Brand evangelist, digital marketer, cigar and spirits expert specializing in consumer tasting and educational events. Matthias made the long trek from his hometown of Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2007, and in nine years has hosted more than 120 events and helped promote and launch dozens of cigar and whiskey brands in the U.S. In 2016, he joined the Cigar Journal Tasting Panel, blind-reviewing pre and new release cigars.
November 14, 2012 (Drums, PA) — BestCigarPrices.com, operated by New Global Marketing, Inc., recently released its latest exclusive house brand cigar, the 2012 Limited.
Best Cigar Prices worked closely with Alec Bradley to create the blend for the 2012 Limited Edition cigar. This commemorative stogie was handmade in Honduras and is a medium to full bodied cigar that’s super smooth with hints of cocoa and spice. The 2012 Limited comes in four unique sizes including: Fallout (6×52), The Invasion (6×60), Solar Flare (5×50) and Zombie Apocalypse (6×54). These cigars were specially blended with a Habano Maduro Jalapa wrapper, Habano Jalapa binder and filler tobaccos from Esteli, Nicaragua and Jamastran, Honduras.
The idea originated months ago while staff members read about predictions the Mayan’s had regarding the end of the world. According to the Mayan Calendar the world will end on December 21st of this year. The date marks the start of time in which Earth and its inhabitants will supposedly undergo a physical transformation with possible catastrophic scenarios. With all of the fictitious prophecies out there Best Cigar Prices loved the idea of creating a novelty cigar for consumers to enjoy no matter what the occasion. These exclusive cigars are extremely limited, with only 240 hand-numbered boxes of 20 cigars being produced. The cigar will also be available in a limited number of sample packs.
Andy Oh of Cigar Landing downtown at the South Street Seaport sent this email out yesterday. The shop is now open after Hurricane Sandy swept through and caused a lot of destruction.
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First, we’re back in business and hosting a poker night this Friday (starting 5:00 pm). Second, we’d like to express our extreme gratitude to everyone who’s come by to support us in recent days, as we continue to recover from Hurricane Sandy. It’s going to be a long hard struggle, especially since most of the other businesses in the area will not be operational for a while.
If you’d like to help out one of the local Seaport establishments, I’ve set up a funding page for Fishmarket restaurant, which as many of you know is affiliated with Cigar Landing. Please consider making a donation at this link: http://www.gofundme.com/1h3hqc.
Cheers,
150 Beekman Street (between South and Front Streets, one block north of Pier 17 @ the Seaport).
917.975.7763
www.cigarlanding150.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CigarLanding
twitter: @CigarLanding150
The Wall St. Journal interviewed Victoria McKee at Club Macanudo in two different video segments, one as a sort of cigar 101 and the other a brief overview of Victoria’s top 5 cigar picks for the Fall. Both segments are very well done, though I might disagree on a few points in the second.
First, Victoria McKee, Vice President of Marketing for General Cigar Co. Inc., talks to the Wall Street Journal’s Lee Hawkins about cigar basics, covering everything from cigar strengths and how to smoke, cut, ash and select the right cigar to go with meals and drinks.
Second, Victoria gives the Wall Street Journal’s Lee Hawkins her tips for the five best cigars to smoke during the Fall. They also discuss the various cigar strengths and how to smoke, cut, ash and choose a cigars.
Big news for Buffalo Trace distillery. They are now the only distillery ever to earn the top two honors in the annual review from famed Whiskey reviewer Jim Murray. Read on below…
AMERICAN WHISKIES FROM BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY NAMED 1ST AND 2ND BEST IN THE WORLD
Never before has any one distillery earned the top two honors!
FRANKFORT, FRANKLIN COUNTY, KY (Nov. 6, 2012) – Buffalo Trace Distillery has made history in the whiskey industry with not one, but two Whiskey of the Year Awards from esteemed whiskey reviewer Jim Murray. In the newly published 2013 Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible, the Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye was named “2013 World Whiskey of the Year” and the William Larue Weller was named “Second Finest Whiskey in the World.”
The coveted number one and two spots were the result of Jim Murray tasting over 4,500 whiskies, in route to publishing his annual Whisky Bible. It is the first time in the book’s ten year history that both the number one and two whiskies in the world have come from the United States, much less the same distillery.
About the Thomas H. Handy, Murray says, “This is enormous….Once off the ground it just doesn’t stop traveling. Superb!” A 97.5 (out of 100) rating.
