STOCKING STuffer Sized Wrapper!

Hello, friends. We wanted to send out a Christmas edition of the Wrapper, but it’s going to be a mini version. Our springtime relaunch of our old printed Wrapper as a digital piece met with nice reviews. We said we might do it 4 times a year or less when the inspiration struck and we had content you might enjoy. Well the spirit has been willing, but life forced us to prioritize other things. In fact, the Wrapper is one of a few endeavors we’ve had to move to a back burner while we adapted to changes we could not control.

The big shift I had to make during this time has been keeping my shelves stocked. For long stretches, both the Dominican Republic and Nicaraguan factories had shutdowns. Tobacconists across the country have been angling to purchase reduced supply. Where most people were stressing about having enough toilet paper, good old Micah was stressing to make sure your favorite cigars were on the shelves. This is one of those times where my personal relationships with top manufacturers has paid off. I’ve had an inside track on popular brands, which has helped immensely. But when I found supply, I had to put my time and capital into buying as much as I could. So I’ve had to adjust some other plans that would have needed my time and capital. It’s all good though.

I started Cigars Ltd in 1992. Since then, I’ve learned to roll with the punches. It always works out somehow. We’ve weathered crazy tobacco regulations, tax laws, recessions and a whacky 2020. Again, all thanks to you for sticking with us and rolling with the punches right beside us. We appreciate your friendship, your business and your loyalty.

From all of us at Cigars Ltd, we wish you a happy holiday season, a merry Christmas and big wishes for a great 2021.

Micah Johnson

Proprietor

Tatuaje ... You’ve Done It Again. TWICE!

A while back, I sent out a rave about Tatuaje’s Fausto line made in Esteli, Nicaragua. It’s a truly remarkable cigar in my book.  Bold and complex, rich but not too overpowering. I’m not surprised when Tatuaje nails a new offering. I’ve been impressed with their entire portfolio of medium to strong cigars. They just know how to blend and construct a great cigar and do it consistently over time.

Nothing exemplifies Tatuaje’s craftsmanship more than not one, but two, new eye-openers in their impressive portfolio. 

The relatively new Tatuaje Avion has tickled my taste buds and made me say, “Wow!” I’m getting similar comments from customers who have tried the Avion as well. I find it a little stronger than the Fausto, but still not overpowering. Well, when it gets down to the last two inches or so, it does finish pretty strong. But to me, it’s just more of a good thing. I’ve smoked about eight or 10 of them and they’ve all had a perfect spongy consistency, the ideal draw, and a perfect ash.

The second new gem from Tatuaje is La Mission. I won’t be surprised if it wins cigar of the year. If you try this cigar, the first thing I want you to do is remove the cellophane and tike a nice big sniff of the rich, brown broadleaf wrapper. To me, it had the aroma of dark chocolate and espresso. I was hooked before I even lit it. Immediately I noticed it smokes a bit stronger than the Avion right from the first draw, so it’s not for the timid. It’s very rich with a little spice, but it stops short of kicking you in the shorts. If I had to compare it to another cigar, I might say My Fathers Bijon. That’s saying a lot, in my book.

If either of these offerings from Tatuaje sound like a treat to your or someone on your Christmas list, I have some in stock at Fig Garden and Clovis stores. They are finding a rapidly growing fan base, so don’t wait too long to come and get ‘em!

All I Want for Christmas ...

Puffing Smoke by Mike Insalaco

Maybe I need more hobbies or interests in my life. Oh, not for me. I’m pretty content with the interests I have. The problem is that my interests don’t require needing to buy new gear, gadgets, tech or memberships to do them. And this causes a problem for my family every Christmas.

Inevitably they ask me what I want for Christmas. I realize I have to struggle to think of things I want or need. I like it when they tell me, so I try to return the favor. But the only thing I can think of ... the thing that would truly make me fist pump and yell, “YES!!” ... is cigars.

I don’t want fishing gear because then I’d feel obligated to fish. I don’t want a bowling ball because I’m happy using one off the rack the once every ten years I bowl. I don’t want ties because, well, does anyone wear ties anymore? The list of things I don’t want is a mile long.

But cigars? That’s a different story. After all these years as a partaker, I still am so appreciative and genuinely excited when someone gives me the gift of one or a box of cigars. They are just so me. I think what I love most about cigars is that they go with everything. They turn mundane chores into more tolerable chores. Paying bills is a drag. But when I enjoy a cigar while paying bills, it’s not so bad. Ever try cleaning your garage without a cigar going? What’s the point?

Cigars also take things I enjoy doing and make them all the better. A conversation with an old friend over a good cigar is priceless to me. I enjoy golf, but assume it must have been invented by a cigar smoker in Scotland. To me, the primary objective of golf is to enjoy a great cigar while taking a stroll. Hitting the ball is just an occasional interruption. And when I write, my cigar is as important an implement as my keyboard.

So my Christmas list this year ... once again ... revolved around cigars. Just to round it out a little, I think I added a scarf and maybe some mechanical pencils. Plus, I usually tell my family that I just want us all to remember what we’re celebrating at Christmas, to think of others more than ourselves, and to enjoy each other. That’s truly what I want.

And the cigars.

And that’s a wrap.