Announcement

Introducing Shiah Goldberg: Our Newest Fine Tobacco NYC Blind Review Panelist

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Every few years, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to introduce a new member to our blind review panel. In this instance, I’m thrilled to introduce Shiah Goldberg as our newest member. Shiah’s addition to our team marks an exciting new chapter, and I would like to share some insights into his background, perspective, and what he’ll bring to the community. 

Shiah’s connection with cigars spans over two decades, rooted in his upbringing near Ybor City. With roles in industry giants such as Davidoff Cigars and Empire Social Lounge, his experience is both broad and deep. Shiah’s philosophy revolves around guiding individuals passionately and patiently toward their ideal taste experiences, a value that aligns closely with our mission.  

Shiah’s alignment with Fine Tobacco NYC goes beyond mere professional interest; he sees it as an extension of his love for cigars and his desire to “add value wherever I can.” Shiah’s thoughts on blind review resonate with our core values. He describes it as the “most raw, hands in soil, salt of the earth approach to enjoying a cigar.” By focusing solely on the senses and the product itself, Shiah believes that blind review offers a pure, unfiltered experience. He also sees blind review as a way to challenge himself, stating, “It also gives me an opportunity to check myself, find weaknesses in my own knowledge and expertise, and to really engage in the art of blending with tunnel vision.” This perspective aligns well with our dedication to the authenticity and integrity of the review process.

Shiah’s vision for his reviews is clear and aligns with our community’s values. He hopes to bring his extensive knowledge and experience in an “approachable, relatable, and entertaining way.” As he puts it, “I hope to be able to share my knowledge and experience, to bring value and integrity to the audience and for us all to have a blast while doing it.”

Shiah Goldberg’s addition to the Fine Tobacco NYC Blind Review Panel is a significant step in our continued journey to explore and celebrate the world of fine cigars. His experience, philosophy, and insights will undoubtedly enhance our panel and community.

Welcome to the team, Shiah!

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Federal Court Rules in Favor of Premium Cigars, Exempts Them from FDA Regulation

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A significant decision was handed down today by U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta, who ruled that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must exempt premium cigars from tobacco regulations that were implemented in 2016. This conclusion marks an important victory for the industry, following nearly seven years of legal disputes.

The challenge was led and funded by Cigar Rights of America (CRA), which argued against the inclusion of premium cigars in the FDA’s 2016 “Deeming” rule. CRA contended that this inclusion was misguided and lacked a solid scientific foundation. During the court appearance on May 23, 2022, CRA argued that the FDA had failed to present a valid public health rationale and had improperly dismissed a prior option to exempt premium cigars from the category.

Judge Mehta agreed with CRA’s arguments and ruled on July 5th of the previous year that the inclusion of premium cigars in the regulation was arbitrary and capricious, thus in violation of the Administrative Procedures Act. He stated that the FDA had ignored scientific evidence regarding premium cigars submitted by CRA, resorting to ambiguous language to cloud the issue.

The industry has been looking forward to an official announcement, and today’s ruling sets a federal definition for premium cigars, providing them an exemption. This decision effectively offers regulatory relief to the industry.

Robert Levin, president of CRA, expressed his satisfaction with the ruling, calling it a “monumental day in the history of the premium cigar industry.” He added that the court’s decision affirmed CRA’s longstanding belief that premium cigars should never have been subject to FDA regulation in the first place.

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Gran Habano Unveils G.A.R. American Standard Cigar for September 2023 Release

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Gran Habano is introducing a new product to their lineup, the G.A.R. American Standard, with an expected release in September 2023. Responding to a market demand for cost-effective options, the company is aiming to provide a balance between affordability and quality with this new release.

The G.A.R. American Standard is a Nicaraguan puro with a medium to full body. The flavor profile features dark chocolate with black pepper notes in the finish, a characteristic attributed to the brand’s creator, George Rico. It represents the company’s attempt to deliver a nuanced cigar experience at a more accessible price point.

The company’s production target for the G.A.R. American Standard is roughly 750,000 cigars annually, equating to about 15,000 boxes of 50. The cigar will be a regular production item.

The G.A.R. American Standard will be offered in multiple sizes:

  • Robusto 5 x 50 (MSRP $5.50)
  • Gran Robusto 6 x 54 (MSRP $6.00)
  • Imperial 6 x 60 (MSRP $6.40)
  • Czar 6 x 66 (MSRP $6.80)
  • Grandioso 7 x 70 (MSRP $7.00)

Gran Habano is presenting the G.A.R. American Standard at the 2023 PCA trade show in Las Vegas this week.

For further information about Gran Habano, their website is www.ghcigars.com and they can be reached directly at (305) 436-5960.

