CAMACHO CIGARS PARTNERS WITH THE ESPY AWARDS FOR THE OFFICIAL PRE-PARTY AT THE PLAYBOY MANSION

Los Angeles, Calif., July 10, 2009 – Camacho Cigars has been chosen as the official cigar for the ESPY Awards pre-party at the Playboy Mansion. The star-studded event takes place on Monday, July 13th, and celebrates the top athletes of the year.

Camacho Cigars will be treating athletes and celebrities to their ultra-premium Camacho Select, Camacho Triple Maduro, Camacho Diploma, and Camacho 10th Anniversary cigars during the night’s festivities, which includes poker, dancing, and entertainment.

“Camacho Cigars is proud to be a part of the pre-ESPY festivities,” said Dylan Austin, marketing director of Camacho Cigars. “The Playboy Mansion is an iconic location that every man dreams of visiting at least once in his life. This only adds to our excitement in being involved in this illustrious event.”

For more information about Camacho Cigars, please visit http://www.camachocigars.com/.

About Camacho CigarsFounded in 1961 by Simon Camacho, Camacho Cigars was acquired by the Eiroa family in 1995. Now part of the Oettinger Davidoff Group, Camacho Cigars is one of the key players in the international cigar market. The flagship Camacho brand, made at Rancho Jamastran in Danli, Honduras, is comprised of 9 premium and super-premium line extensions: (Super-Premium: Diploma, 10th Anniversary Corojo, Liberty Series, Triple Maduro, Select)(Premium: Corojo, Coyolar, Havana, SLR). Camacho Cigars also has 7 core brands, including Baccarat The Game, America’s #1 selling premium cigar.http://www.camachocigars.com/

Media Contacts:

CAMACHO CIGARS

American Rebel PR

Guy Jordan

(323) 656-5020

guy@americanrebelpr.com

FAQ About Cigars

Here are some of the most common question new cigars smokers have. There are still many more questions that will come up and the best thing to do is check with your favorite tobacconists (keep them on speed dial) and find out the least busiest night to go and pick their brains on all the concerns you might have for that week. Also ask the regulars and take it with a grain of salt because you will get the regulars opinion and sometimes they may be a little far fetched in their opinions and it may not work for you even though it works for them.

Q: How long can I store cigars in a ziploc-style baggie?
A: It depends entirely on your ambient climate because every time you open the baggie the air within will be exchanged. In some climates cigars can be kept in ziplocs for literally a few months with no problems, while in very dry climates 3-4 days tops may be the serviceable limit of using plastic bags. This would include Arizona, Nevada, parts of Southern California, New Mexico and Colorado.

Q: I left the lid of my humidor open for 8 hours and now it is 63% relative humidity and I am worried about destroying my cigars! What do I do???
A: Don't worry about it. 63% is no big deal and for 8 hours it is absolutely nothing. In fact some folks like their cigars at 63% RH all the time. Your humidor will slowly return to a higher RH, and if after a few days it doesn't then add some water to your humidifier.
I know many books, magazines, humidor makers, credo salesmen, and a bunch of others have given you the impression that you must be at 70/70, but I swear on my soul this is UNTRUE.
Cigars are far more durable than the 70/70 zealots contend and can easily endure some time at a lower humidity. In fact, many tobacconists overseas utilize 60-64% RH as their ideal RH for long term storage. Personally, I like 73%-78% myself for smoking, and have smoked tons of cigars kept at 65% RH with no problems whatsoever.

I own 6 humidors and only two of them even have hygrometers in them. I just use my fingers to judge them. This does come with some experience but it ultimately is based on what you feel is a good feeling for your cigars. Remember you have to smoke them and if you don't like how they feel then do the opposite of what you have been doing.

It really isn't as critical as some folks make it seem. And your scenario is a total non-issue. So just close the lid and give your humidor a couple of days to come up to the humidity you desire.
Too many new cigar smokers get way too uptight over this humidity issue and it really is the fault of the so-called "experts" constantly parroting this 70/70 stuff. If you ask anyone that has been storing and smoking cigars for years they would tell you to relax.

The bottom line is to not get overly upset about slight deviations in relatively humidity. With time you will learn what you like, some people prefer their smokes moister while others like them drier. In your drier climates you may want to run a little higher than you 70/70 just to compensate for the drier ambient air in those places.

Q: How do I keep a humidor with a passive humidifier at a lower RH?
A: Basically you add less water less frequently. The PG in the humidifier can only expel the moisture it contains so if you give it less water to work with your humidor will be drier. Typically I never add water until I get distilled water until I get to about 64% RH or so, and then I add just small amounts. It varies with the season, the humidor, and how often I open it. Over time you will simply learn how much water your humidor needs and roughly at what interval.
Watch the relative humidity in your local area also because when the season change or the local weather for the day can make a big difference in how your ambient air reacts with your humidor should you open it.

Q: How long can I store cigars?
A: Indefinitely. Under proper conditions cigars can remain "smokable" for decades, even a century. However, it is important to understand the difference between "smokable" versus enjoyable. Over time all cigars will begin to loose their essential oils and body. Eventually they will become flavorless. How long this takes depends entirely on the cigars themselves and varies greatly. Ex. Clinton supposedly found a few boxes in the Oval office before leaving office and found cigars in premo condition and they were left over from J.F.K. Now that's what you call a find! Everything was smokable and of course expensive if ever sold.

