Cigar Buyer author Rob Allanson
From the Editor
Well the changes have certainly been rung since I last sat down to write my column and frankly stand outside to have a cigar. It seems too be a little to early to tell what the long term effects will be of the smoking ban will have on retailers, but certainly there was a little drop in sales – this...
From the Editor from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007
Short but elegant
Davidoff has released two new cigars to add to their range which are bound to appeal to lovers of short smokers. The Primeros is a petit panetela format, which is shorter and has a smaller ring gauge than the classic Panetela format – as with the popular Davidoff No. 2. The cigar stands out a great...
Family Secret
In 2004, the Toraño family unveiled their unbanded “mystery cigar,” which had been appearing at events for some time. Toraño rollers at the events would hand these unbanded, freshly-rolled cigars to attendees, always to enthusiastic acclaim. Finally, President Charlie Toraño revealed this had been ...
Newman expanding
For the first time in 20 years, the J.C. Newman Cigar Company has proudly announced a new size and a new cedar cabinet to the La Unica cigar line. The La Unica #600 (6” x 50 ring) has been created to accommodate smokers who prefer a popular Toro sized smoke. Handmade in the Dominican Republic, this...
Estate select
Beach Cigar Group recently announced two new medium-bodied Gurkha premium cigars, the Estate Select Reserve and Estate Select Vintage Shaggy. According to CEO Kaizad Hansotia: “Both feature extra-aged tobaccos not usually found in cigars in this price range, offering an extra-smooth and refined fla...
Not quite the last gasp
More than 250 enthusiastic cigar smokers gave two fingers (holding the first samples of the new Cohiba Maduro sizes – the Genios, Magicos and Secretos) to the smoking ban and intermittent showers at the Hunters & Frankau Summer Cigar Party in London on 5 July 2007. Guests, including Sir Jimmy Savil...
Show time
The great and the good of the cigar and tobacco industry will be descending on Nottingham Cricket ground at the end of the month . The Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists exhibition, held on September 30th and October 1st and 2nd, will be the first one after the smoking ban was introduce...
Brave new world
Despite the recent smoking ban there are some surprising things going on at London’s oldest cigar merchant
Perhaps the main advocates of the smoking ban had expected the cigar industry to roll over and die in the months following its introduction. However in London JJ Fox and Robert Lewis has finished an exciting eight week project which marks the shop’s commitment to the smoking public. Manager Paul B...
Tobacco Legislation Watch
APRIL 2007
SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES Bans on Smoking in Public Places have been introduced separately by each country within the United Kingdom: ENGLAND All enclosed public places and workplaces, including all pubs, bars, restaurants, but with certain exemptions including Specialist Tobacconists shops, on 1...
Legislation Watch from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007
Rising star
In March this year, Henri Wintermans announced the acquisition of CAO cigars, one of the USA’s premium cigar companies. We look at how a small-scale importer of pipes became one of the most dynamic cigar producers in the world.
It’s a fairy tale story of rags to riches – well actually pipes to riches really. In 1961, a young Armenian moved to the USA to study mechanical engineering with a love of Meerschaum pipes, prized for their quality and artistry. Soon he discovered the pleasure of cigars as well as these famed pipe...
Caribbean marriage
Cigars are not the only great export from the Caribbean nations. We have a look at the other staple of life – rum
There has always been a lot to connect rum and cigars, they really have more of a natural affinity with each other than just about any other drinks matching we have done so far. Originally produced as a way of extracting some use from the waste material from sugar cane, rum is made using techniques...
Cigars and Rum from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007
South by South West
We look at this remote corner of the United Kingdom which boasts some excellent cigar emporiums in very fine settings
Famed for its rugged coastlines, quaint bed and breakfast hotels and of course clotted cream, the South West peninsula of England does not often spring to mind as a Mecca for cigars lovers. However hidden away are three locations where the cigar aficionado can find a haven and relax. Our first por...
City Watch from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007
‘Tis the season
Buying for a cigar aficionado? Cigar Buyer offers a brief guide to the vital areas which will make your favourite smoker smile.
Obviously the best way to make the cigar lover in your life happy at Christmas is to buy them more cigars, but there are other things (the accoutrements, the shiny things, the items we like to meddle with) that go with our habit. There are plenty of accessories we could go into, hip flasks, cigar h...
