – a “Nicaraguan Treasure” as per their marketing materials – in 3 sizes (selection no. 1 is 5 X 54, selection no.2 is 6 X 54 and selection no. 3 is 6 X 60) packed 16 to a box. Altadis made an effort to blend the tobacco from all three growing regions in Nicaragua to create a...
