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by Craig Vanderslice | May 27, 2019 · 8:01 am

News: Southern Draw Announces New IGNITE 2019 Releases

Happy Memorial Day! Here’s some more news from our friends at Southern Draw Cigars!

IGNITE 2019 NEW releases and official launch dates

Memorial Day offers Southern Draw Cigars another opportunity to remember and honor our brothers and sisters who have died while serving in our United States Armed Forces. Our Veteran Owned and Operated company is honored to share the IGNITE 2019 cigar releases benefitting the Navy SEAL Foundation. Once again the Southern Draw Cigars family is joining our premium cigar retailers, sponsors, industry media and supportive consumers to bring awareness and to offer financial support to services that are important to our family. Southern Draw Cigars is also proud to announce the initial launch dates of the NEW cigars as we come together to IGNITE some good.

“We are honored to have Southern Draw Cigars supporting the Navy SEAL Foundation with this promotion. As a company owned and operated by veterans, their commitment to giving back through their IGNITE program is incredible and the Navy SEAL Foundation is thrilled to be named as one of their benefitting charities for 2019”, Chris Irwin, Director of Partnerships at the Navy SEAL Foundation. www.navySEALfoundation.org

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The charitable giving and event schedules for IGNITE 2019 will be led by Southern Draw Cigars family members, Harry “Phil” and Shelly Hogan U.S. Navy Retired (the namesakes of the popular cigar blend CEDRUS- THE HOGAN), and Daniel Peterson US Navy Retired, SEAL Team 1 – BUD/S Class 54. “The Navy SEAL Foundation offers many areas of support and our family has selected two vitally important areas to focus our charitable contributions. 1)Warrior Transition – transition from active duty service into civilian life and 2)Warrior and Family Support – providing strength, resiliency and peace of mind via family support programs,” stated Shelly Hogan.

IGNITE 2019 will include a total of 50,000 cigars packaged in 5,000 black enamel humi-jars with radiant gold lettering, offering six NEW cigar offerings throughout 2019. Each rele

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ase will offer a single blend and a single size cigar packaged in the newly designed IGNITE 2019 humi-jars and a small amount of 10 count bundles. All IGNITE cigars are perfectly protected by Boveda’s patented 2-way humidity control and a freshness seal, each donated by IGNITE sponsor www.bovedainc.com. Each purchase of IGNITE 2019 humi-jar will result in a charitable contribution of 12.5% of the cost to the Navy SEAL Foundation only possible as each valued retail partner jointly contributes to the selected charity. For more information on the IGNITE Mission, Vision and Values please visit us at www.southerndrawcigars.com/ignite

“We are honored to announce the initial launch of IGNITE 2019 with collaborative events at Crown City Cigars www.crowncitycigars.com and McP’s Irish Pub www.mcpspub.com both in Coronado, California, which will host Southern Draw Cigars, the Navy SEAL Foundation and the community as we celebrate the National Release of IGNITE 2019 on June 20^th from 3 pm – 6pm PST,’ per Robert and Sharon Holt of Southern Draw Cigars. “We will continue the National Launch with a friends and family celebration at Beach House Winery www.beachhousewinery.com in Fallbrook, California on June 21^st from 3pm – 6pm, hosted by Kim and George Murray, who are also Southern Draw Cigars family members. The IGNITE 2019 releases may be pre-ordered (please note the specific cigar blend requested, as detailed below) by contacting Crown City Cigars or Beach House Winery in advance of the launch events. Following the launch, they will be available to all valued retail partners of Southern Draw Cigars. Retailers who are interested in these special releases and the charitable project are urged to contact Southern Draw Cigars to order,” added Holt.

For those who are able to support the charity but unable to attend one of these launch events, please visit the Navy SEAL Foundation website and make direct contributions. Southern Draw Cigars will announce additional IGNITE retailers and future event dates including the End of Summer Smokeout on Saturday August 17 in Chesapeake, Virginia hosted by Atlantic Dominion Distributors (a ticket only event that may be purchased by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/end-of-summer-smoke-out-3-tickets-60542536356

Cigar Blend Information.

