In no way is the next part of my analysis trying to single out any specific cigar maker or company but rather the top three companies I, and I think everyone else, thought would never face a “do or die” type of scenario (If the conclusion is drawn that such a scenario exists).

Padron, Fuente & General

Padron & Fuente Cigars – The creator of a few cigars that all happen to rank very highly each year in Cigar Aficionado.  Padron and Fuente have done a fabulous job of introducing a cigar that is great to smoke for everyone in every price range. They like to keep their options very simple and even introduce a new limited edition, high priced, cigar every so often to keep the fan base (and I suspect Cigar Aficionado) very happy. However, considering these things, has the Padron and Fuente company structure been too inflexible in working with retailers or becoming personable with the smokers in our community?

From a retailers aspect they have always stood behind their “quality” and refused to offer any great discounts or specials that can be passed on to their patrons through the B&M. The excuse was always made that the true smoker would always be willing to pay their inflated prices for the special cigars like the Anniversary or the Opus X cigar. Furthermore, they tend to abstain from doing live events on a regular basis with the presumption that their name is a known quantity, and no further live promotion need happen .

All advertising campaigns were also primarily reliant on the ratings given to the cigars via Cigar Aficionado and other small magazine publications. Occasionally both companies will publish some full page ads through these same sources. But they have yet to reach out to any alternative methods of advertising – online magazines, blogs or cigar radio programs.  On the same note Padron feels no need to interact through social networking whereas Fuente does run its own cigar forum/community but has shied away from all other mainstream social media applications.

General Cigar Company – Now this behemoth of a cigar company operates in a slightly different manner. They tend to produce multiple cigars, multiple times a year, in multiple sizes, under multiple famous names – and yet always seem to lack in quality and flavor. Their distribution is huge, but seems to rest solely on the established name of their cigars, rather than the quality of their cigars.

It does not take great explanation as to why this is unsupportive of the local Brick and Mortar establishments. General will offer some slight discounts and incentives to purchasing and carrying their products, but it never allows the retailer to price at the same level as most websites or even Generals own online retail website. However, retailers have always been stuck in a corner, almost forced to carry the products, because of the famous names behind the brand. These are the most asked for cigars by the newbie smoker or holiday shopper.

This is a direct indication as to how General Cigar Company has chosen to spend their advertising dollars. Most of the ads that are being placed cannot focus on ratings, because they don’t get any, and are forced to emphasize the “famous” names. General does this by placing most of their ads in men’s magazines or any other publication that is read by the mainstream population who might opt for a cigar during a frequent occasion. It appears as if they haven’t cared about the cigar blogs, review websites, magazines or any medium that a frequent cigar smoker would choose to follow, but rather instead bank on their “famous” name instead. This means that they have also opted out of all social media (Is this a way of hiding from the criticism?).

The Changes Across the Board

During these times of hardship the smoker has to be more specific on his choice and the retailer can be more specific in choosing cigars for his clientele. I can provide some information that the “boutique” cigar market is taking a big piece of the pie both financially and in loyalty of smokers from the large juggernauts who are resting on their laurels. Each company has displayed a change in operation as they have now realized what side of the table they are really sitting on.  While none of these companies will admit that the times are harder for them – I think it is.

Padron has come to the realization that the cigar, despite how great it may be, will not be sold unless the regular consumer feels some sort of bond with the manufacturer. They have now reversed the policy on events and will start doing appearances at local B&M’s across the country.

Fuente used to have the policy of shipping whatever cigars they choose for the specific account to receive whenever Fuente felt the B&M should receive it. This has also been reversed and is starting to ship cigars/orders, even the Opus X, to accounts as they request them.

General Cigar Company tried to appeal to the “boutique” market at the 2009 IPCPR by releasing a cigar that was “not associated” with the General line of cigars. Additionally, anyone who ordered this stick would also be required to place it in the boutique section of the humidor and make a promise to retailers that it would not be sold online. The only downfall was that they again, produced a cigar for the numbers and not for taste or quality. Now General cigars is connecting with bloggers by allowing them to preview and release information on certain products to help connect General back in the cigar community.

