Cigar Weekly: Magazine

Cigarticles

Anti-Tobacco Groups Push Harsh Ohio Tax

April 30, 2008

Tobacco lobby claims legislature is "abolishing tobacco prevention" as Ohio Voters Prefer Raising Tobacco Tax to Raiding Tobacco Endowment to Fund Stimulus; New Poll: Nearly Two-thirds of Ohio Voters Support Tobacco Tax to Fund Stimulus Package and Tobacco Prevention Read more...

Casa Cubana of Montreal Decries Use of Children in Anti-Tobacco

April 30, 2008

Anti-Tobacco Industry Using Kids To Promote Their Private Agendas and Further Misrepresent the Facts Read more...

William Styron, JFK and the Havana

April 21, 2008

Noted Twentieth century author's memoir includes his time with JFK and contraband. Reviewed by Marc Weingarten Read more...

CWer Featured in Anti-FDA Spot

March 31, 2008

CW member featured in R. J. Reynolds funded TV advertisement. Read more...

Smoke Gets In Your Eyes; Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. More often--especially today--it's a political statement.

March 28, 2008

Kinky Friedman. Texas Monthly. Austin: Mar 2008. Abstract (Summary) Instead, we have a Houston city councilman who told former mayor pro tem Michael Berry, explaining why he voted for a citywide ban on smoking in bars, "What if I want to bring my kids to the bar?" Common sense is going up in smoke, folks. Read more...

Joya de Nicaragua Choose Drew Estate as Distributor

March 25, 2008

Since their recent break with Manuel Quesada, Joya de Nicaragua has been in negotiations with other cigar manufacturers to reach a distribution agreement. Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, CEO and owner of JdN stated that the relationship with Manuel Quesada's SAG will end by mutual consent on April 28, 2008. In the company's just promulgated announcement, Cuenca named Drew Estate as the new distributor. “Drew Estate's commitment to adopt my vision of JOYA DE NICARAGUA and its goals was the key factor in my decision,” states Dr. Martinez Cuenca, “The fact that they have their own in-house sales force and marketing department were important ingredients also. Plus the most obvious factor is the success they are having in increasing their own market share within the highly competitive US market. We feel an alliance between our two companies will be a win-win situation for all including cigar stores and consumers nationwide.” Read more...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

March 24, 2008

Join Cigar Weekly’s Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) as he recounts his wintry, snow-bound cigar escapade in the countryside this past December-January Holiday Season. Read more...

Reyes Family Cigars Launches New Website.

March 18, 2008

At the end of November, Puros Indios went through major changes, the public changeovers continue today with a new, improved web site coming online. Read more...

Cooleridors

March 17, 2008

CW Contributing Editor Jeff Lackman (grtrx) gives us a step-by-step guide for converting any sealable plastic container (not just a cooler) into a fully functional humidor. Read more...

A Trip to the Mexican Riviera and Playa del Carmen

March 06, 2008

CW Contributing Editor Michael Connelly (ConMan) documents a well-photographed week spent with his wife on the Mexican Riviera. Read more...

Fidel Castro Steps Down

February 19, 2008

In a letter addressed to the Cuban people late on Monday February 18, 2008, Fidel Castro resigned as President of Cuba. Read more...

My Ice Chest to Humidor Conversion

February 14, 2008
Cigar Weekly Contributing Editor Mark Steinberg (mrtapes) details a recent project of his where he converted an antique ice chest into a humidor. Read more...

Life, Computers and the Partagas Serie D No. 4: One Man's Journey

February 04, 2008

Join "Cigar Weekly’s" Bob Granata (Cloud9Bob) on a personal odyssey that leads to the discovery and true appreciation of one of the world’s great cigars, the Partagás Serie D No.4. Read more...

Smoking in the City of Lights

January 07, 2008

As a smoking ban finally settles over the country of France, Cigar Weekly member Ken “Stalebread” Coleman (Osnat45) shares a personal perspective on places to smoke and buy cigars in Paris. Read more...

A. Fuente & the Cigar Factory

December 20, 2007

Read about a trip Cigar Weekly member Luis Molina (Mr. Puro) took this past August to the Dominican Republic. Luis had an opportunity to visit A. Fuente Factory No. 1, Château de La Fuente and the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation (CFCF) Complex. Read more...

CAO TO BE EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR TORAÑO AND DUNHILL

December 04, 2007

December 4, 2007 Also, more developments in the cigar industry, CAO International has announced a distribution partnership with Carlos Toraño, Inc. Both concerns, "are pleased to announce that the companies have entered into a strategic distribution agreement whereby CAO will become the exclusive U.S. distributor for all Carlos Toraño Cigar brands. At the same time, CAO will also become the exclusive distributor for all Dunhill Cigar brands. The agreement will be effective January 2, 2008." CAO was purchased by European tobacco giant Henry Wintermans in early 2007. Read more...

