CigarChat Roundtable - March Madness Edition

Tripp, Denis, and Jason recap March Madness and answer some viewer questions!

CigarChat - News Of The Week Edition - March 2018

Tripp and Jason talk about some of the recent news in the world of cigars, and spend some time answering some viewer questions!

CigarChat - AVO Cigars, plus a contest!

This week, Scott Kolesaire joins us to talk about the 30th anniversary of AVO Cigars, and the year-long celebration they've got planned for 2018.

In addition to the show, we're giving away(For $.99 each) some awesome prizes from AVO, you can learn more here: http://cigarfederation.com/page/avo-giveaway

CigarChat - Tony Bellatto, Owner of La Barba Cigars

This week, we talk to Tony Bellatto about what's going on over at La Barba Cigars.

CigarChat - Providencia Cigars

Tripp and Jason are joined by Jim and Raymond to talk about the incredible story that brought Providencia Cigars into existence.  We're also giving away a couple of Providencia 3-packs, so listen to the podcast for instructions!

CigarChat - David Blanco from Blanco Cigars

David Blanco joins us to talk about the relatively short(For a cigar company) but storied history of Blanco cigars, and how they got to be where they are.

CigarChat - Hector Alfonso from Espinosa Cigars

This week, we're talking to Hector Alfonso, Master Blender for Espinosa Cigars and the La Zona factory.  We talk about the spectacular run that La Zona had at this year's "Award Season", and get a couple hints about what to expect from Espinosa in 2018.

Cigar Chat - Cigar Federation Top 25 of 2017

We revealed our Top 25 a couple weeks ago, but wanted to give any podcast listeners who don't read CigarFederation.com a chance to find out what we thought.  In this episode, we go over our Top 25 cigars of 2017 and explain why each cigar made the cut.

Cigar Chat - Terence Reilly from Casa Fernandez

Terence joins us to talk about his new position at Casa Fernandez, and explains the relationship between Casa Fernandez and Aganorsa tobacco.

Cigar Chat - Warfighter Tobacco Company

Bonus Episodes!  Because of the technical issues that persisted for a couple of weeks, We're wishing all you FedHeads a Merry Christmas with FOUR episodes in one weekend to catch up!

In this episode, Tripp and Jason talk to Scott and Jon, two of the six veterans behind Warfighter Tobacco Company.  

Cigar Chat - Eddy Guerra from Gurkha Cigars

Eddy joins us from Gurkha Cigars to talk about the new offerings from Gurkha this year, and suggests the best Gurkhas for every palate.

Cigar Chat - Nicholas Melillo from Foundation Cigar Company

We talk to Nick Melillo about everything from his early days at Drew Estate to his latest release, the Highclere Castle.

Cigar Chat - Brady Hayek from Jeremy Jack Cigars

Tripp and Jason talk to Brady Hayek from Jeremy Jack Cigars about how he got into the industry, and how he got involved with TABSA/Casa Fernandez

CigarChat Episode 258 - Jeff Borysiewicz Corona Cigar Company and Florida Sun Grown

Tripp and Surgeon sit down with Jeff Borysiewicz to talk about his Florida tobacco farm. Jeff anwers audience questions, talks about his history in retail and the Corona Cigar Co. stores.

CigarChat Episode 257 - Phil Zanghi of Debonaire Cigars

Tripp is joined by guest co-host Jason as they sit down with Phil Zanghi of Debonaire Cigars. They talk cigars, tobacco, and of course boxing.

CigarChat Episode 256 - James Brown with Black Label Trading Company

CigarChat Episode 255 - Hand Rolled Movie

Surgeon and Tripp sit down with the folks behind Hand Rolled: A Film About Cigars to talk about their upcoming film.

CigarChat Episode 254 - General Cigar New York and Connecticut Trip

Surgeon and Tripp are back from their General Cigar Co. trip to New York and Connecticut. They'll be talking about the experience and what they learned.

CigarChat Episode 253 - IPCPR Recap

Surgeon, Logan, and Tripp sit down to recap their IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas experience. They talk booths, cigars, media events, and weird goings on in Sin City.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Selected Tobacco with Nelson Alfonso

Tripp interviews Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco. Nelson talks about the history of Selected Tobacco, and the Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero brands. Nelson also talks about their patented Humitube system, and what makes it unique. They also discuss the gorgeous jars in Atabey, Byron, and Bandolero brands. This year Selected Tobacco had exclusive vitolas available for retailers at the IPCPR in Las Vegas.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Quesada Cigars with Terence Reilly

Tripp interviews Terence Reilly of Quesada Cigars. Terence talks about the core lines, the Casa Magna, the Fonseca and the Quesada cigars. Terence also talks about the latest incarnation of the Quesada Oktoberfest. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Caldwell Cigar Company with Robert Caldwell

