The “Little Puff” is Draper’s signature fundraiser, an intimate gathering of cigar lovers (limited to 300 people). Proceeds from ticket sales and the auction benefit three local academic scholarships (The Erik Kristensen Memorial Scholarship in honor of a Navy SEAL killed in action; The Pat Krimm Scholarship & The Anne Berman Memorial Scholarship).

 

Attendees can interact with representatives from the best names in cigars (i.e., Ashton, Fuente, Padron, La Flor Dominicana, La Aurora, CAO, Carlos Torano, Rocky Patel, Camacho, Davidoff, Zino Platinum, Cuesta-Rey, Gran Habano, Hoyo de Monterrey). Past attendees have included: Carlito Fuente, Arturo Fuente; Arielle Ditkowitch, La Sirena Cigars; Janny Garcia & Jose Ortega, My Father Cigars; Nestor Miranda, Miami Cigar & Co.; Pete Johnson, Tatuaje Cigars and Jorge Padron, Padron Cigars among many others.

 

Well, there’s an event called “Breakfast at Drapers” tomorrow, Wednesday, August 10 at Drapers DC & Bethesda! This is where you can be the first to get your little puff tickets! The two different locations have different operating hours: Drapers DC opens at 9:30 AM; Drapers Bethesda opens at 10:00 AM

So it looks like the first 25 walk-in customers to either Drapers DC (640 14th Street NW) or Drapers Bethesda (4916 Del Ray Avenue) will be among the first to get their tickets to the coveted 12th Annual Drapers Little Puff. Gee, I wonder if there will be a line out the door, Apple store style…

Tickets for “Breakfast at Drapers,” are $225.00 and customers are limited to two tickets per customer.

The Breakfast includes:

• a Smoker’s Ticket to The 12th Annual Drapers Little Puff
• a light breakfast and
• cigars courtesy of The Ashton Family of Cigars.

Via W.Curtis Draper Tobacconist

According to the Room 101 website,

In conjunction with the launch of the Room101 LTD Namakubi, we are proud to announce the latest installment to the Room101 core line, the new Room101 Connecticut. A complex and spicy medium-body blend that is sure to satisfy even the most seasoned palates. Matt Booth, founder of the Room101 lifestyle brand, classifies this new addition as “Connecticut with a kick!” Fillers from both Honduras and the Dominican Republic, along with an Authentic Corojo binder, present the perfect balance of body and finesse.

Total production: 200,000 cigars

Cigar: Room 101 Connecticut
Size: 5 x 50 (315/Robusto)
Wrapper: Connecticut (Ecuador)
Binder: Corojo (Honduras)
Filler: Dominican and Honduran
Strength: Medium
Cigars Smoked For Review: 2

Room 101 Connecticut

Appearance and Construction: The Connecticut wrapper is a few shades darker then the blonde looking shade grown wrappers that have adorned some recent releases of this variety. The result is a slightly heavier, thicker leaf that isn’t brittle like many of the predecessors.  Under the hand the cigar has a silk like feel and some occasional roughness from the veins that rise slightly above. The silver and black band features a sinister looking drama mask that is called a “FU”.

Room 101 Connecticut Foot

Flavor & Notes: The cold draw on Room 101 Connecticut was simply to die for. There was a nice smoked wood note with a hint of cloves that had me salivating. The foot had some similar notes and spice you would expect in an Asian kitchen. Once the cigar is lit, those cold notes and aroma are gone but what remains is some nice soft spices. These spices aren’t strong, but they are there just enough to let you know this isn’t your typical Connecticut cigar. There is an occasional citric note present especially through the nose. In the second half, the spice remains with hints of citrus and cloves. The cigar is wonderfully smooth and while the notes are subtle they are very enjoyable. The final third of the smoke develops a rich buttery note that takes control while the spice moves to the background. There is some citrus that remains but a slight leather  notes joins the mix as well.

Room 101 Connecticut 1st Third

Smoking Characteristics: Even though you can see some evidence of a split binder in the ash, it managed to hold of for two thirds of the cigar without any special effort from. The ash which started off dark, became a light color ash for those keeping score at home. The draw of the cigar was as ideal as they come and the burn which started off a bit jagged became razor sharp without any heap. The aroma of the cigar was nice and at times reminded me of subtle molasses.