Q2 releases: (Q3 and Q4 release details will be offered at a later day)

Private Blend Connecticut #1

Wrapper: Ecuador – Binder: Nicaragua – Filler: Nicaragua and Dominican Republic

Size: Double Corona 7.5×50

Mild+ Body, Medium Flavor

Production: 11,000 cigars

Packaging: 800, 10 count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10 count bundles

MSRP: $11.69 single cigar, $116.99 10 count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion)

Private Blend Corojo 99 #4

Wrapper: Honduras – Binder: Nicaragua & Honduras – Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras

Size: Rothschild 5.0×50

Medium+ Body, Medium-Full Flavor

Production: 11,000 cigars

Packaging: 800, 10 count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10 count bundles

MSRP: $11.49 single cigar, $114.99 10 count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion)

Private Blend Habano #3

Wrapper: Ecuador – Binder: Nicaragua – Filler: Brazil, Nicaragua & Ecuador

Size: Double Corona 7.5.50

Medium Body, Medium+ Flavor

Production: 11,000 cigars

Packaging: 800, 10 count IGNITE humi-jars, 300, 10 count bundles

MSRP: $11.69 single cigar, $116.99 10 count humi-jar (subject to retail discretion)

IGNITE humi-jars

Initially offering a choice of three NEW blend and two classic sizes that hold 10 cigars each of Double Corona or Rothschild
Cigar bands representing the Navy SEAL Foundation with complimentary secondary bands that define each cigar blend and identify it as a product that proudly supports the Foundation.
10 count cigar bundles are wrapped in the new Southern Draw Cigars tissue paper and cello for packing.
A Navy SEAL Foundation brochure is included in each jar and the Navy SEAL Foundation die cut sticker has been carefully applied to the cap of each humi-jar.

“LET ALL THINGS BE DONE WITH CHARITY”

Please direct all questions, comments and requests about IGNITE or to inquire about sponsorship or retail opportunities to robert@southerndrawcigars.com.

For general information about Southern Draw Cigars, a list of retail partners and reviews, please visit us at www.southerndrawcigars.com.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 26, 2019 · 10:35 am

Henry Clay War Hawk, a Gurkha Ghost, a Hamlet Liberation and a Cohiba Connecticut Cigar

I had a visit to Goose’s shop in Limerick this week as my wife had a meeting with Goose to work on a super secret project, so I picked up a few cigars while there, and smoke the new addition to the Henry Clay line, the War Hawk. I’ve been looking forward to trying this new addition to a line I’ve long been fond of, going back to the days when they were ugly things. I really like the Stalk Cut, despite the silliness of the name (all the Connecticut Broadleaf and Habano tobacco in stalk cut anyway, so it’s really no big deal), it’s a poor man’s Henry Clay Tattoo, which is a spectacular cigar. The cigar is beautiful, with an Ecuador Connecticut Shade wrapper, Broadleaf binder and Honduran fillers, made at Altadis’ Flor de Copan factory in Honduras (which is for sale, by the way, a few billion and it could be yours). I really liked this cigar for what it was, as it bore no resemblance, in my opinion, to a Henry Clay that I could think of. It stood on it’s own as a really great tasting cigar with a nice nutty flavor with balanced nicely with the sweetness of the broadleaf binder and the earthiness of the Honduran fillers and was, overall, a really enjoyable medium bodied cigar!

A few months ago I was headed to the airport to pick up my son and stopped in Jacoub’s Cigars in Ridley Park, which is only about four miles from PHL. I didn’t have time for a cigar, but I bought a few, and one of the ones that caught my eye was a short, fat Gurkha Ghost perfecto. This cigar was about 4″ x 60, I guess, I neither took the time to note the size or name of the cigar when I bought it, and the little bit of research I did when I decided to smoke it turned up no information. To be honest, I didn’t look that hard. People tend to crap all over the Gurkha brand, I know they have a bunch of bundle-esque stuff in the catalogue market and they hype a lot of stuff too much, but there are a bunch of cigars in their portfolio that are worthy of mention, and the Ghost, to me, at least, is one of them. I got a late start and was looking for a shorter smoke, and this short perfecto was about what I needed. It’s just about the same size and shape of a Flying Pig, with a Brazilian, Arapiraca Maduro wrapper, Criollo ’98 binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. It looks like they call this vitola the “Spook”, I just did a little more research. Anyway, it’s made in a major factory, Placencia or someone like that, and it burns well, has a great flavor and I was satisfied by the experience. Ghost, most of the Cellar Reserves and Seduction are all Gurkha cigars I enjoy.