Tripp interviews Robert Caldwell about the new shit, The Hit and Run, a joint effort with Matt Booth. Robert also talks about the tri-llaboration between Robert, Matt and AJ Fernandez available for distribution in September, which should be menagical. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - My Father with Jose Ortega

Tripp interviews Jose Ortega, VP of sales for My Father Cigars. Jose talks about the Connecticut Shade offering of The Judge, the Flor de Las Antillas, Le Bijou 1922, and the predicate blend Vegas Cubanas. The La Opulencia brand gets national distribution and Jose talks about what makes the blend so special. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Villiger Cigars with Rene Castaneda

Tripp talks to Rene Castaneda. Rene talks about the La Libertad, the oldest brand in the Villiger portfolio. The Sandoro Connecticut, Claro, and Maduro. Rene also talks about the latest Villiger offering, the La Flor De YnClan, which has been brought back in a Robusto, Torpedo, and Churchill vitola. It incorporates tobacco that is at least 5 years of age. The Villiger 1888 was on display, released at the IPCPR 2016. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - D’Crossier with Santana Diaz

Tripp talks with Santana in the D'Crossier booth about some new packaging launched at the IPCPR and the move to the Dominican Republic for production. The Selection 512 available in sealed cans has been revamped with an updated color scheme and printing. The binder tobacco also gets updated from Costa Rican Sumatra to Piloto Cubano from the DR, available for wide distribution in September. Santana also announces the Selection 512 Maduro available in a brown tin with an updated band, and a new blend featuring a San Andres Negro wrapper. The Golden Blend from 2009 is back with 3 new vitolas.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Fratello with Omar de Frias

Tripp sits down with a very busy Omar de Frias talks about the new celebratory cigar, the Fratello Navetta. Omar also talks about the surprise front page article in the Washington Post.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - EP Carrillo with Jose Blanco

Trip interviews Jose Blanco of EP Carrillo. Jose talks about the 2016 packaging redesign across the brand. Jose talks about the return of the Elencos Don Rubino line. The Encore release should be widely available in early 2018. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Illusione with Dion Giolito

Tripp talks to Dion of Illusione to catch up and see how the IPCPR show is going. Dion talks about his annual Singulare release. He also talks about the packaging redesign on Cruzado and Garagiste. Dion talks about his philosophy of focusing and maintaining the core line of cigars. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Epic Cigars with Dean Parsons

Tripp sits down with Dean Parsons of Epic Cigars. Dean introduces the Smoking Shields a special blended cigar for the Smoking Shields non-profit organization. Dean talks about the Project E, the San Andres Maduro wrapper with a smokeable band. The Maduro Fuerte which is an extension to the existing Maduro line. The La Rubia had widespread distribution at the end of 2016, introducing a Connecticut Shade wrapped cigar. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Gurkha Cigars with Eddy Guerra

Tripp sits down with Eddy Guerra of Gurkha Cigars. Many of the products showcased at the IPCPR were vintage products being brought back into the market. The Cellar Reserve 12 and 15 available now in tubos, and 3 count boxes. The Royal Challenge is now available in tubos as well.

The 10th Anniversary available as a 1,000 numbered humidor release, each containing 50 cigars, with production out of the new factory in Nicaragua. It will be available as a 6x52 parajeo shape.

The Havana Legenda also returns, available in 4 sizes with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper.

The Masters Select OVB (Original Vintage Blend) gets a re-release as well, with the original blend, and original box design. Inventory was located of the Aged Cabinet Selection, which originally was limited, and will released in 3,000 boxes as a robusto vitola only. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Blanco Cigar Company with David Blanco

Tripp talks to David Blanco of Blanco Cigar Company. David talks about the Blanco Nine, now with a lancero vitola. The Primos Estates Selection which was voted best value cigar of the year. Liga Exclusiva de Familia Connecticut Shade, and the follow up Pennsylvania Broadleaf maduro version. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Southern Draw Cigars with Robert Holt

Tripp sits down to talk with Robert Holt of Southern Draw Cigars. Robert has updated all the packaging for the core line, with changes to the colors on the bands and boxes. The Rose of Sharon sold through with the original Easter release, the 2nd release made it's debut at the IPCPR with the updated bands, with a lancero vitola to follow in late fall, early spring. Robert also talks about the Jacobs Ladder, a double ligero and double maduro with Pennsylvania Broadleaf. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Warped Cigars with Kyle Gellis

Tripp talks to Kyle Gellis of Warped Cigars. Kyle walks us through the Black Honey cigar, and the current lineup. Kyle talks about their new cigar the Serie Grande Reserva 1988 coming in December or January. Tripp and Kyle talk about the Delirio Coffee project and espresso sets.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - La Barba with Tony Bellato

Tripp talks to Tony Bellato about his new packaging and band redesign for the La Barba. Tony also talks about his Viva La Vida wine. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Moya Ruiz Il Ridotto with Nelson and Danny

