Friday, December 31, 2010

New Year's Schedule


Saludos,

Greetings, fans of figurados. Please note the following New Year's Shop Schedule.

Friday, Dec. 31 - 10 AM to 5 PM
Saturday, Jan. 1 - Closed
Sunday, Jan. 2 - Noon to 5 PM (we resume normal hours now)

Stock up on your smokes now in preparation for ringing in 2011! And be safe out there while you're having some fun. Smoking a cigar or pipe is safer than fireworks, anyway. And no, it is not proper etiquette to light your fireworks with your lit cigar in case you were wondering.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Custom Etching Service

Custom-etched Savoy Glass-Top Humidor


Saludos,

Greetings, tobaccophiles. We hope you had a great weekend and you spent Christmas enjoying a cigar or two. In today's post we would like to inform you of one of the services that sets us apart from the competition. We can custom etch your humidor, ashtray or lighter with your logo or personalized text. For humidors, we can etch your desired artwork onto the glass-top lid. Ashtrays work best when you select our black Craftsman's Bench ashtray (preferably black but we can etch other colored ashtrays that they offer, too). As far as lighters, any Xikar metal-finish lighter will work best although with the small size of the lighter itself, it is best to etch text. Take a look at the examples and email or call us at 985-809-1818 if you are interested.

Custom-etched Craftsman's Bench Ashtray

Typically, the cost for etching the humidor will be $60, and $30 for both the ashtray and lighter.


Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Hours


Saludos,

Greetings merry mavens of maduros! Here is our Christmas Season Store Schedule. We want to thank everyone for your support. It's been a great ride thus far. Now get out there and smoke some fine tobacco!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Grand Opening Contest Winners!

Saludos,

Greetings, enthusiasts of English blends. Here are the winners of our Grand Opening contests:

Alec Bradley Contest Winner: Jeff R.
Altadis Contest Winner: Lawrence M.
Ashton Contest Winner: Ty F.
Drew Estate / Joya de Nicaragua Contest Winner: Matt L.
Gran Habano Contest Winner: Ken S.
La Flor Dominicana Contest Winner: Adam C.
Oliva Contest Winner: Daniel B.
Padilla Contest Winner: David H.
Toraño Contest Winner: Brad L.

Congratulations, smokers! Enjoy these great gifts from our supportive cigar manufacturers. Expect a call and receive an extra dose of Christmas presents brought to you by Habana Port!

We also want to thank A. Fuente, J.C. Newman (makers of Cuesta-Rey, Diamond Crown & Brickhouse), SAG (makers of Fonseca & Casa Magna) and Viaje who all contributed to our Grand Opening as well! Thanks again everyone!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Habana Port Coffee Mug

Coffee and a cigar? Where do I sign up?


Saludos,



Greetings, coffee & tabac lovers! In this post, we are announcing the release of our Habana Port coffee mugs! What better way to enjoy your morning with a cup of coffee in one hand and a fine cigar in the other? Our new Habana Port coffee mug is a fine porcelain item that will easily display your love for coffee, fine tobacco and all things HP! Don't like coffee with your cigar? Then be like Winston Churchill and pour some whiskey in your Habana Port mug and start your day right just like he used to do! A cigar and a shot before getting out of bed!



Get your coffee mug today for $9.95 each. Email us to place your order or visit our shop today.



Until the next post, siempre fumando,



Habana Port

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A. Fuente 2010 Xtremely Rare Holiday Collection

A. Fuente's 2010 Xtremely Rare Holiday Collection Sampler

Saludos,

Greetings, followers of Habana Port! We have just received this year's A. Fuente Xtremely Rare Holiday Collection boxes. What a fantastic offering from A. Fuente! This 10-count box includes 2 cigars from 5 different Fuente lines. They include: 2 Double Chateau (Natural); 2 Double Chateau (Natural Sungrown); 2 Hemingway Classics; 2 Anejo No. 48; and 2 Fuente Fuente Opus X Perfecxion X. This superb lineup is a great gift for the A. Fuente fan and this Holiday-only release never stays too long on the shelf. Get yours today for only $125.99 a box (that comes out to $12.60 per stick). Email us to order yours today and receive free shipping with this purchase!
Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Friday, December 17, 2010

Thanksgiving Contest Winner

Saludos,

Greetings fans of Habana Port! We want to announce the winner of our Thanksgiving Contest. We ran this contest to those who are on our email/newsletter subscription list. We asked our subscribers in November why they are thankful for cigars. The responder with the best answer won a 7-count Toraño sampler box. Wow!

So congratulations to our winner, Albert P. who wrote the following:

"I am thankful for cigars because they relieve the stress of the day. No matter how bad a day has been smoking a cigar always makes it better even if its just for a short period of time. A good cigar is like a good friend always there when you need them."

