Press Release: The New Garo Cigars

May 6, 2014 (Glendale, Calif.)–In 1996, Garo Habano Fine Cigars released the first of many signature blends into the cigar industry. Dr. Garo Bouldoukian took advantage of the ‘cigar boom’ of the mid 90’s by introducing eclectic blends that were very well received. However as a boutique brand it was difficult to maintain quality as the demand for the cigars rapidly grew. The main issue was lack of control over cigar manufacturing. The cigars were made in the “borrowed space” of another company’s factory and there was no control over the quality of the tobacco being used. Garo Habano’s determination to overcome these obstacles of production led to the only viable solution…operating a factory solely for the company in the Dominican Republic.

In early 2013, Dr. Garo found a factory in Tamboril that was able to meet the demands of his unique blends. “There was no other option for me, after 16 years of being in the business I knew that having more control was the only way to create the type of cigars I wanted,” says Dr. Garo while smoking the new Maduro Especial 556. “We needed a fresh start, a new attitude and a new look,“ says the doctor with a smile.

The Maduro Especial is just that, the exceptionally well-crafted cigar provides the fresh flavorful experience, which maduro smokers most crave. With its black and silver band, the cigar has a presence of its own. No wonder Dr. Garo is all smiles.

It is safe to say that there certainly is a new look to the company and a couple of key individuals are making that happen. Dr. Garo has stepped back from the business aspect of the company to concentrate on his passion of blending. His main focus is on cigar production and handling international clientele. His son and daughter are now building the brand of Garo Cigars. “What better way to create a new look than to model it after the man behind the silhouette!” says Creative Director, Lara Bouldoukian.

With Dr. Garo’s focus on the factory and Lara’s attention to detail on building a unique and consistent look, Dr. Garo’s son is now heading the front office. Harout Bouldoukian has been working alongside his father since the company first began in 1995. He has taken the reins as president of the new Garo Cigars and is helping his father do what his father had always intended…share his passion for cigars with the world.

Now in a factory of their own, there are no other deadlines to meet but their own. Every aspect of production is carefully managed and overseen by senior production specialists, from tobacco selection, to rollers used and final packaging for shipment. Garo Cigars embodies an obsessive care for detail to truly fulfill the promise of delivering the finest, most consistently excellent cigars in the marketplace.

“It was hard to let go of Garo Habano, but I trust the team to create the identity for Garo Cigars. I do not think our previous brand had that.” With a father’s skill for blending cigars, a daughter’s creativity, and an ambitious son, Garo Cigars is setting a foundation to become the newest big cigar family.

Garo Cigars Blends Available

Maduro Especial is available in three sizes, ME556, ME560t, and ME658. A Limited Edition blend, not associated with the ME line is also available in three sizes. A third new blend will debut at the IPCPR 2014 that will have a 64 ring gauge for you big ring gauge smokers.

For more information keep up on social media @garocigars. A new website is currently in the works.

Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.