Room 101 Connecticut 2nd Third

Conclusion: I know a lot of people who won’t smoke a Connectict wrapper because they associate them with being mild, and while this cigar isn’t full bodied it does deliver a subtle strength that puts it firmly in the medium catagory. A solid smoke with a nice profile that deserves to be smoked again. It may even deserve a spot in my humidor as I contemplate a box purchase.

Room 101 Connecticut Last 3rd

Rating: 89
Price: $7.70

Tour starts in Michigan and Ohio at the end of Aug. Will run thru November with 60 stops along the way!

Davidoff: The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, announced today the appointment of James (Jim) Young, as the new President North America of Davidoff of Geneva Distribution, Inc. effective September 1st. According to Mr. Hoejsgaard, ““I am delighted to welcome Jim to Davidoff at this exciting time for our company. The US is of critical importance to our strategic growth plans and Jim is uniquely suited to lead our businesses in the future. With his broad, cross functional, US and international experience, I am convinced he will only add to his track record of success. Our strong portfolio is a compelling platform for Jim and the team to take our US business to the next level”. The post was held by Peter Baenninger who will relocate to corporate headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, to take up a new role as Head of Global Retail effective January 1st 2012.

Reinado: This month REINADO will introduce two highly anticipated new sizes at the 2011 Las Vegas IPCPR — the Habanito and El Emperador. The Habanito, 4 x 38, is ideal for the cigar smoker who seeks full flavors in a convenient, short format. The Habanitos use a luscious habano rosado wrapper. Keeping with the REINADO blend, the Habanitos are a Nicaraguan puro of premium, select tobacco aged up to 5 years using REINADO’s signature, unique fermentation. El Emperador (the Emperor), 6 x 60, delivers the maximum experience of the distinguished REINADO blend for the hearty smoker. A carefully constructed Nicaraguan puro with a habano rosado wrapper, El Emperador maintains the smooth, rich flavors derived from REINADO’s acclaimed fermentation process.

Temptation: Myriada Fusion Enterprises, LLC of Beaverton Oregon has partnered with J&D Cigars from Miami Flordia to introduce a new line of premium, small batch,hand rolled cigars.  ”Temptation” is now available, Myriada Fusion Enterprises will focus on wholesale/distribution and J&D will have a primary focus on retail.  Quote from David Insignares, President of J&D, “we are pleased to work with Myriada Fusion Enterprises which will bring us a balance and West Coast presence”.  Keith J Teasdale, President of Myriada Fusion Enterprises is quoted, “working with David and J&D provides us an opportunity to reach more people and we are excited about this relationship”. For more information visit their newly launched website, www.temptationcigar.com

1) I guess the big question is, why? What made 2011 the year of your retirement?

After almost 30 years I felt it was time first of all to take a break, to also address some personal matters, and evaluate what the future holds for me. But one thing you can be sure is that tobacco runs through my veins and I will always be supportive of the industry and the rights that people have to smoke, so we will run into each other for sure within the industry. To begin with I will be present at the IPCPR in Las Vegas this Summer and do my blending seminar.

2) What moment of your career would you consider to be the top highlight?

For the celebration of the 100th anniversary of La Aurora Guillermo entrusted me to work with the blends of this important project for the company. For more than a year and after 40 blends we picked the one that we liked the most, and I remember that one afternoon Jose Padron called Guillermo to inform him that the 100 Anos Belicoso had been chosen as the number 2 cigar on Cigar Aficionado’s top 25. That will be a day I will never forget.

3) You were around when Cuban Cigars were still legal in the USA. Yet a lot of people still call the current time, the Golden Age of Tobacco… How has the cigar industry changed in your eyes over the years?

In my years of experience I can say that Cuba has had its ups and downs, and the Cuban cigars of the 70′s and the 80′s were much better than those of the 90′s and part of the 2000′s. However, the industry has changed because today Dominican Republic is the largest of premium cigars in the world; Nicaragua and Honduras have also had great advancements. In the last 5 or 6 years cigars have become more complex, better made, more balanced, just overall better smokes from all the tobacco-producing countries.

4) With a growing movement to ban smoking, and the beginnings of what some people consider to be prohibition 2.0 where do you see cigar industry in the next 10 years?

