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Cigars sizes have developed in many different ways, but some have been inspired by individuals. 
Take the Lonsdale size, for example, a 6 ½-inch x 42-ring shape. It was introduced in the 1920s in the Rafael Gonzalez line. The original distributors were two brothers George Samuel & Frank Warwick. They sought out one of the leading “sporting” figures of the day. Hugh Cecil Lowther (1857-1944), the firth Earl of Lonsdale and designed a cigar accordingly to his preferences.
Lowther was known as a great supporter of sports and was the president of the National Sporting Club of Britain. He was particularly keen on boxing and created the Lonsdale Belt, a prize given to the boxing champions of Britain to this day.
So his endorsement was big help in promoting the Rafael Gonzalez brand, just as a sports star like Michael Jordan might be used today.
The cigar that bore Lonsdale’s name and the brand have been famous ever since. In fact Lowther’s picture appeared on the interior of the Rafel Gonzalez Lonsdale’s all the way into the 1980s!
The fame and popularity of the Lonsdale size was attested to just a few years later when the Montecristo brand was created in 1935. It was developed at the Particulares factory, the brand was introduced in five sizes which have continued-without change- to today. And Montecristo #1 was, and is a Lonsdale.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 12 February 2009 )
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In the 1950s, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo was not simply the owner of the El Credito Cigar Co. in Cuba, he was also an  important politician there.
Now Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, Jr. a very good friend off all of us here at C.I.G.A.R. is going back out on his own.
General Cigar announced that as of March 15, Perez-Carrillo will leave the company to begin a new cigar venture with his family, especially his children Lissette and Ernesto III.
“Stepping down from my position as president and cigar master of El Credito was not an easy decision to make,” he said in a statement. “I have benefitted greatly from having had the opportunity to work with the largest premium sales force in the country, and have enjoyed dedicated marketing support that has ultimately generated international demand, as well as unwavering retail and consumer support for my brands.”
General purchased the El Credito brands, inventory and factories in Miami and in the Dominican Republic in 1999 for an undisclosed sum, but one which provides Perez-Carrillo with the capital necessary to start a new venture. General will continue to maintain ownership and market El Credito’s brands, which include El Credito, El Rico Habano, Flor de Lis, La Gloria Cubana, La Gloria Cubana Serie R, La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Miami and Los Statos De Luxe.
Lennart Freeman, the president of General’s parent company, Swedish Match, noted that “Ernesto has been a teacher, transferring his knowledge and sharing his insights with the artisans who will continue provide the products that premium cigar consumers so richly enjoy. We look forward to maintaining our relationship with Ernesto and wish him great success in his new venture.”
However, in addition to building an enormous following for his La Gloria Cubana brand, Perez-Carrillo has a considerable personal following and the El Credito brands are closely identified with him by many smokers. He’ll be using that as the springboard for his new efforts, as he submitted two brand names for U.S. trademark registration recently.
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 February 2009 )
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Dear XIKAR Friends,
This time of year makes us reflect upon the things for which we are truly thankful - good  health, friends and family. This year, I am also thankful for democracy and rule of law.
You have probably heard by now of the recent attempt of the Cuban government to extend its totalitarian influence into the cigar accessories market. Under the guise of Corporacion Habanos, they are attempting to usurp XIKAR's private property and liberty by attacking our beloved Havana Collection.
Corporacion Habanos trademarked the name "Habanos Unicos Desde 1492" which translates "Unique Cuban Cigars Since 1492." The claim made in their trademark opposition is that the name, Havana Collection, might insinuate the items are made in Cuba. This is not what The Havana Collection is about. The collection, as its tagline states, is about "Capturing The Spirit Of Havana One Cigar At A Time." In reality it is no different than Tommy Bahama which promotes the atmosphere of the Bahamas rather than the origin itself.
What is most bothersome to me is that Cuba - a country which has no legal right to sell in the U.S., is using our own courts to impose the same bully actions that it had used on its own citizens since 1959.
It is in times of dispute such as this that am gracious to live in a country where I have a voice. I am thankful for the support of the customers and consumers who are rooting for me and am confident that with your support XIKAR will come out on top.
Kurt Van Keppel
President Xikar
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 February 2009 )
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We finished a particularly long string of
days and several of us enjoyed a cigar
and "near beer" on the base headquarters
roof tonight. Lights in the background
are runway 33L of Baghdad International Airport.
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I have a vehicle that was blown up today.
Myself (CW2 Wargo, Jeff) and my Shop Foreman
(SSG Johnson, Ches) recovered the vehicle when
senior leaders doubted us. So upon return, like any
good team we celebrated with a kick ass Cigar from
C.I.G.A.R!!!
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We finished a particularly long string of days
and several of us enjoyed a cigar and "near beer"
on the base headquarters roof tonight. Lights in
the background are runway 33L of
Baghdad International Airport.
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Your timing couldn't have been more perfect -
on Fri, July 4th I came back from lunch to find the
package you sent waiting for me in my office (tent).
I couldn't think of a better way to spend my 4th of July
evening than enjoying a fat cigar and a cold
Beck's near-beer.
Well, actually, being out on the lake with my wife and
a cooler of actual beer would have been far better,
but under the circumstances I take what I can get! |
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Just wanted to take a second to say thank
you from Combat Repair Team 5,
FIRES Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry
Regiment here on FOB Warhorse, IRAQ
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 07 February 2009 )
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