The world’s first Vintage cigar was created by Macanudo more than 40 years ago to spotlight an exceptional
wrapper produced in part by Mother Nature. Today, the Vintage tradition marches on with Macanudo
Vintage Maduro 2013. The five-country blend reflects optimal climatic conditions and calls upon meticulous
curing and precise maturation techniques perfected by the artisans of Macanudo.
The 2013 growing season saw some of the highest temperatures on record in the Connecticut River Valley,
with soaring humidity and optimal rainfall that yielded an exceptionally brawny Broadleaf tobacco. Cured and
aged for an entire decade to bring forth an array of undeniably diverse notes on the palate, this singular
tobacco makes its debut in Macanudo Vintage 2013.
Ernest Gocaj who oversees the Connecticut growing operations for Macanudo said, “The growing season in
2013 was one of the best I’ve ever seen. The crop was exceptional at harvest, which meant that we had to be
obsessive when it came to monitoring the tobacco during the eight-week curing process. That’s how important
curing is. Our hard work paid off because we ultimately brought the tobacco’s very best attributes to life.”
A master blender’s assortment of tobaccos complement this exceptional wrapper to create the rich indulgence
that is Macanudo Vintage 2013. The filler is made up of Dominican Piloto Cubano from two different primings,
along with Brazilian Mata Fina and Nicaraguan Jalapa. The binder is Honduran OSA.
With an enticing aroma of cedar and earth, this indulgent smoke delivers an orchestra of nuances including
leather and earth which contrast beautifully against the backdrop of wood and espresso, setting the stage for
a memorable smoking experience.
Macanudo Vintage 2013 is shipping to retailers today and will be released in three sizes, each chosen to
enhance the superlative blend. The cigars are individually encased in cedar wrapping and are presented in
handmade, solid wood boxes that protect 20 expertly-crafted cigars, each made by artisans at General Cigar
Dominicana in Santiago, DR.
Robusto (5” x 50); SRP per cigar $11.99
Toro Grande (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $12.99
Churchill (7 x 49); SRP per cigar $13.29
CAO Pilón Añejo is back by popular demand and returns as a full-time line with limited availability,
due to the intensive fermentation and finished cigar aging that gives the blend its signature depth
and character.
Senior Brand Manager Ed Lahmann said, “When CAO Pilón Añejo launched last Spring, it quickly
became apparent that we needed to make this blend more than just a one-time offering. So we took
on the labor and time intensive methods needed to ferment the tobacco and age the cigars and are
making this a full-time brand for CAO. Given the work that goes into this blend, production
quantities will be limited but the good news is that we’re able to deliver what our retailers and fans
have asked of us.”
Handcrafted in Danli, Honduras at STG’s HATSA factory, CAO Pilón Añejo relies on circular pilóns to
heighten the smoking experience and aesthetics of the cigar’s Cuban seed Ecuadorian Sumatra
wrapper. The blend is rich and savory, consisting of Nicaraguan and Dominican filler tobacco,
beneath a Honduran Habano binder. The result is a medium-to-full-bodied smoke that bears a deep,
rich color and savory notes of wood, earth and toast, with a touch of spice.
CAO Pilón Añejo began shipping this week. The line is presented in 20-count boxes, in the three
sizes listed below.
CAO Pilon Añejo Robusto (5.5” x 54); SRP per cigar $8.89
CAO Pilon Añejo Toro (6” x 52); SRP per cigar $8.99
CAO Pilon Añejo Gigante (5.88” x 60); SRP per cigar $9.29
EL REY DEL MUNDO NATURALS FIVE PACK COMING IN APRIL
El Rey del Mundo Naturals, the Honduran-made line that launched in March 2022 will welcome
a five pack featuring its fan-favorite toro.
The bold, red “Locked-In Humidity” pack includes a Boveda humidification pouch to keep the
cigars fresh outside of a humidor for on-the-go smoking experiences.
Handcrafted by artisans at the HATSA factory in Danli, Honduras, El Rey Del Mundo Naturals is
a mellow-to-medium-bodied smoke featuring an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Honduran
binder and a Honduran and Nicaraguan filler. The cigar delivers a smoking experience that is
richly layered, with a subtle note of white pepper, surrounded by deeper notes of cedar and
graham cracker.
Steve Abbot, director of marketing for STG said, “El Rey del Mundo is loaded with complexity,
versatile when it comes to pairing and accessibly priced. These factors have earned the brand a
devoted following over the last year. With this five pack, we’re making it convenient for cigar
lovers to enjoy the popular Reserva Salado frontmark anytime that calls for a great cigar.”