PUROS INDIOS BECOMES REYES FAMILY CIGAR

November 30, 2007

Coming into the final months of the calendar year, during the retail frenzy of "holiday shopping" in the American milieu, events are happening in the cigar industry. Occurrences are being reported that many casual smokers might miss. Those cigar smokers "in-the-know," however, would consider them to be important news. Read more...

Hot Springs Chronicles

November 26, 2007

November 26, 2007 Join Cigar Weekly Contributing Editor Tom Chapman (tchapchap) on a whirlwind tour of five eastern U.S.A. cities that "turns boring stuff into a cigar adventure”! Read more...

Trek to Honduras – Cigars from seedlings to smoke!

November 01, 2007

In mid-September, several BOTL's (Brothers of The Leaf) from Houston made a pilgrimage to Honduras with the objective of learning as much as possible about the growth, production and manufacture of our favorite leaf, on a trip hosted by a Houston area B&M (Elite Cigars) and the staff of Rocky Patel Cigars. Neil Noffsinger (Road Hawg) chronicled the trip in words and photos and submits the following article for your leisure perusal. Read more...

RTDA MEETS FOR 75th Time Part 1

August 14, 2007

A number of Cigar Weekly Members including moderators , Thomas Bender (TommyBB,) Jeff Slatton (Jefslat,) Doug McGuire (Mad Dawg,) and members Castanza (Todd Golomb,) 1RedDawg (Jeff Hogan,) Ed Guevara (Cubano67,) Hockeymaniac (David Schwartz,) Luis Molina of Don Juan Cigars in Metairie, Louisiana (Mr. Puro,) and new member Jess Fields (Mercado Libre) attended the annual trade show of the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association; and brought back these sights, tastes and recollections of what's new in cigars for 2007 and 2008. Part 1. Read more...

RTDA MEETS FOR 75th Time, Part 2

August 14, 2007

August 14, 2007 by Thomas Bender In the second installment of a four part series, we discuss some of the new cigars and cigar-related products making their debut at this year's RTDA. These events occurred on Monday, August 6h. Read more...

RTDA MEETS FOR 75th Time, Part 3

August 14, 2007

August 14, 2007 by Thomas Bender In this, the third installment of a four part series, we discuss some of the issues facing the tobacco industry, the RTDA and how to begin combating the anti-smoking/tobacco tax issues. Also, we discussed some of the exhibitors we met on Tuesday morning, August 7th. Read more...

RTDA MEETS FOR 75th Time, Part 4

August 14, 2007

August 14, 2007 by Thomas Bender In the third installment, we discussed some of the issues facing the tobacco industry, the RTDA and how to begin combating the anti-smoking/tobacco tax issues. Also, we discussed some of the exhibitors we met on Tuesday morning, August 7th. This is the final installment of the four part series. Read more...

Zurich - A Perfect Cigar Weekend

June 01, 2007

June 1, 2007 by Tom Bolivar Zurich is not only the home of 200 plus Banks and one of the most expensive cities in the world. No, Zurich is as older than 2000 years and has a lot to offer the tourist. And maybe I have to mention that the cigar shops are amongst the finest in Europe! Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 3 of 3)

April 09, 2007
In this third and final installment Lawrence and company wander around Havana, smoke more cigars, drink more mojitos and tell more stories. Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 2 of 3)

March 12, 2007
In Part Two of a three part series, Lawrence Leung (the nub) and a group of Canadian herfers pay a visit to Robaina's farm. Read more...

Cigarticle: Cigars and Spirits

February 26, 2007
CW Member Michael Herklots (mherklots) describes some of his favorite pairings of cigars and spirits. Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 1 of 3)

February 19, 2007
Lawrence Leung (the nub) gives a puff by puff account of nine smoke filled days in Cuba. Wandering the streets of Havana along with twenty amigos, he sifts through the city’s best humidors, searching for one last cigar, another mojito and a seat at the ultimate herf. Read more...

Cigarticle: Building a Herfatorium

February 12, 2007

February 12, 2007 CW Member Bryan Phillips (Herfin Bigdog) solves a need by building a "Herfatorium" Read more...

Cigarticle: A Wing and a Prayer - Traveling With Cigars and Accessories

December 26, 2006
December 25, 2006 Just in time for the busy post-Christmas travel season, CW Member Roger Farnsworth (ElkTwin) lets us in on a few tips for taking our hobby on the road. Read more...

A VERY Private Club: New Jersey's Metropolitan Society

December 11, 2006
December 11, 2006 By George Koodray, Metropolitan Society Board Secretary Metropolitan Society You really never could smoke cigars at many establishments - even when they allowed "smoking." That's why, back in July of 1994, thirteen men, not knowing what that evening might ever lead to, got together at a restaurant that permitted dining and cigar smoking in a designated area. Read more...

Cigarticle: Cuban Cigars - A Reputation for Excellence

November 26, 2006

November 27, 2006 CW Member Roger Farnsworth (ElkTwin) discusses the reputation of Cuban cigars as the best in the world. Read more...

