New Review from Gary Arzt

Greetings Friends,

I hope the holidays are going relatively stress-free for you all. We at Molina Cigar / Devil's Weed have been at it promotions-wise and we are waiting for another big shipment of cigars to flood the country again.

Meanwhile, Gary J. Arzt, who has a very informative column concerning the world of cigars on Cigar Review (called Cigar Lifestyle), wrote a small feature on Devil's Weed cigars. He had a positive feedback on our Cabinet Selection (even though Connecticut wrapper of any kind is not his cup of tea).

Check out the article right here!

Thanks, Gary! We're glad you enjoyed our cigars! And, friends, be sure to stay tuned to Gary's monthly columns as he gets the inside scoop on much of the industry.

Also, feel free to post a comment here on our blog and let us know what you think about Devil's Weed Cab. Selection!

Until next time, saludos.

-Luis

Wall Street Smoke - Miami Photos

Greetings Friends,

here are some pictures from the Cigar Report's Wall Street Smoke in Miami that took place on October 14, 2008. Enjoy!

the Cigar Report bulldog greets Miami

the Cigar Report Wall Street Smoke issue

an attendee with a great bag!

DW samples and give-aways

the hustler working the booth

Luis Molina with a DW fan!

Luis Molina with a few more D-Dub fans!

Wall Street Smoke - NYC Photos

Greetings Friends,

here are some pictures from the Cigar Report's Wall Street Smoke in New York that took place on October 7, 2008. We'll post some more photos of the event in Miami that took place the week after. Enjoy!

the view from the outdoor VIP section

the board of sponsors

caviar and cigars...nice

the outdoor patio atop the Manhattan skyline

the Cigar Report bulldog

a great crowd

a DW fan enjoying a Nicot

Happy (belated) Tabaco Appreciation Month!

Greetings Friends,

I apologize for the lack of posts this month but I have been on the road spreading the good word of Devil's Weed. We have been everywhere from NYC to Miami, Orlando, Houston and New Orleans visiting shops, hosting events and kicking back with like-minded cigar smokers. We will post these events and their pictures over the next week to re-cap to you each party.

I also want to announce to you of our mission to make October "Tabaco Appreciation Month." In keeping with the history and background of Devil's Weed, we at Molina Cigar want to underscore and create awareness about the great history of tabaco and cigars. We chose October because appreciating tabaco and cigars should be kept in line when we celebrate Columbus Day (the great discoverer of tabaco). It was fitting when I was in NYC a few weeks to be at Columbus Square and meditate for a moment about out great discoverer of tabaco -- Cristobal Colón (or Christopher Columbus). It would have been more appropriate if the statue of Colón was holding some leaves of tabaco. Regardless, we at Molina Cigar want to begin our ambassadorship of tabaco and cigars to the rest of the world by first paying tribute to Colón (who by no coincidence is the namesake of our doble perfecto).

So when you relax this month with a cigar, remember to pay tribute to the venerable history of tabaco and that it began with the great voyage of Colón 516 years ago.

Saludos,
Luis Molina

A New White Suit

Greetings Friends,

I have attached some pictures of how Devil's Weed Cabinet Selection will now be packaged. The blend has not changed however. It is only the way the cigar is presented.

In keeping with a traditional "cabinet selection" style of packaging, each stick of Devil's Weed is naked once the white tissue is taken off. The band is adorned on the outside of the tissue. We feel that the white soft tissue is better than cellophane because it is more breathable and allows for better aging of the cigar (for the extreme connoisseurs who enjoy buying cigars by the box and putting them away for long-term aging); however, the tissue is better than leaving the cigar naked because it protects the wrapper from tearing or drying out too fast if left in drier conditions. The tissue also underscores the presentation of such a fine cigar that is high in quality.

Keep a lookout now as this shipment of cigars is hitting the country as we speak. If your local retailer does not carry our cigars, then request it! Your voice has more weight than our sales calls; but we are in over 40 stores around the country and are continuing opening more appointed merchants.

Check back on this blog as we will post some events that we have lined up in October. We will be hitting New York, Miami, Houston, Boston and New Orleans next month.

As you can see, Robbie and John of Cordova Cigars in Pensacola proudly bear the new packaging of Devil's Weed Cabinet Selection cigars. And the amount of back-up boxes they keep on hand in their walk-in humidor ain't too shabby either.

Saludos,
Luis

DogWatch Cigar Radio

Greetings Friends,

Click here to hear the interview administered by Bob and Dale of the great podcast, DogWatch Cigar Radio, of Devil's Weed cigars and myself. It was a pleasure having them interview us and discuss the cigars from our booth in Las Vegas during the IPCPR. Molina Cigar looks forward to future dialogue with Bob and Dale. Thanks again, gentlemen!

Saludos,
Luis

Devil's Weed Room by Cigar Live!

Greetings Friends,

Daniel at the great cigar forum Cigar Live has informed me that they have dedicated a room to Molina Cigar / Devil's Weed. This allows us to interact directly with Cigar Live members. We will answer questions in a timely fashion and you can even send us a PM (private message for the newbies).

