Tag Archives: Tommy Bahama

News, Etc: Island Lifestyle Cigars ADAP Program, New Packaging and Sungrown Toros

Here’s some news from my friends at Island Lifestyle Cigars, but first, I smoked a few of their cigars over the last few days while I was thinking about these two news items. Also, I know I said I’d have a contest this week, I’ll get to that later in the week, patience, amigos. I’ve actually been doing some projects around the house in my copious free

Old on the Left, New on the Right

time, and time got away from me.  Anyway, I smoked some Island Lifestyle Sungrown Toros, an old one and a new one. The old one was from the original release, several years ago. It was a tightly guarded secret who made the original release, try as I may, I was unable to get the guys there to tell me who was making them, until later last year when they changed factories, and they revealed that the old versions were, in fact, made by Perdomo. This certainly came as no surprise as the quality was always excellent and the cigars were very good. The new cigars are made by the Oliva Cigar Company, and maintain the excellent quality. While comparing the aged old version to the less aged new version is an unfair comparison, the new version seems to me to be an improvement in depth of flavor. The Sungrown has some strength, some spice, but has a nice ballance and were very nice cigars. I’m a little sad that the old one was the last one I’ll smoke, but happy that I’ll be able to get the new ones, especially because there’s a shop not far away that carries them. They livened up the bands too, they look really nice! 

 

ISLAND LIFESTYLE AGED RESERVE CIGARS NOW IN REVAMPED PACKAGING

Island Lifestyle Importers is pleased to announce their highly rated Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve Cigars are now packaged in beautiful 10 count boxes. The new white boxes with the distinctively colorful box wraps are more emblematic of its tropical namesake. 

Island Lifestyle Importers focused on a box quantity more in keeping with today’s consumer wishes.  The 10 count box is not only more economically friendly for the consumer, it also allows for a smaller footprint within the retailer’s display areas.  The new packaging replaces the old 25 count box quantity.

According to Ryan Frailing, Chief Operating Officer for Island Lifestyle Importers, “We listened to our dealers’ feedback regarding space and consumer retail buying trends and we adjusted accordingly.  We want them to know we are committed to assist them in the success of their stores.” 

Island Lifestyle Importers is the owner and importer of Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve and Island Club Cigars.    Island Lifestyle Importers is also the exclusive designer, manufacturer and distributor of Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories.  These accessories are known for their beautiful look, leading edge technology and outstanding quality.  

For further information contact Rick@IslandLifestyleImporters.com or (941) 378-3200.

 

ISLAND LIFESTYLE IMPORTERS CREATES THE “ADAP” PROGRAM

Now that the PCA convention has unfortunately, but necessarily, been canceled for 2020, Island Lifestyle Cigars and Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories have established the Additional Dealer Assistance Program (ADAP) for retailers. 

In announcing the new program, Ryan Frailing, Chief Operating Officer of Island Lifestyle Importers said “We will miss seeing our old friends and making new ones.  We enjoy spending that time getting to know and learn more about their businesses.  It provides valuable feedback as we grow and develop new products.”  

Earlier this year Island Lifestyle Importers announced they had taken back responsibilities for all marketing and distribution functions of their products.  Island Lifestyle Importers had planned to offer additional discounts and a number of exciting promotions at PCA 2020.  

Frailing stated “In an age of uncertainty Island Lifestyle Importers desires to do everything possible to assist in dealer’s success.  With the cancelation of the convention, Island Lifestyle Importers will be taking the monies wenormally spend on the trade show and rededicate it to the dealer network through weekly specials.”

The Additional Dealer Assistance Program (ADAP) will be emailed each week with promotional offerings including deep discounts, product specials, new product releases and no minimum order requirements.  Frailing went on to say “We established this program to give our retail partners greater flexibility and profitability as we work together to move beyond the challenges created by the Corona virus.”

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive importer of Island Lifestyle Cigars and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories.

For further information contact Ryan@IslandLifestyleImporters.com or (941) 378-3200.