Cigarticle: What Do Your Taste Buds Taste?

October 16, 2006

October 16, 2006 Each cigar smoker possesses unique senses of smell and taste, and has their own way of expressing fragrance and flavor. In this column, Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) explores the relationship between sensory perception and cigars. Read more...

Cigarticle: Remembrances of The Boom:

September 11, 2006
September 11, 2006 CW Members Thomas Bender (TommyBB) and Jason Clabaugh (BigO) compile comments from other members. Recently a newer member of Cigar Weekly's forums, Javier (Big Cubano) started a thread in the Smokin' Post room asking older members "I hear about the boom all the time. Can any of you enlighten me on the history of the cigar boom?" This is a compilation of those answers he was given, re-written as a panel discussion. It will not be in the exact order as the posts on the thread; however the content is taken from there. Read more...

Cigarticle: Feeding Frenzies - Rumor, Fear and the Madness of Crowds

September 04, 2006

September 4, 2006 CW Member Roger Farnsworth (ElkTwin) muses about the power of marketing in the cigar world. You're sitting in your desk chair enjoying a fine cigar and leisurely checking new postings on the cigar bulletin board you frequent when all of a sudden everything changes. Your pupils dilate and perspiration breaks out on your upper lip. Your respiration quickens along with your pulse, and almost involuntarily you reach for the phone and start dialing. What happened to instill this sense of urgency, this borderline state of panic? Was it a national emergency? Or a perhaps it was a disaster of biblical proportions? No, the reason for this reaction was a message that Consuegra 84 torpedoes are in stock at a well-known cigar retailer. Read more...

Cigarticle: The Glory Days of La Gloria Cubana

August 07, 2006

CW Member Roger Farnsworth (ElkTwin) discusses the phenomenon of El Credito and La Gloria Cubana during the heady days of the '90s Read more...

Cigarticle: RTDA report Las Vegas 2006

July 24, 2006

CW Member Frank Seiltzer (Mowee) reports on RTDA 2006 in Las Vegas Read more...

Cigarticle: La Aurora

February 27, 2006

CW Member Frank Seltzer (Mowee) describes his recent trip to La Aurora factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Read more...

Second Hand Smoke

January 17, 2006
Cigar Weekly contributing editor Frank Seltzer (Mowee) discusses the phenomenon of second hand or "Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)" Read more...

Cigarticle: Purchasing Cigars Over the Internet

April 29, 2005

CW Member Reuven Zasler (rubyz) discusses the pros and cons of buying cigars over the Internet. Read more...

Up In Smoke - Column No. 2

July 22, 2004
Cigar Weekly member and columnist Jason Rhine (Rhino) discusses cutter, punchers, piercers and blades. Read more...

Trip to Camp Camacho - Part 2

June 12, 2004

On a recent trip to Honduras, Cigar Weekly member David Cooper (DaveC) had an opportunity to visit and document his experience at Camp Camacho, as well as spend some time with Christian Eiroa from Caribe Imported Cigar. He was joined on this trip by his pals from Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, NY. The following is the second of two parts. Read the first part here. Read more...

Trip to Camp Camacho - Part 1

April 08, 2004

On a recent trip to Honduras, Cigar Weekly member David Cooper (DaveC) had an opportunity to visit and document his experience at Camp Camacho, as well as spend some time with Christian Eiroa from Caribe Imported Cigar. He was joined on this trip by his pals from Tobacco Plaza in Great Neck, NY. Read more...

Smoking your way around Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

May 20, 2002
CW Member Claudia Ellis (BonVivantess) and her husband Gil (ragic) recount a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Read more...

Interviews

A Conversation with Jose Blanco

March 10, 2008

CW Contributing Editor Frank Seltzer (mowee) sits down with Jose Blanco of La Aurora Cigars to answer questions about La Aurora and its many vitolas. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview With Don Kiki Berger

February 18, 2008

The news recently hit the forums at Cigar Weekly: "Cupidos are BACK!" This set off a long thread and a feeding frenzy among members, quite a few of whom jumped on the web and on the phone to order what was thought to be gone forever from Cuban Crafters. Cigar Weekly Editor-in-Chief Thomas Bender (TommyBB) recently spoke to Cuban Crafters' driving force, Don Kiki Berger, about his Cupidos, Cuban Crafters and cigars in general. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Jon Huber

January 21, 2008

Cigar Weekly editor Thomas Bender (TommyBB) recently had the opportunity to interview the Director of Lifestyle Marketing for CAO Cigars, Jon Huber. They discussed his new title and the changes occurring within CAO, Henri Wintermans and the takeover of the marketing arms of Carlos Toraño and Alfred Dunhill. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Carlos Diez

December 17, 2007

There is an old, often cited aphorism, "Blood is thicker than water," which aptly expresses the human yearning for and value placed in family. By and large, people set great store in doing what's best for their families, and see them as being at the center of their own efforts. Hardly any field of business endeavor is more family-oriented, or professes to be, than the premium cigar business, especially when one refers to the non-Cuban cigar industry. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Pete Johnson