From the Editor
Well this is it, despite months of ‘will they won’t they’, the most draconian of anti-smoking measures is about to envelop the entire country – a total ban. However, thanks to ITPAC and others’ tireless campaigning, it looks like an exemption has been made for the specialist tobacconists to allow s...
From the Editor from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
ST builds strength in US cigar market
Scandinavian Tobacco (ST) has acquired US cigar company CAO International. ST is an international tobacco company with substantial interests in the manufacturing, marketing and distribution of cigarettes, cigars, and pipe and smoking tobacco. ST is one of the largest cigar companies in the world. W...
Eye catching Monte tube
The new Montecristo Edmundo tube is the latest and hottest item to come out of Cuba. This attractive offering is the latest in Habanos SA’s shake up of its cigar tubes. The change stems from the revamped Cohiba Siglo 6, which was launched a while ago in a new sliding tube. This was closely follow...
Orchant branches out
The UK’s largest and one of the most successful independent cigars retailer, Mitchell Orchant has joined forces with his old friend, Christoph Wolters, one of Germany’s most respected cigar retailers, and expanded into mainland Europe. “Some people may think it is risky to open a new cigar shop in ...
New for Newman
For the first time in 20 years, the J.C. Newman Cigar Company proudly announced a new size and a new cedar cabinet to the La Unica cigar line. The La Unica #600 (6” x 50 ring) has been created to accommodate smokers who prefer a popular Toro sized smoke. Handmade in the Dominican Republic by Tabac...
Latest series Davidoffs
The Davidoff Primeros represent a completely new generation of Davidoff cigars that are unable to conceal certain characteristics of their classic roots. Although the Petit Panetela format is shorter and has a smaller ring gauge than the classic Panetela format – as with the popular Davidoff No. 2 ...
A change of chairs
It is all change at the Imported Tobacco Products Advisory Council (ITPAC) after the departure to the US of Loretta’s Gary Hyams. Hunters and Frankau’s Simon Chase has been appointed Chair of ITPAC replacing Gary. Huw Williams, Gary’s replacement at Loretta, has been appointed as Deputy Chair. IT...
Tobacco Legislation Watch
APRIL 2007 SMOKING IN PUBLIC PLACES Smoking in Public Places is being addressed separately by each country within the United Kingdom. The current status is as follows: ENGLAND The Smoke-free Regulations under the 2006 Health Act have been published, and the measures will be introduced on 1st J...
Legislation Watch from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
Beyond the ban
As indoor smoking is about to be banned in all licensed premises across the United Kingdom, we look at how to get to grips with some of the challenges the ban creates.
It has been a long impending cloud over the industry and licensed premises, but come July 1st smoking in all licensed premises (and workplaces) across the country will be banned. Despite substantial pressure from bodies such as the Imported Tobacco Products Advisory Council (ITPAC) the ban comes in...
Smoking Ban from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
Crème of the crop
One of the world’s best selling miniatures has a new face launched with style
If you are going to repackage something you might as well do it properly and do it with a certain style and glamour. Henri Wintermans, owner of the famous Café Crème brand, did just this when it was time to unveil the new face of this recognisable mini. The new clothing can be taken as a sign of c...
The university towns
We have a look at England’s two great academic centres and their cigar havens
In this edition we delve into the medieval delights of England’s two world famous university cities, Oxford and Cambridge. Cigars are associated with many things, boom times as well as academia, and both cities have seen a rise in wealth associated with new technology companies and the arts. Let’s...
City Watch from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
After dinner heaven
Cigar malts and blends to accompany a good smoke have become popular. We have a look at some of the best
It is one of those classic silver screen moments. The bar doors flap closed behind him and the dusty clothed baddie enters the bar to pick his fight. A chiselled jawed and weather beaten Eastwood squints over his hand of cards at the stranger, puts his drink down and quietly readies his gun. Then,...
Whisky and Cigars from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
Festival time
The Caribbean island celebrates its most iconic export
Passion, colour, music, the warmth of old friends and above all sharing some of the best cigars in the world pretty much sums up the ethos of the ninth Habanos Festival held earlier this year. Several special cigars were launched at the festival. Top quality tobacco, which has been laid down to age...
International Focus from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007
From the Editor
So here you are, my first column taking over at Cigar Buyer, and what a time to take the reins. Imminent legislation looming on the horizon for England and Wales, Scotland already deep in the grip of a smoking ban, and what can I tell you about the industry at the moment? One thing is for certain,...
