News : Cigar Buyer

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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 ...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 12 published on 12/09/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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 ...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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 ...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 11 published on 11/05/2007

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 ...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

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...

By Rob Allanson from Issue 10 published on 22/11/2006

A slice of paradise

It has often been said that happiness is a good cigar. Well if results from a recent survey for Cuba and the Dominican Republic are to be believed, it would seem there is some truth in the adage. The 178-nation ‘Happy Planet Index’ lists the cigar producing nation of Dominica as the fourth happies...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Wales next to join smoking ban lobby?

It looks like the Welsh Assembly will follow in the footsteps of the Scottish Parliament with plans to bring in a total smoking ban with no exemptions. Draft regulations were launched by Health Minister Dr Brian Gibbons. The Health Act (2006) has now received Royal Assent in the English Parliament...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Cigar Great RIP

The cigar world has paid tribute to one of the industry’s great icons. Stanford Newman, featured in the last edition of Cigar Buyer passed away after suffering a heart attack while at work. Starting with the company in 1934 and having just celebrated his 90th birthday in June, Stanford was the old...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Torano - 90 great years

One of the names synonymous with outstanding non-Cuban cigar production is celebrating 90 years of continuous production. Starting off in Cuba in 1916, the Toraño family is now known for its Dominican Republic produced cigars. When Don Santiago Toraño emigrated to Cuba’s Pinar del Rio region, litt...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Variety is the spice

Tabacos de la Cordillera has introduced a new Variety Sampler pack, with three each of its flagship Cumbres de Puriscal premium cigars in Gold, Silver, and Emerald bands. The cellophane-wrapped mini-bundles of nine cigars are available in two of the most popular shapes, robusto and torpedo. Compan...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Sliver lining

One of the industry’s most coveted honours has been awarded to London cigar merchant Desmond Sautter of Sautters of Mayfair. The Silver Chaveta trophy is presented annually by Hunters and Frankau to a United Kingdom specialist in Havanas for outstanding contributions to the cigar trade. Desmond wa...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Style is key to US brands

Some seriously eye catching packaging is helping premium handmade American cigars make waves in the United Kingdom market. The transit packs for Macanudo, CAO and Helix cigars, distributed by Henri Wintermans UK (Loretta) have been well received by the cigar trade. James Higgs, brand marketing man...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

The coolest accessories

Bright, modern, uber cool and with neon uplighters. This may sound like a car review but in fact it’s the latest line of cigars and humidors to come from American cigar producer CAO. Vision is the first Dominican Republic cigar made exclusively for CAO. The filler is a blend of Dominican, Nicaragua...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Schneider steps down

The founder of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, Dr Ernst Schneider, has decided to step down as the chairman of the Oettinger Imex board of directors. Dr Schneider said the decision was to unburden himself, but remains a member of the board of directors. When he took over the Geneva tobacco shop from...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Bigger & Better

The great and the good of the cigar and tobacco industry will be descending on Nottingham Cricket ground in October. The Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists exhibition will be the last one before a smoking ban in some form is introduced. Don Higgins, Association secretary, said a lot of...

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

Correction

In the last edition of Cigar Buyer’s tastings section, we said Café Crème and Café Crème Blue were filtered. Both products are unfiltered and we apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused....

By from Issue 9 published on 18/09/2006

CAO in Flavour

US brand CAO is turning up the heat with its campaign to promote flavoured cigars to smokers. The company has decided to set pulses racing with the all-female CAO Flavourettes handing out samples at various events across the United States. And if you have wanted to see what really goes on behind t...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

New Look for Cubans

Fans of Cuban cigars are going to start seeing a change in the packaging of their favourite sticks. Habanos SA marketing director Enrique Babot revealed that the company is looking at the design and art work on several more of its cigar tubes. The change stems from the revamped Cohiba Siglo 6, whi...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

Davidoff expands

Davidoff is taking over the United Kingdom agency for PT Djarum, one of Indonesia’s leading tobacco manufacturers. It has also taken on the Swiss agency for PT Djarum, aiming to introduce a range of PT Djarum products in the autumn. PT Djarum is known as the leading manufacturer of kretek or the cl...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

Specials lead the way

Several special one off cigars were launched at this year’s Habanos Festival in Cuba, including the most expensive and exclusive Habano cigar ever released on the market. The Cohiba Behike is the same length as the Lancero and has the same girth as the Siglo VI. Corporación Habanos has launched Be...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

A perfect match?

