The RTDA logo that most of us are familiar with is now the "IPCPR" association.  The International Premium Cigar and Pipe retailers Association had it's annual show in New Orleans this past August 8-12.  The show had hundreds of vendors both new and old with everything and anything related to smoking cigars.  This is a dangerous place for someone with a passion for smoking cigars.  I kept asking myself OK, but where are we going to put it?  Those of you who have visited my humidor can see first hand the re-organization we are doing to accomodate the huge influx of styles and brands to satisfy even the most discerning tastes.

 

Keep an eye on our Holiday deals and Specials!

Know what your favorite cigar is already?  If you are still looking here is a good rule of thumb.  Most of the flavor comes from the wrapper.  Smoke a few different styles, maybe even a sample pack,  pick which one you really like and find out what the wrapper is.  Pick a few other styles with that same wrapper and you are well on your way to finding that perfect cigar.  Remember the darker wrappers or Maduro is more of a full flavor and the lighter wrappers, or Natural, are lighter.  Connecticut wrappers like on the Macanudo's is very mild and smooth.  Ecuador and Nicaragua can be more spicy or full bodied.

 

Don't be afraid to try something new, that's half the fun!

 

On June 22nd, President Obama signed into law the bill granting the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate the manufacturing, distributing, advertising and selling of tobacco products.  

 

Flavored cigarettes were made illegal as of Sept 22nd, 2009.  The reason that is important to mention here is because there is a movement by those who interpret the wording to include cigars.  Currently no action has been taken by the FDA but several companies have alreaady filed suit to stop the arbitrary interpretation of the FDA rules to include cigars.  We will keep you updated as needed.

 

House Bill 1254 was passed by the Texas Legislature and went into effect Sept 1st.  This new tax took away the 40% OTP tax and replaced it with a weight based tax at $1.10 per ounce.  This will also increase 10 cents every year for the next four years.  This tax affects all tobacco products EXCEPT Cigars and cigarettes, which are taxed differently.  Pipe tobacco was affected in a big way becasue it is so heavy with all the moisture in it.

 

We still carry tobacco blends we make ourselves as well as the pre-packaged packets.  We will be introducing flavors by CAO in Tins soon, keep watching!