From the Editor from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006
Rise of the minis
Hunters and Frankau has witnessed quite an extraordinary growth in sales of Cuban Minis this year. Sean Croley, brand manager for the increasingly popular Cuban Minis range, said: “The reason for the success is simple; cigar lovers at work want to utilise their precious few minutes allowed to them ...
In the Pink
Ever wondered about the answer to the question: where do you keep your cigar? Well classic shirt maker Thomas Pink, of Jermyn Street, London, has come up with a very classy answer. Just perfect for the aficionado who thought they had everything they needed. The Mogul shirt features an ingenious br...
A work of art in tobacco
The highly-anticipated CAO “Artistry of Champions” Collection has arrived This limited edition collection of five cigars - CAO Brazilia Campeao 2002, CAO Brazilia Trombeta and Perfecto Duo, CAO Italia Tromba and CAO Italia Campione 2006, breaks new ground and is a must-have for aficionados of unusua...
Dates for cigars
It is the first of its kind - dedicated to the connoisseur of fine cigars and the female form. The 2007 Cigar Calendar marks the first publication of a new calendar not only for the cigar aficionado but for everyone with an eye for outstanding photography. This inaugural edition covers November 20...
Groovy Tubes
It’s not often a tube is a joyous thing to behold, but then these little beauties came along. The new presentation tubes from Habanos are guaranteed to brighten up any cigar smoker’s purchase. Designed with all the iconic brand images, these tubes, with the wonderful champagne pop, will take all s...
Podomo's lot
Tabacalera Perdomo released its newest line, Perdomo Lot 23, at the recent 2006 RTDA show. Perdomo Lot 23 is named after one of Tabacalera Perdomo’s highly fertile farms located near its factory in Esteli, Nicaragua. The cigar is blended with Cuban-seed binders and fillers grown exclusively on Lot...
All in good taste
There is nothing quite like relaxing with friends and a good cigar. The latest Hunters & Frankau’s Cigar Smokers’ Club tasting was no exception.
When you talk to people about a cigar club dinner they get images of smoke filled rooms with old boys drinking port and talking about the good old days of the empire. However the recent Smokers’ Club dinner blew this staid image out of the water. Held at the trendy Amuse Bouche bar, a champagne ba...
Cigar clubs from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006
Cuban innovation
It’s all go for one of the greatest cigar producing nations – new limited editions, new packaging and some serious quality tobacco
It is an exciting time for fans of Cuban cigars with some of the best quality smokes to come out of the island for decades. Top quality tobacco, which has been laid down each year for aging in bales since the turn of the century, is now finding its way in to the latest limited editions and special ...
Market watch from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006
What a corker!
In the latest of our series of cigar and drinks marriages, we pit every landmark moment’s friend Champagne against some great cigars
Whether it’s being broken over the bows of a new ship, popped open at major landmark celebrations or even just as a high end uber premium bling, Champagne is seen as the first call drink for those special moments in life. Cigars too are often bought as celebratory items, the new father, the new hus...
Champagne and Cigars from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006
Welcome to civilisation - Paul Bielby
JJ Fox and Robert Lewis is the oldest cigar shop in London. Rob Allanson chats to shop manager Paul Bielby about its past, present and future
The British Prime Minister Tony Blair once said he was not going to use sound bites during an important speech and promptly came out with “I feel the hand of history on my shoulder…” Cheesy, yes. But for Paul Beilby, manger at JJ Fox and Robert Lewis shop, never a truer word was spoken. Not only i...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006
New Horizons - John Atherton
It takes a brave person to meet the challenge of competing against, or alongside, the big players. Rob Allanson chats to John Atherton about being the new kid on the block in the close-knit cigar world
When General Cigar closed its office in London a few years ago, John Atherton and his now business partner Richard Laing found themselves taking on the role of entrepreneurs and setting themselves up in business. Cut loose from the behemoth company which handled the international development of bra...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006
Draped in clover
Indonesia is producing some of the more exotic blends to hit the cigar market, including Djarum. Our man investigates…
Indonesia’s great gifts to the pleasure of smoking are not only the much sought after tobacco leaves of Deli on Sumatra and Besuki on Java, but also the recipe of cloves mixed in with tobacco to give a unique and exotic aroma when smoked. The clove laced cigarette is known as kretek, so called afte...
Box of Delights (Humidors)
How do you choose a humidor? Rob Allanson investigates
There are a few things the cigar smoker can do without, (legislation to start with) but a humidor? Not a chance. If we are honest the humidor is possibly the one piece of home decoration the cigar smoker can get genuinely excited about – different exotic woods, aged leather and various polished fin...