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A Four Kicks, an Island LifeStyle and a Gran Habano, and Some Other Cigars

It’s been a busy holiday week. When Christmas falls on a Wednesday, it seems to make things a little nutty. I imagine if I had a job it would be even worse. I continue to pound the pavement, but it’s a tricky time to try to get an interview! I have confidence that things will open up after next week. I managed to have a cigar or two since my last post, and I did skip a midweek post due to the holiday. I took part in a Secret Santa on one of the Facebook Groups, so I smoked a gifted cigar from Adam just before Christmas, a Four Kicks Maduro Lancero LE 2018. While I don’t have a great deal of experience with the Crowned Heads line, I am a big fan of the EP Carrillo cigars, and this cigar is made at Tabacalera La Alianza, S.A. factory, in the DR, and I like Maduros and I like Lanceros. I felt like this cigar would be a treat. My friends, I was not wrong, this cigar was, indeed, a treat. It’s a true Laguito No. 1 Vitola, 7 ½” x 38, with a fantail cap. The burn and draw were perfect, and I took care, as I usually do, to smoke it slowly so as not to overheat it and get a hot, bitter taste. It was delicious maduro espresso and dark chocolate and I dug it. I met Adam at the PA Barn Smoker and am looking forward to the next time we can hang out and have a cigar together, he and his wife are super-cool folks. Thanks for the experience! 

 

I don’t recall if I mentioned it or not, but a few weeks ago I popped over to Goose’s Montecristo Lounge in Limerick, PA for a bit and hung out with Ryan and Rick from Island Lifestyle Importers. I’ve hung out with them at the IPCPR show, and been a big fan of their Tommy Bahama cigar accessories and, of course, their Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve line of premium cigars. While I was there I smoked their Aged Reserve Maduro in the Churchill size, and revisited it this week. They have changed their production from Perdomo to Oliva, oddly enough due to FDA regulation on box counts. Is that screwy or what? By the way, their factory was a tightly held secret, I tried for a long time to get them to spill, to no avail. This Maduro is a Nicaraguan wrapper, and is a beautiful oily maduro wrapper. The examples I’ve smoked have been absolute perfection, burn and draw were spot on, well balanced and right up my alley flavor-wise. Rich black coffee with some cocoa sweetness and some earthines, and good to the nub. Completely enjoyable. I also dig the Sungrown too, but this Maduro is great. The “Churchill” is large, 7″ x 54, I called it a Double Corona, but it’s a great smoke. I love the lighters, cutters and other cool stuff in the Tommy Bahama line too, it’s cool and works great. It was great seeing them and I hope to see them at the TPE show.

 

One of the other great cigars I smoked this week was a Gran Habano Gran Reserva No.5 2012 Corona Gorda. I love a Corona Gorda, much more than a Corona or Robusto. It’s like a scaled down Toro. For whatever reason, I’ve just always been a fan of the 5 1/8 x 46 shape, although there have been a few lines that I’ve preferred other sizes. In this case, they use the top 10% of the Corojo No.5 leaf and give the finished cigars additional aging. The wrapper and binder is Nicaraguan and the filler is Nicaraguan and Costa Rican and it’s a darned tasty blend. It’s smooth and rich. I always enjoy the Corojo No. 5, and this is a more refined version. I’m not entirely sure what they cost, or where to find them, but they are good, and I’d buy them in a heartbeat! Good stuff!

 

What else did I smoke?  I had a RoMaCraft Baka, a Diamond Crown Black Diamond, a Davidoff Escurio, a Joya Cinco Decadas, and, of course, one of my favorites this year, a Don Juan Calavera Connecticut. That’s all for today, until the next time, 

 

CigarCraig

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News: New Tommy Bahama Collection Set to Launch

More news from my friends at Ventura and Island Lifestyle. I regularly use my Tommy Bahama cutter and lighters, and travel humidor, and they are all quality pieces, and the new finishes sure look sharp! 

