2006 RTDA - Event Summary

2006 RTDA - Event Summary Some final thoughts from the 2006 RTDA.
Home 2002 RTDA Report - Rob and Paul's Excellent Adventure The common mans view of the happenings at and around the 2002 RTDA in Las Vegas. Best of 2002 Awards at Top25Cigar.com The results from our "Best of 2002" poll at Top25Cigar. See which cigars were voted the best of 2002. A Day at the Graycliff Hotel and Cigar Company Rob Shibata visits the Graycliff Hotel and Cigar Company, and finds old world hospitality can be found today as well. Jorge and Orlando Padron Interview with Top25Cigar Remember back when your parents told you "if you treat everyone with respect, and work hard every day your going to be successful"? When talking to Jorge and Jose Padron, one gets the feeling not only have they heard that saying, but they live it every day. Cano Ozgener, CEO of C.A.O. International Interview with Top25Cigar Cano A. Ozgener was a very enjoyable and willing interviewee. As you can see by his answer to the final question, Mr. Ozgener is a man dedicated to his passions, namely his family and the business they are in. Cano Ozgener, CEO of C.A.O. International Interview with Top25Cigar Cano A. Ozgener was a very enjoyable and willing interviewee. As you can see by his answer to the final question, Mr. Ozgener is a man dedicated to his passions, namely his family and the business they are in. La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3 If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar. La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3 If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar. La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3 If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar. La Aurora 1903 Preferidos No. 3 If you've been sniffing around the industry, you have probably heard quite a bit about this little cigar. Excalibur Prensado Oscuro The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua. Excalibur Prensado Oscuro The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua. Excalibur Prensado Oscuro The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua. Excalibur Prensado Oscuro The latest, or soon to be latest release in the Excalibur line is the Prensado Oscuro, a cigar that longs to get the box pressed attention of a certain line of cigars from Nicaragua. Juan Clemente' Grand Corona None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon. Juan Clemente' Grand Corona None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon. Juan Clemente' Grand Corona None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon. Juan Clemente' Grand Corona None of our reviewers will be buying these anytime soon. Caballeros Corona If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you. Caballeros Corona If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you. Caballeros Corona If you like pleasant surprises, have we got a cigar for you. Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks. Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks. Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks. Romeo y Julieta Vintage VI In the RyJ Vintage VI, were talking about a cigar that used to be the undisputed heavyweight favorite of Dominican cigars...at least for a couple of our folks. Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro) Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start. Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro) Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start. Hoyo de Monterrey Seleccion Royale Senador (Maduro) Everyone was impressed by how this cigar looked, it really got the tasting off to a great start. La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3 Summary La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3 Summary La Tradicion Cabinet Series Perdomo Reseve No. 3 Summary Accumonitor - Serious Humidification This is humidification for the big boys and girls. Accumonitor - Serious Humidification This is humidification for the big boys and girls. RTDA 2005 - DAY ONE Look here for the Day One update on the happenings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans! RTDA 2005 - DAY ONE Look here for the Day One update on the happenings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans! RTDA 2005 - DAY ONE Look here for the Day One update on the happenings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans! RTDA 2005 - DAY ONE Look here for the Day One update on the happenings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans! RTDA 2005 - DAY ONE Look here for the Day One update on the happenings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans! RTDA 2005 - DAY TWO Top25Cigar sums up our second day at the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY TWO Top25Cigar sums up our second day at the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY TWO Top25Cigar sums up our second day at the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY TWO Top25Cigar sums up our second day at the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY