Weekly News (February 14, 2011)

The Tatuaje CMF5 was announced. The newest limited edition to honor a retailer’s anniversary, this time Fresno, CA’s Cigars Más Fino. It’s a closed foot Robusto based off the Havana VI blend, to be released February 24th. There are 100 boxes made, information about the waiting list is on the original post.

Charlie Stahl (Ray) continued the State of the Brand series, this time La Flor Dominicana. Included were a lot of information regarding LFD as a business and possibilities of new products including:

• Litto Gomez Diez Galego – exclusive for Davidoff NY
• LFD Diadema possibility
• LFD Salomon extension rumors
• LFD Coronado Maduro in full production
• LFD Air Bender Maduro
• LFD Cameroon Cabinet

• Liga Privada Ratzilla to be released — According to Ben of Cigar in Hand, the Liga Privada Ratzilla, a 6 x 46 Dirty Rat, that had long been thought of as a possible Serie Único release, will in fact be released “soon”. I’m trying to get as many details as I can, this joins the LP40 Lancero and JD4 as other possible 2011 releases that would fall into the Serie Único extension of the Liga Privada line.
• Fonseca 120th Announced — To my knowledge the only news out of the ProCigar festival in terms of releases, it’s a Dominican wrapper on top of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. I’m trying to procure more information.
• Cain F Culebra — Ian Hummel (iHummel) tweeted a picture (below) of a Cain F Culebra, there only four made, which I suppose would be one hell of a LE.
• Cain Daytona Pricing & Release Date — All the info you need to know on the Cain Daytona, can be found here, sans how it smokes, unfortunately.
• New Viaje Skull & Bones — As per Viaje’s Facebook. My understanding is it should be out relatively soon and feature a red band. There are also rumors that the cigar will be a bit stronger than the other editions.
• Viaje Tower Cigars 45th Anniversary Pre-Orders April 5th
• Habanos S.A. Announces a new Co-President — Jorge Luis Fernández Maique replaces Oscar Basulto Torres, who will now move onto be the head of Tabacuba Group. Props to James Suckling for this one, no word on where in the world Manuel García is, but the XIII Festival del Habano starts in a week.
• Jim Colucci leaves Altadis — Colucci, Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing will leave ten days after the IPCPR show in July. Press release below.
• In Washington state, legislation that would allow for smoking to be allowed in cigar shops has been formally introduced.
• The IPCPR responded to Utah’s most recent tobacco legislation and the recent happenings in Alabama.

Jim Colucci leaves Altadis

After an illustrious thirty-seven year career in the cigar industry and over thirty-four years with Altadis U.S.A. and its predecessor company Consolidated Cigar Corporation, Jim Colucci, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, has announced that he will be retiring on July 31, 2011.

Jim, who will turn sixty-five years old this July, has decided to begin a new phase of life by pursuing several business opportunities, refining his much-loved golf game, and spending more time with his wife, family and grandchildren.

During the coming months I’m sure you will have the opportunity to join me in wishing Jim the very best in his future retirement.

TORANO FAMILY CIGAR CO. OFFICIAL CIGAR SPONSOR FOR CASINO FUNDRAISING EVENT BENEFITTING NON FOR PROFIT GROUP NEAT STUFF!

(Miami, FL) February 14, 2011— Toraño Family Cigar Co. once again came together with South Florida based non for profit Neat Stuff, this time for a fabulous casino fundraising event at the exclusive Coral Gables Country Club. The Neat Stuff Casino Night hosted over 300 guests as they “gambled” for a good cause. Neat Stuff is a non for profit whose main focus is to provide brand new clothing to abused, neglected, and underprivileged children.

Toraño Family Cigar Co. was represented by Carlos Llaca-Toraño who mixed and mingled with event-goers while providing education and sampling opportunities of Toraño’s best cigars. Toraño cigars were a perfect complement to the festivities which featured cocktails, palate pleasing libations, Las Vegas style show girls, live and silent auctions and casino grade gambling tables.

Franklin Monjarrez, Executive Director of Neat Stuff said: “The Neat Stuff Casino night was a huge undertaking that was a long time in the making. We are thankful to all sponsors which includes Toraño Family Cigars for making this event a smashing success.”

Carlos Llaca-Toraño said,” It’s quite moving emotionally to be part of an event like this one which will help children that are going through a tough phase in their life.”

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.