 

Distributed by Ventura Cigars, New Tommy Bahama Collection Set to Launch at IPCPR 2019

In partnership with Island Lifestyle Importers, Ventura Cigar Company is announcing the arrival of the “Hula Paradise Collection” from Tommy Bahama’s cigar accessories collection. The collection will premiere at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Anchoring the new collection is the limited release Hula Paradise “Just Another Day in Paradise” Humidor- a striking mahogany wood humidor with a three-dimensional metal inlay that wraps around its top three sides, and is reminiscent of a premium cigar band. It also features a Tommy Bahama Hula Girl strumming a ukulele within the center of the artwork. The humidor is both a conversation-piece and a storage necessity, storing up to 50 cigars and including internal humidification and a hygrometer. The MSRP is $175.

The “Hula Paradise” collection also includes a tabletop quad-torch cigar lighter ($99.95), a portable dual-torch cigar lighter ($85.00), a metal cigar cutter ($75.00), and a 610 travel cigar humidor ($40.00). The lighters and cutters feature the exclusive Accu-Body-Cast-Design (ABCD) made to highlight the exclusive Tommy Bahama artwork. The 610 travel cigar humidor is a crush-resistant, air-tight, water-proof, floating case that will accommodate six Churchill or ten Robusto-sized cigars.

“This new collection has such a great vibe,” says Michael Giannini, General Manager for Ventura Cigars. “It brings the party to the gathering and inspires people to slow down and make time to enjoy the good life. Which, of course, includes a cigar or two. Come by our booth at IPCPR and check it all out.”

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive designer, manufacturer, and world-wide licensee of Tommy Bahama branded luxury cigar accessories, which are known for their innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and island theme-inspired artwork.

Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King International are the exclusive wholesale distributors of these new products, as well as the entire Tommy Bahama brand of cigar accessories, also providing wholesale marketing support for the brand. Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King are wholly owned subsidiaries of Kretek International. Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories will be displayed and available for purchase in the Ventura Cigar Company booth (Booth #818) at this year’s IPCPR show.

For more information on the collection, or any other products in the Ventura Cigar Company portfolio, please visit venturacigar.com or send email inquiries to webinfo@venturacigar.com.

About Ventura Cigar Company

Ventura Cigar Company (VCC) is a unique cigar brand born in sunny Southern California that is on a mission to create memorable, complex cigar blends that excite the senses and reward discriminating palates. Their flagship Archetype, Case Study, Project805, and PSyKo SEVEN brands offer multiple award-winning blends that earned 90+ ratings in Cigar Aficionado, Cigar & Spirits, and Cigar Snob. And Archetype’s Axis Mundi won #13 Cigar of the Year for 2017 from Cigar Aficionado. Ventura Cigar Company also distributes Tommy Bahama Luxury Cigar Accessories and the 4th Generation Tobacconist and Comoy’s of London lines of pipe tobacco products, extending its reach and tradition of offering top-quality tobacconist products. Pipes and blends under these brands are cultivated through generations of craftsmanship, making them longtime favorites of pipe tobacco enthusiasts.

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News: Island Lifestyle Importers Introduces Two New Tommy Bahama Lighters

Speaking of Island Lifestyle Importers…I like these guys too, and I’ll miss not hanging out with them at this year’s IPCPR. These guys are as cool as the other side of the pillow and the accessories they produce are solid too. Check out their two new lighters: 

 

Island Lifestyle Importers is introducing two new Tommy Bahama lighters at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas.

 

The “Longboard” is a sleek triple-flame pinpoint torch pocket lighter available in two color combinations: white or blue body on a gunmetal frame.  It has an oversized capacity fuel tank with a large fuel window.  An easy-adjust fuel wheel and pull-down trigger mechanism round out the ergonomic feel and function.  The suggested retail is $59.99.

 

The “Rocker” is a dual torch flip-top pocket lighter with a fold out cigar punch on the bottom.  It includes a large capacity fuel tank with easy-adjust fuel wheel.  The side squeeze trigger mechanism makes for easy function.  It is being released with a black body on gunmetal frame and a blue body on a gunmetal frame.  The suggested retail is $49.99.

