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THE CIGAR CALLED “EXCELLENCE” |
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 New, limited-edition gem from Felipe Gregorio
Los Angeles, February 7 – There’s no doubt that limited-edition releases are one of the hottest concepts in cigar marketing in the last decade. Phillip Wynne has been at the forefront of this trend through his Felipe Gregorio Tobacco World group and is finally ready to offer his newest creation.
“Excellence” is a medium-bodied, one-size brand with a silk band, a six-inch by 42-ring long corona made at his factory in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. It features a Cameroon wrapper, Dominican binder and primarily Dominican filler – aged for seven years – with a bit of Nicaraguan leaf also included.
Introduced at the Retail Tobacco Dealers of America (RTDA) convention and trade show in 2004, the cigars are offered in only 1,000 boxes of 48 cigars each for a total run of 48,000 cigars. It’s Wynne’s third limited-edition cigar, after Don Melo Centenario (from Honduras, 4 sizes) released in 1996 and Felipe II Fusion, introduced in 2000 (Nicaragua, 3 sizes).
Wynne calls his latest creation “a spectacular cigar, with the subtle and balanced blend of flavors that only come from patiently aged tobaccos.” We tried it last Fall and admired its mild aroma and balanced taste. Very well made, it offered an easy draw with a hint of pepper on the tongue and a lightly-caramelized finish that became more muted in mid-course. It’s a cigar to relax with, devoid of the aggressive taste of stronger blends.
Heaven at Work for Charity in Florida:
The history of cigars teaches that beyond a quality product, promotion has been the key to success. If true, the tireless Heather Phillips and her Heaven brand of flavored cigars are on their way to the top.
Phillips’ latest escapade – and that of her signature entourage of “Heavenly Angels” – was a pair of high-profile charity events in Florida, further evidence of the continuing rebound of cigars into the popular culture.
The first was a combined effort between Naples-based Heaven and Miami-based Puros Indios supporting The Abel Trust, which assists Floridians with disabilities in preparing for and finding employment. The event was held at Donald Trump’s gaudy Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach last November.
Shortly after, Phillips and the Heavenly Angels appeared with comedian Jay Leno (pictured above) to support the Association of Retarded Citizens of Palm Beach County, offering samples of Heaven’s Celestial Cognac and other flavors. They also sold more than a few boxes of Heaven as gifts and increased the brand’s profile in their home state.
Texas May Get Kinky:
Interspersing a self-deprecating style with puffs on a double corona-sized cigar, legendary singer and humorist Kinky Friedman announced an independent bid to be the next governor of Texas last Thursday.
His kickoff event was held at the Alamo in San Antonio and covered on MSBNC. As an independent candidate, he must obtain 40,500 signatures from registered voters to appear on the state ballot in 2006.
Among his gems: “I’m not anti-death penalty. I’m anti-the wrong guy getting executed. Two thousand years ago, we executed an innocent man named Jesus Christ and we don’t want to make another mistake like that” (Comment: who is “we”? The U.S.? Texas?).
The 60-year-old Friedman is perhaps best known for his performances with his band “The Texas Jewboys” and their anthem, “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore.” Beyond outrageous humor and a sharp mind, Friedman’s trademarks include his cowboy hat, leather jacket and cigar, leading one to think that if elected, a ban on smoking – cigars, anyway – will not be on his agenda.
In fact, he suggested Willie Nelson – a well-known smoker of marijuana – as his choice (if elected) to head the state’s law enforcement agency, the Texas Rangers.
Incumbent Republican governor Rick Perry may face a tough challenge from his own party from U.S. Senator Jay Bailey Hutchinson.
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~ Rich Perelman
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