The recent World Class Cigar Expo in New York City unveiled some hot new products and a few fine new cigars. CigarLife asked intrepid cigar-lovers Marc and Adam Goldstone to investigate the new stuff. Here is their "point-counterpoint" report from the field.

Let the Expo Begin!

Marc: At about 3:00, we got out of our cab in front of the Jacob Javits Convention Center, on New York's west side. Named after the New York congressman famed for his "Golden Fleece" awards given each year to the federal projects which gave least value for the money, I hoped that the expo wouldn't be a candidate for such an award, chocked full of those overpriced cigars and accessories no one needs. Ticket prices were $25 advance purchase, and $35 at the door.

As we registered for our press credentials, we overheard an irate patron named James complain that he was not given fair value for his ticket price, and demanding his money back. We spoke with him after he left the ticket booth. He said that he had called the promoters to ask about the nature of the expo, and felt that he received assurances that it would be similar to a "Big Smoke" event, where he would be lavished with free cigars. After spending an admitted 10 minutes in the expo, and not receiving "generous samples", he demanded his money back. He said that he wasn't there to buy things.
After we finished talking to him, an expo security official demanded to know what we were doing. I tried to get his comments on tape, but he refused to talk. I then asked to speak with an expo official that could comment, but he said they were "busy."

On the ground floor of the expo, there was only one vendor. Camorra Cigars, whose exhibit was remarkable for the presence of not one but two Hummer vehicles, was the first merchant to visit. Mike Lafferty told me that the Hummers made for great brand name recognition. Of course, Penthouse Pet Paige Summers, who was signing autographs, made for great brand name recognition as well! She offered me a signed photo, but not a sample cigar, so I moved on.

Up the escalator to the main exhibit floor, which was set up in a "T" format. We entered at the bottom of the "T", and found that smoking was allowed in the crossbar of the "T". I presume that this was because the crossbar was the farthest space from the main entrance to the Javits Center, and the smoking area had many windows and doors that could be opened to the outside. In any event, the expo area did not have a heavy odor of cigar smoke, nor did it have the typical "Big Smoke Haze" near the ceiling. Good ventilation is key to any successful cigar event, and this show had good ventilation.

Adam: As I followed Marc to the Camorra Cigar booth, I saw the ever lovely Paige Summers. She was signing autographed pictures of her Clothed self. I said "no thanks" which didn't seem to sit well with Ms. Summers. So onto the HumVees and Mike Lafferty. Mike assured me that Camorra cigars was as spicy as the Penthouse Pet and as well made and consistent as the HumVee(what a big truck).

La Gianna cigars and the Boston Garden Humidor

Marc: The first booth I visited on the exhibit floor was Gary Scott International, makers of the La Gianna line. You may remember it as the cigar with Raphael's "Angel" on the band. The representative told me it was a Nicaraguan line, and was aged three years prior to sale. He was unclear if the 3 years was harvest to sale, or rolling to sale.
Actually, the item at this booth that really caught my eye was the "Boston Garden Humidor." It was a large box, said to hold 500 cigars. It was made of parquet, with a brick from the old Boston Garden inlaid on the top, and was autographed by Red Auerbach. It was well made and gorgeous. However, it was also $6,000.00 at retail - a bit pricey for me, maybe even a bit pricey for Bill Gates!

Adam: Yes, the eye catcher of this booth was definitely the Boston Garden Humidor. It was a beautiful box. A nice red mahogany outside with solid Spanish Cedar inside, and a huge removable tray. But for $6000, I would expect Red Auerbach to come over and light my cigars as well!

Standout cigars

Marc: At this point, I headed for the cigar friendly portion of the expo. There was a common theme: almost every manufacturer offered a petit corona a la Fuente Short Story. Few were remarkable. The standouts (for me, anyway) were:

The Florez family's El Rey De Florez Torpedo, the newest shape in their Dominican line. It was as good as every other Florez smoke I've ever had, with the potential exception of their Miami Selection Torpedo in Maduro, which is the smoke I would want to have if stranded on a desert island (it's out of this world!).
The ERDF Torpedo was an outstanding smoke in every way construction, draw, taste. I recommend it highly.