March 19, 2007

March 19, 2007 -- Meet Tattoo Pete of Tatuaje Cigars Pete Johnson started enjoying cigars while he was in his band back in the early 90's. He first got into the business back in 1992 working for Gus' Cigar Shop in Los Angeles. Cigar Weekly's Dave Preston (Mr. Goodlife) caught up with Pete on a visit to Dion Giolito’s Fumare in Reno, NV and here’s what he had to say: Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Nick Perdomo

August 14, 2006

August 14th, 2006 -- Cigar Weekly moderator Thomas Bender (TommyBB) sent a series of questions to Mr. Nick Perdomo, owner of Tabacalera Perdomo of Miami, Florida. This new written interview was a follow-up of an interview conducted by phone in 2003 by Rod Gwinn (Nice Ash). Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Don Benigno

July 29, 2005

Don Benigno learned the art of hand rolling cigars as a child with his father and uncles. His grandfather, who was born in 1871, opened a small tobacco shop at the age of 29 and produced a cigar caled CENIZA. Living in a time of world crisis, all of his children, including 14 sons, spent their days going to school then working at the shop. By the age of ten they were all proficient in the art of hand rolling cigars. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Luis Sanchez, craftsman

May 01, 2005

Luis Sanchez began selling La Tradicion Cubana cigars in 1995. Sanchez' family has been involved in the cigar business since 1928 in the Pinar del Rio province in Cuba. Sanchez adheres to the tradional Cuban cigar making techniques and is committed to producing quality cigars at an affordable price. Made in the heart of Little Havana, the cigars are made with a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos with a Honduran binder and an Ecuadorian wrapper.The maduro version features a Mexican wrapper. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Arlin Liss, craftsman

March 01, 2004

Arlin Liss is the proprietor of Arlin Liss humidors. Recently Rod Gwinn (Niceash) of Cigar Weekly received the exact humidor that Steve Saka reviewed and that has caused much controversy in Cigar Afficionado. Rod contacted Arlin to get some background on his business. NiceAsh: I just received in the mail a desktop humidor handmade by Mr. Arlin Liss. Mr. Liss has been making humidors for the last 10 years. At first glance you wonder how something that looks so nice could be used to store something like cigars. The material is a burl wood and you can visually see the attention to detail. Click here for the First Look TM review and pictures of the humidor. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Ilja van Horssen of CUESTA-REY cigar shop

January 01, 2004

Ilja van Horssen is the proprietor of CUESTA-REY cigar shop. Recently Rod Gwinn (Niceash) of Cigar Weekly had the fortunate opportunity to spend some time with Ilja in his very nice shop in The Hague, The Netherlands. NiceAsh: I have to say that this was one of the nicest store fronts I have visited and both Ilja and his wife, Yvonne van Horssen-Litz, were very gracious hosts. While I was there, I took some time and chatted with Ilja about the cigar business, while I enjoyed an SLR petit corona from 98 and a very good cup of coffee. Note, Ilja Van Horssen passed away, due to lung cancer, in July of 2006. CW and its members mourn the loss of one so young. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Charlie Toraño of Toraño Cigars

September 01, 2003

Charlie Toraño is the President of Toraño Cigars. CigarWeekly.Com sat down with him for a few minutes of candor about his family business and the industry in general Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Tony Borhani of Bahia Cigars

July 01, 2003

Tony Borhani began making cigars in 1994 because he had a passion for the art and the product. He has made an impact on the industry and speaks his mind. CigarWeekly.com caught up with him for an interview just before he left for the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association (RTDA) Annual Trade Show in Nashville, TN. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Nick Perdomo

January 01, 2003

The Perdomo cigar making tradition was restarted in 1991 when Tabacalera Perdomo, S.A. was started by Nick Perdomo, Jr. his father Nick, Sr., mother Mary, grandfather Silvio (who was finally released from prison and smuggled out of Cuba in 1974 by Nick, Sr.) and two Cuban master rollers. His sales and marketing staff then consisted of himself, his wife Janine and brother-in-law Michael Argenti. Here at his Miami headquarters in an office he shares with his brother-in-law and executive vice president Michael Argenti, Mr. Perdomo agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Cigar Weekly Magazine. He also graciously agreed to answer questions from our readers. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Martin Mayorga

May 01, 2001

Mayorga Cigars (and coffee) are a popular topic online these days and many cigar enthusiasts swear by the brand. And why not, the cigars are well made and yet sell for a fraction of the price of many other premium brands. Starting in the cigar business when he was only 22 years old, Martin worked with Nestor Plasencia in his native Nicaragua to create his signature blend. We caught up with Martin during a break from his ambitious series of rolling events to ask him about his cigars and coffee business. Martin also answers some questions from Cigar Weekly Members. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Gael de Courtivron