If at the federal state and city level they continue to impose smoking bans and high taxation definitely there will be a decrease in consumption, but in time the States will realize how much revenue they are losing and might reverse some of the bans even though I believe that taxes will always be an effect. In this order I am a firm believer of the rights of people to smoke so consumers should join and support organizations that are fighting for the rights of people to smoke. I would also like to talk about the consolidation of the big cigar companies, these companies will continue to acquire smaller companies with good brand awareness and quality to increase each of their market share. Also, today and naturally in the future the consumers are more demanding and knowledgeable. So I believe that those who will continue producing quality cigars and innovation will survive.

5) Lastly, what are some of the best cigars you have ever smoked?

100 Anos Corona; R&J Petit Belicoso 1999 Cuban; Padron 45th Anniversary; Opus X Lancero Maduro;  Partagas D Reserva 2004 Cuban; Guillermo Leon Corona Gorda; Ashton VSG; Litto Gomez Oscuro Especiales; Pete Johnson La Riqueza Corona Gorda; Pepin Garcia Limited Edition 2010; Benji Menendez Partagas; Davidoff Millenium Robusto; Jose Seijas Original Toro; Drew Estate Liga Privada; Illusione 888; Fonseca Limited Edition 2003 Belicoso (Ed. Thanks to Michael Herklots of Nat Sherman for Year Confirmation);  Rocky Patel 92 Original; Avo 22; Camacho 11/18; La Aurora Preferido Cameroon Robusto; Nestor Miranda Collection; Alec Bradley; Joya De Nicaragua. I have so much respect for all the manufactures and to name my favorite cigars is very difficult. Like I tell everyone at my seminars, the best cigar is the one that you enjoy.

Jose, once again, we thank you for all you have done for acigarsmoker.com and myself over the years. We will see you soon, even if not in Las Vegas.

Today is the first of 3 cigars from Pedro Martin that we will feature on the site. According to the company, The Pedro Martin Ruby is a medium-plus strength cigar with a Sun Grown Corojo wrapper. The Pedro Martin Ruby line is available in 6 x 60; Churchill (7” x 48); Robusto> (5” x 50); Toro (6” x 52) and a Torpedo (6 ¼” x 52).

Cigar: Pedro Martin Ruby
Size:5 x 50
Wrapper: Sun Grown Corojo
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua
Strength: Medium-Full
Number Smoked: 2

Pedro Martin Ruby

Appearance and Construction: The reddish-brown sun grown corojo wrapper is inviting to me as I am a fan of this particular tobacco. There are a few thin veins visible with one that runs the length of the cigar. The roll is exquisite and almost seamless with a simple cap. In the hand the weight of the cigar is as expected for a robusto with no soft spots and a well packed foot. The band is gold and maroon, but for the sake of the cigar we will say it is ruby. The lattice artwork is intricate and has a feel as if it has influences from India.

Pedro Martin Ruby, Foot

Flavors & Notes: The foot of the cigar has a slightly spicy nose with a touch of earth. Once the cap is clipped the cold draw serves up some typical corojo spice that is inviting the flame from my lighter. As we smoke the first third of the cigar the corojo spice makes itself evident from the start. This isn’t your typical pepper, but more like a subtle paprika. The finish of the cigar has wood like qualities to it. As we enter the second third of the cigar the corojo spice begins to die down some, or perhaps we have just adjust to it. The wood notes remain but are joined by a hint of earth and an almost mint like quality. The last third some of that corojo spice comes to the front again, with notes of toast and wood rounding things out with a nice long finish that was kind of nutty.

Pedro Martin Ruby, First Third

Smoking Characteristics: The quality of the tobacco and roll of the cigar really shine through with a perfect burn. The carbon line was razor-thin and revealed a dark ash that held for 1/3 of the stick at a time. The draw was effortless without being loose, and the volume of smoke was just right. The spicy aroma was a nice addition as well. All in all, the cigar really scored well in this section.

Pedro Martin Ruby, Second Third

Conclusion: There seems to be two schools of cigar making or perhaps it is of cigar smoking. The Nu-School mentality of boutique cigars or those who had their origin in it, and the classic traditional cigar of which the Ruby falls into. A well-balanced cigar with some nice corojo spice that left me satisfied. I have no doubt in my mind that I will be purchasing more of these in the future as it as the potential of becoming part of my repertoire.