While these changes are being made everyone of these three have yet to jump into the social media realm (In Fuente’s case any further).

Are these first steps a sign that changes will be underway on how the companies interact/market/operate? Will they, or do they even have to, transition into the social media environment? Will the big guys really be able to compete with the boutique manufacturers (moving forward)?  And specifically to General Cigar Company – will they stop relying on the “famous” name and start dedicating resources into creating a truly great cigar?  As we have seen there are some like Gran Habano , La Aurora, CAO, Illusione, and Tatuaje (just to name a few), who are doing this already.  These companies are sizable outfits, yet dedicated to utilizing the web and word of mouth for the advancement of their product. Or to put it simply – they are transitioning into the new world of cigar smokers and enjoying sitting on the good side of the table.

So until the big three aforementioned companies decide to hop on the modern technological bandwagon, they are doomed to see diminishing funds and market share.  As many articles have pointed out this year, this will be the first time in history that print media will be eclipsed by online media advertising, shouldn’t the large companies come down off of their high horses and embrace the people and online market which is the cultural nexuses of this age? Or maybe they can keep relying in their name, tradition and … well whatever it is they are banking on.

Editors Note: We here at Puffing Cigars want to assure our readership that we are fully aware that there are indeed many cigar companies on both sides of the good and bad spectrum.  The companies we chose for this article are not a definitive list, but rather a few choice examples in the industry that handily illustrate our point.  You can fully expect in the days to come more articles that look at specific companies in the light of these current issues.  As always we appreciate your commentary, and always look forward to spirited debate when it comes to hot-button topics like this.

I tend to use this to my advantage when I visit one of my favorite bars in Tempe, Arizona during the winter season. I will light up cigar, stand by a crowded heater and watch everyone disperse while holding their nose. Not only do I have the heater all to my self but the waitress now gives me individual attention due to the “baller status” of smoking my $8 cigar.

So without further commentary, here is the post by Waiter Rant. You can check out his website by visiting http://waiterrant.net.

It’s a crisp winter’s night and I’m strolling though Union Square in Lower Manhattan. I’m supposed to be meeting a friend for dinner but when she texts to say she’s running late I suddenly discover I’ve got forty-five minutes to kill. So I duck into a cigar shop, select a Punch Maduro Rothschild from the humidor, snip off the end and walk back into the park. Finding a quiet corner I get the stogie going with a wooden match and settle back to enjoy my favorite pastime – people watching. Unfortunately, people are also watching me.

“That’s disgusting,” a smartly dressed young woman says as she walks past me.

“I beg your pardon?” I reply.

“You look obnoxious smoking that cigar,” she says.

I look at the woman balefully. She’s your prototypical New York babe – cute, dressed in black from head to toe, holding a cup of Starbucks coffee with an iPod plugged into her head.

“I may look obnoxious, dear,” I reply. “But you sound obnoxious.”

“What did you say?” the woman says, popping her headphones out of her ears. I repeat myself.

“What the…” she stammers.

“Have a nice night, Miss.”

The woman looks at me flabbergasted. She tries coming up with a witty comeback, fails, and walks briskly away. I shake my head. It takes all kinds.

Smoking’s bad for you. Don’t ever take it up. Quit if you can. But for me tobacco is like a dysfunctional ex-girlfriend you can’t let go off. Even though you know seeing her is bad for you, when times are tough you find yourself calling her at three in the morning anyway. One day I won’t need these things, but right now my flesh is mighty weak.

I walk over to a construction site and prop myself up against a concrete wall. I get in a whole five minutes of quiet time when a man and woman pushing a baby stroller stop alongside me.

“Can you move somewhere else with that thing?” the man says.

“Excuse me?” I say.

“The smoke,” he says, smiling passive aggressively, “It’s not good for the baby.”

“You don’t say.”

“I’d appreciate if you moved.”