Diesel Disciple will welcome two new sizes as permanent additions to the brand’s growing
lineup.
The soon-to-be-released Toro and Torpedo vitolas will mark the second and third sizes in the
line and will begin shipping this week.
Justin Andrews said, “We decided to launch two new sizes of Diesel Disciple this year because
the blend has gotten such a strong endorsement from the retail community. They love the
blend and the packaging and often tell us that Disciple smokes like a $20 cigar for half the
price. We’re looking forward to rolling out the new formats and will continue to expand the line
according to demand from retailers and cigar smokers.”
Handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua and developed in collaboration
between AJ and STG’s Justin Andrews, Diesel Disciple is a robust and balanced cigar blended to
stand out in the medium-full spectrum.
Made with a Mexican San Andreas wrapper, an Ecuadoran Sumatra binder and a filler
exclusively comprised of Nicaraguan Habano from Esteli, the cigar exemplifies blending
expertise with an unexpected layer of sweetness that creates intrigue against Disciple’s bold
and peppery notes.
Diesel Disciple Toro (6.25” x 52); SRP per cigar $9.99
Diesel Disciple Torpedo (6.5” x 54); SRP per cigar $10.49
Both new Diesel Disciple sizes come in 10-count boxes. The line is distributed by Forged Cigar
Company.
Originally released to the top US brick and mortar retailers as a TAA exclusive in 2021, Diesel
Disciple became a full-time line in 2022 when the brand’s sole frontmark a Lancero (7” x 38)
became available in all channels.
PCA Applauds Governor Grisham’s Veto of Harmful Cigar Tax Increase in New Mexico
Washington, D.C. – The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today expressed its appreciation to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for vetoing the harmful 25% cigar tax hike in H.B. 547. The veto shields New Mexico premium cigar retailers from the adverse consequences such a drastic tax increase would have on their business.
PCA Director of State Advocacy, Glynn Loope, said, “We are grateful to Governor Grisham for recognizing the impact this tax increase would have had on small businesses and consumers in New Mexico, especially during these challenging times. Her decision to veto the cigar tax will undoubtedly work to keep sales of premium cigars in New Mexico.”
However, actions by the legislature to strip the cigar tax cap during the session need to be addressed. Loope stated, “Last week, I spoke to the Governor’s Office on this issue. Procedurally, her hands were tied. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and legislative allies to revisit this matter in the 2024 session.”
Loope continued, “We are pleased that the legislation that would have banned flavored tobacco products, as well as legislation that would have granted local governments sweeping authority over tobacco products failed to advance. We appreciate all of our premium cigar advocates, both retailers and consumers alike, who let their voices be heard on these issues.”
PCA represents over 3,000 members nationwide, including retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of premium cigars, and works to protect the interests of the premium cigar industry. The association has been advocating for the protection of premium cigars from harmful regulation, taxes, and other measures that threaten the industry.
PARTAGAS RELEASES FIRST US-MADE CIGAR IN
COLLABORATION WITH EL TITÁN DE BRONZE
Partagas will release its first collaboration in April with Partagas de Bronce, an exceptional
cigar handcrafted in Miami by the Cuban expatriate rollers of the famed El Titán de Bronze
Cigar Factory.
The cigar’s name calls upon the Spanish spelling of “bronce” in tribute to the origins of Partagas
and El Titan de Bronze.
Partagas de Bronce was blended by STG’s Justin Andrews, with Sandy Cobas and the blending
team at El Titán de Bronze. Made with a Corojo wrapper, Partagas de Bronce is a medium-
bodied Nicaraguan puro that brims with nuances. Cocoa, earth, wood, hints of citrus and an
intriguing creaminess deliver a cigar that highlights the heritage of Partagas with the artistry of
El Titán de Bronze.
John Hakim, brand manager of Partagas said, “For a venerable brand like Partagas,
collaborating with a legend like Sandy Cobas and creating a special, limited edition cigar at her
family-owned factory marks an important step in Partagas’ evolution. Partagas de Bronce
highlights Partagas’ devotion to old-world cigarmaking techniques, and its commitment to
marching the brand forward through innovation. We look forward to sharing this exceptional
blend with cigar lovers across the country.”
Partagas de Bronce will be released in April, when 5,000 boxes, each signed by the El Titán de
Bronze cigarmaker who crafted them, will ship to retailers. Each box contains ten cigars.