Well put, Albert! We couldn't have said it any better. Enjoy your free cigars brought to you by Toraño. If you want to have a chance at winning free goods in the future, you have to subscribe your email address. Click here to do so!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port


Thursday, December 16, 2010

A. Fuente Añejos Have Arrived!

Click the picture to zoom in.
Saludos,


Greetings, fans of Habana Port! Is your brain fried with the information overload that has been flooding this blog yet? Well this announcement is worth the brain cell breakdown. We are happy to announce the arrival of A. Fuente Añejos! For those not familiar with this line of cigars, this is essentially an OpusX blend with the wrapper being different. It is 5 year-old aged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper aged in cognac barrels. This cigar only comes out during Christmas and Father's Day. Hurry in today as we have only received a limited allocation! Happy smoking!


Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Close, But No Cuban Cigar

Saludos,

Greetings, fans of Habana Port. Click the link below to see video and read about the TSA confiscating Cuban cigars in the Chicago area airports recently. Remember that it is illegal to purchase Cuban goods because there is an embargo against the island nation.

This story is presented by the CBS affiliate in Chicago.

Close, But No Cigar, For Area Residents Who Ordered Cubans Online « CBS Chicago

Many thanks to Nick H. for informing us of this news story.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Gurkha Spec Ops

The Gurkha Spec Ops Travel Humidor, cigars, knife and military coin.

Saludos,

Greetings, civic-minded cigar smokers. The all-new Gurkha Spec Ops (Special Operations) cigar has arrived here at Habana Port. For those not familiar with Gurkha, this cigar company was founded by Kaizad Hansotia and his philosophy is that of the epicurean and design-driven artist. He only demands the finest quality tobacco and his company is famous for his beautiful packaging, art and designs.
The Spec Ops cigar was created in honor of our Navy Seals, and like the Seals, the Spec Ops is a beast of a cigar. The 7 1/2 by 52 cigar incorporates a Dominican wrapper with an Indonesian binder followed by Dominican filler. Medium to med-strong, the blend is complex and has earthy notes. You can buy each cigar by the single (our cost is $10.99 each) or if you want the entire set, the price is $197.82. Now, the entire combo set includes 20 Gurkha Spec Ops cigars, an indestructible, water-proof, all-weather 30-count travel humidor with Gurkha's brand stamped on the outside, a limited edition Gurkha military collector's coin, a Gurkha-branded 7 inch fixed blade tactical combat/survival knife and a matching leg sheath to protect and carry the knife.
So let's break this offer down. For $197.82, the price per cigar comes out to $9.89 a stick. Not a bad deal considering this is Gurkha. But you are also getting a travel humidor which for a comparable size can run you anywhere between $50 and $80, a knife which can run $300 for a comparable style, a sheath which is valued at around $30 and a priceless military limited edition Gurkha coin. This deal can easily cost you around $600. But at Habana Port, you can own this limited military set and cigars for under $200! Wow, what a deal! This set is perfect for the military enthusiast or for the Navy Seal in your life!
We currently have 2 styles of knives in stock: a solid black theme and a Tiger-striped pattern. Gurkha has made 10 different coin styles so each one will vary.
We have a current special, too. If you buy by the single, every purchase will get you a raffle ticket for your chance to win the set (minus the cigars) for FREE!
Hurry to our shop or call 985-809-1818 for mail orders and get your Gurkha Spec Ops cigar set or single cigars while they last! And as always, if we ship out-of-state, we do not include Louisiana state excise taxes or sales taxes (so basically you will save another 20%; inquire for correct pricing).
Gurkha Military Coin Side A
Gurkha Military Coin Side B
Gurkha Spec Ops Knife (Tiger-Pattern)

Gurkha Spec Ops cigars.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Habana Port's Christmas Sampler Boxes

Habana Port Christmas Samplers.
Saludos,
Greetings, cigar smoking fans of Habana Port! Need a great cigar gift? Do you want to offer a great presentation? Do you wish to see the traditional image of Santa Claus enjoying his fine tobacco? Well, look no further. We at Habana Port are now offering our own Christmas Sampler boxes. We are offering 4-pack boxes in both a Robusto and Churchill size. This year's beautiful Christmas design comes adorned in a yuletide theme and pictures a content, jolly St. Nick enjoying a fine cigar. Come on down to our shop and pick your cigars a la carte or save even more by purchasing our pre-selected assortments.
St. Nick fires up a cigar before making his annual journey around the world.
Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Friday, December 10, 2010

Jesus Fuego Interview

Saludos,

Greetings, fans of Habana Port! Check out this YouTube video we published of an interview with Jesus Fuego, founder and owner of J. Fuego cigars. He stopped by our shop Wednesday and we interviewed him about his line of cigars, his company and future plans. Check this video out and our YouTube channel for other videos.



We proudly carry J. Fuego cigars and currently have some great specials. For more information about this great line of cigars go to his official website.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Habana Port Hits the Air Waves

Saludos,

Greetings, merry mavens of maduros. As part of our Christmas ad campaign, we will hit the airwaves by advertising on Rush Radio 99.5 FM in the New Orleans, LA market. Click below to hear the spot that we posted on our YouTube channel. We will run this ad starting today and it will continue through December 21, 2010.




Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Thursday, December 2, 2010

CRT/Habana Port Cigar Review #2 - Paul Garmirian Symphony 20 Connoisseur

Saludos,

Greetings, aficionado de la hoja! Our second CRT/Habana Port cigar review features a highly limited cigar: Paul Garmirian Symphony 20 Connoisseur. Paul Garmirian is an interesting cigar man and has a long history. Not as well known as other cigars, PG cigars appeared in 1990. He can be credited with introducing the boutique/small batch cigar concept before anyone else. His philosophy includes distributing his cigars through brick-and-mortar cigar shops only. His cigars are made at Tabadom (the maker of Davidoff, AVO and The Griffins) thus ensuring consistency and high quality every time one lights up a PG.

The story regarding the Symphony line is as follows:

The official release of the Symphony 20 is 40,000 cigars in 2000 flat, cedar boxes of 20. 15,000 cigars were released with no boxes to the top PG Authorized Dealers in November 2009. On the last day before the Virginia Restuarant [sic] Smoking Ban, the Symphony 20 was launched at Morton's Steakhouse in Reston, Virginia. The name Symphony 20 came from an article that compared the process of experimenting, blending and manufacturing PG Cigars, to composing a complex symphony. It celebrates 20 years for PG, from 1990 to 2010.

Click here for Source
Our 2 CRT judges review the cigar:
Date & Time Smoked: 12/1/2010 - 5:15 PM
Brand: Paul Garmirian
Line: Symphony 20
Vitola: Connoisseur
Manufacturer: Tabadom Holdings, Inc.
Distributor: McLean Cigars PG Boutique
Length: 6 inches
Ring Gauge: 52
Common Shape: Toro (Parejo)
Origin of Production: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Ecuador Hybrid Cuban Seed
Binder: Dominican Republic Havana Seed
Filler: Dominican Republic & Honduras
Taste Profile (CRT#1764):
Initial Light - Good draw, spicy, notes of leather, initial Dominican flavor (he actually said it tastes like a Davidoff/AVO before he knew this cigar was made at the factory).
1st Half - good draw; smooth; lots of flavors, leather, earth, coffee notes.
2nd Half - still good draw; leather and earth flavors. Gray/black ash.
Final Comments - Good construction, lots of flavor from the beginning to 3/4 of the cigar. Medium-bodied. Buy.
Strength: Medium
Taste Profile (CRT#1798):
Initial Light - woody and deep earth; peppery with a heavy strength.
1st Half - wood and rich earth dominate; full-bodied at a medium-strong strength; solid construction; gray-white ash; a thick wrapper leaf.
2nd half - wood and earth deepen with more mineral notes appearing.
Final Comments - A lot of flavor come with this cigar; very consistent throughout with wood and earth dominating. A thick, oily wrapper and great construction are found with this cigar.
Strength: Medium-Strong
Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Monday, November 29, 2010

Like Us on Facebook

Saludos,

Greetings, faithful followers of Habana Port! We know we haven't posted our Grand Opening pictures and video yet but we wanted to let you know about our Facebook Fan Page. You can visit us now at www.facebook.com/HabanaPort. Or you can click the Like Button below. We hope you'll like us! I don't think we can handle rejection too well.



Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Monday, November 15, 2010

Grand Opening Update

Saludos,

Greetings, faithful followers of Habana Port. We just wanted to quickly post an overall update of this past Saturday's Grand Opening Event. What a fantastic day! We had a great turnout throughout the course of the event. Many cigars were smoked, great food was served and spirits were high! We will post some pictures and a YouTube video later in the week.

We also wanted to thank all who made it out and to all the cigar companies who contributed to raffles and promotions. We'll post a list of the cigar companies who helped out later in the week as well.

And remember that we will continue the promotions for the big raffle prizes until December 20, 2010, so make those purchases in order to qualify!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Friday, November 12, 2010

Grand Opening Promotions

Saludos,

Greetings Faithful Followers of Habana Port! Tomorrow is the Grand Opening Event for our Covington shop and we are very anxious to get the party going. Remember that everyone gets a FREE cigar when they arrive and that we'll have complimentary food, beverages, and shop promotions and sales. Everything will be discounted 10% off for the day and we will have a cigar roller showing off the trade.

Here is a summary of the awesome promotions and raffles we will be showcasing (it begins tomorrow but the promotions will continue until December 20 or until supplies run out):

Padilla:

-A $500 limited Padilla 1932 Signature Humidor to be raffled off on Monday, December 20, 2010. For every 3 Padilla cigars you buy, get 1 Raffle Ticket for the Humidor Raffle.

-For every 20 Padilla cigars you buy, get 10 Raffle Tickets for the Humidor Raffle & a FREE Padilla T-shirt.

La Flor Dominicana

:

-Buy any 3 LFD cigars and get 1 raffle ticket for an ultra-limited box of LFD Double Ligero Oscuro Natural "A" Edicion Limitada cigars Giveaway which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010.
-Buy any 20 LFD cigars (or a full box) and get 10 tickets for this Giveaway AND a FREE LFD OYA sampler set.

Fonseca / Casa Magna

:

-Buy any 20 Fonseca family of cigars (including Casa Magna and Quesada) or a full box and get a FREE Fonseca Sampler box (includes 2 Fonsecas and 2 Cubano Limitados).