Q:Can I store my cigars in the refrigerator?
A: No, cigar like humidity and the old school way of putting cigarettes in the refrigerator is not a good thing for cigars as it will lead to drying them out. Since almost all of today's refrigerators actually dehydrate their interior to prevent condensation from forming on their exterior. Now, an old refrigerator or freezer that you leave unplugged can make for an excellent alternative large storage device for cigars.

Q: What do you think of cigar jars?
A: Well I have had a pasta jar humidor since 1992 and it's the best I have found for some long term storage but I can only hold 25 sticks at any one time. I do keep an eye on it so that my cigars don't get over humidified. I do have a gauge and humidification inside so it is controlled and I usually keep my cubans, hard to finds or limited release cigars in it and my storage is a year or better. 

Q: Should I leave the cellophane on or take it off?
A: Leaving the cellophane on protects the cigars from tattering and splitting while you handle them. Also cellophaned cigars are easier to take on the "road" and to send to friends.

Without the cellophane, cigars tend to breath a little better, and in turn age better but not very quickly. Also I find it much more appealing to open my humidor and see cigars in the nude.

Cellophane is permeable to water and air allowing their transfer through its surface, but not as easily as without the cellophane. So if I receive a batch of cigars that is freshly rolled I sometimes remove the cello to allow the excess moisture incurred during the rolling process to dissipate. Cigars that become too moist in cellophane take a long time to dry out. Either way is appropriate, and in the end it is really just a matter of personal choice.

Q: Do cigars age in tubes?
A: Yes and no. Cigars seem to age some in the tubes, but mostly I think this is due to most tubes not having a true seal. In an absolutely sealed environment it is impossible for a cigar to have the necessary oxygen required for it to breath and age properly. You will note that on many tubes it mentions that a cigar will "remain fresh until opened" and personally I do not consider this an ultimately desirable goal. Tubes are great for protecting cigars for a few weeks, even months outside of a humidor if they have a good seal, but if tubed cigars are to be kept longer and you wish to ensure that they age properly I recommend you remove the end caps and place them in your humidor. With all of that said I have smoked many tubos whose seals were intact for years and their cigars were quite tasty. But no matter what you do, always store tubed cigars in a humidor if you are going to have them for any substantial length of time since most seals are not perfect.

Q: Can I leave the cigars in the boxes as they age?
A: Absolutely, in fact most collectors do. However if the box is sealed with a plastic wrap you should remove this prior to placing the box in your cabinet humidor or igloodor.

Q: Will my cigars "marry" if they are sitting side by side in my humidor without dividers or cellophane?
A: No. I understand the concept of marrying, and have witnessed claro cigars that have been slightly stained with oils from a dark rich colorado cigar that were sitting beside it, but that was only after MANY years. Honestly I do not consider the marrying of different cigars to be a problem for those who smoke from their humidors on a semi-regular basis.
I have been storing singles side by side for well over a decade with no impact whatsoever. Personally, I find the concept of marrying flavors between differing cigars to be an issue that "cigar wonks" banter about, but has little basis in reality and does not warrant any concern on your part. You have to keep in mind when you read all the recent advice printed about cigars that quite a bit of it is far too reaching and overtly scientific without cause.

I have kept a wide variety of smokes crammed together for long periods (5+ years) in my "smoke from someday" humidors without this ever occurring. The only place I would be concerned is to always keep flavored, i.e.. rum soaked, Lars, Acid etc. separate. Also for long term aging in quantity I believe in leaving the cigars in their original boxes if possible. Bottomline - the concept of cigar flavors marrying/blending is overhyped.

Q: Should I rotate the cigars in my humidor?
A: No. This is another bit of silly advice that is often recommended by the anal retentive. The difference between the relative humidity from the bottom to the top of your humidor is insignificant and is certainly nothing to worry about. Some "experts" have even suggested that by not rotating your cigars that "all the oils will settle to the bottom side." This is an incredibly lame statement. The essential oils in a cigar will always seep in the direction of a drier surface. In a stable environment this is almost always towards the top which is the side exposed to air. You will see these oils crystallize becoming plume (bloom) over months and years. It is possible for the cedar floor of your humidor to wick some oil to the bottom, but it happens so seldom and without any negative impact it is not even worthy of consideration. Eventually all excess oils will dissipate without a trace except for possibly bloom.
The only legit reason to rotate stock within your humidor is because you want your cigars to be more convenient for you to smoke. Less often smoked ones on the bottom, and the ones you are grabbing all the time on the top.

Q: Why does my humidor smell like ammonia when I open it?
A: Ammonia is typically expelled by cigars that are very young. Sometimes it is the result of them actually containing under-cured tobacco, but most commonly in premium cigars it means they are just young and require additional aging. If I get cigars that are young or under aged i will put them in the bottom of my humidor to let them get the least amount of outside air when the humidor is opened. Letting them age for several months or a year or more usually will remedy the aroma of ammonia.

