IPCPR 2011

Last week, the convention that everyone involved with the cigar and pipe industry looks forward to was held in Vegas.  Unfortunately for me, two other conventions were held in two different cities during the same week involving the entertainment industry (my main occupation).  So needless to say, my time was divided and many sacrifices made (3 conventions are a lot to attend). But on the flip side, I had a great time meeting people and seeing new products, watching new talent and finishing the week with a South Beach party where all you saw was tanned bodies and white outfits until sunrise. Then I saw my pillow until the following night.  Now that's a party!

But enough about me, let's talk IPCPR 2011 and the information you seek.

To start things off, IPCPR has a new CEO.  William S. Spann is filling former Executive Director Joe Rowe's vacancy after Rowe retired.  IPCPR president Gary Pesh said:

"On behalf of the Board of Directors of the IPCPR, I want to extend a hearty welcome to Bill Spann who, we are confident, will help continue moving the association forward in behalf of its retail and manufacturing members. At the same time, we wish Joe Rowe a long and happy retirement. He will be missed.”

Previously, Spann served as Commander during a 20-year career with the U.S. Navy, chief of staff of the Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and president and chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of Greater Florida.  He also served as part of Governor Jeb Bush’s executive leadership team as communications director and then chief of staff at the Florida Department of Children & Families.

As expected, IPCPR is where a great deal of products are launched.  The following are some that I've been asked about the most, so I thought I'd shed some light on them.

CAO:

OSA Sol:  
From the Olancho, San Agustin valley in Honduras comes CAO's OSA Sol.  This blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran filler is to be full of flavor without being overly peppery or soft and bland.  There will be three sizes (5x50, 6x54, and 6 1/2x58) priced from $5-7.  Look for these to hit the shelves by September.

DREW ESTATE:

My Uzi Weighs A Ton (MUWAT):  
Possibly one of the least surprising introductions since it was one of the most talked about on the web yet most elusive cigars is MUWAT.  A collaboration between Drew Estate Tobacco Company and Joya de Nicaragua, this sweet yet boldly flavorful smoke is quite the traveler with a San Andreas Negro Wrapper, Ecuardorian Connecticut Binder, Brazilian Mata Fina Filler coupled with Nicaraguan Fillers. Initially in three sizes (5x50, 6x60, 7x60 with a 4x44 named "Bait Fish" with a later release ), these will sell between $8-11.

Undercrown:
Originally created by the torcedores to smoke in Nicaragua while rolling the Liga Privada, the Undercrown is intentionally harvested 4+ weeks later resulting in a higher natural sugar content and a richer, creamier flavor.  There will be five variations (5x54, 6x52, 7x54, and 6x60 in Parejo with one 6x52 in Belicoso) between $7-10.

TORAÑO:

Vault: 
Carlos Toraño, Sr created a "Blend Book" in 1982 to record every blend concept on which the family has ever worked.  This book contains both released blends and blends with potential.  Current president Charlie Toraño and VP of Sales and Marketing, Bruce Lewis, revisited the book and happened upon an unreleased blend that caught their eye, the Liga A-008.  First recorded in 2000, Charlie and Bruce sought to improve the blend by finding the missing ingredient, which they found in the tobacco from Ometepe, Nicaragua, an island on Lake Nicaragua home to two volcanoes with rich, fertile soil.  This rich earthy and spicy stick has notes of ripe fruit and nutty creaminess.  Available in three sizes between $7-8 (5x52, 6x50, 6 1/8 x 52).

And yes, the rumors seem to be true, Dennis Rodman is releasing his WB brand cigars. 

As more announcements slowly become released product, you will see more of them here and their reviews as well. Until then!