Gran Habano:
-Buy any 3 GH cigars and get 1 specially-selected GH cigar FREE and 1 raffle ticket for a chance to win a full box of 3 Siglos Robustos which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010.
-Buy any 20 GH cigars (or a full box) and get 4 specially selected GH cigars FREE & 10 tickets for the Box Giveaway.

Oliva:

-Buy any 3 Oliva cigars and get 1 raffle ticket for our Grand Oliva Set which includes an Oliva Ashtray, Oliva cap and Oliva polo shirt which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010. 
-Buy any 20 Oliva cigars (or full box) and get 10 raffle tickets for this Giveaway and an Oliva Cigar Sampler box FREE.

Alec Bradley:
-Buy any 3 AB cigars and get 1 FREE AB Prensado Corona Grande and 1 raffle ticket for our Grand Alec Bradley Package which includes a Tempus Sampler Box, an AB T-shirt, an AB Burner tabletop lighter (valued at $50) and an AB cutter which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010.
-Buy any 20 AB cigars (or full box) and get one Hendrix lighter (valued at $40) FREE and an AB cutter FREE and 10 raffle tickets for our Dec. Giveaway.

A. Fuente / J.C. Newman

:

-Buy $25 worth of Fuente / Newman cigars and get a FREE Diamond Crown Robusto #3 FREE, valued at over $16.

J. Fuego

:
-Buy any 21 J. Fuego family of cigars (or a full box) and get a FREE J. Fuego / Xikar lighter valued at over $100 for FREE.

Viaje:

-Buy any 2 Viaje cigars and get 1 specially-selected Viaje cigar for FREE. 

Drew Estate / Joya de Nicaragua:

- Buy any 3 DE/JdN cigars and get 1 raffle ticket for our Grand DE/JdN Set which includes a Joya de Nic. Dark Corojo Sampler Pack, Liga Privada T-Shirt and a Liga Privada Double Blade metal cutter (valued at $35) which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010. 
-Buy any 20 DE/JdN cigars (or full box) and get 10 raffle tickets for this Giveaway.

Los Blancos:
-Buy any 3 LB cigars and get 1 raffle ticket for your chance to win a full 25-ct box of Los Blancos Nine Double Corona to be raffled Dec. 20, 2010.

- Buy any 20 LB cigars (or full box) and get 10 raffle tickets for this Giveaway.

Toraño:
-Buy any 3 Toraño cigars and get 1 raffle ticket for your chance to win our Toraño Grand Package which includes a Lotus Table Lighter, a cap and a T-shirt to be raffled Dec. 20, 2010. Value is worth over $75!

-Buy any 20 Toraño cigars (or full box) & get 10 raffle tickets for the Giveaway plus a FREE 7-ct Toraño Sampler Box.

Ashton / San Cristobal / La Aroma de Cuba:

- Buy any 3 Ashton family cigars and get a cutter FREE plus 1 raffle ticket for our Grand Ashton Package which includes a 10-ct Sampler Box, a T-shirt and cutter which will be drawn on Dec. 20, 2010. 
- Buy any 6 Ashton family cigars and get San Cristobal cigar FREE plus 3 raffle ticket for our Grand Ashton Package.

- Buy any 20 Ashton family cigars (or full box) & get 4 SC cigars FREE, an Ashton T-shirt FREE & 10 raffle tickets.


Altadis:
- Buy any 3 Altadis cigars (Romeo y Julieta, Montecristo, H. Upmann, Don Diego, Gispert, etc.) and get 1 raffle ticket for your chance to a limited La Flor de Copan Ashtray to be raffled Dec. 20, 2010.

- Buy any 20 Altadis cigars (2 Casa de Garcias = 1 Altadis cigar) and get a Cigar Savor Torch Lighter FREE (value is $35) and 10 raffle tickets.

We hope to see you here and celebrate our official landing in Covington, LA.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Cigar Tip #2

Note: This tip is republished from our email newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

How do I cut my cigar and what cutter should I use?

Cutting the head of the cigar is one of the steps needed to start your smoking session. The majority of handrolled cigars do not come cut so the consumer must make sure that there is an opening in order to have a draw (the process of pulling in the cigar smoke to the inside of your mouth). Essentially, as long as there is an opening, the cigar is ready to be smoked.

There are a variety of cutters but realize that each method has its pros and cons. A guillotine cutter provides the largest opening/cut and, as a result, the easiest draw. When using a double-bladed (or single-bladed) cutter, just make sure to cut above the cap (the portion of wrapper leaf on the head of the cigar that is applied by a cigar roller (or torcedor) to cover this area). A double-blade provides equal pressure from both sides of the cigar while a single-blade only applies pressure from one side (not as desirable as the head of the cigar is more likely to see damage).

A punch cutter is basically a blade in a circular shape that (you guessed it) is punched into the cap and a circular cut is made. The benefits of using this style of cutter is that it is easy to see where you are making your incision and that the cap is left more intact than a guillotine. The drawback is that since the hole is smaller, the tars and nicotine of the cigar get built up more as it is smoked and a harsher and bitter smoke can ensue. Try punching the cigar more than once to create a larger opening if desired.