Q: Is it okay for me to clip my cigars before putting them in the humidor?
A: Actually, there is a downside to pre-clipping as it is the intact head that "cements" the wrapper in place. Whenever you preclip a cigar you are increasing the likelihood that it may unravel. The less stable your humidor the more likely this will occur.

Now with that said, I have kept preclipped cigars for an extended period of time with no problem, while I have had others unroll themselves in days. Also pre-punching has less of an impact, but again there is no real benefit. The are only times I ever pre-clip: 1) I am going to be around several infrequent cigar smokers who have little or no experience with fine cigars and it's easier to pass out then sit there cutting a bunch of cigars, 2) I am on my way out the door and know that I am going to smoke them in the very near future, I will sometimes do the honors in advance especially if I don't have my travel humidor with me which is almost never. It's in my car all the time!

My advice is that you just avoid the potential unraveling problem and not make a habit of pre-clipping your smokes.

Q: I have noticed the foots of my cigars are swelling. Why?
A: This is a classic sign of cigars that are being over humidified. It's called “blossoming” like a flower does when it first starts to open (like a rose). Usually if I run into an over humidification problem I will remove my humidification device and leave the humidor cracked open to allow the cigars to calm down. Usuall several hours to over night and then slowly re-introduce the humidification source. 

Q: My cigars have something on them. How can I tell if it is mold or bloom?
A: Bloom, also called plume, is a grey/white residual powder that is left from the cigar's essential oils drying on its surface, and is considered a very good sign that the proper aging is taking place. Not all cigars develop bloom, but those that are heavy in oils almost always do over time. As cigars mature in the aging process some cigars will start to plume and long as its white in color your ok but any other color and you have a problem.
Mold always has some body to it, it is actually a three dimensional "fuzz." Typically it grows rather quickly once it occurs. Also it is commonly green, green/blue, or green/yellow in color.
Typically plume will cover almost evenly all the air-exposed sides of a cigar whereas mold will begin growing on just one part and spread from there.
If you still can't the difference I suggest you quarantine the potential problem cigars to their own tupperdor for a couple of weeks. After which you should be able to tell if it has continued to grow as mold would.
Q: Okay, it is mold... now what?
A: You can just brush the mold off and smoke them anyway. I have smoked a bunch of vintage cigars that have had some mold on them. It takes considerable mold and time to impact the flavor of the cigar - the biggest factor being whether they have molded on the interior. If so they are goners, if not you can just gently brush the mold off with a soft dry cloth. However, you should quarantine them from your other cigars to prevent it from spreading to them. Again with a soft cloth would be wise to go throughout your humidor and verify the mold has not spread to other cigars. If you see mold on parts of the humidification device or the wood itself you may need to do some cleaning and check the water your using and ensure it's not contaminated and it's “distilled.”

Q: I have noticed that some of my cigars have wrinkles in the wrappers. What causes this?
A: "Wrinkly wrappers" are typically caused by cigars which have experienced cycles of being over-humidified and then under-humidified. By the way, this is commonly called "crinkle" by many cigar collectors. It is the end result of the cigar's wrapper being stretched by the expanding filler when moist and the subsequent shrinkage when it dries. Basically they are just like "stretch marks."
These are very common in vintage cigars even if kept within ideal conditions. Over time the continuous shifting of a couple of points of %RH will result in crinkling. Also, this is not that uncommon in igloodors since the humidity tends to shoot up and down drastically with opening and closing. Unlike a wooden humidor, a cooler's plastic is unable to retain an ambient RH. The longer a cigar has been stored the more likely wrinkles are to occur.
Other than damaging the aesthetics, it typically does not impact the smoke. However, the wrappers will become more brittle as the wrinkling continues to occur and may eventually lead to cracking and splitting.

Q: Can I revive dried out cigars?
A: Sometimes. It depends on whether they have lost all of the essential oils. The best way to revive dried out cigars is to slowly bring them up to the desired humidity within a dry humidor. Basically you allow the humidor and the cigars reach the desired humidity simultaneously. If the cigars retained their oils then they will still be worthwhile to smoke, however if they have been dry for too long then they will have lost most if not all of their desirable flavors.