TWO Top25Cigar sums up our second day at the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY THREE Rob and Paul share their Day 3 findings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY THREE Rob and Paul share their Day 3 findings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY THREE Rob and Paul share their Day 3 findings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY THREE Rob and Paul share their Day 3 findings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. RTDA 2005 - DAY THREE Rob and Paul share their Day 3 findings from the 2005 RTDA show in New Orleans. Sabor Havana - Cigar Store Paradise Rob Shibata finds cigar store paradise when checking out Jorge “Big George” Valdes Sabor Havana Cigar Store in Doral, Florida. Sabor Havana - Cigar Store Paradise Rob Shibata finds cigar store paradise when checking out Jorge “Big George” Valdes Sabor Havana Cigar Store in Doral, Florida. Sabor Havana - Cigar Store Paradise Rob Shibata finds cigar store paradise when checking out Jorge “Big George” Valdes Sabor Havana Cigar Store in Doral, Florida. Visit The New Padron Cigar Offices Rob Shibata visits the new Padron Cigar offices in Miami. Visit The New Padron Cigar Offices Rob Shibata visits the new Padron Cigar offices in Miami. Visit The New Padron Cigar Offices Rob Shibata visits the new Padron Cigar offices in Miami. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. Los Santos Churchill - One Man's Dream We've all wanted to start our own cigar company. Here's proof it's a tough go. RTDA 2006 - Preview Preview of the RTDA 2006 RTDA 2006 - Preview Preview of the RTDA 2006 2006 RTDA - Day One Update Coming late in the day July 18, 2006 2006 RTDA - Day One Update Coming late in the day July 18, 2006 2006 RTDA - Day Two Update Top25Cigars Day Two update from the 2006 RTDA show. 2006 RTDA - Day Two Update Top25Cigars Day Two update from the 2006 RTDA show. A Quick Visit to Rocky Patel Rocky Patel, based in Naples, Florida gets a quick visit from Rob Shibata A Quick Visit to Rocky Patel Rocky Patel, based in Naples, Florida gets a quick visit from Rob Shibata 2007 RTDA Preview They say getting there is half the battle. 2007 RTDA Preview They say getting there is half the battle. Day One - Echo, Echo, Echo Day one thoughts from the 2007 RTDA show. Day One - Echo, Echo, Echo Day one thoughts from the 2007 RTDA show. Day 2 - Everything Hurts Our second day at the RTDA begins earlier than it should. Day 2 - Everything Hurts Our second day at the RTDA begins earlier than it should. A Visit to Torano Cigars Rob Shibata visits Torano Cigars in Miami. A Visit to Torano Cigars Rob Shibata visits Torano Cigars in Miami. 2007 RTDA Epilogue and final day. The final day of the 2007 RTDA is summarized. 2007 RTDA Epilogue and final day. The final day of the 2007 RTDA is summarized. 2007 RTDA Epilogue and final day. The final day of the 2007 RTDA is summarized. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part I A list of underappreciated cigars as the editor of Top25Cigar sees them. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part I A list of underappreciated cigars as the editor of Top25Cigar sees them. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part II The top 25 overlooked cigars in the world as the editor of Top25Cigar sees it. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part II The top 25 overlooked cigars in the world as the editor of Top25Cigar sees it. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part III The top 25 overlooked cigars as the editor of Top25Cigar sees them. The Top25 Overlooked Cigars - Part III The top 25 overlooked cigars as the editor of Top25Cigar sees them. Interview with Jon Huber - CAO Cigars Director of Lifestyle Marketing We interview Jon Huber, the heartbeat behind the "hip" attitude of CAO International. Interview with Jon Huber - CAO Cigars Director of Lifestyle Marketing We interview Jon Huber, the heartbeat behind the "hip" attitude of CAO International. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. La Aurora 1495 Series Connoisseur Selection How much does the wrapper impact the flavor of a cigar? Here's a great way to find out. CAO LX2 TO DEBUT AT IPCPR 76TH ANNUAL CONVENTION AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW New CAO Cigar Targets “Full-Bodied” Market Segment Cantankerous Punch Puppet Protests Retail Celebration Gear up to celebrate the birthday of the premium cigar category’s one-and-only pot-bellied, trash-talking character, Mr. Punch. Cantankerous Punch Puppet Protests Retail Celebration Gear up to celebrate the birthday of the premium cigar category’s one-and-only pot-bellied, trash-talking character, Mr. Punch. Tabacos de la Cordillera Announces Price Rollback Tabacos de la CordilleraTM (Highland Cigars), a Costa Rican tobacco and cigar producer, has made significant price reductions on its exclusive factory-direct Web sales site. Tabacos de la Cordillera Announces Price Rollback Tabacos de la CordilleraTM (Highland Cigars), a Costa Rican tobacco and cigar producer, has made