Weekly News (October 25, 2010)

First was news that a new 6 x 60 would come to the Master Line. In addition, Toraño supported the Gala for Hope, for Hope Haiti:

TORAÑO FAMILY CIGARS SUPPORTS THE ANNUAL GALA FOR HOPE BENEFITTING MISSION OF HOPE HAITI

(Miami, FL) October 18, 2010— Toraño Family Cigars was proud to support the annual Gala for Hope at the fabulous Treetop Ballroom at Jungle Island. The Gala for Hope which benefits the Mission of Hope Haiti hosted over 200 guests. The gala featured cocktails, dinner, dancing, and some of the finest cigars in the market courtesy of Toraño Family Cigars. The entertainment was stellar as the son of legendary Tito Puente; the accomplished Tito Puente Jr. was on hand to provide a magnificent show for event goers. Ms. Haiti 2010 Sarodj Bertin who competed in this years Ms. Universe was also on hand for this special evening.

Taking place on Friday October 8, 2010 this red carpet affair brought together a special group of individuals who feel that while much was done for Haiti after the massive earthquake that much more is needed to bring Haiti the relief it needs. After a brief but eye opening trip to Haiti Eddie Rivero and Wilson Alvarez of MiamiBusiness.com came back toMiami heart wrenched. Alvarez a successful Miami businessman had a hard time holding back tears as he spoke about what he saw while in Haiti. Instead of standing idle he reached out to the South Florida community and found support from all sectors. Two months later the Gala of Hope was born. Proceeds from tickets sold benefited the Mission of Hope Haiti which helps thousands of Haitians with medical attention, schooling, orphanages, and disaster relief. According to Alvarez, “The night was a successful one. We wanted to thank all of our guests and sponsors for making this a great evening.”

Toraño Family Cigars was represented by Carlos Llaca of the Toraño family. Guests were delighted to find a nice selection of Toraño cigars to choose from. Casa Toraño, Casa Maduro, Virtuoso, and 1959 exodus cigars presented guests a grand selection to go along with the rum cocktails at this tropical themed event. Llaca, always the gracious host was glad to chat with Tito Puente Jr. about cigars as Puente grabbed a Casa Toraño. A gorgeous view of the Miami skyline only heightened the experience as Tito Puente Jr. was working the crowd into a frenzy with the kind of over the top flair that is associated with him at each of his performances. His Latin beats were the perfect back drop for this event as Ms. Haiti Sarodj Bertin danced the night away with the kind of joy and spirit that she hopes to find again in Haiti.

Carlos Llaca was humbled to be part of this event. Llaca said,” The Toraño Family is proud to help our neighbors in Haitianyway we can. We are proud to be part of this event which will bring help and attention to the people of Haiti who most desperately need it.”

A leader in the cigar industry, Toraño Family Cigar Company is a four generation company currently based in Miami, FL.It enjoys a rich heritage and history in tobacco growing and manufacturing. For more information: www.torano.com. Please also follow Toraño on Facebook: Toraño A family Cigar Company or on Twitter: @TORANOFAMCIGARS.

In other news regarding launches… Habanos S.A. announced the release of the Ramón Allones Allones Superiores. Miami Cigar & Co. and La Aurora shipped to the Guillermo León Signature, Guillermo was in New York for the launch. Gran Habano announced the Gran Reserva #3. Litto Gomez added on to his Litto Gomez line, the new size is 6.75 x 50 and called, “Dominicanos.” Tatuaje has a new release for Barclay Rex’s 100th Anniversary that releases this week. Pete describes it as the big brother to the Pork Tenderloin measuring in at 6 x 54, retailing for $13-$16. Davidoff added the Toro to its Maduro line priced a bit over $18. Updates to a couple of other things. La Sirena from Miami Cigar & Co. is still scheduled for November, Maldonado’s Dynasty is set for December and Guillermo León and Jose Blanco have been persuaded again to start work on a new project with Maduro. I’ve expressed that I’d prefer it to be a new blend, but there’s a significant amount of support for either a 107 Maduro or a Guillermo León Maduro.

Pretty sure I said the same thing last week, but the Thompson & Co. Cigar Factory’s fate is still up in the air. Habanos S.A. is taking a new strategy regarding their trademark disputes. A Yale professor grouped tobacco with opium and cocaine. Cigar Rights of America has started live online broadcasts airing Wednesday evenings. Viaje launched a new website.

Charlie Minato

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 have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.