We look forward to making our company more accessible to you, the fine cigar smoker. Remember, you have to create a log-in ID and password to post on Cigar Live (don't worry, it's really easy). Let us know what you think and be sure to post a shout-out to us! (Click here to access the Devil's Weed room)

Saludos,
Luis

An Ashy Review!

Greetings Friends,

Here is a post from a Devil's Weed fan, Samuel B., reviewing the Raleigh. He is a member of a great forum called Cigar Live, where members discuss all things cigars. This was amusing since the pictures Sam took of the cigar burning were from his cell phone, while he was driving. Although I do not recommend multi-tasking while driving, I believe the Devil's Weed consumed this fan in such bliss that he had to document the experience right away! Check out the ash on this cigar! Here is his review:

"I was gifted a Devil's Weed Raleigh and it was the best mild cigar I have ever had...full of flavor. I am typically a tatuaje and opus x smoker, but I must say that I will adding you to my rotation. I also roll cigars (for weddings and events, nothing fancy - I don't have a line I sell or anything) and live in Tampa, so I can appreciate your cigar more than most will.

I have attached pictures detailing my smoking experience. I also did a review of your cigar on CigarLive.com... here is the link...you might have to be a user to see the pics (same ones I am emailing you!).

http://www.cigarlive.com/forum/showthread.php?p=383981#post383981

Thanks for producing the BEST mild cigar out there. And by the way, it was also the longest ash I have ever had and I smoke 2 cigars a day!

Good luck in your endeavor to grow the brand. If you need assistance in that area, I would love to help.

From one cigar roller to another,

Samuel Brunt

PS - My camera is a cell phone camera..sorry for the low quality."

Feliz Cumpleanos, Tigre

Greetings Friends,

I just wanted to give a birthday shoutout to Abraham Flores, factory owner/manager of Tabacos Leoncio. He is kicking it back in the D.R. right now but we at Molina Cigar wanted to wish our tigre a happy birthday! Keep smoking, brother and enjoy your homecoming.

-Luis

Domino & D-Dub Fans

Greetings Friends,

After some business in P-Cola the last few weeks, I was able to go back to New Orleans to check up on things after Hurricane Gustav. Before I came into town, our cigar-makers, the brothers Rodriguez (Juan and Luis) stopped by Cordova Cigars and played a game of domino with Mr. Tom and John. Boy did they teach us a thing or two about the game! Dominicans are kings of the game.

Anyhow, I left for NOLA and am back for the weekend. Fortunately, our area was free of any major damage. The power was out for awhile and some branches and stoplights were on the streets but after today, things are getting back to normal in Metairie / New Orleans. We are thinking of the people in the lower parishes, like Lafourche and Terrebonne, and know they will make it back!

I stopped by Don Juan yesterday and today and found some new Devil's Weed fans. As I told you earlier, Mike T., stayed back and here is a picture of him smoking Devil's Weed while he dropped off ice at a Salvation Army drop-point in Metairie for Gustav victims. Always smoking a D-Dub cigar; that's Mike for you!

And we also have a picture of two National Guard soldiers who are smoking Devil's Weed Queen Bess and they complimented us on the blend. Well, gentlemen, we thank you for all that you do for us and we appreciate and support you. Enjoy the cigars and let us know how things come along! By the way, you can always count on a soldier who enjoys the fire of a gun and a cigar!

Saludos,
Luis

Zen Part II & Gustav's Smoke

Greetings Friends,

I just wanted to let you know Zen & the Art of the Cigar posted a Q & A that involved me so check out what was discussed right here! Thanks again to such an insightful cigar blog!

Also, I hope the people affected by Hurricane Gustav have made it out okay. Being from Metairie, LA (a suburb next to New Orleans), I am always concerned about storms that pass through the region (lest we forget Katrina). My parents have actually been staying with me the last few days, since they still have a home there. Thankfully, everything seems okay and our area made it out relatively fine. But we simply want to extend our regards to those who live near the coastline and others who received damage and hope that they come back to their homes safe.

Nevertheless, a fan of Devil's Weed, Mike T., sent us this great picture this morning! He stayed behind at his family's warehouse in an industrial area near New Orleans next to the Mississippi River and he has been in touch with us the last few days. He says there was only wind damage but no flooding. They had generators and even had some great Louisiana cooking and some nice drinking occurring. But he tells us that "he couldn't have survived Gustav without some Devil's Weed." (See the photo that Mike submitted to us)

Ha ha! Thanks again for the kind words, Mike. There are always some people who stay behind and we're glad he made it out okay and that our cigar was able to give him some solace.

Again, we hope Louisianians make it back and get back to their feet. Knowing that they are a resilient people, I am confident they will.

Saludos,
Luis

Zen & The Art of the Cigar

Greetings Friends,

We at Molina Cigar Co. wanted to update you on yet another fan of Devil's Weed cigars! Jamie Sprenkel of the cigar blog, Zen & the Art of the Cigar, has graciously featured us on his informative and great site! Mr. Sprenkel will also publish a review of the Devil's Weed Raleigh and we will post another update as soon as he writes his thoughts. We have also put a link to his blog on the right-hand side of our blog for future, quick reference. Thanks again, Zen Cigar, who finds peace in the cigar! You are in good company!