January 01, 2001

One of the most popular "boutique" brands of 2000 was La Luna Maduro Fuerte from La Luna Cigars International in Miami. With their smooth yet powerful flavor and reasonable prices, the Maduro Fuerte line became a big hit with experienced smokers and even developed a loyal following of enthusiasts called "Lunatics." We wanted to better understand this new force in the cigar business and La Luna Cigars owner Gael de Courtivron graciously agreed to answer some of our questions and talk about his latest line: the African Fuertes. Gael also answers some questions from Cigar Weekly Members. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Nick Perdomo

July 01, 2000

Miami, FL,-- Tabacalera Perdomo, SA, which began in 1991, started with two Cuban rollers and a sales and marketing staff consisting of Nick Perdomo and his wife, Janine. His grandfather, Silvio, worked as production manager for several of the most prestigious cigar factories in Cuba. His father, Nick Sr., also served as manager for a number of top Cuban producers until 1962, when he joined the exodus out of the country after Castro came to power. Most of Perdomo's cigars are produced at a 27,000-square-foot factory in the Nicaraguan tobacco town of Esteli, where some 300 workers, turn out 90% of the company's product. Perdomo has factories in Ybor City (Tampa, Fla.), Ecuador and Nicaragua. The company is one of the larger manufacturers of premium cigars made in the United States. Mr. Perdomo agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Cigar Weekly Magazine. He also graciously agreed to answer a few questions from our readers. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Diego Trinidad

November 01, 1998

Much has happened since we last spoke with Diego Trinidad in June of 1998. Rumors about the man, his family and his cigars have been the source of many discussions on the Internet forums and chat rooms. With the long awaited launch of the new Trinidad y Hermano line, we decided to talk directly with Diego and try to get the straight story. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Linda Squires

September 03, 1998

You've undoubtedly read alot about the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association (RTDA) show held in Nashville in August, including the many new products that were introduced at the show. We wondered what the retailers thought of the show and the changes happening in the industry. We talked with Linda Squires, owner of The Squire in Santa Rosa, CA shortly after she returned from the RTDA show. With almost 25 years in the retail tobacco business, Linda Squires offers an experienced and knowledgeable perspective on the changes in the cigar business. Linda has been active within the industry and currently serves as Board Secretary of the Retail Tobacco Dealers Association. In 1974, Squires opened The Squire, in Santa Rosa, CA, a city of 150,000 located an hour north of San Francisco. The Squire is the oldest retail tobacco store in Santa Rosa. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Carlos Torano, Jr.

August 01, 1998

The tradition began in 1916, shortly after Don Santiago Toraño arrived in Cuba from his native Spain. Together with his three sons, Carlos, Jaime and Jose, Don Santiago became one of the largest tobacco producers in Cuba, growing some of the best tobacco in the Pinar del Rio region. Decades later, son Carlos made a key contribution to the industry, by introducing the renowned "Piloto Cubano" seed from Cuba to the Dominican Republic in the 1960's. Today Carlos, Jr. oversees this tobacco and cigar dynasty, now in its fourth generation. He is joined by son Charlie, daughter Carolina Toraño Levine and son-in-law Seth Levine. Together they manage five factories in three countries and a total workforce of 3,000, evenly split between factory and field. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Juan B. Sosa, Master Blender

July 01, 1998

The Sosa family has been in the cigar industry since the early 1900's in Cuba. They began as tobacco growers and later transitioned into the manufacturing and distribution of premium hand rolled cigars. They began small at the turn of the century but by the 1920's, Santa Julia, their hacienda in the Las Villas region of Cuba, became known and respected for its superior quality products. The family moved its operation to the Dominican Republic and the United States in the 1960's and founded the Antillian Cigar Corporation. Today the company, headed by master blender Juan B. Sosa, distributes six premium brands of cigars: Sosa, Sosa Family Selection, Macabi, El Imperio Cubano, E. Trinidad by Sosa, and Royal Honduras. The company also owns and operates a chain of cigar shops in the Miami area under the Macabi Shops name. Mr. Juan B. Sosa agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Cigar Weekly Magazine. He also graciously agreed to answer a few questions from our readers. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Diego Trinidad

June 07, 1998

Not long ago the Cuban government introduced a new brand of cigars to the world: Trinidad. It was the third new brand in two years, following the Cuaba in 1996 and the Vegas Robaina in 1997. And like the other two brands, the Cuban government registered the names with the U.S. government's Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. Permanent registration was granted in December 1996. To circumvent the embargo, the attorneys representing Empresa Cubana del Tobaco, relied on the original registration granted to Diego Trinidad, Jr. in Cuba in 1958. Having fled Cuba in 1960, Diego, Jr. began producing tobacco products in the U.S. in 1961. The trademark TRINIDAD Y HERMANO was registered in Washington , D.C. in 1961 and has been continuously used in interstate commerce since 1962. The Trinidad family believes the Cuban government was wrongfully granted the registration of the Trinidad name and they are pursuing legal actions to re-take control of their name. We talked with Diego Trinidad, Trinidad Tobacco's Executive Vice President. Together with his mother and family, Diego has been running the company since his father, Diego, Jr. passed away in 1980. They currently sell a brand of cigars under the Trinidad name, manufactured by Tabacalera A. Fuente. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Aylin Ozgener