Juan Y Ramon handed me a torp in a light maduro wrapper, which was a very tasty smoke indeed. At $5.50, it was also quite reasonably priced.

Christiano Leone's petit perfecto, the Director's Choice Director, held its own against the prototypical petit perfecto, the Fuente Short Story. I spoke with Mr. Leone, who told me that this cigar is in extremely limited production (25,000 this year), and is a smoke he added to the line because he likes to smoke it himself. It is a sumatra wrapped Dominican, and was a very nice and spicy compliment to Italian food. If I can find them, I will buy them. Retail: about $5.10 each.

I finally met Joe Seither of Big Butt cigars (we had traded e-mail for several months last year), who explained to me their marketing strategy. For the past two years they have only been shipping three sizes (robusto, corona, and double corona) and they are adding one size this year. Limiting the sizes and shapes helps to ensure quality control. Good idea, I thought. I've had too many poorly rolled cigars this year.

Big Boss Man Cigars gave me a Copa Havana pyramide, made with Nicaraguan filler and an aged Maduro wrapper. Great smoke, and the line costs between $4 and $8.

Finally, Jonathan Sann of QC Cigar Company offered me a prototype of their La Vieja Habana line. This will be an all torpedo line (with one robusto), from 4 ½" to 7 ½". Since I favor torpedoes, I was pleased to find that I will be able to get them in a variety of ring gauges and lengths. It is constructed of aged Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, with a Ecuadorian Rosado wrapper.
Jonathan described it as a very full bodied smoke, aged in the Cuban tradition, both on end, in bundles and flat, on shelves. The sample smoked very well, with tastes of nuts and leather. The line will retail between $7 and $8.30.

Adam: There were just too many new brands of cigars to comment on all of them. Here are my favorites from the show:

The line of cigars that impressed me by being well priced and well made, with the qualities of a premium cigar, was the Flor de Florez and the El Rey de Florez. I can't say enough about this line of cigars. It is very reminiscent of the Fuente line, because of the family involvement and commitment. They make sure the product bearing their family name is always right.
I was also told that my favorite Florez Orange band is coming back. Although not the same exact blend, I've been told "If I liked the old Orange band, I'll love the new Orange Band cigar."

Christiano Leone, as Marc noted has a cigar that is similar to the Fuente Short Story. Not as good as that favourite of mine, but I would smoke it if I couldn't find a Short Story.

La Vieja Habana, is the all torpedo line that Marc spoke of. I had the opportunity to smoke two different sizes and it is certainly a pleasure to be able to choose what size torp' you want to smoke. Moreover, the two different sizes smoked and tasted different from each other. Each was unique, with good construction and very tasty, lots of spice.

The Cimero is also a very nice cigar with the most nutty flavor, but smooth. Sometimes hard to draw, but overall a thumbs up.

Pocket humidor

Adam: My only concern about this product was that it seems to be with red cedar, commonly referred to as "hamster cedar". When I asked the person manning the booth, why they used this particular type of cedar, he responded "That's what you are supposed to use, isn't it." Simple answer, Wrong! Spanish cedar is the correct wood. Aromatic edar and spanish cedar are NOT the same!

CoBee Cigar Lighter

Adam: The Colbee booth was indeed a unique stop. They had a very pretty young lady dressed up as a Giant Bumble Bee. That is what caught my attention, and then I saw this great looking lighter. Boy was I disappointed when I saw the flame this thing "puffed" out. It was weak and couldn't even compare to the quality lighters all over the marketplace already. My first thought was "here is something else the cigar smoking public doesn't need."

Sterling silver accessories

Adam: Since I never heard of Sterling Elegance before, I asked the "Chap" at the booth to tell me about the company. He said they were an old English Silversmithing company that decided to jump in on the Cigar craze with a line of Sterling Silver cigar accessories. My initial thought was that here is another useless cigar item. But after I heard that their starter humidor held 30 churchill sized cigars and cost only $2500.00, I knew my first thought was correct.