A V-cutter is a style of cutting instrument that creates an angular wedge into the head of the cigar. Similar pros and cons exist in the V-cutter as the punch cutter.

A pair of cigar scissors is another type of cutting tool; these are actual scissors made especially for cutting cigars. They have fallen out of favor in recent years because many are too big and not convenient for the traveling cigar smoker. However, Xikar makes a great pair of cigar scissors that can fold easily for those wanting a compact accessory.

Finally, the last type of cigar cutter are your natural ones: your teeth. Although it doesn't cost you anything to use, your teeth can be used as an emergency cigar cutter when you forget your real cutters and are in a bind. Many of the tobacco farmers and torcedors in Latin America use their teeth but we don't recommend this as your pearly whites are not as sharp as an actual cutting device. Consequently, teeth can rip apart the cap thus ruining your smoke and creating a mess!

Whatever style of cutter you choose, we at Habana Port can lead you in the right direction and we are more than happy to show you in person how each style works. We offer all the different methods mentioned above (except our teeth) at every price range; so come in today and let us show you the world of cigar cutlery!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Become a CCT at Habana Port!


Saludos,

Greetings, educated enthusiasts of Habana Port! We want to inform you about Tobacconist University's Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) certification program that we can assist in administering. Here are some of the details about this wonderful program for those interested:

Certified Consumer Tobacconist (CCT) is a non-professional certification with the designation CCT; it is a lifetime certification with no recurring or annual dues. The retail cost for Consumer Certification is $250† or $175 for CRA members (a 30% discount).

Consumers interested in becoming CCT will need to contact Habana Port, a CRT Sponsor. The curriculum, Training Seminars, and Post-Certification Seminars for CCT are almost exactly the same as for CRT; with the notable exception of Service College, which CCT do not have to study. CCT are the most passionate and knowledgeable consumers of luxury tobacco, as substantiated by our academic curriculum and final exam.

STEPS TO CERTIFICATION:

1. After you talk to Habana Port, you can purchase your CCT Certification in TU's Campus Store or print the CCT Intro, provide the requested information, and mail payment to TU: 66 Witherspoon St., PMB 322 , Princeton, NJ 08542. (Habana Port can mail the form for you, too!)

2. After payment is received and you accept the CCT Code of Ethics & Standards, you will be listed on the CCT webpage.

3. Register on the TU Forums to download the CCT Apprentice Seminars from the Certified Tobacconist & Apprentice section: TU will have to grant you special access to this section.

4. Contact Habana Port, your CRT Sponsor and agree upon a date/time to take the final exam. Habana Port must request the final exam from TU two weeks ahead of test date/time.

5. Take the final exam with Habana Port. (You can even smoke a cigar while you take the test! What other college allows that?!) Sign and seal the test; Habana Port will mail back to TU.

6. Wait up to one month for test results, diploma, and lapel pin. Test re-take fee is $50.

A Consumer Tobacconist candidate must study TOBACCO COLLEGE, ACCOUTREMENTS COLLEGE, and TASTE COLLEGE as well as the FAQ & GLOSSARY to attain the requisite knowledge for TU Certification. Unlike a Certified Retail or Salesforce Tobacconist, a Consumer Tobacconist does not have to attend SERVICE COLLEGE. All of the independent study is conducted through the internet-based curriculum and Apprentice Seminars sent directly from TU. In order to pass the final exam and earn TU Certification, a candidate must score 80% or better. Upon successful completion of the final exam the apprentice earns TU Certification and all the benefits and privileges associated with it.

Certified Consumer Tobacconists (CCT) are the most passionate consumers of luxury tobacco. They are the TU infantry, giving loyal patronage to Certified Retailers, knowledgeable feedback, engaging in peer-to-peer teaching, and they epitomize the values of self-learning and connoisseurship. After earning their certification, CCTs receive an array of benefits and privileges commensurate with their extraordinary accomplishment.

† The CCT degree is a lifetime certification with no annual fees. If you fail the final exam, the test re-take fee is $50. Only one re-take per year is allowed, a minimum of four weeks after the first.

If you have any questions about earning your CCT certification, do not hesitate to call us at 985-809-1818 or email us at info@habanaport.com.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

CRA Great American Cigar Shop

Support CRA!


Saludos,



Greetings, devout dons of Habana Port. In case you didn't know, we are a proud CRA Great American Cigar Shop. Click here to view other Louisiana shops that have been designated as a Great American Cigar Shop and support CRA and your inalienable right to enjoy fine cigars and other tobacco products!



Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Cigar Tip #1

Saludos,

Greetings, cigar smoking citizens of Habana Port. As a dutiful CRT, Habana Port will post cigar tips from time to time. These nuggets of information will enhance your cigar-smoking experience. Many of you may be familiar with this advice but we hope that if we can educate just one smoker then we have done our job. Enjoy this first post of many regarding cigar knowledge!

Note: This tip is republished from our first email newsletter. Click here to subscribe.