New Yorkers are obsessed with real estate. I once knew a man whose father died from a massive heart attack. The next day, when he went to his father’s place on the West Side to sort though the paperwork, he discovered the landlord had already rented the place and changed the locks. Unfortunately for the landlord the son was a lawyer – and a grieving, pissed off lawyer at that. So Manhattanites turning feral to claim a square meter of asphalt in a public place doesn’t surprise me.

“I was standing here first,” I reply, calmly. “You came up to me.”

“But…….”

“If you were here first,” I continue, “I wouldn’t dream of smoking next to your child.”

The man stares at me lamely. I feel like busting him about his “man bag” but decide against it. Could be for diapers. No use escalating things.

“C’mon honey,” the man says to his wife. “Let’s go.”

“You’re a jerk,” the wife hisses as she walks away. Calm down babe. All that negative energy can’t be good for junior. I look at my watch. I’ve been smoking this thing for six minutes and have been insulted twice. From the reactions I’m getting you’d think I brought an assault rifle to an Obama rally.

I stay on station and puff away. Another woman walks by and breaks into a paroxysm of exaggerated coughing. I ignore her. She coughs some more. I just look at her and smile.

“Those things will kill you,” she says.

“Have you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior?” I ask.

“What?”

“Would you like to pray with me?”

The woman rushes off in terror.. My mom grew up in Spanish Harlem and the Bronx and gave me an invaluable piece of advice for dealing with people in New York – if someone’s bugging you just act crazy. I’ve modified her approach somewhat. Public displays of religiosity work just as well as feigning psychosis.

I expel a mouth full of smoke and contemplate what a weird town New York is. People will walk past a naked bum shivering in the streets or a woman sobbing on a street corner but they’ll take time out to castigate a man smoking a cigar. A helluva town. I hope I can finish my smoke before I get stoned to death.

I start shivering so I decide to walk. The sidewalks are thronged with people. Not being totally inconsiderate of my cigar’s effects I walk alongside the curb. But when I notice that people are swerving to avoid me I decide to perform a little experiment. I move into the middle of the sidewalk with my cigar firmly planted in my mouth. The dirty looks I get are legion but the flow of people part ahead of me like the Red Sea before Moses’ staff.

For the next half hour no one else bothers me. Happy and content I continue my walk around the square, cocooned in the opprobrious privacy of smoke.

I was sitting in a dimly lit cigar lounge, after hours, enjoying a peaceful smoke and finishing up some work I had pushed to the side. Being the only one at the shop I was startled when a man walked in that had arms larger than my head and sleeves of very colorful tattoos.

“Mind if I join you for a smoke?” he asked a calm demeanor that carried a hint of exhaustion.

Never one to pass up good company during a smoke I cleared space and Jonathan, as I would later discover his name, and I began with the normal cigar conversation that encompassed everything and nothing at the same time. At one point he asked what my favorite pairing was with a cigar and I quickly answered with the standard three “Scotch, Whiskey, and Bourbon.”

“Wait right here.” he says quickly jumping from his seat and running to his vehicle. When Jonathan returns he has an elongated bottle with a prominent stopper that just captures your attention. Not telling me exactly what I was about to drink he pours some in a glass and asks me to enjoy.

Enjoy it I did. Sipping on this drink I was picking up something sweet, something spicy, something that reminded me of Cognac, maybe a whiskey, something I couldn’t put my finger on. It had a different taste in comparison to the “standard three”. That’s when Jonathan dropped the bomb on me and informed me I was drinking an “ultra premium boutique tequila” that was new on the market.

Without saying another word he stood up, excused himself politely, and asked if we could meet up again tomorrow – same place, same time.

The next evening he entered the establishment with a beautiful lady, Debbie Medina. We selected Tatuaje Red Label cigar based on Jonathan’s recommendation for pairing. Again we began an enjoyable a conversation but this time I was informed on the spectacular tequila I had tried the night before. Senor Rio.

The two explain that they had taken a trip to Mexico to meet with Debbie’s father. During this visitation her father was making some old-fashioned tequila moonshine that was absolutely fabulous. It was a process and recipe that would date back over 200 years in Debbie’s family.

The light bulb quickly went off in both their heads as they realized this was a recipe that needed to be brought out of hiding. Putting their careers on hold, as an accountant and real estate agent, they both sought to make the American dream come true.