Q: Can I store my cigars at a cooler temperature than 50 degrees?
A: Certainly. Although it will slow down the process of their aging, it will do no harm to store them at cooler temperatures. Closer to 70 is ideal if at all possible so just watch where your humidor is located and what side of your home gets the most sunlight because even a few degrees warmer can affect a humidor if the outside of the box is considerably warmer. Cooler air conditioned rooms shouldn't cause to much of a problem but then again don't store your humidor in a room that is constantly 50-55 degrees all day and night.
Q: What about higher temperatures?
A: You should never store your cigars above 75 degrees if you can help it. Doing so risks the hatching of the dreaded tobacco beetle which will infest and destroy all of the cigars contained within your humidor if left unabated.
Q: Which is worse: low humidity or high humidity?
A: High humidity is of greater concern than low for a few reasons:
1) High humidity can cause some cigars to split, most won't, but it does happen.
2) Cigar won't burn or draw as well at high humidity, i.e.. a cigar stored at 65%RH will typically smoke great, while one at 75% is likely to be tight and burn uneven.
3) High humidity greatly increases your chance of mold.
So personally I would be more concerned with high humidity than low humidity, however it is still nothing to get overly concerned about. I wouldn't sweat anything 73% RH or lower as your humidor will bring it down with time. If it doesn't, then I suggest you just leave the lid of you humidor open for a few hours to help dry out the interior. Again excessively drier climates you need to move your standard 70% humidity up to say 74% and that's now your bottom end with 68% or less means your getting critically low in humidity.
Q: Even with the lid open the relative humidity is still too high. Now what?
A: If you live in region where the ambient relative humidity is greater than 70% then you may need to change your humidifier's charge to 75% PG and very little distilled water. This near water free combo will help to draw high humidity down. This combo is only needed for those who live in the most humid region and are not running air conditioning. Check you ambient RH with your hygrometer before applying this advice.
Q: Can I convert my end table into a humidor?
A: Maybe, but not likely. Most furniture does not provide the quality seal that is required to maintain a stable relative humidity. Also furniture is simply not designed to endure the continual stress that a humidor commonly endures from having such a drastically different RH on its interior compare to its exterior surface. Most furniture will eventually warp and in some cases split under the pressures.
Humidor Humidity Troubleshooting Hints:
The first thing to do is relax. I know I have said this a zillion times already, but I can not emphasize it enough. Most new smokers have heard the mantra of 70/70 so often and so loudly that they are simply wound too tight. Consider this your deprogramming from the "70/70 Zealots" evil ways.
Patience is the key, do not expect anything to happen within a few hours. This is difficult for some to accept, but you just have to. Overreacting is the number one problem. Most humidors and humidifiers will function as desired if afforded the time they need to do the job. Stabilizing a humidor takes a couple of months even if it's a expensive humidor with top craftsmanship. Nothing happens over night so be patient because peaks and valley's are going to happen when you first get a humidor seasoned and up and running.
If the relative humidity is too low:
1) Add distilled water to the credo but do not oversaturate. Remember a Credo requires time to stabilize also... give it a couple of days before you judge the results.

2) Visually inspect the humidor checking all the seal lines and joints. A great way to do this is to place a lit flashlight into your humidor, close the lid, and inspect in a dark room. If there are any poorly fitted joints or seal the light will show through. Usually when you let the lid of a humidor close by itself it will have a cushioned sound when it closes (a poof sound). If it sounds like wood slamming against wood you have apotential warping or a leak somewhere and you need to find this before seasoning your humidor.
3) Confirm all the exterior sides are sealed with a high quality poly product.
Still low? Then:
  1) Add a second credo.
2)Recheck the accuracy of your hygrometer.
3)A shot glass of distilled water may help especially in your excessively drier climtes.
Still too low? Then:
1) Take the entire humidor and place it in a large plastic trash bag, squeeze out the excess air, and seal for a few days.
2) Then open and check the humidity, if it is okay now then the humidor has some sort of problem that is not visually discernable, and you should contact the manufacturer/retailer of your humidor.
If the relative humidity is too high:
1) You probably over saturated the humidifier. Pull it out and give it a couple of days to dry out. If you live in an area where the ambient humidity is higher than 70% then you should utilize a hair dryer set on LOW COOL AIR ONLY to assist in drying out your credo.
2)Open the humidor and allow it to dry also.
Still too high? Then:
1) Completely rinse out your credo with distilled water and completely dry it out. Recharge with a 75% PG/25% Distilled Water mixture. The PG to Water ratio is not an exact science, and in areas with high humidity the 75/25 mixture does a better job of regulating.
2) Recheck the accuracy of your hygrometer.
3) Perform the above mentioned plastic bag trick.

Camacho Introduces New Connecticut Cigar

BlkCigarCzar is and ready to spark up a new stick!!!

Camacho Cigars comes out with its first ever Connecticut Shade wrapped cigar. Camacho has always produced very good cigars and the are definitely great in the daily smoke category for the most part. They did seem to fall short with the 10th Anniversary cigar which had a wrapper that was finer than asian rice paper because it was not holding together at all. It came apart before lite, getting it off the shelf, when you first opened the box they were always beat up, after aging and if you ever had the chance to smoke it all the way through and it held together it wasn't a bad smoke. Plenty of different taste and aromas but nothing to run home and tell your mom about. I never thought I would have a bad or at least a dissapointing cigar from Camacho but this is one I won't waste my time on and I think I have only smoked two of them that didn't fall apart one way or another. Lets move on to something new by Camacho.

Now I haven't smoked this cigar yet but as soon as I get my hand on it I will pass on to you what the Czar is thinking about this stick!

BlkCigarCzar

Smoke Em, If You Got Em'!!!

Here is the official release from Camacho about the "Camacho Connecticut!"

CAMACHO CIGARS INTRODUCES NEW CAMACHO CONNECTICUT

Miami, FL., May 28th – Camacho Cigars, one of the key players in the international cigar market, is proud to announce the all new Camacho Connecticut. The Camacho Connecticut is the first and only Connecticut wrapped Camacho cigar.