Partagas de Bronce Corona Gorda (6.25” x 46) – SRP per cigar $22.99
Phillips & King Contact:
Rachel McKnett
rachelmcknett@phillipsandking.com
The Return of Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve
Phillips & King now exclusively distributing the much-sought-after cigar in Corojo and Maduro.
(October 2022) Phillips & King is giving a hero’s welcome to Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve. This highly
desired cigar is returning to the premium cigar category 10 years after its initial release, and is now
being exclusively distributed by Phillips & King as of late September 2022. Known in the industry for
their exceptional product selection and service, Phillips & King is pleased to add this customer-favorite,
whose bold blend helped put Rocky Patel on the map when it was first launched.
“Rocky Patel’s Olde World Reserve is an iconic
cigar that every premium tobacconist should
have in stock,” says Jason Carignan, President of
Phillips & King. “And the royal treatment from
Phillips & King is ideal for its grand re-entry to
the market. We are excited to partner with the
great minds and industry veterans at Rocky
Patel, and are even more excited to get these
cigars into the hands of our retail customers.
The smokes are beautifully nuanced, and truly
incomparable. We see great success ahead for
both of our brands.”
One of Rocky Patel’s best-selling cigars to date, the Olde World Reserve offers a medium-to-full-bodied
profile, with Nicaraguan binders and fillers, and two wrappers that bring their distinct regional flavors to
the overall experience:
The Maduro. Richly dark in color, this cigar is
hand-rolled at Rocky Patel’s TaviCusa Factory in
Esteli, Nicaragua, and delivers flavors of
volcanic earthiness, natural tobacco sweetness,
and black pepper with a salted caramel finish. It
is available in the following sizes: Robusto, Sixty,
Toro
The Corojo. Hand-rolled at the Paraiso Factory
in Danli, Honduras, this smooth cigar offers
notes of toasty wood and graham cracker
complemented by the natural sweetness of the
Corojo leaf. It is available in the following sizes:
Robusto, Sixty, Toro
With an extensive network of distribution and tax compliance capabilities, Phillips & King will be
shipping the Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve cigars to retailers in all 50 states, the U.S. Virgin Islands,
Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases. For more information or to place an order to carry
Rocky Patel Olde World Reserve, please visit phillipsandking.com or call 800-532-4427.
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About Phillips & King
Phillips & King, a subsidiary of Kretek International, Inc., is a leading distributor of specialty tobacco,
alternative smoking products, and accessories in the United States. Since 1906, the company has built a
strong reputation by focusing on independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor
retailers. Phillips & King offers an unparalleled catalog of products and ships to all 50 states, the US
Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases, providing hassle-free tobacco tax
compliance, easy web-ordering and a team of knowledgeable customer service experts. For more
information, please visit phillipsandking.com.
CFPB Launches New Effort to Promote Competition and Innovation in Consumer Finance
New Office Will Identify Obstacles for New Market Entrants
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is opening a new office, the Office of Competition and Innovation, as part of a new approach to help spur innovation in financial services by promoting competition and identifying stumbling blocks for new market entrants. The office will replace the Office of Innovation that focused on an application-based process to confer special regulatory treatment on individual companies. The new office will support a broader initiative by the CFPB to analyze obstacles to open markets, better understand how big players are squeezing out smaller players, host incubation events, and, in general, make it easier for people to switch financial providers.
“Competition is one of the best forms of motivation. It can help companies innovate and make their products better, and their customers happier,” said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “We will be looking at ways to clear obstacles and pave the path to help people have more options and more easily make choices that are best for their needs.”
The CFPB has a statutory mandate to promote fair, transparent, and competitive markets. Families, honest businesses, and the entire economy benefit when consumer finance markets are fiercely competitive, rather than dominated by a handful of firms. Digital technology is transforming the markets, including how payments, deposits, and lending are provided and who provides them. Big banks, fintech, big tech, incumbents, and small start-ups are all jockeying to be in front. The Office of Competition and Innovation will focus on how to create market conditions where consumers have choices, the best products win, and large incumbents cannot stifle competition by exploiting their network effects or market power.
The new office will support the CFPB’s general effort at increasing competition for the benefit of all consumers. Specifically, the CFPB will:
Give consumers their walking rights to switch providers: Competition is more vibrant when people can switch to a new provider easily, creating pressure on incumbents to maintain high levels of service and giving new entrants an opportunity to win customers. The CFPB will be exploring ways to reduce the barriers to switching accounts and providers.
