Cuban Stock Cigar Co. Announces Company Updates

Cuban Stock Cigar Co. just opened its new factory in the tax-free zone in Tamboril, Dominican Republic. President and company founder Yaniv Levy states, “After twenty years in our two previous factories, and with the pressures to increase output as our reputation grows, it was time for this new facility. Before this move, our total production space was less than 10,000 square feet … we now have 20,000 square feet, enough to carry us well into the future.

“Tamboril’s tabacaleros are among the country’s best. Since better working conditions create better cigars, these artisans deserve a comfortable, uncrowded, well-lit and temperate environment. The new facility is a major improvement in that respect. Tamboril is closer to workers’ homes, easing their transportation needs. The high-bay construction is cooler and brighter, with new, modern and more functional facilities.”

Since the new building only opened in late February, the company is currently gearing up. Levy has hired forty new workers, and that number will grow to 100 in a few weeks. Instead of being limited to 1.8 million cigars a year, the capacity to produce 10 million annually is a reality. For example, aging and fermenting rooms are a generous 1,200 square feet each. Levy estimates his cigar output will rise from present levels to 3 million before long. “With over twenty active brands,” he explains, “many with several shapes and sizes, we didn’t wait a moment too long in meeting that goal.

“Cuban Stock is known for the quality of its cigars, using the best tobacco grades and long fermentation. This is true with bundles and cigarillos, value-priced cigars like Everyday Joe, and boutique premium cigars with up to ten years’ aging … Reserve, Triumph, Limitado and 231. At present, the Chubbys and Delicioso lines are runaway best-sellers, and their production will be more than adequate.”

Although Cuban Stock Cigars does not sell direct to consumers, its Web site (www.CubanStockCigars.com) allows visitors to browse the entire company catalog. To complement the increased output, Levy is preparing to build a comprehensive sales force, and invites interested parties to contact him.

Arango Cigar Co. is proud to announce it is now the exclusive US distributor for PLC aromatic bulk pipe tobacco. Arango distributed the product nationwide until about ten years ago, when the manufacturer, Lane Ltd. (now Scandinavian Tobacco Group Lane Ltd.), discontinued the blend. “Long after Lane stopped producing PLC,” Arango’s president Michael Gold states, “we noted that consumers continued to ask retailers for the tobacco.” This prompted Arango and STG/Lane to respond and satisfy smokers by once again carrying this fine product. We are confident it will quickly regain its popularity, as smokers rediscover the enjoyable smoke.”

PLC is a mild-to-medium strength mixture, based on ribbon-cut Golden Cavendish tobacco, with a light touch of cherry flavoring for sweetness. When opening the packaging, there is a welcoming fragrance, due to the select Cavendish. PLC lights easily, after which the cherry flavor rises, but without overpowering the delicate tobacco aroma. A bonus is its ability to draw compliments from others nearby.

Overall, this well-balanced mixture is an excellent choice for new and seasoned smokers as well. PLC is now appearing at tobacconists’ blending bars throughout the US.

“We knew we hit a homer when tobacco retailers continued to order our new holiday JM’s Gift-Sampler Packs well into January,” reports Anto Mahroukian, JM Tobacco’s president. Their six cigars … four JM’s Dominicans and two JM’s Nicaraguans … are nestled in a 6″ x 9″ hand-crafted, custom wooden ashtray with two opposing Toro-sized cigar rests. Gift-Samplers include one each of all six of the value-priced duo’s blend/wrapper choices. They debuted last October for holiday gift-giving, and they caught the eye of shoppers. So, they are now a permanent addition to JM’s catalog.” According to Mahroukian, the Gift-Samplers’ popularity was aided by the inclusion of the unique hand-crafted ashtrays … a bonus incentive.

The mixed-filler Toros are hand-rolled from 100% select, fully aged Cuban-seed tobaccos. JM’s mild-to-medium Dominicans are available in Connecticut, Corojo, Sumatran and Maduro wrappers, and have all-Dominican filler leaves. Medium-bodied JM’s Nicaraguans come in Sumatran and Maduro wrappers, with Nicaraguan filler tobaccos. All cigars in these two lines share Connecticut broadleaf binders. The cigars are finished with a convenient pre-cut head.

The Gift-Samplers’ ashtrays merit mention. Each is hand-made by Treeline Woodworks, (Los Angeles, CA), using reclaimed wood from construction projects. The nail holes and other construction distressing are considered part of the character of each piece. JM’s value-priced Dominican and Nicaraguan Samplers are currently available for sale at tobacco retailers nationwide, with a suggested retail pricing of $29.99.