Pedro Martin Ruby, Last Third

Rating: 90
Price: $6.50

Zino Platinum is opening up its third lounge (joining the ranks of ZP lounges, including Vicente of London located in Naples, FL and Angry Moon Cigars in West Palm Beach, FL.). Brennan’s is an upscale wine, food and tobacco shop located on Maryland Avenue in St. Louis. It’s the only lounge in the country that exclusively spins vinyl records. It sounds like it definitely has a sophisticated, yet modern, jazzy atmosphere.

According to the press release:

“Zino Platinum is proud to add Brennan’s to our family of exclusive lounges,” marketing manager Rich Krutick said. “It’s unique and original concept makes it a destination for any connoisseur of music, wine and cigars.” For more information on Brennan’s, visit www.zinoplatinumSTL.com.

According to the press release:

Zino Platinum introduces the new Z-Class Series, the first new line in 8 years. It will consist of four formats: Toro, Robusto, Piramides and Corona, packaged in custom gunmetal tins of 20 cigars. The new blend features a Dominican wrapper accented by a Peruvian binder and Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. These carefully selected, aged tobaccos create a spicy medium-to-full bodied cigar.

Cigar: Zino Platinum Z Class
Size: 4 7/8 x 50 (Robusto)
Wrapper: Dominican Repubic (Yamasa Rojiza)
Binder: Peru (Pelo do Oro)
Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa Especial Ligero, Esteli Ligero) & Honduras (San Vincente Ligero)
Strength: Medium

Zino Platinum Z Class

Appearance and Construction: The first thing to catch my eye is the wrapper of the the Zino Platinum. Dark in comparison to the wrappers used by Zino in the past, but nowhere near as dark as the current trend of cigar making. The roll of the cigar is nearly perfect and there is a rather simple cap on the cigar which is normal for Dominican produced smokes. The black and silver  band adorns the cigar which is customary for the Zino Platinum. In the hand the cigar has a nice weight, is well-balanced and is a bit coarse under the fingers.

Foot of the Zino Platinum Z Class

Flavor & Notes: Once I use my Xikar scissors to cut the cigar the cold draw is typical Henke Kelner with notes of hay and grass. The foot of the cigar serves up the same under the nose. Once the cigar is lit the there is some slight spices especially through the nose but none of them really overpower. The Peruvian tobacco is sheer pleasure to my taste buds as it is my favorite tobacco hands down. As I sit back and enjoy the cigar I notice it would pair well with a really hearty wine and I make a note to pair it in the future. As the first third rounds out there notes has a sweetness to it that are almost wine like. In the second third of the cigar the hearty wine like profile remains but earth-like notes of hay and grass increase with every pull. Spice remains on the retro-hale and while it is more spicy now then in the first third it still does not overpower. There is almost a peppermint like note on the finish which I find intriguing to say the least. As we enter the final third of the cigar the profile remains the same, but this does not make the cigar one-dimensional. There is a nice complexity throughout and it keeps my interest from first light to last exhale.

First third of the Zino Platinum Z Class

Smoking Characteristics: The aroma of this cigar is just as important as the notes of the cigar and this is how it should be in a smoke. It is just as complex as the smoke itself and it really amazed me. The volume of the smoke is wonderful and the light side of medium colored ash held on well. I didn’t lose the ash til I reach for my camera to take the picture before the transition into the last third. The burn is pretty much dead and the draw was perfect.

Second third of the Zino Platinum Z Class

Conclusion: I’m not sure how the Zino Platinum Z Class will be received despite liking it. The cigar is stronger than a typical Zino, but not strong enough to please those looking for something stronger. The result is it might lose the core audience while failing to capture a new audience. For me it is now my favorite cigar in the line, and I hope it sticks around for a long time. The Yamasa region is really changing the face of Davidoff. First the Puro d’Oro and now for Zino with the Z Class.

Last third of the Zino Platinum Z Class

Rating: 92
Price: $10.00

Michael has accepted a brand new position at Nat Sherman, the executive director of retail and brand development. Michael brings much experience to Nat Sherman. Not only does he have approximately a decade’s worth of luxury tobacco experience, he’s active on Twitter, is a blogger and is intimately familiar with the tools and industry professionals of social media.

Michael said that he will be finishing off his duties with Davidoff (opening of the new Davidoff store on Madison Avenue). According to Nat Sherman, Herklots would probably start working for them in June.

