Who knew Hawaii could grow tobacco suitable for premium cigars? I didn’t before I read “A Growing Vision,” an article on CigarAficionado.com posted about a week ago. In it, Alejandro Benes, writing for Cigar Aficionado, writes of Les Drent of the Kauai Cigar Co.
Benes quotes Drent saying “We planted a few rows in 2006. I really started smoking cigars in 2005, 2006. My grandfather used to smoke cigars when I was growing up… I loved the smell of a good cigar.” As a child, Drent would visit his grandparents at the Jersey Shore. “Everybody smoked cigars and drove Cadillacs.” Drent recalls and laughs. “I loved smelling the cigars.”
Benes goes on to write,
“When I produce a cigar with tobacco grown here in Kauai that can be as good, if different, from what they’re producing for us in Nicaragua,” Drent explains, “that’s when I’ll be somewhat satisfied.” Even Drent smiles when he hears himself say that. “My next move is to spend a couple of months on the mainland and sell,” Drent promises. “I’m gonna pack the van with cigars and free stuff and put it on the website and let everyone know I’m coming.” You can just see it in his eyes. For Les Drent, it’s all about the journey.”
Pretty interesting stuff. I don’t suppose Drent will be dropping by New York City anytime soon, but if he is, I hope he gets in touch with industry leaders here to host a big event. Heck, if you read this Drent, send me an email or drop a comment and we’ll plan a big event somewhere nice in Manhattan.
Best of luck to Drent. I certainly hope to smoke some fine Hawaiian tobacco some day.
December 28, 2012 (Newark, DE) – Gary Griffith of Emilio Cigars announced this morning that the first blend of the Los Regalos series, “Quetzal”, made in Esteli, Nicaragua will begin shipping immediately.
“These cigars are being produced in a new factory for Emilio Cigars, and we are excited to have formed this new partnership,” he said.
There will be a total of 4 blends in the series, as well as a limited edition cigar made entirely from 2006 harvest tobaccos.
“The Robusto, Toro, and Torpedo sizes are available at this time,” said Griffith, “and the Corona and Sixty will be released on January 11 at Riverside Cigars in Jeffersonville, IN. Those two sizes will ship to other retailers subsequent to that event.”
This will be Emilio Cigars final new release of 2012, capping off an extremely productive year in which several new Emilio blends became available, and in which numerous distribution agreements were negotiated.
A cigar lounge in Fargo, ND could be facing legal action after trying to exploit a loophole in the statewide smoking ban.
According to an article written for a ND news outlet:
“Fargo Cass Public Health director Ruth Bachmeier says she plans to file a complaint with Cass County prosecutors against the JT Cigarro owner, who’s been allowing people to smoke in a “members only” room through what he has called a “loophole” in the law.”
This strikes me as just another example of the bizarre trend of state clampdown on private smoking locations. As many non-smokers agree, there is no compelling public health reason disallow cigar lounges from allowing smoking, especially in a separate members only room. Every individual entering that shop, especially members, are more than aware that they will encounter smoke, and have implicitly agreed to take the risk of being in the same room as smoke.
This story should also stand as an example to NYC cigar shops that open and allow smoking before smoking licenses are obtained: don’t do it. It isn’t worth getting a $5000 fine or having your shop closed. Wait for your permit.
Cigar Aficionado posted an article a few days back that I found pretty interesting. It looks like Dunhill, the legendary cigar brand that sold individual sticks for over $1,0000 each at a recent auction, will be releasing the “Aged Reserva Especial 2003”, which will use Dominican tobaccos from 2003.
As Cigar Aficionado reports:
“The blend is completed with a Connecticut broadleaf binder, and wrapped in Connecticut-shade tobacco grown in the northeastern United States. The cigars were rolled at General Cigar Dominicana for Dunhill. As with every Dunhill Aged cigar, after rolling they were stored for a year in aging rooms lined in Spanish cedar to allow the cigars to mature.”
I’ll be looking forward to smoking this stick and perhaps giving it a review. You can read the full article here.
As San Diego’s newest wine and cigar lounge, Habanos Cigar and Wine Cafe’s Grand Opening party was a major success. Despite ongoing rain, the house was packed, as ladies and gentlemen were entertained by the live Blues music of Chris James and Patrick Rynn Chicago Blues. The event started at 6pm and ran until midnight.
Some photos of the humidor…
Two large, enclosed patios provided a festive ambiance for guests to enjoy great blues music, friendly conversation, food, premium wines and cigars. The center of the main patio sported a warm and inviting fire pit. Plenty of free parking was available to guests. Complementary appetizers were provided and the friendly staff took care of every customer need. For those who wanted to enjoy a full dinner and wine, the back patio, packed to the max, was the place to be.
“I was concerned that the rain may hurt the event,” commented Nate Kalasho, proprietor, wine connoisseur and cigar aficionado, “But they came and enjoyed a festive evening. I want to personally thank all those who supported our Grand Opening.”
“I was happy to see the number of ladies that came to the event,” commented Missy of San Diego “I even got to dance to the great music. I hope Chris and Patrick will come back soon.”
ABOUT CHRIS JAMES AND PATRICK RYNN
Vocalist and guitarist Chris James and bassist Patrick Rynn are staunch Blues traditionalists with a high-energy contemporary edge. They’ve been playing together since 1990, proudly dedicating their musical collaboration to the invigorating sound of real, unadulterated Blues. They lead their own internationally acclaimed band, and have toured the world playing behind some of the greatest Blues legends in the field.
ABOUT HABANOS CIGAR AND WINE CAFÉ
Habanos Cigar and Wine Café
3111 Hancock St corner of Rosecrans
Just South of Hwy 8
619-787-7477
Apx 3,000 sq. ft.
600 sq. ft. walk in humidor
The three large enclosed patios provide leather sofas, tables and chairs.
The main patio sports a warm and inviting fire pit.
The second patio provides a warm & inviting fireplace
5 large screen TVs
Full Tapas kitchen
Huge premium wine selection
Espresso and specialty coffee drinks
Free parking
Hours of Operation
Sunday to Thursday 9am to 10pm
Friday & Saturday 9am to midnight