Good grief, what a fast and fabulous year it has been. I can hardly believe the holidays are almost upon us!
It has been a crazy busy time with the recent and much awaited launch of the splendid Ramon Allones Private Stock 230 UK regional edition 2020 cigar. The ‘ 230’ commemorates the anniversary of our esteemed UK importer Hunters & Frankau.
Possibly one of my top 5 cigars of all time. The blend in this cigar is incredibly complex and sophisticated. Very full on flavour, sweet, creamy and smooth. Measuring 6 ¾” length and 50 ring gauge, the cigar specialist trade first sampled these cigars earlier in the year at the AITS trade show. If we were impressed with it then, it has now matured further into a very special smoking experience indeed.
Only 3600 boxes of 25 cigars made and very small initial allocations though we are hopeful more will come through in the new year.
Cohiba cigars have been selling at an unprecedented rate despite the huge price hike in Summer and rumour has it that there will be little to no production next year due to lack of wrapper leaf. Another price hike is also due early next year.
Supply of all Havana brands is still problematical and not expected to improve any time soon I’m sorry to report. Stash while you can as the range available seems to be getting smaller by the week.
Last week we enjoyed the annual Boisdale Cigars Awards event. Ten years since Ranald and I dreamed up this event and once again guests were not disappointed as we enjoyed a splendid meal, wines, cognac. Elvis Presley entertaining, loads of cigars and even more awards than ever!
Aladino cigars (available at all good cigar specialists) won the cigar of the year and Vivi Eiroa proudly collected her award from Tom Parker Bowles who hosted the event as usual.
The C.Gars table was larger than ever with 24 invited guests many of whom joined me for cigars and drinks after dinner in the lovely Cigar Library .
Our final vintage cigar auction of the year will conclude this Thursday. Well over 500 Lots of aged, rare, mature, limited edition and other Havana cigars are being offered and will be sold. No doubt some bargains to be had by some lucky bidders.
Highlights include :
Cohiba Esplendidos from 1997 signed by Fidel Castro
Davidoff Chateau Haut Brion from the 1970’s
Dunhill Varadero from the 1970’s
Ramon Allones 225th anniversary humidor
It’s easy to get in on the action by registering as a bidder on this link.
We have just launched a new premium range of Regius – Peru cigars. Made 100% from Peruvian tobacco at our factory in Tarapoto Peru. These delicious cigars are incredible value for a premium cigar. This is a limited edition with just one small production run with the finest quality leaf every year.
Royal Mail strikes at any time of the year are horrendous for a mail order business but even worse in December when our daily order are double normal. We have switched to various other couriers to ensure on time delivery but early ordering is advised for the holidays.
Our retail shops are crammed full of your favourite cigars, whisky and accessories with perfect Christmas gifts for all. Come and visit us and of course sampling is welcome and encouraged in our comfortable sampling rooms at all locations. You may well bump into me at C.Gars St James’s during the week as that’s my regular spot though its so busy sometimes I can’t even get a seat !
It’s been a mega year for sampling events with some amazing brand ambassadors and splendid cigars/rum/whisky. Last few events for this year on this link.
My thanks to my amazing warehouse, retail and management teams at C.Gars and Turmeaus for once again breaking all records this year and the biggest thanks of all to our wonderful customers.
Smokey wishes for a merry Christmas and very happy new year
Mitchell