Artesano Del Tobacco

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Artesano Del Tobacco Introduces the Viva La Vida Adjustable Cigar Tray at PCA Trade Show

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Artesano Del Tobacco is set to debut an innovative offering aimed at transforming the cigar lounge experience – The Viva La Vida Adjustable Cigar Tray. Announced in a press release dated June 27th, 2023, the new product, along with bundled Viva La Vida cigars, will be introduced at the forthcoming PCA Trade Show.

The tray comes stocked with one bundle of each Viva La Vida size, amounting to a total of six bundles.

In their statement, Artesano Del Tobacco shared their motivation for creating the tray. “We are so happy to introduce this project at the PCA for four reasons. First, the idea came to us after visiting so many Cigar Lounges around the country and listening to the owners and managers, that an adjustable cigar tray is a space saver, will look better, cleaner, and neater in their walking humidors. Second, we are able to reduce the price of Viva La Vida cigars by 7% once Cigar Lounges start ordering Viva La Vida by the bundles. Third, we are less depending on Wood Box Factory production, availability, and cost increases. Fourth, it’s a friendly environment project, by making less wood cigar boxes.”

The company also mentioned that cigar stores nationwide will now have the choice to purchase Viva La Vida cigars either by the box or in bundles. As with all their offerings, Viva La Vida cigars are crafted in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez.

Artesano Del Tobacco, a boutique cigar company with a 25-year history, has been noted for its passion for mixing art and flavor to enhance the cigar smoking experience. From starting as a small shop, New York Cigar Inn in Manhattan, to teaming up with AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, the company’s journey has been fueled by innovation and commitment to the cigar community.

For further details on the new offering, Artesano Del Tobacco encourages reaching out to Billy or Geson Fakih, or visiting their website. Attendees at the PCA Trade Show can also get a first-hand look at the product at booth # 19054.

Artesano Del Tobacco Unveils Unique ‘OCTO OCHO’ Twist to their Popular EL Pulpo Line at Upcoming PCA Trade Show

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Cigar aficionados are in for a treat as Artesano Del Tobacco announces the addition of the “OCTO OCHO” to its popular EL Pulpo range. To be introduced at the forthcoming PCA Trade Show, the new Culebra size offers a novel twist, both literally and figuratively, to the EL Pulpo line.

As explained in their press release dated June 27th, 2023, Artesano Del Tobacco’s new creation was inspired by a conversation with friends from the Luxury Cigar Club. The press release quotes Billy Fakih saying, “The idea came to us a year ago when we were smoking the EL Pulpo prerelease with our friends at Luxury Cigar Club. They suggested making a Culebra size for EL pulpo cigars to celebrate and highlight this very well-aged San Andreas Maduro Wrapper and to represent the Octopus tentacles. Smoking this twisted Lancero surpassed our prediction and judgment with its outstanding balance of sweet and full flavors.”

EL Pulpo Culebra “OCTO OCHO” carries forward the same blend as the original EL Pulpo cigars, featuring a San Andreas Maduro wrapper, and Nicaraguan binder and filler. All crafted by renowned cigar maker AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. The Culebra size involves three Lancero cigars, each measuring 38 x 7 inches, intertwined like tentacles and bound by two red ribbons.

Regarding its presentation, the “OCTO OCHO” boasts luxurious packaging that matches its distinctive form. The cigars come nestled in a slide-lid yellow wood coffin, with three coffins tucked inside a larger red cardboard case.

The EL Pulpo Culebra “OCTO OCHO” is set to ship to retailers starting in September, retailing at a price point of $40.00 per unit. The PCA Trade Show attendees can get a first-hand look at this new product at booth # 19054. For more detailed information, Artesano Del Tobacco invites inquiries via their website or directly through Billy, Bass, or Gus Fakih.

Artesano Del Tobacco to Release El Pulpo Cigars in February

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Miami, FL, January 23rd, 2023– Artesano Del Tobacco and co are so excited and proud to share with you the creation of EL Pulpo Cigars which means “The octopus” in english. This project began back in 2016. After working on this project we contact AJ Fernandez to help us create the EL Pulpo cigars. AJ Fernandez used different blending techniques, fermentation ,and aging process that led to the creation of the EL Pulpo cigars . EL Pulpo cigars will be Packaged in Ten-count boxes the cigars will come in box-pressed sizes: Robusto, Toro, and Belicoso.