Cigar Accessories from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006
Smoke and fire
What is the best combination of whisky and cigar? Rob Allanson joined a large panel of judges to find out
For a cigar smoker this year’s World Whisky and Cigar challenge was not just about drinking and smoking. Being a judge at the event, held at Boisdales Restaurant in London, it was more like being a football manager presented with four different pairs of strikers. Do you choose something big up fro...
Whisky and Cigars from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
Moving on Up - Robert Graham
Robert Graham in Edinburgh is at the frontline of the smoking ban. Rob Allanson sees how it’s getting on
When it comes to busy tourist centres, Edinburgh’s Rose Street can put up a fight with the best. The mecca for international visitors, the setting for many a stag or hen night and pub crawls (sometimes literally), this famous street also draws smokers in search of some of the best cigars on the mar...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
It's not over
Cigar retailers are battling for exemptions from the English and Welsh smoking ban. Rob Allanson reports
With the chance that the English smoking ban will take the same form as the Scottish – a blanket ban for all public enclosed places – the specialist tobacco retailers are preparing themselves for one last stand. The Association of Independent Specialist Tobacconists (AITS), in partnership with the ...
Smoking Issues from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
Ninety not out... Stanford Newman
Stanford Newman is a legend of the cigar world, having been involved with it for 70 years. Rob Allanson spoke to him
He has been in the hot seat of the American cigar industry for more than 70 years, seen cigar booms and busts and despite his advancing years still keeps an active and tight rein on his company. A true legend in the cigar world, Stanford Newman celebrates his 90th birthday this June, and true to fo...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
A slice of perfection (Cutters)
Cigar cutters are part of the holy trinity of cigar smoking – slice ‘em, light ‘em and smoke ‘em. Rob Allanson reports
It is a classic silver screen moment. Eastwood squints into the sun, bites the end off his cheroot spitting out the cap, then reaches for his six shooter and puts a hole in the baddy. A great way to look macho but, let’s face it, not the best way to cut your favourite cigar. First of all it is ha...
Cigar Accessories from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
Fields of gold
A trip in to the heart of Cuba’s cigar industry is akin to a pilgrimage. Rob Allanson was fortunate to go this year
There is an old adage in the journalism world that it is easier to be passionate about something if you have experienced it first hand, and this holds true in the cigar realm. The appreciation a smoker has for a Cuban cigar is certainly enhanced once he or she has wandered through the tobacco field...
Cigar Journeys from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006
A man for all seasons - Edward Sahakian
Edward Sahakian has spent 25 years promoting fine cigars. Rob Allanson met him
Stepping in to Davidoff’s London shop, not far from the madding crowds of Piccadilly Circus, is like stepping into an oasis of marbled calm. Even before you light up one of the eponymous smokes, you can feel life slowing down to a different pace. This is exactly what Edward Sahakian envisaged 25 y...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006
In search of the perfect match
In a new series we set out to find the best cigar for different drinks. First up, Rob Allanson reports on cigars with fine Cognac
THE JUDGES Simon Chase, Hunters and Frankau marketing director (SC) Paul Bielby, J.J. Fox (St James’s) manager (PB) Jimmy McGhee, Selfridges cigar department manager (JM) James Leavey, Cigar Buyer chief taster (JL) Rob Allanson, Cigar Buyer assistant editor (RA) THE COGNACS Cigar Club Cogna...
Cognac and Cigars from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006
Star performer - Gary Hyams
Loretta is named after a Hollywood star and both are larger than life. Rob Allanson speaks to the company’s managing director Gary Hyams – a man with his own claim to fame
It is quite possible that Gary Hyams is one of the most intriguing managing directors in the British tobacco industry. It is not often that you meet someone in his position that can claim a hobby – song writing in Gary’s case – has landed him hits on both sides of the Atlantic, plus several music a...
Cigar Interviews from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005
Pleasure from business
Mitchell Orchant is successful in cigar retailing because of his unique mix of ebullience and business acumen. Rob Allanson speaks to a man who is in a category of his own
There are few people who can say they have seen their teenage passion blossom into a multimillion pound empire. Mitchell Orchant, managing director of C.Gars, is one of the fortunate few, and if you drop by his London offices you realise that for this affable 41-yearold work and play are all part o...
Retailer watch from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005