TommyBahamaLighters1

“These are great lighters that offer high value features at a fantastic price-point.  The feel and look are all about the Tommy Bahama lifestyle.  We are really excited about these new additions.” said Ryan Frailing, Vice President of Island Lifestyle Importers.

 

TommyBahamaLighters2

Island Lifestyle Importers is the exclusive designer and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama luxury cigar accessories since 2010 and the exclusive world-wide licensee of Tommy Bahama branded accessories since 2015.  These accessories are known for their innovative designs, cutting edge technology and island theme inspired art.

 

The Ventura Cigar Company and parent company Phillips & King International will be responsible for the wholesale marketing and distribution of these new lighters, as well as the entire Tommy Bahama brand of cigar accessories.  Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King are wholly owned subsidiaries of Kretek International.

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News: Island Lifestyle Importers Partners With Ventura For Marketing And Distribution

Just when I was lamenting the fact that I haven’t been getting news today, a late email comes in from my friends at Island Lifestyle Importers: 

 

Island Lifestyle Importers is proud to announce an exclusive marketing and distribution relationship with Ventura Cigar Company.  The official kick-off will take place at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Convention in Las Vegas.  Ventura will be responsible for the national marketing and distribution of the Tommy Bahama brand of luxury cigar accessories and Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve line of cigars.

 

Island Lifestyle Importers has been the exclusive designer and manufacturer of Tommy Bahama luxury cigar accessories since 2010 and the exclusive world-wide licensee of Tommy Bahama branded accessories since 2015.  These accessories are known for their innovative designs, cutting edge technology and island theme inspired art. The Island Lifestyle Aged Reserve line of cigars has received rave reviews and consistent 90+ ratings from both cigar industry print and electronic media outlets.  They have been the source of much acclaim at cigar shows and festivals across the country.

 

Ventura Cigar Company is a unique cigar brand born in sunny Southern California that is on a mission to create memorable, complex cigar blends that excite the senses and reward discriminating palates. Their Archetype, Case Study, Project805, and PSyKo SEVEN brands offer multiple award-winning blends that earned 90+ ratings in Cigar Aficionado, Cigar & Spirits, and Cigar Snob.  Archetype Axis Mundi won the distinction as the #13 Cigar of the Year for 2017 from Cigar Aficionado.

 

The Ventura Cigar Company’s national sales team will build upon the existing network of authorized Tommy Bahama cigar accessory dealers across the country.  In addition, parent company Phillips & King International will assist with internal wholesale marketing efforts of the Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle brands.  Both Ventura Cigar Company and Phillips & King are wholly owned subsidiaries of Kretek International. 

 

“We feel this is the perfect alignment of strengths.” stated Rick Louis, CEO of Island Lifestyle Importers. “We design and manufacture exceptionally high quality products that encourage the relaxing enjoyment of the finer things in life, while Ventura and Phillips & King bring decades of experience and strong relationships within the tobacconist community. Together we believe this will establish Tommy Bahama & Island Lifestyle as one of the preeminent lifestyle brands within the cigar industry.” 

 

“We’re really excited to work with Island Lifestyle Importers,” says Michael Giannini, General Manager of Ventura Cigar Company. “Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle are well-known brands that jive well with Ventura Cigar’s Southern California lifestyle. We’ve long-admired their attention to detail and the top-notch cigars and accessories they’ve been crafting. We’re pleased to be their partners and look forward to successfully growing their presence in the cigar industry.”

 

The Tommy Bahama and Island Lifestyle brands will be on display and available for purchase in both the Tommy Bahama/Island Lifestyle Cigars booth (1631) and the Phillips & King booth (1115) at this year’s show.

 

Tommy Bahama/Island Lifestyle Cigars was the recipient the IPCPR “Best in Show – New Exhibitor” award in 2016. 

 

www.IslandLifestyleImporters.com

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