While at Goose’s, Alex Kraft, the local Rocky Patel rep, happened to stop in with Dave Bullock, the VP of sales who was traveling with him. I had not met Dave before, and hadn’t seen Alex in some time, so it was nice to get aquatinted. Somehow or other a rather large Hamlet Liberation found its way into my pocket, Goose had something to do with it. This is a 6 ½ x 55 large toro with a tapered head and a shaggy foot. A very interesting looking cigar. I lit the unfinished foot and expected the flavor to change once it started burning the Habano wrapper, but, sadly, I never really noticed a difference. It was a good cigar, well behaved, and certainly good for about 2 hours of smoking time. there was never a real “wow” moment, but it was a solid, good tasting cigar. It has some spice and woody flavors and is and all-around good cigar. I enjoyed the size and shape of the cigar, the classic Cuban “109” style head is unique and interesting,

My last cigar to talk about today is the new Cohiba Connecticut. This cigar hit the shelves in March, and was a late addition to my sample humidor, but a welcomed one. I certainly don’t mind sampling new cigars, but I rarely (read: never) will splurge on a $20 cigar, and this starts at $19.99 for the Robusto, which is the vitola which was generously supplied to me by General Cigar Co. It’s 5½” x 50, which is a nice size, and has an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper which is grown by an independent grower in the Los Rios Province in Ecuador. It has Brazilian Mata Fina, Dominican Piloto Cubana and Nicaraguan Jalapa in the filler blend, and,not unlike the classic Macanudo, it has a San Andrés binder. It got me thinking that I might have to revisit what I consider a miss in the Cohiba portfolio, the Blue, the OSA wrapped “budget” priced Cohiba, just to see if that’s gotten any better over time. This Connecticut was a good Connecticut cigar. It was on the high side of mild, with good flavor, some sweet notes to balance the bitterness of the shade leaf, and an over-all nice smoke. I kind of forgot I was smoking a high-end, luxury cigar for a while there as the burn was a bit funky. At this level, I rather expect perfection in the burn and draw, and the burn was wavy and required some correction. I expect a certain aesthetic, that I certainly forgive in a lower priced cigar. I seem to remember having the same complaint with the much more expensive Septre. Obviously, this is targeting a certain niche market, and I may not fit into that niche, but it’s a good smoke, if you have a chance to smoke one, don’t be afraid of being disappointed!

OK, that’s enough for today, time to get moving. Happy Memorial Day to everyone. I’ll be working tomorrow, although I was lucky enough to have a rare weekend off. Remember why we celebrate. Enjoy some good cigars while remembering those who gave their lives so that you can enjoy yours. Also remember those family members who lost loved ones, they sacrificed too. Until the next time,

CigarCraig

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 23, 2019 · 11:00 am

News: J.C. Newman Announces the Launch of The American

There’s going to be a lot of news items over the next few weeks leading up to the IPCPR show at the end of June, so hold onto your shorts! J.C. Newman has been working on this release for along time, almost as long as the Diamond Crown Black Diamond! I’m excited to try it!

J.C. Newman Cigar Company, America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker, is excited to announce the launch of The American cigar brand at two simultaneous events in Orlando and Tampa on Friday, May 31:

Date: Friday, May 31

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m

Locations:

Corona Cigar Co.
7792 W. Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819

Featuring:
Jeff Borysiewicz
and Drew Newman

Davidoff of Geneva Since 1911
4142 W. Boy Scout Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33607

Featuring:
Bobby Newman
and Eric Newman

What makes The American unique is that it is the first 100% American cigar. These luxury cigars are hand rolled by Americans in a historic United States cigar factory using heirloom American cigar tobaccos. The boxes, bands, labels, cigar molds, cellophane tubes, and other parts of this unique project are all made in the United States as well.

“The American speaks to the heart of who we are: a four-generation, 124-year-old, American family business,” said Drew Newman, great-grandson of company founder J.C. Newman. “Our country’s rich premium cigar tradition dates to the Colonial Era. As an American, I wanted to prove that we could hand roll a world-class cigar in the United States using American tobaccos. I am thrilled that we have created an outstanding all-American cigar.”

The American is the first cigar rolled with Florida Sun Grown wrapper, grown by Corona Cigar Co.’s Jeff Borysiewicz in Clermont, Florida. The binder is Connecticut Broadleaf grown by eighth-generation family farmer Jon Foster and the filler is a blend of Foster’s Connecticut Havana tobacco with tobaccos grown by the Mennonites in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

“We are delighted to see our exclusive Florida Sun Grown wrapper tobacco being used on a cigar that is hand crafted in America’s ‘Cigar City,’” said Borysiewicz. “A hundred years ago, it was commonplace for Florida-grown tobacco to be rolled into cigars in Tampa’s numerous cigar factories. We are proud to be working with the Newman family to bring back this long lost cigar-making tradition after a 50 year hiatus.”

