In this interview, we catch up with Gabe Diaz of Altadis U.S.A. Gabe is the brand manager for Montecristo, H. Upmann, and Aging Room. He is responsible for the go-to-market for these iconic brands. We caught up with Gabe following the launch of the new Montecristo Espada Conquistador. In this conversation, we learn more about Gabe, his background, and role at Altadis U.S.A. In addition to Conquistador, we talk about
The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is encouraging its members to support H.R. 3074, a bill currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress that aims to eliminate the penny from cash transactions. This legislation proposes that the U.S. Treasury Department cease minting the penny and round cash transactions to the nearest five cents instead. In the email, PCA stated its position as follows: “Our members operate neighborhood brick-and-mortar businesses where customer
Today, we review the Liga de Reyes Limited Edition Salomón from Raíces Cubanas Cigars. Liga de Reyes is one of the inaugural brands launched by Raíces Cubanas Cigars. For cigar enthusiasts eager to try the Raíces Cubanas Liga de Reyes Salomón, this release is particularly significant. In late 2024, the renowned Fábrica de Tabacos Raíces Cubanas S. de R.L. production facility in Honduras announced it would introduce its own brands
United Cigars has announced the launch of the Independence line. This is an on-going permanent addition to United Cigars that is based on the limited edition Independence Firecracker blend, which was launched earlier this year. While the Firecracker size itself isn’t part of the regular production line, there will be a new Robusto (4 7/8 x 50) and a new Toro (5 7/8 x 50) size. Like the Independence Firecracker,
The Cigar Industry Report (Edition 696) is a one-stop place to read about Cigar Coop’s activity over the past week. It combines the news reports, cigar reviews, and assessment updates we provide throughout the week. Ordinarily, this report is published every Saturday at 8 a.m. Eastern Time. The Headlines Glenn Wolfson Passes Away Glenn Wolfson who served as Drew Estate’s Chief Executive Officer for nearly a decade passed away after
Tonight we present the first Prime Time Jukebox Live – livestream #1. We have done 188 episodes of Prime Time Jukebox, and we have built a platform to talk music and cigars. One thing we have never done is do a live show. Tonight, Dave and Coop will go live for the first time. The Mount Rushmore Concept is something Cigar Coop was one of the first to do in
Episode 89 of Let’s Get Pairing (LGP) features pairings with the 601 La Bomba Warhead Independence Day 250 Years by Espinosa Cigars. Tonight John McTavish fills in for Denis as co-host. In 2025, Espinosa introduced the 601 La Bomba Warhead Independence Day as a new annual limited edition offshoot of the Warhead line. It is a cigar meant to be smoked during Fourth of July celebrations. This year, the 2026
Episode 88 of Let’s Get Pairing (LGP) features pairings with the Kristoff Veinte Twentieth Anniversary. Tonight Bear Duplisea fills in for Denis as co-host. Kristoff Veinte is a cigar that has done very well in the Cigar Coop Coalition. It was the #8 Cigar of the Year on the 2025 Cigar Coop Countdown. It was also the #1 Cigar of the Year by Bear Duplisea on El Oso Fumar Takes
On El Oso Fumar Takes Take #366 Bear Duplisea welcomes Sebastien Decoppet, the founder of Cavalier Genève Cigars. On this show, Bear talks with Sebastien about the latest happenings of Cavalier Genève, including the company celebrated its ten years anniversary. This show aired live on El Oso Fumar Take 366 at 10:30pm ET / 9:30pm CT. You can also view shows on the El Oso Fumar YouTube and listen on
On Prime Time Episode 378, we are proud to welcome Craig Cunningham and Christopher Mey from Esteban Carreras as our special guest. It’s the first time we’ve had Esteban Carreras on our show, and this has been a long-time coming. Founded by Craig Cunningham, Esteban Carreras is a vertically integrated operation making some really good cigars. Recently Christopher has joined Craig from Rocky Patel to head up his international business.