May 17, 1998
Twenty-six year old Aylin Ozgener-Sherman, National Sales Director for CAO International, grew up around pipes as her father Cano Ozgener was working on his Meerschaum pipes. The pipes began as his hobby and grew into his business. Aylin remembers how much fun it was sticking labels on the ornate pipes. After high school, Aylin attended Indiana University where she majored in journalism and political science. Fluent in several languages and interested in international business, she traveled widely throughout Europe and spent a semester studying in London. After college, Aylin knew she wanted to work for CAO eventually, but gained experience as a sales rep for Samsonite. In addition to being named by Smoke Magazine as one of the "Young Turks" making waves in the cigar industry, Aylin has the distinction of being first woman to be featured in Playgirl Magazine’s "Who’s that Playgirl" column. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Chris Topper

April 07, 1998
On April 7th the editors of Cigar Weekly sat down with Chris Topper to discuss his family's business. Chris is the fourth generation Topper to work in the business. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Kevin Doyle

February 26, 1998
On February 26th, the editors of Cigar Weekly interviewed Kevin Doyle, President of Caribbean Cigar Company. We asked the questions we thought would be of interest to our readers. Mr. Doyle's candid answers are below. Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Jeff Wingate

January 29, 1998
Located in the mountains of Colorado, Quintin USA, Inc was formed in 1968 to import clove cigarettes. Quintin began with the exclusive US rights to distribute Gudang Garam clove cigarettes from Indonesia. (See www.quintin.com/clove.html for more about clove cigars.) Quintin expanded it's line over time to include Terong, Kuta and Bima brands of clove cigarettes. After almost thirty years in the tobacco distribution business, a logical extension for Quintin was to expand into premium cigars. In February 1997, Quintin launched the Q’Oro line of premium cigars with five differing blends: Read more...

Cigar Weekly Interview with Michael Dunne

January 29, 1998
It started out taking a break from a project, enjoying a smooth premium Dominican cigar. An idea began to form. What if a group of investors established a company to create private label premium cigars? Build a reputation as a cigar company and then establish cigar lounges across the nation, a place where the aficionado could sit back and enjoy a cigar like they do in their own backyard. Could it be done? Chuck Norris, international film and television icon, thought it could. It was his backyard. Read more...

Lifestyles

Travelling With Kids: Savannah

May 05, 2008

Cigar Weekly Executive Chef and Editor-at-large Jason Clabaugh (BigO) takes a turn at being 'Editor-at-leisure', dispensing some helpful advice for traveling with children as he gives us a tour of Savannah, GA. Read more...

Pittsburgh Wine Festival to Begin Friday

April 30, 2008

Sponsored by many wineries and other companies, Pittsburgh Wine Festival to kick off at the end of the week."Bringing the Best Wines in the World to Pittsburgh for the Sixth Straight Year" Read more...

Pittsburgh Wine Festival Announces Seminars

April 29, 2008

A number of wine seminars will be held during the Pittsburgh Wine Festival. Read more...

Peep Jousting: The Sport of Kings!

April 28, 2008

Cigar Weekly's spiny norman (Whit to his friends) describes the unusual and exciting sport of peep jousting. Curious? Have a look! Read more...

A Spirited Boil

April 15, 2008

Cigar Weekly contributing editor Todd Crandall (sevenmag) shares his experiences of building some home brewing equipment with his friend Nick Assad. Read more...

World's Great Museums: The National World War II Museum, New Orleans

April 14, 2008

Cigar Weekly Editor-in-Chief Thomas Bender (TommyBB) describes a trip he recently made with his children to the National World War II Museum in his hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. This trip marked his first visit to the museum. Thomas's recounting of that visit also represents the inaugural piece in a new series of Cigar Weekly articles on 'The World's Great Museums'. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand, Column 10: Beer Can Chicken

April 07, 2008

CW Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) demonstrates this whimsical technique for roasting a whole chicken to tender and juicy perfection. Read more...

Fire and Ice

March 31, 2008

In this, his second report from Kyrgyzstan, Cigar Weekly Contributing Editor Steve Smith (ServiceRifle) lets us ‘through the door’ to take a close-up look at what it’s like to live, work and party in the former Soviet Republic that is now struggling to find its way as a nation. Read more...

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

A Trip to the Mexican Riviera and Playa del Carmen

March 06, 2008

CW Contributing Editor Michael Connelly (ConMan) documents a well-photographed week spent with his wife on the Mexican Riviera. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 11: Saved by the Staves - Part 2

March 03, 2008

In this concluding portion of a 2-part A Rich Pour article, Cigar Weekly’s Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) looks beyond the history of the barrel and the ways in which wood ageing affects whisky to examine the merits as well as the increasing popularity of cask-strength single malt Scotch. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 10: Saved by the Staves - Part 1

February 25, 2008

Cigar Weekly’s Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) begins to delve into the history of the barrel, the ways in which wood ageing affects whisky, and the merits as well as the increasing popularity of cask-strength single malt Scotch. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand Column 9: Fish 'N Chips!

