In the News

Kansas City, Missouri - XIKAR Inc., makers of the highly rated Cigar Accessories and HC Series Cigars has signed a Licensing Agreement with Nicaraguan based Drew Estate, which became effective August, 2010.

"This new joint venture speaks volumes about our mutual admiration given what Drew Estate has done in the marketplace with their brands. We feel that this association is an excellent opportunity for both companies," according to Scott Almsberger, Vice President of XIKAR.

Two weeks ago, in Good Start Here Cigars - Part 1, I listed a number of cigars that I felt make good "start here" or "try this one first" cigars. This week, I list the remaining cigars I selected, once again, in alphabetical order. As I noted in Part 1, recommendations aren't always for beginners. So, whether you're a novice or a cigar smoker who is looking for something new or different, take a look at these.

Kristoff Criollo Robusto - Kristoff cigars have received a lot of accolades from cigar smokers for their rich, creamy flavors. Of the many blends they offer, I suggest starting with the Criollo Robusto for its medium-body, cool-smoking, 5½" x 54 shape, and perfect balance of toasted nut and sweet-spicy flavors. The Criollo wrappers are rich and oily in appearance and the rolling, finished in pigtail caps, are par excellence.

DANIA, FL –  Another one of Alec Bradley Cigars' most popular brand families is growing. Earlier this year they expanded their highly-acclaimed Family Blend cigars to five vitolas. Appropriately named, Maxx Connecticut, a new Connecticut wrapped series has been added to the Maxx Cigars brand. But the idea didn't come from inside the company. It came as a result of consumer demand.

When you sit in a sales meeting and everyone of your sales people tells you that tobacconists are asking for Maxx cigar in a Connecticut wrapper, you have to act, and we did," said Alec Bradley Cigars president, Alan Rubin. "Of course, it doesn't happen overnight either. We have spent a number of years developing the new line. Now, after many more months of tweaking and aging, it will be available to ship this month."