The Camacho Connecticut is a spicy, yet milder mannered Connecticut wrapped cigar with a superb balance and signature Camacho body. These new cigars are comprised of tobaccos from both Honduras and the Dominican Republic. The Camacho Connecticut is available in six formats including the Monarca(50×5), Toro(50×6), Churchill(48×7), Figurado(54×42x61/8), 11/18(48×54x48×6), and 60 x 6(60×6).

“We introduced the Camacho Connecticut in response to countless consumer and retail requests for a product on the other side of the strength spectrum,” said Dylan Austin, marketing director of Camacho Cigars. “The Camacho Connecticut will make a great addition to our already superior line of premium and ultra-premium cigars.”

For more information about the Camacho Connecticut Cigars or any other of Camacho’s premium cigars, please visit http://www.camachocigars.com/.

Man Rolls World's Longest Cuban Cigar

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

What can I say except that this is a long smoke!!!

I'm not sure if the phrase "If you got it, smoke it" applies here!!!

BlkCigarCzar

policy And Action: Cuba (Obama eases Cuba travel restrictions)

On April 13, the Obama administration loosened restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba for Cuban-Americans, representing a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba.

According to Newsweek, Gibbs described the major shift in policy as "reaching out to the Cuban people."

The press secretary also announced that the president was permitting U.S. telecommunication companies to apply for business licenses in Cuba. Gibbs said the president specifically encouraged companies to focus on strengthening cell phone, Internet, radio and satellite television technologies between the United States and Cuba.

Several key components of America's nearly half-century embargo on the island nation, however, will be preserved. Among other things, Americans still will be barred from sending gifts or other items to high-ranking Cuban government officials and Communist Party members. Travel restrictions for Americans of non-Cuban descent also will remain in place.

Obama also ordered new steps to promote the "freer flow of information among the Cuban people and between those in Cuba and the rest of the world, as well as to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian items directly to the Cuban people."
The president took "these steps [in part] to help bridge the gap among divided Cuban families."

Obama believes that the change in U.S. policy will ultimately help bring about a more tolerant, democratic Cuban government, noted White House Latin American policy adviser Dan Restrepo.

He thinks "that creating independence, creating space for the Cuban people to operate freely from the regime is the kind of space they need to start the process toward a more democratic Cuba," Restrepo said.

Several key components of America's embargo on the island nation will be preserved, however. Among other things, Americans will still be barred from sending gifts or other items to high-ranking Cuban government officials and Communist Party members.

Sen. Mel Martinez, R-Florida, and a native of Cuba, had kinder words for the administration, saying, "The announcement today is good news for Cuban families separated by the lack of freedom in Cuba."

He said that, in turn, the Cuban government should focus on improving its relationships with its citizens and the United States. "Lowering remittance charges and allowing travel for Cuban families wishing to see relatives abroad are two steps the Cuban regime could immediately take that would show change in Havana," he said.

Shares of companies that stand to gain from a thaw in U.S. ties with Cuba soared on the news, led by Canadian mining and energy company Sherritt International, a major player in Cuba's nickel and oil industry, whose stock rose 24,5%.Miami-based cruise operator Royal Caribbean also saw its shares rise on hopes that the number two cruise ship operator and rival Carnival, could sail to Cuba, just 140km from the United States.

Reps. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, and Frank Wolf, R-Virginia, held a news conference last week urging Obama to refrain from easing trade embargo or travel restrictions until the Cuban government releases all "prisoners of conscience," shows greater respect for freedom of religion and speech, and holds "free and fair" elections and
Rep. Barbara Lee, D-California, who chairs the Congressional Black Caucus, responded that it makes no sense to continue what she characterized as a failed policy.

Provisions attached to a $410 billion supplemental budget Obama signed in March also made it easier for Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba and to send money to family members on the island. In addition, they facilitated the sale of agricultural and pharmaceutical products to Cuba.
The provisions loosened restrictions enacted by President Bush after he came to office in 2001.

Fidel Castro, who ruled Cuba for decades, stepped down in February 2008 and ceded power to his brother, Raul. The change in rule has spurred debate within the United States about its long-standing embargo on the island nation, which is 90 miles south of Florida. The U.S. and Cuba have no formal diplomatic relations.

Cuban Box Codes

Cuban Box Codes as compiled by members of the CW community. Discussion regarding this is ongoing in this topic on the CW Forums. Special thanks to ak2000, Lizzard, Sancho Panza, stogiesmoker00, Skeeter, dartplayer1, Mad Dawg, cigartexan, Benecio and others for putting this information together.

Thanks http://www.cigarweekly.com/ for the update on the codes!!!

BlkCigarCzar

1. Introduction

The process of bringing cigars to market is a gray area to most outside of Havana. Tobacco is distributed in parcel based on vitola/vitolas to be rolled. This process is strictly controlled, based on region, vega, class, sub class, etc, required to achieve the desired profile.
A number of a certain vitola may be rolled by numerous factories or not; they are brought to market as needed and the entire supply may or may not be exhausted
The same parcel/batch of tobacco used to roll a vitola can have varying date codes depending upon when they leave the factory. If a new order of the same vitola is rolled with a different batch of tobacco the issue then becomes the obvious: storage, rollers, etc.
Some factories produce better cigars based on skills, management, etc as this is an artisan form of production. It is also possible to have two boxes of cigars with the same codes, some being pulled from existing inventory and others from a more current batch, depending upon whether or not more need to be rolled to fill an order.
The following information is just that: information. Nothing can replace the knowledge gained by experience applied to your own tastes. Use this page to help draw your own conclusions and as a reference for your collection.