February 11, 2008

CW Editor-at-large and Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) treats us to the way to make fish 'n chips worthy of a London pub. Read more...

No Return Stamp

January 28, 2008

By Steve Smith (ServiceRifle) CW Contributing Editor Steve Smith provides his experiences and insights on what it is like to be an American expatriate living and working in a country that was part of the Soviet bloc during the Cold War. Read more...

Travelogue-PERU: Cusco to Machu Picchu

January 14, 2008

In late August, Dave Carpenter (Cigar Weekly’s DCarp), his wife and eight of their friends got a wild hair and headed down to Peru to spend five days trekking to Macchu Picchu and enjoying the Peruvian culture. Dave has chronicled the trip into words and photos for you to enjoy. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 9: A Place of Grape Expectations

January 10, 2008

Step back into the warmth of summer and join Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) as he recounts a journey taken this past July to one of Ontario's, not to mention North America's, most promising winegrowing regions — Prince Edward County. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 8B: Non-Turkey Talk: Three Alternatives to a Holiday Bird

November 15, 2007

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) demonstrates three alternatives to turkey in a multi-part Thanksgiving special. In this second of three articles in the series, he prepares a beef tenderloin roast. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 8A: Non-Turkey Talk: Three Alternatives to a Holiday Bird

November 05, 2007

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) demonstrates three alternatives to turkey in a multi-part Thanksgiving special. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 8C: Non-Turkey Talk: Three Alternatives to a Holiday Bird

November 05, 2007

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) demonstrates three alternatives to turkey in a multi-part Thanksgiving special. In this last of three articles in the series, he discusses the various types of hams and different ways of preparing them. Read more...

Trek to Honduras – Cigars from seedlings to smoke!

Travelogue – Playa del Carmen – The subtle seduction that is Mexico.

September 05, 2007

by Jeff Nichols Jeff Nichols (Jester) writes about 12 days he and his spouse Beatrice spend in Playa del Carmen. A light hearted narrative that humorously touches on all aspects of the experience, food, drink, culture and of course, cigars. Read more...

Zurich - A Perfect Cigar Weekend

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 7:

April 16, 2007

Crawfish are in season now, so CW Contributing Editor and Executive Chef BigO (Jason Clabaugh) brings us 4 favorite recipes that make the most of the revered crustacean. Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 3 of 3)

April 09, 2007
In this third and final installment Lawrence and company wander around Havana, smoke more cigars, drink more mojitos and tell more stories. Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 2 of 3)

March 12, 2007
By Lawrence Leung (the nub) In Part Two of a three part series, Lawrence Leung (the nub) and a group of Canadian herfers pay a visit to Robaina's farm. (Read Part 1) Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 8: Once Upon A Time Whiskies

March 05, 2007

In this installment of “A Rich Pour”, Cigar Weekly’s Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) nostalgically flips the Scotch pages back to recall notable whiskies from an era many consider the Renaissance of single malts - the 1980s. Read more...

Cigarticle: Cigars and Spirits

February 26, 2007
CW Member Michael Herklots (mherklots) describes some of his favorite pairings of cigars and spirits. Read more...

Travelogue: Havana - From the City to the Farm and Back (Part 1 of 3)

February 19, 2007
By Lawrence Leung (the nub) Lawrence Leung (the nub) gives a puff by puff account of nine smoke filled days in Cuba. Wandering the streets of Havana along with twenty amigos, he sifts through the city’s best humidors, searching for one last cigar, another mojito and a seat at the ultimate herf. Read more...

A VERY Private Club: New Jersey's Metropolitan Society

December 11, 2006

By George Koodray, Metropolitan Society Board Secretary Read more...

Travelogue: An Irish Tale

December 04, 2006

By Robert Burke Tinning (gumby) Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 6e

November 23, 2006

CW Contributing Editor and Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh offers a series of solutions to the most pressing of after-Thanksgiving questions: what to do with all that leftover turkey? Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 6d

November 20, 2006

CW Contributing Editor and Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh, having answered frequently-asked questions about deep-frying, brining turkeys and preparing side dishes for the holiday table now turns his attention to the best part of the holiday feast... dessert. This is the fourth and final installment of a multi-part Thanksgiving special. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 6c

November 16, 2006

CW Contributing Editor and Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh, having answered frequently-asked questions about deep-frying and brining turkeys, turns his attention to the preparation of favorite holiday side dishes in this third of a multi-part Thanksgiving special. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 6b

November 13, 2006

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) answers frequently-asked questions about turkey preparation and holiday dishes in a multi-part Thanksgiving special. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 6a

November 09, 2006

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) answers frequently-asked questions about turkey preparation and holiday dishes in a multi-part Thanksgiving special. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 7: The Douro - Swinging From Sweet To Dry

November 06, 2006

In this installment of "A Rich Pour", Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) profiles the emergence of exciting dry red wines from a region better known for its classic Ports - the Douro. Read more...

