Cigar Coop Prime Time Show

Prime Time Episode 195 (Audio): Impromptu PCA Post Game Discussion

Due to our guest being unable to make tonight's show, we shifted gears and assembled a last minute panel for some impromptu PCA 2021 Trade Show talk. Aaron and Coop were joined by Cigar Coop team members Bear Duplisea and Ben Lee. We are also joined by Espinosa Cigars' Director of Operations Hector Alfonso Sr. from the manufacturer point of view, and Developing Palates' John McTavish represents a media point of view from the outside looking in.

We tackle some unique topics you might not have heard on other PCA Post Game Shows, including a discussion on the trend of factory changes for several releases and a debate on Skyline Chili.

Prime Time Episode 195: Impromptu PCA Post Game Discussion

Due to our guest being unable to make tonight's show, we shifted gears and assembled a last minute panel for some impromptu PCA 2021 Trade Show talk. Aaron and Coop were joined by Cigar Coop team members Bear Duplisea and Ben Lee. We are also joined by Espinosa Cigars' Director of Operations Hector Alfonso Sr. from the manufacturer point of view, and Developing Palates' John McTavish represents a media point of view from the outside looking in.

We tackle some unique topics you might not have heard on other PCA Post Game Shows, including a discussion on the trend of factory changes for several releases and a debate on Skyline Chili.

PCA 2021: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust (Audio)

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Each year, I select one company to be “The Company” at the Trade Show. For 2021, that honor was given to Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. The idea was to pick one company that would essentially “kick butt” at the Trade Show. There was no doubt Dunbarton was going into the Trade Show with the most momentum. The company had three very compelling releases, and owner Steve Saka masterfully was promoting things going into the Trade Show. At the Trade Show, I observed a steadily busy Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

PCA 2021: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

Each year, I select one company to be “The Company” at the Trade Show. For 2021, that honor was given to Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. The idea was to pick one company that would essentially “kick butt” at the Trade Show. There was no doubt Dunbarton was going into the Trade Show with the most momentum. The company had three very compelling releases, and owner Steve Saka masterfully was promoting things going into the Trade Show. At the Trade Show, I observed a steadily busy Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust

PCA 2021: Arturo Fuente (Audio)

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Liana Fuente of Arturo Fuente Cigar Company.

For as long as I have been covering PCA/IPCPR Trade Shows, Arturo Fuente and J.C. Newman’s “street design” has been a staple of the show. When I heard both companies would be redesigning the booth, it was hard to imagine what they would do differently. This year, the companies still had adjacent booths. While J.C. Newman highlighted it’s 111-year-old El Reloj factory, Arturo Fuente took a different approach – putting together a booth that showcased the rich history of the Fuente family and the artesian work that has become associated with its brands.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Arturo Fuente

PCA 2021: Arturo Fuente

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Liana Fuente of Arturo Fuente Cigar Company.

For as long as I have been covering PCA/IPCPR Trade Shows, Arturo Fuente and J.C. Newman’s “street design” has been a staple of the show. When I heard both companies would be redesigning the booth, it was hard to imagine what they would do differently. This year, the companies still had adjacent booths. While J.C. Newman highlighted it’s 111-year-old El Reloj factory, Arturo Fuente took a different approach – putting together a booth that showcased the rich history of the Fuente family and the artesian work that has become associated with its brands.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Arturo Fuente

PCA 2021: Scott Pearce (Audio)

At the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, we caught up with the PCA’s Executive Director, Scott Pearce.

This conversation with Scott Pearce took place just after a media press conference and just before the start of the third day of the Trade Show.  Scott gives his insights on how the first two days went, how he expected the next two days to go, and most importantly what the future of the PCA Trade Show is.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Scott Pearce, Executive Director; Premium Cigar Association

PCA 2021: Scott Pearce

At the 2021 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, we caught up with the PCA’s Executive Director, Scott Pearce.

This conversation with Scott Pearce took place just after a media press conference and just before the start of the third day of the Trade Show.  Scott gives his insights on how the first two days went, how he expected the next two days to go, and most importantly what the future of the PCA Trade Show is.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: Scott Pearce, Executive Director; Premium Cigar Association

PCA 2021: J.C. Newman Cigar Company (Audio)

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company.

J.C. Newman Cigar Company has always embraced its heritage. It's proud to be the oldest family-owned cigar maker in America, and it's proud of its 111-year-old El Reloj factory. Over the past few years, J.C. Newman has focused on its unique position of having such a rich history behind it. The company recently has undertaken renovations at El Reloj, and now is opening up its factory to tours. In addition, it also has brought back hand-rolled premium cigar making to El Reloj with the launch of The American (a cigar that went on to win the Cigar Coop 2020 Cigar of the Year). Keeping to the theme, J.C. Newman decided to bring El Reloj to the Trade Show with an all-new booth design replicating its historic facility.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: J.C. Newman Cigar Company

PCA 2021: J.C. Newman Cigar Company

From the 2021 PCA Trade Show, we talk to Drew Newman of J.C. Newman Cigar Company.

J.C. Newman Cigar Company has always embraced its heritage. It's proud to be the oldest family-owned cigar maker in America, and it's proud of its 111-year-old El Reloj factory. Over the past few years, J.C. Newman has focused on its unique position of having such a rich history behind it. The company recently has undertaken renovations at El Reloj, and now is opening up its factory to tours. In addition, it also has brought back hand-rolled premium cigar making to El Reloj with the launch of The American (a cigar that went on to win the Cigar Coop 2020 Cigar of the Year). Keeping to the theme, J.C. Newman decided to bring El Reloj to the Trade Show with an all-new booth design replicating its historic facility.

References

• PCA 2021 Report: J.C. Newman Cigar Company