There is nothing that quite beats sitting down after a good dinner with a cigar and your chosen spirit. For Cognac lovers, a new brand is due to hit the market soon aimed firmly at the cigar aficianado. Martell Cognac is launching Cohiba cognac. This premium style Cognac is a joint venture betwee...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

New in brief

Sampler pack comes in handy Costa Rican manufacturer Tabacos de la Cordillera has added a new five cigar sampler pack to its Cumbres de Puriscal line of 100 per cent long filler handmade cigars. Cumbres de Puriscal is the company’s flagship line, and is available in three different wrappers and b...

By from Issue 8 published on 20/05/2006

Company’s star turn

CAO, one of the world’s premium cigar manufacturers, has continued its flirtation with the glamourous world of celebrity. The company unveiled limited edition ‘Studio at the Palms’ banded cigars for the opening of the Palms Casino Resort's new recording studio, in Las Vegas. Studio at the Palms is...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

A dream fulfilled

In the last edition of Cigar Buyer Mitch Orchant said that winning a Silver Chaveta was one of his greatest ambitions – and now it has been fulfilled. Hunters & Frankau, sole United Kingdom importers of Havana cigars, handed out the prestigious award during its annual dinner at Sartoria in London’s...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

Cigar aims for populist market

Tabacalera Perdomo S.A., one of the world’s most respected cigar manufacturers, has announced it is to reintroducing the Perdomo Fresco brand. The company hopes the new brand will appeal to a broader segment of the premium cigar market. “Although we’re a premium cigar manufacturer, I’ve always wan...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

New year, new launches...

The New Year has brought a new cigar brand to the United Kingdom. J.C.Newman Cigar Co. launched at the AITS show in Nottingham the new value for money Luis Martinez Silver Selection, a hand made Nicaraguan cigar collection. Tabac World’s Keith Allen, who is importing the brand in to the UK, said h...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

Association is piping down

The Pipe and Pipe Tobacco Trade Association has been wound up after more than 40 years. At a final lunch, held at the Savoy Hotel in London, PPTTA chairman Michael Adler broke the news to members. He said: “This decision is a result of the current climate in the industry and government legislation...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

Cigars the stars

Cigar smoking in the United Kingdom had its profile raised unexpectedly at the beginning of the year – but not necessarily for the good. Ironically, while politicians in Westminster were discussing the impending smoking ban, British Member of Parliament George Galloway was merrily puffing away on s...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

Fiesta time

Once again it is time to celebrate Cuban cigars in Latin style with the 2006 Habanos Festival. Preparations are well underway for days packed with excitement and memorable events at this year’s festival in Cuba, due to be held from February 27 to March 3. The 2006 festival will celebrate Cohiba’s ...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

Spain protects its workers

Spain has become the latest European Union country to introduce a smoking ban in the workplace in a bid to improve public health. The ban came into effect this year, the new law bans smoking in offices, shops, schools, hospitals, cultural centres and on public transport. Businesses over a certain ...

By from Issue 7 published on 10/02/2006

First Scotland, now Northern Ireland...

Acomplete ban of smoking is to be introduced in workplaces in Northern Ireland, including bars and restaurants, from April 2007, the British Government has announced. But Northern Ireland Office Health Minister Shaun Woodward said a decision would still have to be reached on whether the ban would a...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Brace yourself

The cigar industry is braced for further bad news as governments across the world bow to pressure brought from the anti-smoking lobby. As we went to press the British Government looked set to change its mind again and revert to the partial smoking option under which smoking would be permitted in me...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Outlet scoops top award

World Duty Free has become the first United Kingdom travel retailer to scoop a prestigious Habanos award for its specialist store The Cigar House. Mark Riches, World Duty Free managing director, said the Gold Specialist award recognised the hard work of his teams. He added: “We are incredibly prou...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Happiness is...

Gallaher, the United Kingdom’s leading cigar producer, has stepped up its presence in the burgeoning aromatic cigar market by giving its Hamlet Aromatic cigar a facelift. The move follows major changes within the Hamlet range over the year, consisting of a redesign of the whole brand and the launch...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Cigar chiefs put on a show

The country’s independent tobacco specialists proved that despite legislation pressures there was still plenty to smile about as they gathered for the 25th annual trade fair and a glitzy awards dinner. Exhibitors from across Britain were once more joined by several European companies at Trent Bridg...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Rising star for Cuban cigars

Cuban cigar importer Hunters and Frankau has a new boss – and they’re keeping it a family affair. Jemma Freeman has been appointed managing director of the company. She joined the firm in 2000 after the death of her father, Nicholas Freeman, who was chairman of Hunters. Ms Freeman, who was educate...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Trade’s on fire