Michael is going to be joining forces his friend, Pat Felitti, at the flagship store. Pat was the general manager of Rothmann’s Steakhouse in Manhattan and he has taken the position of director of retail sales and hospitality for Nat Sherman. After speaking to Pat at the Kentucky Derby event, Pat mentioned to me that a big focus is going to be on expanding the overall experience at the Nat Sherman store. Pat mentioned that there will be efforts to leverage the awesome retail space as an event space. How exciting!

According to Cigar Aficionado:

“We’re excited to have Michael as part of the family,” said William Sherman, executive vice president of Nat Sherman Inc. “We’re proud of the [Nat Sherman] name, and the reputation. It needs a new sense of commitment to develop it and bring it along. Michael’s creativity and passion and sense of values really help put the pieces together to reinvigorate the Nat Sherman brand.”

Sounds like Michael and Pat are the new dream team of luxury tobacco – with such robust backgrounds (in luxury tobacco and hospitality), there’s no doubt in my mind that the Nat Sherman flagship store will be a prime destination for unique experiences.

Davidoff expands the “Puro d’Oro” Series introduced in 2010 with a new shape. The new large Toro format, “Puro d’Oro” Eminentes, is an imposing cigar. The dominant and sublime combination of Dominican tobaccos delivers a strong, aromatic and delicious blend with hints of coffee and spices. The impressive extension of the “Puro d’Oro” line reverts back to the old tradition of cigar making, made entirely with tobacco from one country of origin, the Dominican Republic. The attractive plait at the cigar head and the gold foot ring, which sits snugly around the wrapper leaf with its elegant sheen, further emphasize the trademark feature of this series. The new Eminentes is an exciting expansion of the collection and is available May 10, 2011 in packs of 4 and boxes of 25 at US Appointed Merchants.

Davidoff “Puro d’Oro” – Eminentes

Format: Toro
Length: 6 ¼ inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Wrapper: Davidoff Yamasá^TM wrapper
Binder & Filler: Dominican Republic
Price: $18.50 per stick

Davidoff Puro d'Oro Eminentes Packaging

New York, NY, May 3, 2011 Oettinger Davidoff Group, the Switzerland-based premium tobacco company, has opened their newly relocated Davidoff flagship store at 515 Madison Avenue at the corner of 53^rd Street, one block south of their previous location. The beautifully appointed shop features a 300 square foot smoking lounge for customers to enjoy their purchases, a walk-in humidor stocked with the most sought after cigars in the industry, including the complete range of Davidoff cigars, and a full selection of smokers accessories,

“The Davidoff Flagship stores are at the core of the Davidoff Brand discovery with meticulous focus on a first rate customer and retail experience”, says Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, new President and CEO of the Oettinger Davidoff Group. “Quality discerning cigar smokers can enjoy the smokers lounge, which is an integral part of the new Madison Avenue store. As the new CEO I am proud to preside over the opening of our new Flagship store in New York City 100 years after Davidoff opened the first store in Geneva. It is only fitting we inaugurate a new Flagship location in Manhattan, the most important Premium Cigar market in the world and a top priority for Davidoff’s future focus on the US market.” The store also plays host to the only S.T. Dupont Shop-in-Shop in the United States.

According to President of Davidoff Distribution Group, Dr. Peter Baenninger, “New York refines traditions and defines trends for the entire USA. That’s why the prime location of the new flagship store on Madison Avenue is of immense importance for the Oettinger Davidoff Group’s entire North American business!”

General Manager for Davidoff’s New York City operations, Michael Herklots adds, “This new store represents the clear commitment of the Oettinger Davidoff Group to our U.S. operations. We have maintained a Davidoff Flagship on Madison Avenue since 1987, and we will continue to do so for years to come.”

There will be a number of special events celebrating the opening of the new store throughout the summer, and a handmade cigar made in very limited quantities has been produced in the Davidoff Factory in Dominican Republic as a tribute to the new location.

This opening also helps commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Davidoff “retail experience”, with the first shop having opened in Geneva, Switzerland in 1911. Oettinger Davidoff Group purchased its second New York City store at The Shops at Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center as well as De La Concha on Avenue of the Americas in 2006. Today, over 60 Davidoff Flagship Stores around the globe offer fine cigars and a unique shopping experience to their valuable customers.

“No matter the color of your collar, whether you’re from Main Street or Wall Street, the Davidoff experience is available to everyone,” adds Herklots. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to our new home on Madison Avenue.”

For more information please contact 212-751-9060 or visit www.davidoffnewyork.com