My cigars in my humidor are too dry. What do I do?

Although one may feel overwhelmed with this problem, we can help. It could be a number of issues but some of the more common include a humidor with a faulty seal; your humidifying agents are no good; your hygrometer is not calibrated correctly which may mislead you into thinking your cigars are in the right conditions; or your humidor wasn't seasoned properly to begin with. We are more than happy to take a look at your humidor to find the problem or we can show you the humidor accessories that can fix the dry issues. Or consider our private locker program where you can store your private stock (or alcohol if you wish) & not be worried with everyday humidity maintenance as we oversee this regularly.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Friday, October 22, 2010

Our First YouTube Video

Saludos,

Greetings, tokers of tobacco. We have just published our first YouTube video. Watch below or go to our channel. Enjoy.



Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

La Flor Dominicana Chisel Sampler

Saludos,

Greetings, loyal lovers of the leaf. Today we received La Flor Dominicana's Chisel Sampler. This 5 pack box features a Chisel from the following lines: Ligero Natural, Double Ligero Natural, Double Ligero Maduro, Cameroon Cabinet and Coronado by La Flor.

We are selling each sampler box at $43.99 but if you mention this blog post, we'll throw an extra 10% off! Call 985-809-1818 or email info@habanaport.com to place your order today!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Sunday, October 10, 2010

J. Fuego and Xikar Promotion

J. Fuego Box and Xikar Lighter Promotion

Saludos,

Greetings, staunch soldiers of Habana Port. In conjunction with 10-10-10 (at 10:10 PM, mind you), in this post we feature our latest cigar addition to our vast humidor. We introduce to you J. Fuego and his portfolio of tabacos. The following text comes from their company website and provides a brief background of the cigar manufacturer:

The Fuego family has been in the business of growing, blending, and rolling cigars for five generations (since 1876 when J.Fuego was founded as a leaf growing company) in "El Corojo" farm, Cuba.

It was in 1995 when the family migrated to Central America. In 2006, after years growing, blending and making cigars for other companies (including Rocky Patel), Jesus Fuego launched "Tabacos S.A." with the release of the "J. Fuego" brand with his Natural and Gran Reserva lines. This, as a celebration of 130 years of his family in the cigar industry.

Since then Tabacos S.A. has introduced the J. Fuego Delirium, the 777 brand with Maduro, Corojo and Zero lines. The Origen brand was also introduced in 2010 with great acceptation from the consumers.

We are proud to offer a wide variety of flavors and prices in our cigar selection, made with tobaccos grown exclusively for Tabacos S.A. Enjoy.

Jesus is a true artisan and Habana Port is proud to offer you his line of incredible cigars. With such a passion and intense pursuit for the creation of cigars, you can be rest assured that Jesus will deliver a wonderful cigar-smoking experience.

In honor of adding J. Fuego to our humidor, we are proud to offer this limited promotion:

When you buy any box (21 count) or any 21 J. Fuego-made cigars, you will receive a limited J.Fuego/Xikar torch lighter for FREE!

This dependable lighter is valued at a cool $100 and it's yours for free when you purchase his cigars. If you want to mix-and-match (instead of just buying a single box of one type of cigar), that is fine as well and you will receive the lighter. So if you want to buy a few Gran Reservas, a few Naturals, Deliriums or the new Origen, whatever you like, when you buy 21 cigars, you will receive your normal box discount of 10% and we will gift you this limited lighter from Xikar and J. Fuego. A 5-pack of the Origen Originals counts as "1 cigar" just to be clear.

Come in to Habana Port today, or call us at 985-809-1818 or email us at info@habanaport.com. If you can't make it to our shop, we can mail you the cigars and lighter!

And here is a brief overview of the lines we are carrying from J. Fuego right now. Click on the picture to view a larger version and read about each particular line's anatomy and background. Enjoy!

The J. Fuego Gran Reserva (medium-strong)

The J. Fuego Natural (medium)


The J. Fuego Delirium (medium-strong)


The Origen (medium)

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port
p.s. Don't mind that numerology nonsense. Haha.

Cigar Guy's Identity is Revealed

Cigar Guy to the rescue and making the world a safer place for cigar fans the world over!
Saludos,
Greetings fans of Habana Port! The identity of Cigar Guy has been revealed! Read the Yahoo story here! At last, we can smoke in peace once again. Look for Cigar Guy at a smoke shop near you!
Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Monday, September 27, 2010

CRT/Habana Port Cigar Review #1 - Padron Series Churchill

Saludos,


Greetings, aficionado de la hoja! Our first CRT/Habana Port cigar review features a cigar from one of the pillars of the cigar industry - Padron. This Nicaraguan-based cigar company boasts a rich history and a core of family values. Of Cuban heritage, the Padron family regularly scores well on tastings and it shows due to their focus on consistency in their product.


Read below and see how our 2 CRT judges rate this Padron.