Rediscovering an Old Friend

October 27, 2006

Cigar weekly moderator Todd Crandall (sevenmag) shares his experiences of finding new favorites in the world of Single Barrel and Small Batch Bourbon, as well as some thoughts on a few of the new offerings. October 27, 2006 By Todd Crandall (sevenmag) Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 5:

October 09, 2006

Jah Mon! Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) dons his dreadlock wig and ventures forth a recipe for delicious Jamaican jerk. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 6: How I Learned To Like The Fire

September 25, 2006

Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) recounts his own introduction to and growing appreciation of the whisky of Scotland, as well as offering shopping suggestions for the first-timer. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 4:

August 28, 2006

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) heads back out to the grill to give us a comprehensive look at one of summer's most delicious treats: barbecued ribs! Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No.5: Smoke on the Water

August 21, 2006

Sooner or later, every Scotch lover worth his or her salt encounters Islay's whisky. In this installment of "A Rich Pour", Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) delves into the elixir of Islay and offers some sage advice for pairing it with cigars. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 3

January 31, 2006

Contributing Editor and CW Executive Chef Jason Clabaugh (BigO) heads away from the grill to show us three savory dishes that make the most of a misunderstood cut of meat - Leg of Lamb. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand: Column No. 2

March 17, 2005

Contributing Editor and 'CW Executive Chef' Jason Clabaugh (BigO) expands on his last column about the perfect steak and gives us five recipes for side dishes we can also prepare on the grill this summer. Read more...

Characters In Sports

March 04, 2005

Cigar Weekly member Todd Crandall (sevenmag) presents us with a view of the changes in today's sports personalities versus the days of old. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 4: A Tale of Two Wine Rivers - The Saar and the Ruwer

September 25, 2004

Follow Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) as he takes a detour from Germany's Mosel River in search of some very special white wines. Read more...

The Virtual Gourmand - Debut Column "Steak Through The Heart: A Carnivore's Companion to The Common Cow"

August 02, 2004
August 2, 2004 Contributing Editor and "CW Executive Chef" Jason Clabaugh (BigO) takes us step-by-step through the process of selecting, preparing and grilling the perfect steak. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 3: Madeira - A Magical and Majestic Wine (Part 2)

July 16, 2004

July 16, 2004 In this, his second and concluding installment on Madeira, Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) focuses on the vinification, maturation, styles and consumption of Madeira, as well as on how ideally it complements the smoking of a fine cigar. Read more...

Trip to Camp Camacho - Part 2

Up In Smoke - Debut Column

May 26, 2004
Cigar Weekly member and columnist Jason Rhine (Rhino) discusses his favorite way to relax: Hockey and a good cigar. Read more...

A Rich Pour - Column No. 2: Madeira - A Magical and Majestic Wine (Part 1)

May 21, 2004

In this, his first of two installments on Madeira, Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) takes a look back at how this wonderful wine came to be, and at how the little island in the Atlantic gained renown far beyond its modest size. Read more...

Whiskey Or Whisky 101 - The Basics Of A Great Drink (Part 2)

April 14, 2004

Recently, Cigar Weekly's resident whisk(e)y enthusiasts Linn Spencer (Linn) and Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) got together on-line with a select group of members to have a casual chat on the basics of their favorite liquors, whiskies. Given the wealth of information which emerged from their conversation, we thought it worthwhile to share. Here is a portion of that exchange. We hope you enjoy it! Read more...

Trip to Camp Camacho - Part 1

Whiskey Or Whisky 101 - The Basics Of A Great Drink (Part 1)

March 29, 2004

Recently, Cigar Weekly's resident whisk(e)y enthusiasts Linn Spencer (Linn) and Doug Kuebler (Jazznut) got together on-line with a select group of members to have a casual chat on the basics of their favorite liquors, whiskies. Given the wealth of information which emerged from their conversation, we thought it worthwhile to share. Here is a portion of that exchange. We hope you enjoy it! Read more...

A Rich Pour - Debut Column: A Beginner's Guide to Starting and Stocking a Wine Cellar

March 22, 2004

Cigar Weekly's Managing Editor Doug Kuebler (jazznut) discusses the finer points of starting and stocking a wine cellar. Read more...

Mardi Gras and Cigars in Mobile, AL

March 13, 2004
Cigar Weekly member Todd Crandall (sevenmag) attended the lesser known Mardi Gras festivities in Mobile, AL, where Mardi Gras in America actually started. Here he presents us with a review of the parades and the cigars he enjoyed while attending. Read more...

Smoking your way around Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

May 20, 2002
CW Member Claudia Ellis (BonVivantess) and her husband Gil (ragic) recount a trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Read more...