Djeep Lighters has reported a big surge in interest for their high quality disposable lighters. The company, through United Kingdom distributor Loretta Cigars, is now offering shop branded lighters, so now retailers can have their own logo on the product. Scott Ivins, Djeep president, said: “We st...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Julien excels

The United Kingdom king of Habanos sommelier for 2005 has been crowned after a day of nerve-racking written exams and tests. Julien Foussadier, head bar man at Tunbridge Wells’ Hotel du Vin, scooped the prestigious title after impressing the judges. The 24-year-old saw off stiff competition from t...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Davidoff’s six of the best

This year’s Davidoff Limited Edition is a blend of six tobaccos, each chosen for an intense and harmonious bouquet. The blend was especially matched to the Robusto Intenso format used for this limited premium cigar. The limited editions consist of Piloto, Olor, San Vicente and Havana Seed Criollo t...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Class in a glass

For 2005 Griffin’s ‘Special XXI Edition’ has taken on a new glassy appearance. The 10 robusto cigars with the elegant black ring are each sheathed inside a corked glass tube. The cigars are presented in an elegant black wooden case. The XXI is a medium strength cigar with a beautifully rounded, fin...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Blazing a trail

London’s Cigars Unlimited has started to stock the impressive PB-V3 Blazer cigar torches. The lighter has an all metal fabrication and same flame as the PB-207 pocket torch. Push the flap on the top of the nose backwards and the safety cover automatically flips down. You then just hit the ignition...

By from Issue 6 published on 11/11/2005

Ban threat grows

Smoking in Britain has taken another round of serious blows as a ban in public places starts to look increasingly inevitable. The hardest blow comes from a new report which claims that a proposed smoking ban is more popular with the public than the extension of pub opening hours. Consumer research...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

General gets new home

General Cigar International has appointed Loretta to manage the distribution of the Macanudo brand in the United Kingdom. Gary Hyams, managing director of Loretta Cigars (pictured left with Bruce Lewis, international business development director of General Cigar International), said: “We feel very...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Habanos Limited Editions 2005

Hunters & Frankau has received the UK’s first consignment of the new Limited Edition 2005 sizes from Habanos SA. They are as follows: • H. Upmann Magnum 50 6 1/2” x 50 ring gauge /box of 25 RRP £18.50 per cigar • Romeo y Julieta Petit Piramides 5” x 50 ring gauge/Box of 25 RRP £14.00 per...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

It's a job for... Superman

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s Superman, the real name of a real cigar blender who has been quietly working at Davidoff’s cigar factory in the Dominican Republic for the last 10 years or so. “Superman was the Christian name given to me by my mother and father,” said the mild-mannered young...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Autumn the time for trade shows

The 26th National Tobacconists Trade Exhibition will take place at Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club between 2nd and 4th October. For more information please contact The Association of Independent Tobacco Specialists on 02920 664 114. For those willing to travel a bit further afield, the World T...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Murray brands move

Following the closure of Murray Sons & Co Ltd, the British American Tobacco brands Charatan and Dunhill will be distributed by Tor Imports, and Cubero will be distributed by BAT UK. See this issue’s BrandWatch for more details....

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

New accessories from Gift International

Xcaliber Lighter is a dual torch lighter and cigar cutter in one, equipped with a retractable guillotine cigar cutter. It easily accommodates 52 rg cigars and comes with a five year warranty. The new cutter from the company is proudly called ‘functional art’; art deco style beautiful enough to sit ...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Spicing it up

PT Djarum, Indonesia’s leading manufacturer of kretek or clove laced cigarettes, is launching a new brand of cigarillo on the UK market under the name of ‘Spice Islands’, which combines the best of Sumatran and Java tobaccos with the cloves that have made kretek an unique product in the world. A ye...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Just Perfecto

The Perfecto is the new cigar from The Griffin’s. The Dominican tobacco blend is described as delicately spicy with a medium-strong aroma. Each cigar measures 52 rg x 4 5/8” and has a young and dynamic shape. The Griffin’s Perfecto will be sold in wooden cases of 25 or packs of four....

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Simply Divine

Stairway to Heaven flavoured cigars now come in new tubed format. The tubes are high quality clear-as-glass plastic that is much stronger than typical polystyrene and will not shatter like glass. It also seals and preserves the flavour better than cellophanes sleeves. Stairway to Heaven cigars are...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Montecristo No.4

Montecristo No.4's are better than ever", says Cigar Insider, the online newsletter published by America's Cigar Aficionado magazine, recently blind tasted and rated the Montecristo No.4, the world's biggest selling handmade cigar. The cigars are judged on appearance, taste, draw, burn and overall ...

