Debonaire Taking Back U.S. Distribution in 2019

Debonaire House will be handling distribution of its products in the U.S. next year.

The company announced that it will end its U.S. distribution agreement with Drew Estate effective Jan. 1, 2019. Instead, it will distribute cigars out of a facility in the Dominican Republic and ship cigars directly to the U.S. via UPS Cigars Direct, the same method used by Quesada, Matilde and MLB Cigar Ventures. That program allows companies in the Dominican Republic to ship cigars to retailers directly from the Dominican Republic, with customs and excise taxes handled when the cigars leave the Dominican Republic.

“Working with the great team at Drew Estate over the past two and a half years has been a rewarding experience,” said Phil Zanghi III, president of  Debonaire House, in a press release. “I am blessed and humbled by the successful partnership our companies have enjoyed together, and likewise blessed by a twenty-year plus friendship with Jonathan Drew. Many blessings to Jonathan and Drew Estate for their partnership and support over the years.”

“Debonaire House has now reached the point where we need to possess captive distribution for our Debonaire Ultra Premium, Indian Motorcycle and Debonaire House brands, and today’s announcement is an important milestone in the ongoing evolution of our company. We are very excited about the future of the Debonaire Ideal and look forward to the next chapter in our company’s journey.”

Debonaire’s portfolio includes the eponymous brand along with Indian Motorcycle cigars. Its distribution agreement with Drew Estate began in 2016.

“Drew Estate will continue working with Phil and his team to help them prepare for a successful launch of their new business operations after the first of the year,” said Glenn Wolfson, ceo of Drew Estate. “Phil is a great friend, a truly honorable businessman, and he will always remain part of our Drew Estate family. I have no doubt that he and his team will be very successful in their new business venture, and we wish Debonaire House all the best.”

While Drew Estate has been distributing the cigars, Debonaire’s portfolio is produced by De Los Reyes in the Dominican Republic.