Some people have asked me why I think IPCPR was so empy this year. To be honest I am not sure if it was empty or not since this was my first IPCPR. However, if I had to venture a guess the answer would be in thre parts.
- The new releases were made public a while ago, and there was really nothing major coming out this year. CAO’s La Traviata Maduro has been around the net for a while now. Camacho only had a revamped Room 101, Oliva had nothing new. The list goes on and on. With the lack of major new releases being unveiled at the show there was a little bit less of a buzz.
- Retailers over recent years have been giving the same deals in their store without having to go to IPCPR. Sure you might get your product faster by ordering at the show in terms of priority, but the reason to head to New Orleans wasn’t as pressing as in years past.
- New Orleans itself. While I had a lot of fun I can still smell the city. With places like Canal Streets smelling like raw sewage and the French Quarter smelling like urine and vomit the city leaves a lot to be desired. Add to that the 100 degree days and 100% humidity and it is a recipe disaster.
At least next year will be in Las Vegas and despite the city’s oppressive heat the atmosphere is much better which should lead to an increase in attendance.
The Sunday Links
- Cigar Reader – A big thanks goes out to my friend Tom for getting some stories posted while I was in NOLA. Having met Tom at the La Aurora factory trip the two of us have quickly become good friends and I can’t thank him enough for the support and knowledge he has shared with me.
- Casas Fumando – Gets his hands on the JD #4 from Drew Estates which should be there most sought have stick not in production this year.
- The World According to Stew – smokes the Short Run from EP Carrillo.
Tomorrow we return with our first IPCPR stick review…
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