The praise doesn’t stop there; for the second place William Larue Weller, Murray says, “WOW! This is becoming a must experience whiskey for hardcore bourbon lovers. Well, whisk(e)y lovers period, really! Majestic! Or, as it’s American, perhaps I should say: Presidential.” Also a 97.5 (out of 100) rating.
In regards to deciding between the first and second place, with both whiskies earning the same score, Murray says, “This was a very tough call to make on which of the two deserved top billing. Although from the same distillery they are very different animals. The enormity of the Weller was so apparent…I knew from the very first taste that it stood every chance of being World Whisky of the Year.
“But it was eclipsed by the Thomas Handy Rye, even though they both scored the same number of points. The Rye edged it, by the smallest of fractions, simply because of its extraordinary life and balance on the palate and its uncanny ability to just keep working on full alert for the longest imaginable time. It took a couple of days to decide between the two, but the Handy could not be denied.”
In addition to the number one and number two finest whiskies in the world, Buffalo Trace Distillery also earned an astounding 35 additional awards from Jim Murray, including Bourbon of the Year for its William Larue Weller; Rye of the Year for its Thomas H. Handy Sazerac Rye; Rye 11 Years or Older for its Sazerac 18 Years Old, and a host of Liquid Gold Awards, which are given only to those whiskies which score a “94” or higher, which is considered, “superstar whiskies that give us all a reason to live,” according to Jim Murray.
Amongst those whiskies from Buffalo Trace Distillery that received Liquid Gold Awards were George T. Stagg; Buffalo Trace Bourbon; Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve 15 Years Old; Old Weller Antique 107 and Single Oak Project Barrels 63, 14, 132, 33, 61, 164, 191, 81 and 167.
“We were blown away when we heard the results from Jim,” said Harlen Wheatley, master distiller, “To have one ‘Best Whiskey in the World’ is wonderful. To have the number one and the number two spots is just amazing; we’re very proud of our team here at Buffalo Trace.”
The 2013 Jim Murray’s Whiskey Bible can be purchased at the Buffalo Trace Distillery gift shop, among other places, or online at www.whiskybible.com.
About Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a family-owned company based in Frankfort, Franklin County, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich distilling tradition dates back to 1787 and includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Distillery has won seven distillery titles since 2000 from such notable publications as Whisky Magazine, Whisky Advocate Magazine and Wine Enthusiast Magazine. It was named Whisky Magazine 2010 World Icons of Whisky “Whisky Visitor Attraction of the Year.” Buffalo Trace Distillery has also garnered more than 200 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com
Since starting FineTobaccoNYC as a little blog about two and a half years ago, I’ve had the chance to meet some pretty influential people in the cigar industry. From cigar manufacturers, brand reps, lounge owners, and tobacco lobbyists, the list goes on. One thing I’ve found to be true in my meetings with various industry actors is that all of them have a story. Maybe they were former lawyers, like Rocky Patel. Perhaps they worked in law enforcement and decided to open their own shop. The stories are too numerous to count.
But count them we shall. First up is Patrick Vivalo of Rocky Patel cigars. I first encountered Patrick online, and was blown away by his personability and willingness to really delve into details. I wanted to know a little bit about what it is like to work with Rocky Patel, a company that is famous for its expensive parties, luxurious IPCPR booths, and numerous product lines. Below is that interview – enjoy!
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Patrick Vivalo of Rocky Patel Cigars
FTNYC: Rocky Patel is now clearly one of the biggest names in the business. How did you end up at Rocky Patel, and what has made you stay?
Vivalo: I started with Rocky Patel when we were still known as “Indian Tabac Cigar Co.” back in 2002. I first met Rocky back in 2001 while I was working at a local cigar lounge. Whenever he was in town (which wasn’t that often), we would smoke a cigar or two together. While we got to know each other we established a friendship and mutual respect. What has made me stay is Rocky’s hard work, passion and dedication not only to make a great cigar but to create a great team of people who are equally as passionate and dedicated to not only the company but to the cigar industry as a whole.
FTNYC: Working in the cigar industry, you must get to experience some pretty unique things, especially working with the Patels. I’ve been at events with both Rocky and Nish, and those guys can party. What is the most memorable experience you’ve had at Rocky Patel since joining them?