Research structural problems blocking successes: The new office will be housed in the CFPB’s Research, Markets, and Regulation division, giving it greater access to resources to look at market-structure problems that create obstacles to innovation. For example, this could include greater explorations of the payment networks market or the credit reporting system, both of which are essential to our financial system but have only a few dominant players.
Understand how bigger players can gain advantage over smaller players: Sometimes start-ups simply get runover by bigger players. For example, big companies can easily pitch new products to their large customer bases and stymie outside players who may have more favorable products. Big tech companies, with their huge reaches, are also seeking new ways to join consumer finance markets and may threaten fair competition.
Identify ways to address commonplace obstacles: Innovators may not be getting their products or services to market because of more practical problems like access to capital or talent. Or they may not launch because they don’t have access to the large volumes of digital data stored by the big banks. A future rulemaking by the CFPB under Section 1033 of the Consumer Financial Protection Act will give consumers access to their own data.
Host events to explore barriers to entry and other obstacles: The new office will convene events such as open houses, sprints, hackathons, tabletop exercises, and war games. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and technology professionals will be able to collaborate, explore obstacles, and share frustrations with government regulators. Results will be shared publicly.
The Office of Competition and Innovation replaces the Office of Innovation, which opened in 2018, and Project Catalyst, launched in 2014. The Office of Innovation’s primary purpose was to process applications for No Action Letters and Sandboxes that applied to an individual company’s specific product offering. After a review of these programs, the agency concludes that the initiatives proved to be ineffective and that some firms participating in these programs made public statements indicating that the Bureau had conferred benefits upon them that the Bureau expressly did not.
The CFPB is also encouraging companies, start-ups, as well as members of the public to file rulemaking petitions to ask for greater clarity on particular rules. This will help level the playing field and foster competition by ensuring any actions the CFPB takes will apply to all companies in the market.
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The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is a 21st century agency thatimplements and enforces Federal consumer financial law and ensures that markets for consumer financial products are fair, transparent, and competitive. For more information, visit consumerfinance.gov
Phillips & King Introduces New Brand and Digital Strategy
Phillips & King rolls out a bold new look and announces launch of a digital platform that will modernize the B2B tobacco and related wholesale categories.
(January 2022) Phillips & King International, Inc. is kicking off 2022 with a new brand identity and the announcement of a forthcoming new wholesale e-commerce platform. A distributor of thousands of diverse products since 1906, Phillips & King has a long, successful history serving independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor retailers across the United States.
Phillips & King is unveiling a new brand identity to mark the beginning of the next chapter in the company’s story. A contemporary refinement of the company’s “shield and knight” badge, the new logo signifies its mission to modernize the business, while paying homage to the equity earned over their 116-year heritage.
Phillips & King has embarked on a complete digital transformation of its business to better serve the evolving needs of its retail customers and brand partners. Over the course of this year, the company will be launching a host of enhancements to its business, including a new web platform expected to launch in early Q2 that will make it easier than ever for stores to discover and stock the products that consumers want most. Phillips & King will also be greatly expanding its product and category assortment to give emerging brands the ability to reach more buyers— and give stores access to the best new products on the market.
“The future of B2B wholesale commerce is both digital and highly-personalized,” says Jason Carignan, President of Phillips & King. “Our new web platform will enable us to more easily connect buyers and sellers across the industry and offer a more expansive array of products and categories- all while improving the personal connection our sales teams have with customers. We believe that retailers should be able to manage their entire business with ease from their mobile device and have access to business intelligence— and expert guidance— that helps drive inventory-buying decisions. This new platform is the first step in our quest to helping stores thrive in the new retail reality.”
To get an extensive first look at the new Phillips & King brand identity, those attending TPE 2022 can visit booth #4081 at the show, happening in Las Vegas, Nevada, January 26 – January 28, 2022. Visit phillipsandking.com for more information and to experience the future of business.
About Phillips & King
Phillips & King, a subsidiary of Kretek International, Inc., is a leading distributor of specialty tobacco, alternative smoking products, and accessories in the United States. Since 1906, the company has built a strong reputation by focusing on independent and small chain convenience, tobacco, and liquor retailers. Phillips & King offers an unparalleled catalog of products and ships to all 50 states, the US Virgin Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and globally to US military bases, providing hassle-free tobacco tax compliance, easy web-ordering and a team of knowledgeable customer service experts. For more information, please visit phillipsandking.com.