Click here for the Spotlight!

-Luis

Dos Jefes Cigar Bar

Greetings Friends,

Molina Cigar is proud to announce that Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar in Uptown New Orleans has Devil's Weed as its featured cigar on their website and in their humidor. It is an honor to be featured in what we consider a cool place to hang out.

If you are not familiar with Dos Jefes, this great cigar bar epitomizes the cool and quirky Uptown area of New Orleans. The two owners, Shawn and Richie, personify the local New Orleanian: relaxed cool cats who enjoy life and all the fruits it offers (ask Richie if he loves surfing and going to Costa Rica!).

A spacious and comfortable lounge, Dos Jefes boasts a great music scene. There is a back part to the cigar bar if you're in the mood to be close and personal to your woman or if you're in the sporting mood to shoot some billiards. New Orleans banana trees line the back outdoor patio of Dos Jefes and there are even swings in which one can lazily relax.

Next time you are in New Orleans, check out Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar and smoke some Devil's Weed while listening to some great local music and imbibing in some adult beverages.

until then, saludos
Luis

Dos Jefes Uptown Cigar Bar
5535 Tchoupitoulas St.
New Orleans, LA 70115
(504) 891-8500

www.dosjefescigarbar.com

The Cigar Report Spotlight

Greetings Friends,

here is a link to The Cigar Report's spotlight on Devil's Weed in their Summer 2008 issue. If you are not familiar with this great magazine, check out their website version. This magazine is devoted to the true epicurean and lover of the fine leaf. With contributors like Rich Perelman and Michael Herklots, this magazine is a true authority on the handmade cigar.

We are honored to have received a feature on our brand and hope the rest of the cigar-smoking world takes notice of our cigars! Until next time, ask for us in your local smoke shop!

Saludos,
Luis

Cigar Press Rating

Greetings Friends,

The reviews for Devil's Weed just keep coming in and we at Molina Cigar want to share them with you. If you haven't checked out the new cigar magazine called Cigar Press, be sure to check it out at your local smoke shop. It is a great magazine and it has informative articles regarding the cigar industry. They even have some funny cigar-related cartoons. It is truly the voice of the next generation.

Check out this great review they gave us in their latest issue! (you can click on the picture to see the enhanced version)

-Luis

The World According to Stew

Greetings Friends,

Check out the review of Devil's Weed Nicot written by Stew and the fine folks at The World According to Stew. I especially enjoy his description of his tasting and flavor notes. Sounds so good I may have to eat one (I mean smoke it!).

Flavors: The flavors of this cigar consisted of cinnamon, cedar wood, spice, nutmeg, creamy peanut butter “goodness”, and hints of rich chocolate. All these flavors blend well together, and will keep your pallet not only guessing but begging for more.

-Luis

SmokeShop Magazine's Update

Greetings Friends,

Click the link to see what SmokeShop Magazine wrote about us in their June 2008 issue! Or click on the picture on the right to see the hard copy!

-Luis

Stogie Review's Post about Devil's Weed

Greetings Friends,

Click the link to see what Jerry and the fine folks at Stogie Review are saying about us!
-Luis

Las VegASH TV Interview

Greetings Friends,

I simply wanted to post this video that our friends at LasVegASHtv.com taped. This was the interview J.C. and Justin did at our booth during the IPCPR Show a few weeks ago. Enjoy and check out their website for other interviews and reviews!



-Luis

Post 2008 IPCPR Update

Greetings Friends,

Las Vegas was great for Molina Cigar Company and Devil's Weed cigars! We met some new and old friends at the show and people enjoyed our cigars. Some new sales reps have joined our team and they are selling our cigar throughout the country so distribution will increase now. We have been featured in some magazines and other online media types (LasVegASHtv.com and Dogwatch Social Club both did interviews with us from our booth). For sure, the loyal following of Devil's Weed smokers are ever increasing. Take a look at some of the pictures below!

I met up with Pete at Tatuaje and Jonathan Drew at Drew Estate (he even called me Mr. Devil's Weed! That joker, haha!) and they both had positive comments about us. That is one aspect I love about this business...it is small and close-knit and our fellow peers are cordial and adhere to the old-school values, philosophy and respect; those that are passionate about this business love to see what other cigar companies are doing. Pete gave me his latest, La Riqueza to try out and I must say it was a tasty treat (I believe it is the first broadleaf wrapper he has implemented in his lines; great job, Pete!).

Needless to say Vegas was great to us and we can't wait to be back home in New Orleans for IPCPR 2009 in August. We will be planning some parties every night so we hope to see you there for those in New Orleans!



In other Devil's Weed news, we are working on a stronger blend for the more discriminating smoker and hope to have them in stores by November. We will have a contest through this blog so the lucky few of you loyal readers can get a sneak preview of the cigar and smoke some pre-release samples.

We will talk to you soon but forgive me if I don't post more often. The cigar world does not rest and Molina Cigar and Devil's Weed are on the move!

Saludos!
-Luis