After months of finding the perfect distillery that would produce the tequila the “old fashioned way” they were able to bring a blanco, reposado and añejo tequila to the states. It’s only fitting that Senor Rio tequila was born on Cinco De Mayo 2009. The tequila was named Senor Rio after her father and his image was laser engraved in the stopper of the bottle. Design of the bottle was a collaboration of both Jonathan and Debbie who wanted to create something that stood out in a land of the “standard” tequila bottle.

“It is in that spirit, the spirit of family and tradition that they proudly bring to you Senor Rio tequila.”

As their Gilbert, Arizona company grows and flourishes with every sip Debbie and Jonathan still meet up with me, and now us at puffingcigars.com, every week to enjoy a cigar and relax after a hard day of work. And with every meeting we proudly, smoothly, and enjoyably drink nothing but Senor Rio tequila.

For more information on Senor Rio tequila, event notifications, pictures, recipes or to contact please visit the Senor Rio website at http://SenorRio.com.

FiveFingers by Vibram are some of the most bizarre looking shoes you will see on an individual, but I will say this about them, they are also some of the most functional! Having seen these shoes around the shop the first thing one notices is that they look like a pair of water moccasins with individual toe covers, hence the FiveFinger moniker. Upon close inspection you will notice that the bottom actually has light treading, and that the sole is contoured to your foot. To be precise, as is stated on the Vibram website FiveFingers are designed to “…bring you closer to your environment, FiveFingers deliver a number of positive health benefits—by leveraging all of the body’s natural biomechanics, so you can move as nature intended.”

To be honest I was skeptical at first and thought it was a ridiculous concept, but then I read a study published by a group of Harvard professors that talked about the possible benefits of running barefoot. One of the points they made was that many runners develop a heel strike when wearing running shoes. As is quoted from the study by Liberman et al. in an article of Nature they state that “Most runners who wear standard running shoes usually heel strike, but our research suggests that most barefoot or minimally shod endurance runners forefoot strike and sometimes midfoot strike.” Perhaps one of the greatest barriers of me being able to run any great distance is the fact that I develop bad shin splints due to heavy heel strikes. I have been working on a pose running form to help, but I thought if the shoes could really change my running pattern then why not give them a try as well.

The first time I slipped them on I thought how awkward they felt. Having your toes securely in their own individualized pockets is quite a new experience, but the more you wear them, the more they start to feel like a second skin. My first impression was about how you really felt connected to the ground. One could feel every bump and rock of the ground, as if one were barefoot, but protected. The nice part about the shoes was that even if one walk on rocks or somewhat uneven terrain, one feels it, but does not have the discomfiture of being actually barefoot and stepping on a rock. Immediately I noticed that my tendency to walk on the heel was being supplanted to walk on a less tender part of my foot. It truly began to shape the way I wanted to walk and interact with my environment.

It had the added benefits as well in the jumping rope and weightlifting departments. Jumping rope and performing double-unders has been a challenge for me, but with the FiveFingers on I was able to quickly start getting consecutive skips and better height. I chalk this up to being unencumbered by weightier shoes, and also being able to balance better in general by jumping from the front of my foot. As for the weightlifting, I have always struggled with different snatch movements, because in a large part the force needed to propel the weight upward requires one to push or jump from their heel specifically. In normal shoes I could jump, but I was tending to push from the front instead of loading up the heel. Wearing FiveFingers allowed me to sense what part of my foot I was leading from, and make the proper adjustments. In one session, and in multiple ones since, I have seen up to a 40lb gain in some of my snatches and high pulls!

To be sure the FiveFingers are a modern marvel and oddity. While their looks are definitely unique, their function is unparalleled and a truly marvelous experience for those looking to improve their running form, balance, or weightlifting technique. A gentle caveat is to take it easy in your initial runs while your feet and legs adjust to a new running style. My legs and feet were sore in places I have never engaged before, and took me a few days to recover them. Enjoy them and break them in at a moderate pace, but you will definitely not be sorry that you purchased a pair. If you want more information you can check them out on VibramFiveFingers.com, and be sure to check them out periodically, because they have some cool new models coming out for the avid hiker and runner!