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Steve Saka’s Newest Cigar, Polpetta, Debuts at Premium Cigar Association Trade Show

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photo via Steve Saka Facebook post

In a recent Facebook post, cigar maker Steve Saka announced his latest creation, Polpetta, will be open for stock order at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, which kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas.

Polpetta presents an innovative approach to cigar crafting, utilizing what Saka refers to as ‘chaveta cuts’ – the trimmings typically produced during the crafting of high-end Broadleaf ligas. Traditionally, factories collect these trimmings from the production of various long-filler, handmade cigars and then create less expensive, constantly varying short-fill, or sandwich cigars. This common practice helps factory owners recover some material costs while also minimizing waste.

However, Polpetta diverges from this norm, representing a non-traditional approach to the ‘waste not, want not’ philosophy of cigar manufacturing. Saka has transformed what is typically considered waste into an innovative, high-quality product.

“For Polpetta, we carefully save only the very best table trimmings from the making of our premium Broadleaf ligas such as Mi Querida, including the Triqui Traca and Black variations, Umbagog, and Red Meat Lovers,” Saka stated in his announcement. The process involves diligent sorting of cuts for specific tobaccos, pairing those with two long leaf tripas to maintain a consistent filler recipe. The meticulously prepared bunch is then secured with a first-rate San Andreas Negro binder and wrapped with the outer cuts from premium Broadleaf capa.

In Saka’s hands, the Polpetta represents a unique elevation of the sandwich-style cigar, executed with precision and using only the finest ingredients. The petite robustos burn cool and hold an ash, offering a properly balanced draw and a rich, robust smoking experience.

Despite being made from ‘cortes medianos’ or ‘middle cuts’, Polpetta stands up to many long-filler handmade cigars that come at a higher price. As Saka noted, “If we didn’t disclose that these toothy, petite robustos were ‘cortes medianos’, the smoker would likely never know.”

Polpetta is ideal for the seasoned cigar smoker looking for top-notch flavor at a minimal cost. The PCA 2023 attendees will have the first opportunity to stock up on these exceptional cigars, reinforcing the event’s status as a must-attend for cigar enthusiasts and retailers.

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Davidoff Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Nicaragua Line with Limited Edition Releases

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Davidoff Cigars has launched a unique gran toro cigar and an exquisite cutter to mark the 10th anniversary of its popular Nicaragua line. The celebration highlights the brand’s trailblazing path since the launch of this line, which laid the foundation for its innovative Black Band Collection, widely beloved by cigar aficionados worldwide.

In 2013, Davidoff ventured into fresh terrain, introducing the Nicaragua line with the first Davidoff cigar to carry a black band. The line diversifies Davidoff’s portfolio, adding a fiery intensity drawn from Nicaragua’s volcanic soil to their existing offerings, traditionally known for their milder Dominican blends. Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff, said, “We wanted to please those looking for a more intense palate stimulation. For our Nicaragua 10th Anniversary Limited Edition, our experts took on a new challenge to create yet more depth for our loyal aficionados.”

The limited-edition gran toro cigar captures the spirit of the Nicaragua blend while elevating it to a new sensory level. It underscores Davidoff’s commitment to creating unprecedented tastes, with a special emphasis on ageing of the tobaccos. The combined age of the wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos used in this cigar is a remarkable 45 years. A unique feature of this offering is the Estelí seco filler tobacco aged in rum casks for six months, a pioneering move for Davidoff. This lends the cigar a depth and complexity that is sure to delight enthusiasts.

Davidoff describes the taste experience of the gran toro as a journey to peak Nicaragua. Initially, it entices with complex nutty flavours, gradually evolving to reveal notes of fresh spice, leather, oak wood, and intriguing hints of eucalyptus. As the cigar comes to its close, the intensity crescendos, with flavours morphing from milk coffee to black coffee, punctuated by fresh herbs and persistent toasting notes.

The 10th Anniversary Limited Edition package includes 12 gran toro cigars housed in a wooden box with a varnished Nicaragua pattern. The box is accentuated with a striking frame and a 10th anniversary sticker on the lid, underscoring the significance of the occasion.

Complementing the limited edition cigar is the Double Blade Cutter Limited Edition. Made in Germany of brushed stainless steel in matte black with silver blades, this cutter embodies the Davidoff Nicaragua aesthetic. It features elegant engravings, including the Davidoff logo and a unique serial number, making it a statement piece and collector’s item.

Starting July 6, 2023*, the Nicaragua 10th Anniversary Limited Edition cigars and Double Blade Cutter will be available at select Davidoff Appointed Merchants, premium cigar retailers, and Davidoff flagship stores.

As Davidoff continues to explore and elevate the world of cigars, aficionados can look forward to a time beautifully filled with these new releases.

*Launch dates and availability may vary depending on country. For more details, visit davidoff.com.

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