By from Issue 5 published on 15/09/2005

Cuba crazy

Cuba’s tourist industry is set for a fresh marketing drive following the news that it has passed the annual two million mark for visitors to the island for the first time. And cigar lovers are among those that are being targeted by holiday specialist Captivating Cuba, who point out that the country...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Cohiba rights appeal

The Cuban cigar company Cubatabaco is set to appeal the judgement of the United States Court of Appeals, reversing a previous judgment that had awarded Cubatabaco the U.S. rights to Cohiba. The company will take the case to the Supreme Court to vindicate its rights. ...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

London shop celebrates

Quintessential cigar store Davidoff of London celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. To mark the anniversary Davidoff has released a limited edition 25th Anniversary Series cigar, there will be champagne for customers and a cigar roller on the premises as there was on the day the shop opened i...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Figurado figures

With the release of the new Piramides Millennium Blend, Davidoff is breathing new life into the neglected Figurado format. The new Piramides complements the four existing formats in the Davidoff Millennium Blend series with its exceptionally refined and intense taste. It owes this unique flavour t...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Paradise in Paris

The winner of the Davidoff mini cigarillo competition in the last issue is Mukesh Gaglani of London tobacconist Smokers Paradise. He wins a weekend break in Paris. He is pictured left with Andrew Francis of Davidoff who presented the prize at Smokers Paradise....

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Time for a quick one

The new Davidoff Entreacto is a small yet splendid cigar format to be smoked when time is of the essence. The word comes from the Spanish for ‘between two acts’, so called because the short cigar takes no longer to smoke than the quarter hour afforded by a theatre interval. The tobacco blend is me...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

New smoking accessories at fine art fair

This year’s Olympia Fine Art & Antiques Fair will take place from 9-19th June at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London. The fair is the largest event of its type and is a showcase for 300 specialist dealers from the United Kingdom and abroad. It attracts dealers, collectors and discerning shopper...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Partagas range grows

Hunters & Frankau has unveiled two new cigars to extend its Partagas range. The Partagas Serie P No.2 is the first full flavoured Habano to be launched in Piramide size, and has been launched to celebrate the 160th anniversary year of Partagas. The new cigars are available in boxes of 25 and 10. T...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Let’s do the Lambada

Premium cigar manufacturer CAO has recently launched a sixth cigar shape to the Brazilia cigar line already consisting of Piranha, Gol!, Samba, Ipanema and Amazon. The CAO Brazilia Lambada is a 6” x 50 rg cigar packaged in boxes of 20 and will fill an important size gap missing from the Brazilia bra...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Stylish casket leads the way

An attractive new humidor from the house of Davidoff has revolutionised the craft of casket making. The slightly oval curvature of the humidor lid calls for consummate manufacturing skills on the part of the master craftsmen who make them. The Davidoff “Dome” is made from seasoned Mahogany and prov...

By from Issue 4 published on 10/05/2005

Cuba stuns smoking world with ban

Ban threatens momentum

Cuba’s shock decision to introduce fierce restrictions on smoking in public places wrong-footed even those close to the Cuban cigar industry. But the move will be seized upon by the anti-smoking lobby, who regard Havana’s move as the most significant yet as campaigns to restrict smoking in public w...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

New book is must for cigar fans

Anwer Bath - Celebrating Cigars

Regular Cigar Buyer contributor and top cigar writer Anwer Bati has a new book published – and it is arguably the most comprehensive book on cigars ever. Celebrating Cigars is a thorough, in-depth and beautifully designed reference book covering all aspects of the world of cigars. It features ever...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Mystery solved as Torano goes public

Torano Cigars has unveiled the Casa Torano, a cigar that has for some years only been available as the family’s private blend. The nameless promotional cigar has been mystifying smokers at events since 2000. The Casa Torano is a mild cigar with a bold and enticing flavour. The binder is specially ...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Popular new face at Lanesborough

Respected London barman Jorge Calisto has taken residence as bar manager of The Library Bar at the prestigious Lanesborough hotel. Calisto succeeds his legendary friend Salvatore Calibrese who recently left The Lanesborough after 10 years. To accompany The Library Bar’s refined collection of vinta...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Quality key in new launch

DJeep Hot Body up to 4,000 lights

Leading European lighter company DjEEP is targeting the United Kingdom market for the first time with the launch of its quality disposable lighter range. It is working in partnership with Loretta and its range will include its Safari collection, camouflage and hot body lighters. “As the tobacco ma...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Cañonazo is Cuban latest

The Cohiba Siglo VI is the latest from Habanos S.A. Known as Cañonazo, the cigar measures 52 rg by 150mm and is made at El Laguito cigar factory with leaves from the fine Vuelta Abajo region. The Cohiba Siglo resembles the usual colours, marvellous aroma and characteristic medium flavour that clear...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

