Charlie Minato

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About the author

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I handle the editing of our written content, the majority of the technical aspects of the site and work with the rest of our staff on content management, business development and more. I’ve lived in most corners of the country and now entering my second stint in Dallas, Texas. I enjoy boxing, headphones, the Le Mans 24-hour, wearing sweatshirts year-round and gyros. echte liebe.

Weekly News (March 20, 2023)

Cigar News Big Papi Firecracker Returns to Celebrate Baseball’s Opening Day Black Label Trading Co. Shipping New Black Works Studio S&R, Rorschach Sumatra Next Week…

New Mexico Cigar Tax Cap Removed, Taxes Going Up

New Mexico’s 50-cent tax cap for cigars will be going away this July.

Oklahoma Bill Would Reintroduce Fines for Underage Tobacco Buyers

Less than a year ago, Oklahoma’s legislature passed a bill that removed the fines for those caught violating the state’s Tobacco 21 bill. Earlier this week, the Oklahoma House approved a bill that would reinstate fines.

CigarKings Adds Distribution in Kuwait

Munich-based CigarKings has added distribution in Kuwait.

Fratello Announces Distribution for Iceland

With this deal, Fratello now has distribution agreements in two dozen countries plus the U.S.

European Commission Asks for Comments Regarding Upcoming Tobacco Rules

The comments will be used to revise the EU’s Framework for Tobacco Control, changes that are expected to happen next year.

Eiroa Dark 11/18 Slated for TAA Release

The Eiroa Dark is the latest CLE line to get the 11/18 size. It’s expected to ship in May/June.

North Dakota Senate Passes Cigar Lounge Bill

Because the bill was amended, it now heads back to the House for approval.

Senators Introduce Bill to Prevent Tobacco & Vaping Companies From Deducting Advertising Expenses

The bill would certainly impact websites like halfwheel and cigar magazines, but it also could affect cigar retailers including those that don’t have online storefronts or catalogs.

Cohiba Serie M Prominente Heading to Stores in April

The 2023 version of the Cohiba Serie M will be a 7 x 50 Churchill size known as the Prominente.