Cigars and fine art

Adam: Yes, the "Cohiba 57 Chevy" lithograph was great. Everytime I see this piece I always like it, even though I find the price a bit high.

Anyone for chess?

Marc: Next I saw a chess set by Found Chess, made from actual cigar butts covered with polyurethane. The pawns are Zippo lighters! The sample set featured Havanas versus old-line machine made smokes such as King Edward and El Producto. Price: $1,500 if you think it will improve your game! Sadly, there was no discount for supplying your own pre-smoked cigar butts!

Adam: I wanted to know, who gets to smoke the cigars that go on each chess set? I volunteered to smoke the Habanos collection for them, any time at all.

OK, time for golf

Marc: As a golfer, I was intrigued by the Sabol Sports Puffer, which featured an oversized, hollow, humidified cedar lined shaft which could hold 4-5 cigars up to 54 ring gauge, and a head which sported a cigar "punch" and a matchbox holder. I even tried putting with it, but the floor of the Javits center broke way right, and I didn't sink it! For golfing cigar-lovers, the Puffer might be a convenient way to carry cigars on the course. Retail price: $179.

Adam: I saw the Sports Putter and I liked it. Admittedly $179 is more than I paid for my "Ping" putter, but then again my Ping can't keep my cigars humidified. Considering I can't sink a putt with either, I am probably better off with the Sabol Sports Puffer.

Cigars dipped in what?

Marc: For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why the Colavita Olive Oil people had a booth at a cigar expo. I mean, I use their oil in my cooking, but not in my smoking. They suggest that cigars be dipped in olive oil prior to smoking. I'm not convinced!

Adam: Perplexed is the word! I mean olive oil is OK mixed with balsamic vinegar and poured over a nice salad. But to take a beautifully aged fine cigar and dip it in oil before smoking it sounds really weird! I don't think they were getting many takers.

For the bulk cigar-lover

Marc: I am Mr. Vending machine. If it comes in a vend-pack, I'll buy it. That's one reason why I loved the humidified cigar vending machine. Sure it costs $10,000. What do I care? I'm not buying one, I just want to use one at the golf course, the casino, wherever. It keeps 350 cigars, divided into up to 18 selections, well humidified and available for sale 24 hours a day. It is a beautiful device as well, made of cherry finished mahogany and lined with Spanish cedar. If my options are a cello-pack of El Productos from a convenience store shelf, or a well-humidified Partagas #10 from the vending machine, I know what I'll take. Ask for it at your local club or bar!

Adam: I got to tell you folks, I loved this item. But unlike Marc, I want one for my home! Nothing better that having a well humidified cigar at your fingertips, by just inserting a large denomination bill in the slot. When they come out with the combo soda and cigar machine, I am ordering one. This is going to be a winner.

Best Accessory Awards

Marc: I found the best accessory of the show at a large booth presented by Csonka Cigar Requisites, where I also met Michael Chunko, the company's President and CEO. I currently own a Csonka "Car Cigar" which was a gift from my friend Ian. It is a wooden cigar replica which graces my license plate frame, and is a neat way of communicating my love of the leaf to others.
Michael showed me the Csonka Cigar Valet Travel Humidor. What a terrific travel ‘dor! A 100% metal case, covered with padded leather (available in black, brown and burgundy), lined with Spanish cedar, with an integral humidification device and cigar retention devices covered in matching leather. It is sealed by a brushed brass lock, which is double secured by an ABS retention ring. I got one up to 70% humidity in 8 hours, so the seal must be good.
According to Michael's research, cigar smokers want a travel humidor that holds more than 10 cigars, is good looking, and affordable. This device holds 12 double coronas, is absolutely beautiful, and retails for $99.95!
The Csonka is elegant, and can easily double as a desktop ‘dor for the office (where mine currently resides!) For the money, you simply cannot beat the Csonka Cigar Valet. I give it my "Best Accessory at the Show" award.
It is available from CCR at 609-924-2269 or by fax at 609-275-4562

Adam: I will agree with Marc that the Csonka Cigar Valet is a great travel humidor and well worth the $99 price tag, but the attraction for me was the Csonka Cigar Vault. I will tell you I am in love with this beauty.
It is a vertical humidor that fits in-between the studs in the wall of a house. It mounts right into the wall and has a trim package that makes for a professional installation. The front full length glass door lets everyone view your favorite cigars without harming their perfect 70%, 70 degree environment. The angled shelves of Spanish Cedar added that extra special touch. This humidor holds a bunch of cigars and allowes them to be viewed while still aging. I really liked this product. I found this booth to be the most unique and the Best in Show for their overall product line, which is unique, innovative and best of all, useful.