2. Historical Factoids

pre-revolutionary boxes were stamped: "MADE IN HAVANA-CUBA"
1961 this stamp was changed to: "HECHO EN CUBA"
1985 Cubatabaco started using date codes
1985-1995 a tobacco leaf (iron) is above Cubatobacco
1989 Cubatabaco introduced the stamp: "Totalmente a Mano"
1994 Cubatabaco changed to the Habanos S.A. logo
Factory codes may be encased in a rectangle (stamp) seen predominantly until 1999
Typically varnished boxes that come with a carboard outer box have the warranty seal and code on the cardboard. It can also be on the actual box itself as well

3. Definitions

Box Code: A code stamped in ink of varying colour on the bottom of the box that identifies the date and factory of production
Irons: The standard marks on the bottom of a box of Habanos. E.g. the words "Habanos SA" over an oval containing the words "Hecho en Cuba" over the scrpit "Totalmente a mano." All of these are "branded" into the bottom of the box by pressing a heated iron against the wood. Hence the term "irons" is used to describe these marks. As with all things related to Cuban cigars you should expect variation. Some folks have reported seeing irons that looked as if they were simply stamped in ink, but close examination revealed some indentation of the wood. Some were clearly colored (i.e., inked), not just burned, but which also showed at least a slight indentation. YMMV

4. Original Cuban Box Codes

Starting in 1985, Cubatabaco started using box codes as a way of identifying where and when any given box of cigars was produced. These codes are typically found stamped on the bottom of the box. They were never intended to be known by the consumer.

The original box codes identified the date using the NIVELACUSO scheme. Each number is signified by a letter, as follows:

N I V E L A C U S O
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

The code signifies the month and year of manufacture. For example, the code NNSU would translate to 1198, which translates to November 1998. Similarly, OESC would translate as 0497, or April 1997. Under the NIVELACUSO scheme, the month is not always signified by two numbers. Hence, a code of CSC would translate to 797, or July 1997.

Original Factory Codes

Havana Factories
BM
Briones Montoto (Belascoain 852, Havana) - Romeo y Julieta
CB
Carlos Balino (San Carlos 816, Havana) - El Rey del Mundo
EH El
Habanero
EL El
Laguito (2302 Calle 146, Marianao, Havana) - Cohiba
FL/PL/PO
Por Larranaga (Carlos III no. 713, Havana)
FPG
Francisco Perez German (Industria 520, Havana) - Partagas
FR
Miguel Fernandez Roig (Zulueta 106, Havana) - La Corona
HM
Heroes de Moncada (13402 Ave. 57, Marianao, Havana) - Jose Peidra
JCS
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larranaga
JM
Jose Marti (Amistad 407, Havana) - H. Upmann
LM
Las Mambisas (sub contractor only)
Provincial Factories
CFG
Cienfuegos
CFGS
Cienfuegos (regional facility in Cienfuegos) - Quintero y Hno
FD/PR
Francisco Donantien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
LV
Las Villas
MAM
??? Las Mambisas ???
PR
Francisco Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
RD
Ricardo Donatien (regional facility in Pinar del Rio)
SLR
??? Las Mambisas ???
SS
Sancti Spiritus (regional facility in Sancti Spiritus)
TLP
Lazaro Pena (group of factories in San Antonio)
TTB
Granma (regional facility in Bayamo)
TTH
Holguin (regional facility in Holguin) - not a good factory to buy from, bodhank)
VC
Villa Clara
VSC
Villa Santa Clara (regional facility in Santa Clara)
In 1994 the Habanos Seal (sticker across the box corner) was added. It is not uncommon to see stamps in red, blue, green or black ink across the years.

5. 1999 Cuban box codes

The original NIVELACUSO code was broken in 1997, thus rendering obsolete the objective of the code to prevent buyers from selectively purchasing cigars by factory. The penchant for seeking out Havana factory codes stemmed from the idea that some factories got the better raw materials. This is difficult to argue with those that have actual experience; Habanos S.A. would never admit as much. Allocations to factories is closely monitored now, hence less perceived discrepancy between factories.

Thus in 1999 the box codes were reworked to a different scheme. The date code was changed to the NETAGIDOCU scheme and the factory codes were redefined to all use 3 letter codes. The NETAGIDOCU scheme specifies the date that cigars were boxed, and is translated into numbers in the same manner as the earlier (NIVELACUSO) scheme. Together with the 3-letter factory code, the 4-digit NETAGIDOCU scheme designates the specific date and factory of origin for each box of Cuban cigars. For example, a box of Partagas Serie D No. 4 cigars boxed at the Partagas factory in March 1999 would have a box code EAT CCUT. (CCUT = 9903)

1999 Date Codes

First 1999 date code
N E T A G I D O C U
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0