significant price reductions on its exclusive factory-direct Web sales site. Tabacos de la Cordillera Debuts New “Vogel” Premium Cigars Tabacos de la Cordillera™ (Highland Cigars) now offes a new line of premium cigars with unique, revolutionary features. Tabacos de la Cordillera Debuts New “Vogel” Premium Cigars Tabacos de la Cordillera™ (Highland Cigars) now offes a new line of premium cigars with unique, revolutionary features. CUBAN IMPORTS ‘WIRED’ IN WITH NEW EXILE® CIGAR Modestly Priced New Cigar Extension Offers ‘Old World’ Flavor CUBAN IMPORTS ‘WIRED’ IN WITH NEW EXILE® CIGAR Modestly Priced New Cigar Extension Offers ‘Old World’ Flavor A Visit with a US Cigar Industry Institution: The JC Newman Cigar Co. Tampa, Florida. Home of the Buccaneers, Rays and home also to the JC Newman Cigar Co. A Visit with a US Cigar Industry Institution: The JC Newman Cigar Co. Tampa, Florida. Home of the Buccaneers, Rays and home also to the JC Newman Cigar Co. GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND COUNTERFEITING SUIT RELATING TO “COHIBA Caribbean’s Finest” CIGARS AND RUM GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT GENERAL CIGAR PREVAILS IN TRADEMARK INFRINGEMENT AND COUNTERFEITING SUIT RELATING TO “COHIBA Caribbean’s Finest” CIGARS AND RUM A visit to "The King". Rob Shibata of Top25Cigar visits Cigar King. A visit to "The King". Rob Shibata of Top25Cigar visits Cigar King. 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas 2008 IPCPR Day One Summary A summary of our Day One at the 2008 IPCPR show in Las Vegas IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in. IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in. IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in. IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in. IPCPA Show Day Two Short Takes Day Two and the effects of Las Vegas set in. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this. Ron Matusalem Gran Reserve Rum Ahhh, rum, and good rum at that. We could get used to this. Devils Weed Cigars Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars? Devils Weed Cigars Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars? Devils Weed Cigars Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars? Devils Weed Cigars Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars? Devils Weed Cigars Devils Weed cigars may have the coolest name and best logo in the industry, but how are their cigars?	Some general thoughts and observations after having a few days to think about our time at the 2006 RTDA show in Las Vegas. Top25Cigar and Club Stogie continue to gain acceptance by cigar manufacturers and retailers alike. In other words, instead of just tolerating us, people actually want to talk to us. Okay, that may be a bit aggressive...let's just say they tolerate us without calling security. Tommy Lee needs more tattoos. Business seemed to be good for all the cigar makers we talked to. Many had larger booths this year. The big are getting bigger. Show attendance was up slightly. If hot women sold cigars, Heavenly Cigars would be the top selling brand bar none. Every company didn’t have a new cigar to release, but there were enough to keep cigar smokers busy until the RTDA next year. Those that weren’t releasing new cigars were the companies that have enough of an issue keeping there regular lines around. More manufacturers are releasing mixed filler and long filler bundle cigars for the $3 retail price point. Bundles, bundles, bundles. The older you get the more you have to hit the restroom. There is much concern over the fight to defeat California’s Proposition 86 tobacco tax increase. A presentation by Philip Morris revealed a strategy to defeat the proposition by billing it as an unfair consumer tax rather than a tobacco tax initiative. There were more new cigar companies than in the recent past. Startups are blending themselves and letting the big guys roll for them. Pepin Garcia is the hottest of the new cigar makers. Consuming 5 cigars and 6 Mojitos in a 4 hour period provides a unique state of mind. Many manufacturers have moved towards making medium to full bodied cigars rather than just make the strongest cigars possible. The CA booth appeared mostly empty every time we passed by. Shanken has a hairpiece…(just kidding Marv!) Las Vegas is one of the hottest places on earth in July, in fact it isn’t even “Earth worthy” in the description of its heat…more like Venus. The flavored cigar market continues to expand. There are a growing number of manufacturers making cigars in Costa Rica. Ron Shibata is living proof to dispel the stereotype that all Japanese know how to use a camera. (-; Since most cigar companies are family owned and operated, the next generation of management and ownership continue to take more responsibility for the operations. The over under on how many days you can spend in Vegas before wearing yourself out is 5. This trip you should have bet the under. Thanks for reading. Paul Shoberg and Rob Shibata
Powered By Traffic Booster Absolute News Manager Plug-in by Xigla Software