MSRP: $170.00, deck only
Website: loadedboards.com

Puma Ukai
Winter is approaching and its time to put the flip flops on the shelf. If you’re looking to replace them with something simple, clean, and that can be worn casually or for a night on the town, look no further than the Puma Ukai. This slip on features a Velcro strap reminiscent of the days of youth. Don’t be fooled by the simple nature of these shoes they sport some fashionable details that makes them appropriate for every occasion.

MSRP: $110.00
Website: puma.com

Electric Peugeot Capsule Concept
Go green out in the green. That’s right, the ATV/UTV world may be following the trend of going green. The Peugeot Capsule is still in the conceptual phase but it looks impressive. This single seater is designed to go in the back country and practice the “leave no trace” philosophy. The electric motors, fueled by solar panels on the roof, provide power to all four wheels. The perks of this UTV is it keeps you out of the weather and has enough storage to pack some gear for overnight adventures. One other nice plus is the vehicle is controlled by a one-touch screen that’s capable of linking to satellite for internet use.

MSRP: TBD
Website: TBD

Browning Maxus
Dove season is upon us and Browning has provided us another bird catcher. The Maxus is the newest shotgun in Browning’s arsenal. The lightweight (close to 7lbs) shotgun features aluminum alloy construction and has a gas operated autoloader. The new Power Drive Gas system is a great feature that reduces recoil. The gun also has a close radius pistol grip and Speed Lock Forearm to provide you the ultimate shooter.

MSRP: $1,300
Website: browning.com

2010 Madone 6 Series

2010 Chamber
Like it or not signs of the 80’s return are out there. Take a walk around the mall and you will see neon colors in the windows of just about every shop. Mosely Tribe, which has an extensive collection of classic sunglasses, has paired up with Hellz Bellz to create their 80’s inspired frame, Chamber. These limited run sunglasses feature two color combination’s black/red and tortoise/jade in a window type frame with the classic aviator type bridge, these shades say nothing more than “I love the 80’s”. If you’re going to sport these retro flashbacks make sure you grab a cigar from way back in the humidor that’s been aging for a while and take yourself back a couple decades.
MSRP: $220
Website: moselytribes.com

Cufflinks
James Bond wears cufflinks, you should too. From the novelty link, such as the iPhone cufflink to Designer links there is no better way to finish off your attire, casual or formal alike. Cufflinks added to your attire is like a good scotch with a cigar. It completes it and shows you have some personality. According to dress-fashion.com, “If you want to separate yourself, and standout from the other guys, cufflinks are one of the quickest and best solutions you can find. They not only add shine, but elegance and personality on your attire too.” So next time you’re getting ready for that special occasion, or just want to add a little something to your casual wear don’t forget to finish off the look with your cufflinks and maybe introduce yourself with your last name first….Bond, James Bond.
MSRP: Varies
Website: cufflinks.com

Seiko Spring Drive: Chronograph SPS003
With terms like Tri-synchro Regulator, reserve power unit, and gear train components your first thoughts might be something complicated, a space ship perhaps. The Seiko Chronograph doesn’t fly but the second hand moves continuously around the dial smooth and accurate and captures your attention like a space ship in flight. The Chronograph SPS003 is a limited series run of 300 which display Seiko’s newest technology line, Spring Drive. Seiko says, “The new generation mainspring delivers more power, more smoothly and for longer.” They boost that the watch is accurate within +/- 1 second a day and has a 72 hour power reserve. With these advantages over the competition the Seiko Spring Drive is a winner our book.
MSRP: Around $5,500
Website: seikospringdrive.com

So what is this weeks featured music set all about? This is what the artist has to say:

“Every time I go to Paris, I get inspired. I start thinking about ways I can embrace the city and absorb its magic…

This album takes me back to my time there, and I reflect on how I have always enjoyed traditional and classical French music – been intrigued by the use of melody and sultry textures. I started playing with some melodies on the piano; inspired by the Parisian mood and architecture, I was trying to re-create the buildings I had seen that stood like frozen compositions. The compositions I began to write would soon lend themselves to a melding with the energy and simplicity of the music I also love from Cuba, along with all of its influences.