Date Codes starting 5/99
?GOO 05/99

EPOO 05/99

ESOO 06/99

EUOO 07/99

EAOO 08/99

EOOO 09/99

LEOO 10/99

LLOO 11/99

LROO 12/99

1999 Factory Codes

Ciudad de La Habana - Havana

EGDCarlos Baliño - El Rey del Mundo
EDC
Briones Montoto - Romeo y Julieta
EUN
El Laguito
EAT
Francisco Pérez Germán - Partagás
EOG
Miguel Fernández Roig - La Corona
ENI
Héroes de Moncada
ECA
José Martí - H. Upmann
EEO
Juan Cano Sainz - Por Larrañaga
Cienfuegos Province
OTC
Cienfuegos I
OAI
Cienfuegos II
OOG
Cruces
OET
Cumanayagua
OIN
Lajas
Granma Province
NAT
Bayamo
NOO
Jiguaní
Holguín Province
UNG
Antilla
UDI
Gibara
UAN
Holguín I
UCE
Holguín II
UET
San Andrés
La Habana Province
TEN
Artemisa I
TEC
Artemisa II
TND
Bejucal
TOU
Güines
TAE
Güira I
TDC
Güira II
TIO
Quivicán
TCI
San Antonio I
TNG
San Antonio II
TGT
San Antonio de las Vegas
TUD
San Nicolás de Bari
TTA
Santa Cruz del Norte
Pinar del Rio Province
GDI
Candelaria
GAO
Consolación del Sur
GCN
Piloto
GNU
Pinar del Río
GOC
San Juan (Rio Seco)
Sancti-Spíritus Province
CEG
Arroyo Blanco
COT
Cabaiguán
CGI
Fomento
CNE
Guayos
CTO
Jatibonico
CUN
Perea
CID
Sancti-Spíritus
CDU
Taguasco
CAC
Trinidad
CCA
Zaza del Medio
Santiago de Cuba Province
AGE
Santiago de Cuba
Villa Clara Province
DNU
Báez
DDE
Camajuaní
DIT
Esperanza
DEC
Manicaragua
DGC
Placetas
DAI
Quemado de Güines
DOD
Ranchuelo
DCO
Remedios
DTA
Santa Clara I
DAT
Santa Clara II
DNC
Santo Domingo
DUN
Vueltas

6. Code since 2000

In 2000 Habanos SA changed the code yet again. The new code uses a 5 digit alphanumeric sequence to define the date. The first 3 digits are alpha and indicate the month. The last two digits are numeric and correspond to the last two digits of the year made. Thus, December 2000 will be DIC00, January 2001 will be ENE01.

2000 Date Code
January ENE

February FEB

March MAR

April ABR

May MAY

June JUN

July JUL

August AGO

September SET

October OCT

November NOV

December DIC

2000 Factory Code

Factories Code
EOG, EAR
La Corona
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partazas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA,CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA,OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV,ALV,SSU,VEL,SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba
LOC
Carlos Balino(Rey Del Mundo)

2000-2003 Box codes with a little more detail
LOC
Carlos Balino ( Rey Del Mundo)
EOG, EAR
La Corona (note that SUA was used in 2000 according to one source)
ECA
H.Upmann
RPO
H. Del Moncada
OSU
Partagas
PEL
Briones ( Romeo Juliet)
2000 - LOME, LQME 2001 - CLE
EL Laguito ( Cohiba )
ARA
J. Cano
LRL, SLA
Pinar Del Rio
PUL, URE, UPA, IESC
Holguin
URL, LES, SUA, CPV, RSE, PUC
Villa Clara
VCR, DUO, REC, PAS, USP, APE, LUL, CLO, SRA, OVU
S. Espiritus
CAV, ALV, SSU, VEL, SOL, PAR, SCO, LPE
La Habana
EOP, LAC, SEL, PUV
Cienfuergos
ACS, PLO
Granma
OLA
S de Cuba

7. New factory codes in 2003

Once again Habanos S.A. has changed factory codes. Starting in May 2003 several new codes have appeared. While we are still seeing quite a few codes from the 2000 list above, so far we have been able to decipher a few of the new ones.

Known 2003 Box codes
GKI
Francisco Pérez Germán (Partagás)
LLN
José Martí (H. Upmann)
KMM
Briones Montoto (Romeo y Julieta)
MKO
El Laguito (Cohiba)
FRH
Miguel Fernandez Roig (La Corona)

8. Factory Addresses and Known Brands

The following is a list of some factories with their addresses and the brands they are known to produce. This list should not, however, be considered inclusive nor exhaustive.

Factory Address Known Brands


Romeo & Julieta Belascoain 852, Havana El Rey del Mundo, Romeo & Julieta,
Quai d'Orsay, Cuaba, Saint Luis Rey

El Rey del Mundo San Carlos 816, Havana
Partagas Industria 520, Havana Ramone Allones, Bolivar, LaGloria Cubana,
Partagas

La Corona Zuleta 106, Havana San Cristobal, Hoyo, Por Larranga
Flor de Cano, Punch

H. Upmann Amistad 407, Havana Diplomatico, Monte Cristo,
H. Upmann, Robaina (closed/moved)

Por Larranga Carlos 111, Havana


El Laguito 2302 Calle 146, Havana Cohiba,Trinidad


Heroes de Moncada 13402 Ave 57, Mariano, Havana


La Habana Sancho Panza, Juan Lopez, Fonseca


Pinar del Rio Vegueros

Tobacco tax hike puts damper on Fla. cigar makers

So the cigar tax is here and in effect! $0.40 per stick is going to be felt and heard about all over the U.S. especially in South Florida where many imported cigars may pass through! Cigarrettes are going up even more than that. Cigars may have gotten caught up in the hype of the tobacco tax because many of the reports I have read already say that this is suppose to keep kids from smoking. Well how many kids do you see smoking Camacho triple Maduros or Romeo y Julieta churchill's? Not many that's for sure because of the cost #1 and #2 the inexperience of not knowing how to smoke would kick some youngins' butt six way from Sunday!