Moya Ruiz introduces Il Ridotto the "Private Room", which was the first casino in Venice in 1638. Danny talks about the history behind the name, and Nelson talks about the blend including the use of a Brazilian Habano wrapper.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - CAO Amazon Basin with Rick Rodriguez

Tripp talks to CAO's Rick Rodriguez about some of the new Amazon Basin offerings. There's the new Fuma Em Corda and Anaconda. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Hoyo de Monterrey La Amistad with Ed Lahmann

Tripp talks with Ed Lahmann about the Hoyo de Monterrey La Amistad Silver. It's a collaboration between General Cigar Company and AJ Fernandez, first started with the La Amistad Gold in 2016. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Mike Szczepankewicz of Powstanie Cigars

Mike explains how and why the two core Powstanie blends, Habano, and Broadleaf came to fruition. Powstanie is also introducing an Imperial Stout beer that was designed to pair with the Powstanie Habano.

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IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Torano Cigars with Jack Torano

Tripp speaks with Jack Torano about the Yellow and Blue Vault series extensions which round out the Vault portfolio. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Partagas with Andres Maturen Maal

Andres Maturen Maal talks about the relaunch of the Partagas 1845, with new blends, packaging, and design. The three lines consist of the Clasico, Extra Fuerte, and Extra Oscuro. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Diesel with Justin Andrews

Tripp talks to Justin Andrews about the Diesel Grind, the most full bodied and full flavoured cigar in the General Cigar Company portfolio specifically for Brick & Mortar stores. It features a Habano wrapper and a three region blend for the fillers. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Macanudo with Steve Abbott

Tripp interviews Steve Abbott, brand manager of Macanudo for General Cigar Company. Steve talks about the Macanudo Orange, White, and Black lines.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Fred Rewey with Nomad Cigar Company

Tripp interviews Fred Rewey who talks about the Five Year Aged Collection celebrating the Fifth Anniversary of Nomad Cigar Company. The Classic Line, a Dominican cigar, which was the companies initial release. The Navigator, and Vagabond in round torpedo and short perfecto vitolas for a roughly 200 box run. The Martial Law is now available for wide distribution. The Fin de los Mundos, translated to End of the Worlds, is also now available for additional distribution. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Dominican Big Leaguer (DBL) Cigars with Francisco Almonte

Dominican Big Leaguer (DBL) introduces their new Amarelo Connecticut Shade line. They also introduced their 42 count humidor with the DBL Maduro cigar for $370 MSRP. The Cigar Baseball Bat is now branded for all MLB teams for $20 MSRP. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Cigar In The Bottle

Tripp talks to Johnny Soyak of Cigar In The Bottle. Johnny has combined an award winning Grand Pommier XS VSOP Cognac with a Vartan cigar custom blended by Hendrik Kelner of Davidoff. The Cigar In A Bottle has a humidification system that will keep the cigar humidified for up to 10 years!

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Enrique Sanchez with 1502 Cigars

Tripp talks with Enrique Sanchez of 1502 Cigars about the new 1502 XO Churchill. 

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas - Ventura Cigars

Tripp talks to Ben of Ventura Cigars about their new case study series, featuring overrun and overstock blends from Plasencia, Rocky Patel, Drew Estate, Davidoff, and La Aurora.

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas Davidoff Golden Band Awards

Davidoff presents the coveted 2017 Golden Band Awards in the categories of Merchandising, Best Davidoff Growth, Single Location, Multiple Locations, Best Davidoff Performance Single Location, Multiple Locations, Canadian Depositaire Award, and the 2017 Appointed Merchant of the Year.  

IPCPR 2017 Las Vegas Dirty Fabien with non-traditional Drew Estate Cigars

Dirty Fabien from the Drew Estate non-traditional line of cigars. Two new ACiD cigars shipping in August; the Kuba Kuba candela , using the blue infusion from the Kuba Kuba and the Blondie and adding a candela wrapper. The Blondie candela, for a short cigar experience.

Drew Estate introduces their new retail water tower display for the tins, with a 36 tin capacity. The 4x32 tins will now include Undercrown, Undercrown Shade, Undercrown Sun Grown, Liga Privada T52, Liga Privada No. 9, Norteno, Herrera Esteli, Kentucky Fire Cured, and LarutaN.

IPCPR 2017 Cigars For Warriors with Storm Boen and special guest Shorty Rossi

Tripp talks with Storm Boen from Cigars For Warriors. Storm talks about some of the challenges they've faced getting cigars to troops with the new FDA legislation. Special guest Shorty Rossi talks about his November road trip in a 1937 Chevy. He'll be at Stetson Cigars in Harker Heights doing an event for CFW. He'll also be visiting Fort Sam Houston and Fort Hood to pass out cigars to troops.