Humidors, big and small

Marc: I saw a new line of cigar humidification devices made by Mr. Moisture. They were cheaper than the leading brand, and came in more sizes and colors (black, silver and gold.) However, they were proud of the fact that the humidifiers were "overstuffed" with floral foam. Conventional wisdom says that the foam should be cut slightly small to allow for air circulation and better humidification. They ranged in price from $14 to $60.

The Cigar King Travel Humidor is another neat little travel device. It is made of heavy duty plastic, with a humidification device in the lid. It is designed to hold 2 churchill sized sticks, with an integral divider to protect the cigars. The top mates securely to the bottom, and the case comes with a cutter that fits into a mount integral to the bottom. In addition, a cigar snuffer made of billet aluminum is mounted to the case. The price is $29.95 in black, and $39.95 in chrome or goldtone finish. Definitely one of the nicest pocket humidors I've seen, and the integral accessories are a nice touch.

Kadima Publishing offered humidors designed by artist Yankel Ginsburg. Ginsburg was commissioned by the former Shah of Iran to design a humidor for the Peacock throne. The dors are wild designs of colors within lucite, in a variety of shapes. Unique and expensive: prices range $2000 to $16,500.
Yikes! Let's see... A humidor from outer space, or a down payment on a summer home. Hmmm, it's a tough one!

The International Cigar booth was showing a Frank Sinatra Limited Edition Humidor. It was a large, black lacquered box made by Decatur Industries. It looked as if it would hold about 250-300 cigars, with a special velvet lined compartment to store your cutter and lighter in. It has a line drawing of Frank Sinatra's face and his signature on the lid, and will be made in a limited edition of 5000. Show price was $1995 empty, or it could be had with 100 Frank Sinatra signature cigars (Dominicans from a manufacturer unknown to the International Cigar representatives) for only $1000 more. None for me, thanks.

Adam: As far as I can remember Frank Sinatra was never known for his Cigar Rolling Capabilities. So why would any sane person want 100 of his signature cigars, especially for $10 each. If I want to remember Frankie, I'll put on his CD and light up a nice Partagas or something similar.

The super-fine cigar jacket

Marc: Next up was the "Cigar Jacket" tailored in Italy. This was a sport coat with a cigar case, lighter and cutter pockets sewn in. It was a nice $200 sport coat. Unfortunately, it cost $650. I had to pass on this one.

Adam: A great jacket, but there were no sizes for Short Fat Guys, so I had to pass.

Editor's Note: I have to interject here because I loved this jacket! It is designed and made in Italy, and looks every bit as good as you'd expect an Italian sports jacket to be. The hidden bonus is the cigar pocket, which is fully lined with leather allowing the wearer to carry all of the necessary cigar accoutrements.

Blazer Pocket Torch

Marc: Blazer Microtorches were only $40 at the Blazer booth. That was an excellent price for a great cigar lighter. Unfortunately, they had the worst booth staff in the known universe. The young woman had to ask how to use the lighter not once, but twice during the demo.

Adam: I was worried when the young lady at the booth pointed the Blazer pen at her head and attempted to light it, but then I realized her "Saline Laden Chest" would serve to protect her. O.K., it is a blazer, what more can I say. I use one. It is the only lighter I know that can light my Bolivar and still allow me to "Sweat" an elbow joint.

A quick sip on the way out

Marc: On my way out, I sampled Glenlivet Scotch, Grey Goose Vodka, and Sandman's port. All fine libations. Grey Goose was a new product, with a very clean taste. I can recommend them all! And a very pleasant way to end the cigar expo. See you next year!

Smoke On!