We will start shipping EL Pulpo Cigars to Cigar Lounges in Mid February 2023. “We wanted a blend that fits people palate the way an octopus fits in different shapes, spaces and becomes that shape , we wanted a blend that becomes hard for any smoker to putdown once they light up like an octopus that doesn’t let go of it’s pray, once again AJ Fernandez has done an amazing job creating EL Pulpo Cigars We couldn’t be more satisfied with the finished product and cannot wait for everyone to try it. As they say, ‘good things come to those who wait’ and this statement continues to ring true with the EL Pulpo Cigars. “- Billy & Gus of Artesano Del Tobacco

As with all Artesano Del Tobacco cigars, The El Pulpo cigars is exclusively manufactured and distributed by AJ Fernandez Company

Blend and origin:
Wrapper: Mexican San Andreas Maduro
Binder: Nicaraguan (AJ Fernandez farms)
Filler: Nicaraguan ( AJ Fernandez farms)
Factory: San Lotano

Vitolas Retail Price
Robusto Grande: 5 X 56 $15.00
Toro Grande: 6 X 56 $16.00
Belicoso Grande: 5.75 X 58. $17.00

Through a fusion of inherited techniques and patience, AJ has developed proprietary tobacco grown from the most prized seeds harvested exclusively on his family farms. Perhaps the most essential quality of an AJ Fernandez cigar is not tangible. It is passion and discipline that motivates AJ to produce world renown premium cigars. The motivation that flows and radiates from AJ are contagious and palatable throughout all the artisans who hone their craft and skills under his hands-on tutelage throughout Nicaragua. All these attributes stem from humble beginnings in San Luis, Pinar del Rio, Cuba where the Fernandez family heritage began.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Frank Santos at 786.800.5329 or email frankie@AJFcigars.com. artesanobilly@gmail.com info@ajfcigars.com

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Blind Review: Choshi by Luxury Cigar Club

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Luxury Cigar Club (LCC) is a monthly cigar subscription service for the smoker, seeker, and collector of fine, rare, and boutique cigars and cigar brands. The two owners, Chris and Ben, pride themselves on their work ethic, superb customer service, and overall integrity. Because of these traits, they have created and maintained a strong bond with many cigar companies.

One of these cigar brands is Artesano del Tobacco, the maker of Viva La Vida, whose been here since the beginning. Because of this relationship, LCC was the first company to feature Viva La Vida in their subscription box. They were also the first company to obtain an exclusive vitola of Viva La Vida. To top it all off, they became the first company to create LCCs very first cigar – Choshi.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Choshi
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican
  • Size: 5″x54

Blind Review: Choshi by Luxury Cigar Club

Appearance & Construction

The habano wrapper is quite oily, giving it a darker look than it otherwise might have. Two visible veins run down on the side of the cigar. The filler tobacco fills the cigar to the brim without it feeling dense. 

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

There is a scent of chocolate and raisin coming off the wrapper. When I trace my nose down to the foot of the cigar, I get a scent of dry tart stone fruits and old books. I slowly insert the head between my Xikar XO cutter – just enough to shave off the cap. I then take a cold draw and taste creamy cocoa, tree bark, dry hay, and a slight sweetness on the finish; pepper spice is starting to settle on my tongue and lips. 

After introducing some flame to the cigar, I take my first draw and instantly my senses are awake. The smoke itself is creamy, tagging along with notes of dark cocoa, caramel, cedar-wood, and red pepper spice. To conclude the whole experience, sweet chocolate lingers on my palate. The retrohale acts on its own contrasting with the flavors on the palate: citrusy berry, cedar-wood, and an ample amount of red pepper spice. 

So far, the only negative thing I can say about this cigar is the uneven burn line. However, I have to mention that I am smoking the cigar outside on a cool early winter morning which can be a factor in the issue. With that being said, the ash is stacking evenly, and the cigar produces a good amount of smoke. 

Arriving at the second third, I notice two flavors become MIA: cocoa and spice. The character of the smoke becomes even creamier, and I get flavors of pistachio, cedar-wood, dry hay, tan leather, and caramel. On the retrohale, I’m tasting a little floral with almond and warm baking spice. 

I have to restrain myself from constantly puffing on the cigar, hoping slowing down would fix the burn line issue. Even so, one side is in a constant battle with the other, but not bad enough for me to intervene with my lighter.  

