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.
The Viñales Club, a cozy lounge filled with fine materials, books and works of art, welcomes connoisseurs of Havanas, Montecristos and other cigars, happy to gather round whirls of smoke, settled comfortably in plush Club chairs, while reading, pondering or savoring a drink. It is a private club, strictly reserved to members, each with their own private humidor.
If you would like to become a member, please contact Eric Vievard.
Release a few days ago via the Cigar Rights of America newsletter, it looks like we’ve got another U.S. Senator on board with the CRA/IPCPR push to avoid FDA regulation of cigars.
Co-Sponsors S. 1461
Cigar Rights of America welcomes Senator Dean Heller (R) of Nevada as the 14th member of the United States Senate to join as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1461.
Dion Giollito, owner of Illusione Cigars and the FUMARE cigar shop of Reno, noted on behalf of the Nevada Cigar Association, “We are very proud to have Senator Heller join all three members of the U.S. House of Representatives from Nevada on the legislation that can work to prevent FDA from seizing control of cigars. Without this legislation, FDA regulations would threaten the livelihood of thousands of cigar shop owners and employees throughout America — jeopardizing the very existence of this industry as we know it. The federal government has higher priorities, and we certainly hope Senator Heller and Representatives Amodei, Heck and Berkley can work with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reed, D-Nevada to advance this legislation. Having Senator Heller and each of our Representatives on the same legislation certainly speaks to the virtue of this effort.”
Click the links below to view the full bill text and the list of all co-sponsors:
The Gurkha Cigar Group are proud to announce a new 7 x 54 Prisoner Churchill salomon shape in its flagship Cellar Reserve brand. This cigar will replace the current 7 x 54 Churchill in the Cellar Reserve range. This decision was made due to the vast popularity and demand of the salomon shape in the other sizes of the brand.
The Cellar Reserve has quickly become a strong staple of the Gurkha portfolio and has received many accolades and 90+ ratings from leading cigar publications including, Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Journal, Cigar Snob and a recent 95 rating by Cigar and Spirits Magazine.
“We feel the Cellar Reserve blend is certainly enhanced by the unique salomon shape,” said Juan Lopez, National Sales Director of Gurkha Cigar Group.”After listening to the feedback from consumers and retailers, we felt this was a great way to further enhance the popularity and continuity of the brand.”
Cellar Reserve uses the finest 15-year old aged tobacco, comprised of an oily Criollo 1998 wrapper, that combines an aged Dominican, Olor binder with a 15-year aged Dominican filler. These cigars are housed in unique wooden boxes that aesthetically evoke a maturing wine barrel. Cellar Reserve is a delicious medium to full bodied cigar that is full of flavor and complexity. Available sizes: 4 x 58 Koi, 5 x 58 Solara, 6 x 58 Hedonism, 6 x 60 Kraken and a new 7 x 54 Prisoner Churchill Salomon. MSRP: $7.98-12.94.
More information on Gurkha Cigars can be found on the company’s:
September 19, 2012 (Jeffersonville, IN) – Riverside Cigars, the country’s number one retailer of 262 Cigars, is proud to host the national release of its new cigar line, The Revere. This is the first opportunity in the U.S. for cigar lovers to sample this new cigar from 262 Cigars and to meet Clint Aaron, Brand Owner, who will be on hand to sign cigar items and host an educational session about the new Revere line.
The Revere is a Nicaraguan puro. The cigar features a wrapper from the Jalapa Valley, a double binder of both Jalapa and Estelí tobaccos, and a rare combination of Estelí, Condega and Jalapa seco, viso, and ligero for the filler. The Revere is produced by Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua. The suggested retail price is $7.50 for the Corona, $8.00 for the Robusto, and $9.75 for the flagship size Box Press Toro.
262 Cigars is named for the month and year that President John F. Kennedy signed the Cuban Trade Embargo. Other cigar lines include the Paradigm and Ideology cigars.
The 262 Cigars’ Revere Release Event will take place at Riverside which is located at 201 Spring Street in Jeffersonville, Indiana. This free event, which is open to the public, will include raffles for free cigars and promotional materials. Attendees of the event will also have limited access to Riverside Cigar’s new adjacent bourbon bar and lounge, Match, which will be opening Fall 2012.
MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS SCOOPS DISTILLER OF THE YEAR
Distillery manager and brand ambassador hailed as industry icons in awards hat-trick
Morrison Bowmore Distillers has cemented its position as the single malt specialist by being voted Whisky Distiller of the year at the 2013 Icons of Whisky Awards Scotland.
Glasgow-based MBD, the producer of four single malt brands – Auchentoshan, Bowmore, Glen Garioch and McClelland’s – was applauded by the judges for transforming a bulk blend business into a single malt specialist and reinvigorating all its brands with some “stellar releases”.
The awards celebrate the people and places behind the greatest whiskies in the world and two long serving MBD employees also won individual awards.
Eddie MacAffer, Bowmore Distillery Manager won the inaugural Distillery Manager of the Year category for 46 years of committed service, and Iain McCallum landing Brand Ambassador award, being hailed as “a new breed of ambassador who manages to mix a mastery of hard-core technical knowledge with a rare passion for the fun aspect of whisky.”
Mike Keiller, CEO, Morrison Bowmore Distillers said: “To see off such stiff competition and land a hat-trick of awards is a massive boost for us. Compared to any of our peers, we’re a small company so it’s immensely flattering to see both our business growth and individual expertise recognised. Being a single malt specialist requires considerable care and patience, but we’re certainly reaping the rewards of our investment.”
The 2013 Icons of Whisky Scotland were announced at an awards ceremony at Edinburgh’s Prestonfield House on Friday 7th Sept 2012. The judging process included regional heats in the U.S, Scotland and other international markets.
Distiller of the Year: Morrison Bowmore Distillers Brand Ambassador of the Year: Iain McCallum Distillery Manager of the Year: Eddie MacAffer
ABOUT MORRISON BOWMORE DISTILLERS (www.morrisonbowmore.com) Founded in 1951, Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Suntory Limited and is one of the major names in Scotch whisky. With three Malt Whisky Distilleries situated in the major production areas of Islay (Bowmore), the Highlands (Glen Garioch) and the Lowlands (Auchentoshan), as well as significant blending, bottling and warehousing facilities, the company has established a leading role in the export of Single Malts. The success of Morrison Bowmore Distillers Limited is based upon maintenance of traditional values and innovation in the marketplace.
Cigar Rights of America welcomes Senator Dean Heller (R) of Nevada as the 14th member of the United States Senate to join as a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1461.