The American was the first brand of cigars rolled in J.C. Newman’s El Reloj factory when it opened in 1910 in Ybor City, Florida. J.C. Newman has recreated this historic brand in El Reloj to celebrate J.C. Newman’s 125th anniversary next year. In anticipation of this anniversary, J.C. Newman is investing in a major historic restoration of El Reloj. This project includes a new cigar museum, factory store, handmade cigar factory-within-a-factory, tours, seminars, and event space. Once complete next year, El Reloj will be the premier destination for cigar tourism in the United States.

The American will initially be released in four sizes and in boxes of 20 with a suggested retail price of between $16.00 and $19.50. For more information about J.C. Newman and The American, please visit: http://www.jcnewman.com/the-american.

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by CigarCraig | · 8:01 am

News: Southern Draw Cigars Announces Two Retail Eclusives

When I talked to Robert last week he promised me that he’d have me on the list for news releases, and he’s a man of his word (of this, I had little doubt). Here’s the first one of what might be a

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few. It’s important to note that Southern Draw cigars are only sold in CI’s retail stores and not on their website (it says it below). I guess I’m going to have to make another trip up to one of the shops one of these days so I can try these two blends.

Southern Draw Cigars and Cigars International today announces the release of two private blends, Fraternal Order White and Fraternal Order Black, both of which are being produced in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Fraternal Order blends are distributed exclusively through all CI retail locations, and will be available for purchase Friday, May 23rd in limited quantities.

“Cigars International is a great partner for Southern Draw Cigars and these retail exclusive releases exemplify their dedication to our growing partnership with their retail stores, hard-working staff and loyal consumers. Private label products are becoming increasingly popular among cigar smokers and allow Southern Draw Cigars to fulfill the high-demand retail consumers “needs and wants” for new and innovative products outside of our regularly scheduled releases. We offer a BIG thanks to the retail staff and managers for the months of blind tasting and their feedback that led to selecting the two blends we are offering today,” said Robert Holt – Founder of Southern Draw Cigars.

Jeff Kocher, VP of Merchandising added “Cigars International is proud to collaborate once again with Southern Draw Cigars on these two new exciting projects for CI Nation. Both Fraternal Order blends are crafted at AJ Fernandez’s factory and are must-tries for fans of Robert Holt’s previous releases. We believe they’ll be a great addition to the CI retail stores, and to the humidors of those who love complex, Nicaraguan blends.”

General Information:

Fraternal Order White – Barber Pole

➢ Wrapper: Ecuador & Nicaragua

➢ Binder: Nicaragua

➢ Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

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raternal Order Black – San Andres Maduro

➢ Wrapper: Mexico

➢ Binder: Ecuador

➢ Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras

Initial sizes for both NEW blends

➢ Fraternal Order White – Toro (6.0 x 52)

FO white = $9.75 for the barber pole single, $79.99 for the mazo of 10

➢ Fraternal Order Black – Gran Gordo (7.0 x 60)

FO black = $10.25 for the 7×60 single, and $84.99 for the mazo

Packaging Info:

Cigars are packaged in 10 count dress mazos or bundleswith embossed stickers and matching bands.

Production – Limited Production for 2019

The Fraternal Order blends will only be available through Cigars International’s retail locations including Bethlehem, Bethlehem (Downtown) and Hamburg, Pennsylvania and The Colony, Texas.

For general information about Southern Draw Cigars, a list of retail partners, cigar blends and reviews, please visit usat our new website: www.southerndrawcigars.com. Please LIKE us, FOLLOW us & TWEET us – Facebook/Southern Draw, Instagram/SDCIGARS and Twitter/@SDCIGARS.

Soli Deo Gloria!

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by Craig Vanderslice | May 22, 2019 · 5:13 pm

News: Fratello Cigars Announces Launch of Imperfect Pairings YouTube Channel

Here’s some news from Omar at Fratello Cigars. I guess the big guy has too much time on his

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hands! 🙂 I’m looking forward to seeing what he has up his sleeve.

FRATELLO CIGARS ANNOUNCE “IMPERFECT PAIRINGS”
Omar de Frias has announced the launch of a new YouTubeChannel, Imperfe

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ct Pairings. “I have been working on this concept for years. I have been looking topair my cigars with uncommon food or drinks such as oysters, tomato sauce, kombucha and teaamongst other things. Our viewers will have incredible content and learn what to pair or not pair
with our cigars.” Said de Frias.

Imperfect pairings will be an entertaining show featuring short pairing videos fro

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m Omar’s travelworldwide. The show will air every Thursday.