As I get to the final third, the battle of the burn line concludes, and the cigar evens itself out. To my surprise, the flavor keeps evolving, and embraces me with flavors of creamy oats, almonds, sunflower seeds, cedar-wood, and sugar in the raw. This time, the retrohale amplifies the flavors with cedar-wood, roasted peanut shell, and baking spice. I continuously drown myself with the aforementioned flavors, hoping the next puff would not be the last one. I knew I was on my final puff when my fingers got pricked by a burning sensation.

Conclusion

Billy and Gus (Artesano del Tobacco) hit another home run with Choshi. The transition from a heavier profile like cocoa and leather to a lighter one with almonds and sunflower seeds is simply brilliant. And all the while carried by a sugary sweet finish on the palate. The complexity was very engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. Unfortunately, the burn line had a negative impact on my overall experience. As mentioned however, this may have been affected by outside elements. Overall, I would recommend this cigar to anyone interested in experiencing bold flavor, transitions, complexity, balanced profile, or anyone wanting to smoke a great cigar.   

Final Rating: 91

Blind Review: Artesano Del Tobacco Viva La Vida Club 500

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Ever since my first encounter with them at their launch event at The Carnegie Club back in March 2019, I’ve always had Viva La Vida from Artesano del Tobacco stocked in my humidor. Since then, I have gone through countless boxes in different vitolas, including their follow-up launches of the Jester, lounge exclusives, and club exclusive. 

In April of 2020, Billy and Gus Fakih released a line paying homage to the first 500 cigar lounges and patrons whom they believed are the core supporters of the Viva La Vida cigar, the Club 500. I had the good luck of unknowingly blind reviewing this cigar. Read on.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Viva la Vida Club 500
  • Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
  • Binder: Nicaraguan
  • Filler: Nicaraguan Corojo 99 & Criollo 98
  • Size: 6″x60 (Box Pressed)

Appearance & Construction

The dark Oscuro wrapper gives off a red hue under the sunlight. The box-pressed cigar feels heavy and sturdy as I’m squeezing it between my fingers. My fingers become oily from holding onto the cigar for an extended amount of time. I see two minor veins, but it doesn’t hurt the construction. The box-press has leveled all sides evenly. Visually, this cigar is stunning; it reminds me of a chocolate bar. 

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The wrapper gives off a nutty and vanilla scent. At the foot, the cigar delivers a mixture of apricot, hay, and pepper spice. I shave off the cap and take a cold draw. The flavors are a little muted; a hint of sweetness, dark leather, and cayenne pepper murmur at me. Slowly toasting the foot, a swirl of white smoke spirals around my head, giving off a scent of warm baking spices as they pass by my nose. 

An abundance of velvety smoke glides past my palate as I puff on the cigar and drown myself in flavors of roasted peanut shell, barnyard, light leather, tree bark, vanilla, and cayenne pepper spice. I proceed to retrohale the next puff and taste citrus fruits, hay, vanilla, and a sizzling sensation of warm baking spice, only to disappear the second it exits my nose. 

Half-way past the first third, the cigar becomes a chocolate bomb: creamy and sweet milk chocolate with light leather and a taste reminding me of a summer breeze. As the flavor disperses, red pepper spice lingers behind, playing punching bag with my uvula. A stream of warm smoke rushes through my nasal path, carrying vanilla, sunflower seeds, barnyard hay, and baking spice. 

The flavors continue to enrich themselves as I reach the second third. The sweet and creamy milk chocolate intensifies along with roasted peanut, straw hay, and paprika spice with a citrus aftertaste. Retrohale is very saporous: I taste light leather, dry apricot, roasted peanut, and cinnamon spice. At this point, I feel like I am smoking a cup of Mexican Hot Chocolate. 

As if the cigar knows what I was thinking, the flavor profile adjusts itself one last time for the big finale. Right before the sweet and creamy flavor overwhelm my taste buds, honey roasted peanut, hay, and cinnamon spice became the dominant flavors. I thought I was smoking an entirely different cigar. A great ending. 

Conclusion

Billy and Gus hit another home run with the Viva La Vida Club 500. The construction was near perfection. The smoke was complex and well balanced with every shift in the flavor profile. I can’t wait to see what Artesano Del Tobacco has in store for us in the future. 

Final Rating: 93

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