Vivalo: My most memorable experience working with the company… there are so many! On the professional side, I would have to say it was back in 2003 at our annual trade show (back then it was known as the RTDA, now IPCPR) when we launched the Rocky Patel Vintage 1990 & 1992. Retailers were used to the vibrant packaging of the ITC line & we went in the opposite direction with classic elegant packaging (of course the cigar was good too). That was a huge trade show for us as it was the beginning of the transition of the company. On the personal side, I would have to say December 19th, 2006. It was the day my sister passed away and Rocky made sure he was with me and my family the whole day. That meant a lot to me and I will never forget that.
FTNYC: The market for cigars is experiencing something of a resurgence now, with hundreds and even thousands of new brands popping up in the past decade or so. What makes Rocky Patel cigars stand out? If you had to distill Rocky Patel into one or two sentences, how would you describe its essence?
VivaloL: What makes Rocky Patel cigars stand out is the same as how have gotten to where we are today: passion, dedication and consistency. Rocky is known as the hardest working man in the industry. He built his brand by spending countless days, weeks, and months on the road doing in-store events and building his relationship with both retailers and consumers. Another big part to our success is our factory tours to Honduras. We take down hundreds of people every year (both retailers & consumers) to experience the art of cigar making first hand. With those two things, we have built a very local customer base.
FTNYC: We all know that the American cigar industry, particularly in large cities like New York, is under a lot of stress from local, state, and national regulations. What is one suggestion you would give to members of the cigar community who want to ensure their right, and the right of others, to enjoy a cigar?
Vivalo: To continue to ensure your rights as a cigar smoker and an American I suggest that you stay current on local and state issues by going to cigarrights.org. I think the CRA is vital to our industry as I am an ambassador and Rocky is a founding member. We are not only facing smoking bans and tax increases but the possibility of FDA regulation in the premium cigar industry. You as an American have the right and an opportunity to let your voice be heard by contacting your state and local congressman and representatives.
FTNYC: Any special up and coming cigars or projects that you’d like to clue our readers in on?
Vivalo: Those who were at the IPCPR saw some of the new, exciting lines we have introduced to the market. There were a few firsts for the Rocky Patel brand such as the Edge Habano (the first Edge made in Nicaragua but still with the Plasencia’s and is 100% Nicaraguan tobacco). Burn Naples, FL was inspired by Rocky’s cigar lounge in Naples, FL called Burn which is made up of 100% Honduran tobacco. We also made a cigar for Gary Sheffield called HR500 to commemorate his mile stone of being one of only 25 to accomplish the mile stone. We also came out with Private Cellar which a rich medium to full bodied cigar with a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper (another first for a RP brand), Freedom and the Nording 50th Anniversary to commemorate Erik Nording’s 50th year in business.
What is your favorite Rocky Patel cigar? Who are some of your favorite up and coming brands in the U.S. today?
Vivalo: I think all of our cigars are great and there is a market for each and every one. There are so many that I enjoy, such as the new Freedom, Private Cellar, Edge Habano, Xen, Thunder,Decade, but I would have to say that the 15th Anniversary is my favorite. I prefer a medium to full bodied cigar and love Nicaraguan tobacco and the 15th has both. Flavor, balance & strength, if you haven’t tried a 15th and love a medium to full bodied cigar I suggest you go grab one after you are done reading the rest of this interview! I also enjoy quite a few other brands, I think it’s important to smoke other brands to stay in tune on to what is going on in the industry. Some of those are Padron, Tatuaje, Illusione, Liga Privada, 601, LFD & My Father to name a few.
FTNYC: Last question: your best smoke ever. Where was it, what were you smoking, who were you with?
Vivalo: The best cigar I have ever smoked (so many to choose from!), I would have to say the first Vintage 1992 I ever had. I would also have to say the first cigar I ever had. It was a Partagas Serie D 4 and it was on Christmas Day 1996, I was at my friends house and after dinner we went to watch the Bulls & Knicks in his smoking room. I, like many people who have never experienced a cigar, was hesitant due to what every non-smoker always preaches about how smoking is harmful. My friends father explained that he smokes cigars to relax and enjoy the overall experience. From that day I fell in love with cigars and eventually landed a job at a local cigar shop.
FTNYC: Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. Any other thoughts you’d like to share?
Vivalo: I’d like to say that I feel fortunate to work in such a great industry as ours. It’s more like a brotherhood. There are a lot of great people (some of which I consider good friends). We work in an industry like no other, we do what we love and love what we do! I also just started writing Whiskey reviews for my good friend Thor at Cigar Press magazine. It is something else that I am very passionate about and when speaking with Thor we bounced some ideas around and he felt that he was missing that in his publication. Again, thank you and I am honored that you have given me this opportunity!