Date & Time Smoked: 9/21/2010 - 5:45 PM

Brand: Padron
Line: Series
Vitola: Churchill
Manufacturer: Padron
Distributor: Padron/Piloto
Length: 6 and 7/8 inches
Ring Gauge: 46
Common Shape: Churchill (Parejo)
Origin of Production: Nicaragua
Wrapper: Nicaragua (Piloto Cubano)
Binder: Nicaragua (Piloto Cubano)
Filler: Nicaragua (Piloto Cubano)

Taste Profile (CRT#1764):
Initial Light - A touch of spiciness; smooths out right away.
1st Half - Burns even, good draw; some earth flavor.
2nd Half - More medium-strength; still burns even; good draw.
Final Comments - Fairly good smoke.
Strength: mild to medium

Taste Profile (CRT#1798)
Initial Light - pre-light draw evokes light earth notes; upon fire, a clean, light chocolate note.
1st Half - Wow! What a clean-tasting cigar; light chocolate and earth notes; not too spicy but rich; white-gray ash; gets more complex and smooth!
2nd Half - a bit more flavor but those chocolate tones still present; burns a bit hotter but due to fast speed of smoking; more earth develops.
Final Comments - not the most immaculate in terms of looks, although it smoked fine. The experience and flavor made up for it! What rich and clean flavors! This must have had some age on it. Absolutely worth a purchase.
Strength: mild to medium

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Monday, September 20, 2010

CRT / Habana Port Cigar Reviews

Saludos,

Greetings, fellow philosophers of Habana Port! We wanted to inform you that we are joining Tobacconist University in what will be a great program that involves our in-house CRTs conducting formal tasting reviews of cigars!

Our goal will be to relay unbiased tasting reviews of cigars that are sent to us by Tobacconist University. This will be a great source for you aficionados that are looking for particular cigars that meet your preferences in strength, flavors and country of origin.

We have received the first shipment of cigars straight that we have been contracted to taste and review from TU . So be on the look out this week as we publish our first ratings and notes!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Another CRT in tha House!

Habana Port's newest CRT Diploma (CRT#1798)

Saludos,


Greetings faithful follower of Habana Port Cigar Merchants! We wanted to notify you that Luis Molina has received his CRT diploma (CRT # 1798). A serious cigar smoker and tobaccophile should only visit Certified Tobacco Retailers if he wants to have an enriching experience when browsing tobacconists. Otherwise, buyer beware! Click here to visit the official TU certification page.


Habana Port Cigar Merchants is now proud to offer 2 CRTs!




Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Habana Port Live on Geoff Pinkus!

Saludos,

Greetings fellow followers of Habana Port. Just got off phone and was on live with Geoff Pinkus & Frank at www.geoffpinkus.com. Awesome radio/cigar smokers from Chicago. Looking forward to trying and bringing in his cigar, the Pinker, made by Gurkha.
We'll post a link to the podcast soon!

In the meantime listen to them talk about cigars, drinks, women and the good life on AM560 The WIND in Chicago or see them live at www.geoffpinkus.com every Sunday evening at 5PM Central Time.
Sweet, guys!
Until the next post, siempre fumando,
Habana Port

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Habana Port is on FourSquare

Saludos,

Greetings, friends of Habana Port. We want to announce of our presence on FourSquare.com. For those who aren't familiar with this social networking site, FourSquare allows the user (especially those with a cellphone) to check in at local businesses and announce to friends through Twitter and FaceBook of their check-ins. You can unlock badges and discover specials when you check-in at various spots near your mobile device.

Now, Habana Port Cigar Merchants is listed and you can earn exclusive specials when you check-in at our shop. Go to our FourSquare page and read our profile. You can also friend us on FourSquare and follow where we are going. Click here for our friend page. So go ahead and attempt to be Mayor of Habana Port by downloading FourSquare on your mobile. Explore your city and earn some exclusive specials from Habana Port. Happy check-ins!

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Monday, September 6, 2010

Happy Labor Day from Habana Port!

Saludos,

Greetings, friends of Habana Port. We want to wish all the hard-working men and women of the United States a Happy Labor Day. We at Habana Port salute the labor force of this country and we know it is the motivated American laborer that makes this great country the best and most successful nation the world has ever known.

What better way to celebrate an American holiday with the most iconic American product - the handmade cigar. So come on in to Habana Port today and celebrate your success with a fine cigar (or pipe tobacco)! We will be open today until 5 PM.

Until then, enjoy this tidbit of the origins of this American holiday, brought to you by the United States Department of Labor.


Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means


Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.


Founder of Labor Day


More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.


Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."


But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.


The First Labor Day


The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.


In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.


Labor Day Legislation


Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From them developed the movement to secure state legislation. The first state bill was introduced into the New York legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states — Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment. By the end of the decade Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories.


A Nationwide Holiday


The form that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families. This became the pattern for the celebrations of Labor Day. Speeches by prominent men and women were introduced later, as more emphasis was placed upon the economic and civic significance of the holiday. Still later, by a resolution of the American Federation of Labor convention of 1909, the Sunday preceding Labor Day was adopted as Labor Sunday and dedicated to the spiritual and educational aspects of the labor movement.