New Horizons

Cigar company Horizon Cigars has announced expansion for the United Kingdom. It plans to launch its new La Rica Maduro in the coming months. It has already trialed in Switzerland and the USA. And it will expand its The Chinchalero range to include several new sizes; Torpeditos, Colitas and Esportiv...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

CAO mixes it with the stars

CAO was selected as the official cigar sponsor to the World Premiere of Elektra starring hot Hollywood ‘IT’ girl, Jennifer Garner. The Twentieth Century Fox film had its premiere in January in Las Vegas. CAO’s ‘flavours by CAO’ brand was handed out to the Hollywood A-listers and Las Vegas dignitar...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Set to cut it

The new Xeto cutter by Wolfertz is a revolutionary new cutter that uses a progressive slice, slicing the wrapper and cutting the body without any resistance, avoiding the tearing or pressing incurred from other cutters. It’s not bad to look at either. With a matt or polished body and a choice of ma...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

So cool it has to wear shades

Tabacalera Perdomo recently announced plans to introduce ‘shaded’ cigar cellophane to its La Tradicion Perdomo Reserve line. Called CelloSHADE the shaded cigar cellophane is a proprietary development to help protect cigars from undesirable ultra-violet light conditions and enhance the aesthetic val...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Error and amendments

In issue 2 of Cigar Buyer we mistakenly reviewed a Quorum cigar as part of the Cuesta Rey range. Quorum is manufactured in Nicaragua, not the Dominican Republic. The wrapper leaf is sun grown Ecudorian leaf. Also in issue 2, due to a typographical error the following Churchill cigars were all inco...

By from Issue 3 published on 01/05/2005

Industry gears up for a fight

Tobacco manufacturers and the food and drinks industry are set to join forces in a desperate bid to defend their industries from Government interference and further restrictions. From this autumn the on trade expects the Government to move smoking restrictions in public places and to give the green...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

The best of Cuba - in Soho

Cuban cigar lovers from across the world will be heading for London’s Soho district as one of the most ambitious projects in years celebrates all things Cuban. La Casa del Habano, a four venue establishment created by a partnership which includes Sir Terence Conran, brings one of the largest single...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Cubans unphased by Ivan the Terrible

Cuba’s tobacco crop has emerged unscathed from the recent spate of hurricanes, and particularly Hurrrican Ivan. Habanos production has been unaffected and the next crop will start in normal conditions. Cuba says that a massive emergency operation protected crops from Ivan, which struck in the Pinar...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Cigar and whisky fans celebrate

Diners are to enjoy the best whisky and cigar combinations at a special dinner in Edinburgh. The Balmoral Hotel, Edinburgh, will play host to an evening that will feature the winning combinations from the 2004 Whisky Magazine and Habanos SA Whisky & Cigar Challenge. The event is organised by Hunter...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Hamlet gears up as it celebrates 40 years

Gallaher is this year celebrating 40 years of its highly successful Hamlet brand. To mark the occasion the company is set for a major marketing and promotional push, with special promotions and packaging. And as it geared up for the celebrations it invited CigarBuyer to its factory in Cardiff to s...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Nottingham success

Independent tobacco specialists proved there was still plenty to smile about despite the threat of antismoking legislation as they held their 25th annual trade fair and followed it with a glitzy dinner. Exhibitors from across Britain were joined by some European companies at Trent Bridge Cricket Gr...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Macanudo Reserva launches

Macanudo Reserva Annual 2004 is a limited edition collection cigar made with the very best handselected leaves from the last decade’s growing seasons. Handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, the limited edition collection features three frontmarks: Divino (5 inches by 38 ring); Maximo (5.5 inches by...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

New look for Robert Graham

Cigar whisky and tobacco retailer Robert Graham is investing in the future in Scotland. The company’s Glasgow has been refurbished and now has a new walk-in humidor and increased range of premium cigars. And it has opened a new premises in Edinburgh, offering a huge range of cigars and whisky. The ...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

Cigars Unlimited on the case

Cigars Unlimited has launched a range of new products including a set of bespoke cigar cases and pocket humidors. The calf leather cigar cases are made to house individual cigars and come in Robusto, Torpedo or Churchill sizes. The Briarwood Pocket Humidors come with brass hinges and integral humi...

By from Issue 2 published on 01/11/2004

A heavenly match

The special relationship between Cuba and Scotland was strengthened further recently when judges from both countries joined forces to choose the perfect whisky and cigar combination. The eventual outstanding pairing was The Macallan Cask Strength whisky and Partagas Piramides cigar. But to reach th...