I say everyone from now on gets together and line up at cigar shops every 1st of April and smoke a big cigar in protest! If not let's just smoke a cigar!!!

Well since this tax is for the "Congress approved the tax increase on cigars and other tobacco products to raise $35 billion for health care for uninsured children" I hope that I get some kind of reprieve on my taxes for the child I have! (probably not but I gotta try)

Oh well!!! FYI, If it's enjoyment, fun or something you like to do...There is a tax on it or there will be one real soon!!!

Smoke Em' If You Got Em!!!

BlkCigarCzar

By TAMARA LUSH, Associated Press –
Wed Apr 1, 7:19 am ET

MIAMI – Inside the rolling room of El Credito Cigar Company, the air is earthy and fragrant, a mix of coffee and nuts tinged with caramel and leather.

Amid those sweet smells, though, workers are worried about a new federal tobacco tax that threatens Florida's $2 billion cigar industry. Starting Wednesday, the tax will increase from 5 cents to about 40 cents on large cigars, a little less on smaller stogies. Cigar makers say the increase will torch jobs and profits — what's left of them in the recession.

Like dozens of cigar companies dotting Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, El Credito uses traditional rollers — or, in Spanish, "torcedors" — to hand make La Gloria Cubana, the company's most famous and expensive cigar. The workers sit at wooden tables and fold tanned tobacco leaves, cut them with a crescent-shaped knife and then roll the wads into fat Churchills, Coronas and Torpedoes.

"Many of our rollers are worried," said Hector Ventura, operations manager for El Credito. "They think that if we have less sales, they will lose their jobs. We know for sure the tax increase will reduce our sales. It's not good for our business, not good at all."

The revenue from the new tax will help pay for a health insurance program for low-income children that President Barack Obama signed into law about two months ago. The State Children's Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP, will extend coverage to 11 million kids.

Florida has long been the hub of U.S. cigar making. In the 1890s, much of the nation's cigars were rolled in Tampa by Cuban immigrants. In the 1960s, another wave of Cubans with cigar expertise opened up smaller shops in Miami after Fidel Castro's communist revolution.

Eric Newman, the co-owner of the J.L. Newman Cigar company in Tampa, said these are the toughest times in the company's 114-year history.

"The last thing we needed was the government to throw this roadblock at us," Newman said. "This could push our industry off a cliff."

Newman said his company will go from paying $1 million in taxes a year to $4 million.

Cigarette smokers are angry they will have to pay 62 cents more per pack, but cigar makers and importers say their industry will suffer disproportionally, especially in Florida where 75 percent of the nation's cigar makers and importers are located.

"This is part of the culture of Miami and of Florida," said Enrique "Kiki" Berger, who co-owns Cuban Crafters Cigars in Miami. Berger's father was a cigar maker in Cuba until his factory was seized by the Castro regime. The family came to Miami and rolled cigars out of their garage until they could open a factory.

Today, Cuban Crafters employs 500 at a factory and a tobacco farm in Esteli, Nicaragua. Another 100 people work in Miami at a warehouse and small factory. The building also serves as a tourist stop and a place where guys smoke, play dominoes and sip strong shots of Cuban coffee.

Berger imports a chunk of his cigars from Nicaragua. He said he will pay hundreds of thousands of dollars more on each imported shipment — and that cost will be passed along to retailers and customers. The price of a pack of 25 cigars — $29.99 — will go up about $10 after the tax, he said. A single large cigar will increase by about 40 cents; Cuban Crafters sells them from $1 to $15 each.

If the smokers puff fewer cigars, Berger said he may shift even more production to Nicaragua to lower costs.

"What will the benefits be for people that manufacture in the U.S.? None," said Berger. "When they made this law, the politicians forgot about the cigar companies that employ people in the United States."

Jeff Borysiewicz, vice president of the Cigar Rights of America, said cigar makers shouldn't pick up the tab for children's health care.

"Kids aren't addicted to handmade cigars," said Borysiewicz, who is also the president of Corona Cigar, an Orlando, Fla.-based manufacturer and distributor. "We're an affordable hobby. We're not part of the problem with children."

Paul Hull, an American Cancer Society spokesman in Florida, said tobacco takes such a toll on health care, it's only fair that all companies contribute.

"For the most part, connoisseurs of cigars tend to be in a higher socio-economic class anyway," he said. "It's hard to imagine this will have an effect on them."

This may not be the last cigar price hike. Legislatures in several states, including New York, Wisconsin and California, are considering raising their state tobacco tax to help in the wake of declining revenue.