The character of the Labor Day celebration has undergone a change in recent years, especially in large industrial centers where mass displays and huge parades have proved a problem. This change, however, is more a shift in emphasis and medium of expression. Labor Day addresses by leading union officials, industrialists, educators, clerics and government officials are given wide coverage in newspapers, radio, and television.


The vital force of labor added materially to the highest standard of living and the greatest production the world has ever known and has brought us closer to the realization of our traditional ideals of economic and political democracy. It is appropriate, therefore, that the nation pay tribute on Labor Day to the creator of so much of the nation's strength, freedom, and leadership — the American worker.


Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Friday, August 20, 2010

Habana Port Cigar Merchants to Open Next Week!

Saludos,

Greetings, friends of Habana Port! Today we are pleased to announce that we will soft-open our Covington shop's doors next Friday, August 27, 2010 at 10:00 AM. We look forward to serving you all! As a special bonus, the first ten customers who walk in that day will receive a complimentary cigar! So be sure to line up early, get those cigar cutters and briar pipes set and get ready for Habana Port Cigar Merchants' opening.

We want to thank all those now who helped us in our cigar journeys. There are too many of you to list but our family is very grateful.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

IPCPR Trade Show & Convention 2010

Saludos,

Greetings, friends of Habana Port. In today's post, we at Habana Port wanted to report on last week's 78th Annual IPCPR Trade Show & Convention that occurred at the Convention Center in New Orleans, LA on August 9 - 13, 2010.

For those who are not aware, the IPCPR (short for International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers Association) is the trade group that represents premium cigar and pipe retailers. This organization is a major force in our beloved industry. This is text from their website that discusses the who, what, when, where, why and how about IPCPR:

The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association is a not-for-profit trade association organized as the advocate for the independent retail tobacconist and recognized as the "Voice of Authority and Reason" on premium tobacco related issues.

The IPCPR:

1. provides its members with assistance to fight repressive and onerous tobacco legislation at all levels.

2. acts as the conduit to bring manufacturers and retailers together in mutually advantageous business relations.

3. makes available for its members information on resources, market data, research, services and product information which will help in the profitable operations of their businesses.

Since 1933, the IPCPR has been the leading association for the retail tobacconist, dedicated to protecting the interests of its members, keeping them informed about the industry and giving them the tools they need to succeed.
We at Habana Port attended this year's convention to open accounts with cigar and pipe manufacturers and to place our initial orders. We attended a few seminars, made the CRA's "Great American Cigar Shops" group, had another CRT certification through Tobacconist University and saw old friends and made new ones. This is the time of year the majority of new products are unveiled as well. We had the chance to sample these new releases and we are happy to inform our customers that we will offer many of these new gems. Come back to our blog to see the new cigars and pipes coming our way!

All in all, this was a productive show for us and we know our customers will benefit from our attendance.

Enjoy a few of the pictures we took while at IPCPR.
What a pipe selection from Nording, the famous Danish pipe maker.

Hanging with Erik Nording & son behind Nording's famous "large pipe made of pipes."
Our newest CRT posing with Jorge and Chris from TU.
Our shop owner posing with Dion and Jimmy of Illusione.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port

Monday, August 9, 2010

Shop Buildout, Part VIII

Industrial Signs puts the finishing touches to our outdoor sign.

Saludos,

Greetings, friends of Habana Port. Last week was a very productive one. We are rushing but diligently setting up the shop with its fixtures and furniture before we can go on to receiving tobacco and other tobacconist-related inventory. We are currently awaiting our proper permits for conducting tobacco-related business in the great State of Louisiana but in the meantime we are keeping busy hammering out the non-tobacco related building needs.

In this segment of our "Buildout" series, we see that the shop and its Construction Needs are totally finished; Industrial Signs comes in to affix our facade signage; our satellite TV is installed; our furniture comes in; and we bring in some electronics (for the TV and speakers) and other hardware. The Layout Phase has taken some planning and now we are executing before we begin the Merchandising of the Cigar Shop step.

Enjoy the pictures and stay tuned for the final chapters on "How to Build Out a Cigar Shop."

August 3, 2010

The shop is clean. The Lounge and Checkout area.

The Front part of the Lounge.

The Sign Company is here!

These guys bring heavy equipment.

The portion of the sign that will illuminate come night time.

Call in the cavalry.

The technicians install the box that will house the LED lights that will illuminate Habana Port.

I'm ready for my face lift.

Look up in the sky...

The tech is ready to attach the face to the box.

Aligning it right is difficult in this +100o weather.

Perfect.

The Front Facade.

The Sign heralds our presence.

August 4, 2010

The Installer for Direct TV is setting up the lounge.

August 5, 2010

The Furniture comes in today.

The pub table and chairs will be perfect for those wishing to play poker, chess or to throw down some bones.

Our routed logo above the entrance to the Humidor adds a nice touch.

Our logo.

We bring in some of the store equipment and electronics.

The Checkout Station.

The lounge is starting to fill in.

The Humidor Entrance.

Habana Port would like to take this time to thank the wonderful people at Industrial Signs for doing such a great job for us. These guys have been illuminating New Orleans since 1929. Check them out for your signage needs.

Until the next post, siempre fumando,

Habana Port