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| A LEGENDARY CIGAR TO RETURN |
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Page 1 of 2  Plus: Alec Bradley introducing a new, powerful line this month!Los Angeles, April 3 – Reincarnation is nothing new in the cigar industry. The latest resurrection of a dead brand is about to come from New Hampshire, where a new version of the venerable R.G. Sullivan 7-20-4 line is soon to be introduced. What was R.G. Sullivan? It was reputed to be the largest maker of 10-cent cigars in America, reportedly producing more than 54 million cigars a year in the early years of the 20th Century from its seven-story factory and warehouse at 175 Canal Street in Manchester. According to Tony Hyman’s National Cigar Museum timeline, some 350 rollers were making the famed 7-20-4 in 1910 and the brand prospered from its introduction in 1875 until finally closing up shop in 1963. Now, Kurt Kendall is bringing it back. He’s the owner of the Twins Smoke Shop locations in Londonderry and Hooksett, New Hampshire and has acquired the trademark for the brand and is finalizing the blend, according to a story in today’s Manchester Union Leader: “I always compare (blending tobaccos) to grapes: There's all different types of growing climates that produce different tasting products," Kendall said. “I'm going for a rich, full-bodied cigar, but I want it to be very smooth.”Kendall told reporter Greta Cuyler that he plans to begin selling the 7-20-4 line within a year and is projected to retail for between $5-7. That’s a lot more than 10 cents, but this isn’t 1910 either. The 7-20-4 cigar was named for the address of R.G. Sullivan’s original factory at 724 Elm Street and the brand’s boxes pictured the factory and had an exterior seal that read “Every cigar contained herein warranted imported filler and wrapper and strictly hand made.” Usually sold in boxes of 50, the 7-20-4 was extensively promoted through now-collectible ashtrays, signs and tip trays that were distributed throughout New England and can occasionally be found on eBay. Kendall has collected some of the old artwork and plans to use updated versions in the new boxes for the brand. Happily, the old factory has been updated as well and was converted into a modern, 52,670 sq. ft. office building in 1986 and stands today. Perhaps there’s a retail shop on the ground floor that might sell a few of the new R.G. Sullivans . . . for old times sake. New Alec Bradley line begins branding emphasis: Alan Rubin’s Alec Bradley Cigar Company – named for his two sons – is widely respected for its brands such as Occidental Reserve, Pryme Limited Edition Gold Series, Special Blends, Trilogy and Alec Bradley MAXX. But unless you’re a devoted fan of all of the company’s cigars, you might not know that all of those brands are part of the Alec Bradley family. |
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Did you know?
“An underrated contributor to the 1990s Cigar Boom was Paul Garmirian's 1990 classic "The Gourmet Guide to Cigars".