It’s not always easy to combine styles of music from their technical anatomies, but I was in no way trying to do that here. This album, inspired by my appreciation of both styles, came about from the feel-good spirit that both Paris and Cuba share. I must admit, working with my good friend Melissa Newman brought it all together; she embodies the spirit and beauty of these musical cultures. Her voice created the perfect accent for this project.
- Mario Grigorov”

I would encourage you to visit the Paris to Cuba homepage to get more information of the artist, photos and even hear samples of the music. And to our readers/followers please leave a comment on this page to be entered to win a copy of this cd!

You see it can be as simple as sitting on your front porch enjoying your favorite go-to cigar by yourself, or as complex as big events, shows, and cigar societies. It can be a lazy day or a ritzy night. It seems to bridge social, political, and racial gaps. It can include sports, poker, food, spirits, and celebrations. The lifestyle can be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, and on his or her own terms.

In this article I am focusing on the camaraderie aspect of the cigar life and will dabble toward cigar shops and how they lend to that particular aspect. Future articles will include cigar forums, events, etc. that also fall into the cigar lifestyle.

For me cigars are definitely about the complexity, taste, aromas and the excitement of trying something different. However, and maybe even more importantly, it’s about the social aspect. It’s about slowing life down and enjoying the moment and the company of friends and strangers. My first cigar was enjoyed on the pool deck with a good friend. It opened my eyes to a whole new world. That first stick was sort of like my passage into a new realm, a different place in this world that I enjoy and seems to be ever expanding.

What I mean by that can be summed up by an experience I had a few months ago. My wife and I were staying at a resort and late one evening we went and sat by an outside fire pit. We sat in discussion amongst some other couples, keeping relatively to ourselves. Just some general greetings were exchanged amongst us. After twenty minutes or so I pulled out a cigar and started to toast it when the gentlemen to my right asked if he could borrow my lighter as he too had some sticks. Instantly, we started into deeper and friendlier conversation. The man of the other couple sitting across the way started to join in on the conversation, I offered him a cigar and he obliged. The evening was very enjoyable and the common bond that brought us into discussion was simply that we enjoyed the cigar lifestyle. We all had a moment of enjoyment and a great experience.

A great place to witness and experience the camaraderie is the cigar shop, an iconic symbol and important part of the social facet of cigars. At the moment of writing this I sit in my favorite local shop, Casa Fuma in Gilbert, Arizona surrounded by six individuals engulfed in conversation about baseball and the turbulent economy. On the other side of the shop is a group of people playing some poker, and yet another two guys sitting up at the bar engaged in conversation about cigars. The aroma is magnificent and a light haze of smoke lingers shortly as the ventilation system removes it.

I have heard many arguments about what a shop should or shouldn’t be, but when it comes down to it as long as it is a place where we can sit and enjoy our bond of cigars I think the mission is accomplished. Shops provide an atmosphere that you can’t help but be lured into. Lured into trying new cigars, lured into conversation, lured into slowing down and taking a deep breath. For some it becomes a home away from home. Just ask Walter, a retired gentleman that spends just about every day down here. It’s an environment where men can be men, no facades needed or wanted. The cigar shop is a place to enjoy one of the finer things in life that is easily reached by opening that humidor door.

From the seasoned regular to the new partaker the cigar shop should be a welcoming amicable place for everyone. A place where we can be different ages, come from different walks of life and backgrounds, a place where none of us care about any of that, none of us judge, we simply just enjoy.

As I mentioned the community expands further into cigar events and shows, cigar groups and societies. There are cigar tastings and pairings. All of these lend to what I call the communal part of the lifestyle and deserve individual attention in their own article and will be addressed in the future. For now, if you’re new to cigars, welcome and know there is a communal side of smoking cigars and know it’s for everyone. To you salty veterans and those before you, thank you for contributing to this amazing element of cigars.