JC Newman

July 18, 2011

2011 General Cigar Gift Items


When it comes to bringing innovation and excitement to the premium cigar category, General Cigar is once again leading the charge.  The company will roll out a constellation of new gift collections in array of price points to appeal to devoted smokers and gift givers alike.

CAO Champions Sampler

CAO Champions is the ultimate collection of CAO’s highest rated and most sought-after cigars. CAO has produced no fewer than10 brands to have been rated ‘90’ or above by Cigar Aficionado and Cigar Insider. Each is encased in an attractive CAO-red leatherette travel humidor. Available beginning in late October for an SRP of $84.50 while supplies last.



CAO Cuban Press Sampler

CAO is proud to present the Cuban Press Sampler. Featuring an old-world trunk press that is far more elaborate and time consuming than today’s methods, the delicate process begins when each wooden trunk press, consisting of a series of ten shelves, holding 20–25 cigars apiece, is closed. With great care, the press is closed once the cigars are in place and clamps are applied to distribute even pressure. After 12 hours, the clamps are released and each cigar is turned. Pressure is then applied to the other side for an equal amount of time. The end result is a uniquely pronounced, boxy-square shaped cigar that commands attention. These artisanally-shaped cigars are a must have for the CAO enthusiast and will be available for an SRP of $71.40, beginning in late October.



CAO Conmemorativo Sampler

This CAO sampler features seven cigars representing many of our highly rated premium blends and is the perfect introduction to CAO. Produced in commemoration of the establishment of the CAO Fabrica de Tabacos factories in both Nicaragua and Honduras in 2003, this package also contains a booklet describing each cigar in detail, along with a copy of the CAO DVD, “Seed to Soul.” Available while supplies last beginning in late October for an SRP of $52.50.



CAO Sopranos Sampler

Continuing with the success of the CAO The Sopranos Edition which was named to Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of the Year in 2006, CAO now brings the Soldier, Associate, Boss, and limited-edition Tony Soprano sizes together in one beautiful package. With tobaccos from five different countries represented in this cigar, this sampler is sure to be a hit. Available in late October, the CAO Sopranos Sampler will carry an SRP of $57.80.



Flavours by CAO Sampler

This new potpourri of Flavours by CAO features six petit corona cigars from our premium blends and is the perfect entrée to Flavours by CAO, the most exquisitely flavored cigars in the world. A balance of the finest mild tobaccos with unique, natural flavorings, these cigars bear an earthy taste subtly enhanced by accents of flavor. With an SRP of $22.80, the Flavours by CAO Sampler is set to debut in late October.



Punch Elite Collection

Inside the eye-catching Punch Elite sampler are three square-pressed Elite frontmarks in the Punch EMS, Gran Puro, Upper Cut expressions.  An unbeatable suggested retail price of $11.99 sweetens the deal. The Punch Elite Collection will be available beginning in October.





The Best of Central America

General Cigar is proud to present the “Best of Central America” pack featuring cigars selected not only for their extraordinary flavors, but also for their high ratings from Cigar Aficionado.  Each cigar has received a rating of 90 or above, designating these cigars as some of the finest smokes on the market.  A steal at $29.99, this pack includes Punch, Hoyo de Tradición, CAO Gold, CAO LX2 and Sancho Panza and will debut in late October. 



The Best of the Dominicana  

General Cigar Dominicana celebrates its most exemplary releases with this unique selection of classics such as Partagas, El Rico Habano, La Gloria Cubana, Bolivar and Macanudo 1968.  Each of these cigars has been regaled by Cigar Aficionado with a rating of 90 or above, deeming them a must-have for the serious smoker. With an SRP of $29.99, this limited collection debuts in late October.



Super Hoyo Collection

The iconic Honduran powerhouse, Hoyo de Monterrey, presents the Super Hoyo 3-Pack.  For an unbeatable price of $11.99, this three-pack contains classic Hoyo, Dark Sumatra, and Hoyo de Tradición. The enticing range of flavors and accessible price point are sure to make this attractive to an array of cigar lovers.  The Super Hoyo Collection will be available beginning in October.



Partagas Black Label with Rocks Glass Collection

What’s better than smoking a Partagas Black Label cigar while enjoying your favorite beverage?  Now you can do both in style with this five pack from the Partagas powerhouse.  Five handcrafted, Partagas Black Label cigars are accompanied by a handsome, etched rocks glass making this offering the perfect companion for every cigar occasion. This special collection will be available beginning in November for an SRP of $32.99.



General Cigar New Release Collection

Celebrating the best of the best of our recent and new releases, this multipack was created to provide cigar enthusiasts with an introduction to a world of new unique tastes from General Cigar’s team of cigar masters.  Inside are recently-launched, critically acclaimed favorites: Macanudo Cry Royale and Hoyo de Monterrey, nestled among these 2011 IPCPR releases: CAO OSA Sol and La Gloria Cubana Retro. As an added bonus, we’ve included a cutter. The SRP of the General Cigar New Release Collection is $25.99. This special pack is set to debut in late October.



Punch Grand Cru Maduro Rocks Glass Collection

Punch Grand Cru Maduro was endorsed by Cigar Aficionado as one of the “top 25 cigars of the year” (2010).  The magazine’s rave review highlighted the cigar’s “coffee bean, cocoa and sweet wood” nuances, which are the ideal compliments to the enjoyment of a fine spirit. To make the pairing of these critically-acclaimed Honduran beauties even more special, we are releasing the first-ever Punch Grand Cru Maduro gift pack. With a window display to whet the appetite, this pack showcases not only the etched rocks glass, but also the five cigars contained inside.  Accessibly priced at $32.99, this pack is sure to lend a little cheer to any cigar smoking occasion. Debuting in November.   



Macanudo Cru Royale Collection

Since its launch last year, Macanudo Cru Royale has won a loyal following.  This keepsake tin offers a windowed view of the popular, medium-bodied collection known for its unrivaled flavor, impeccable construction and unbeatable price. Containing six “Celebramos” cigars, a frontmark which will only be available in this special pack, the deal gets even hotter with a one-of-a-kind triple torch lighter, complete with fuel window and cigar punch.  The Macanudo Cru Royale will be available beginning in November, for an SRP of $44.99



Partagas Collection with Lighter

Partagas cigars are renowned for their signature taste and model construction. To highlight the venerable brand, General Cigar has created a Toro-sized cigar only available as part of this unique offering. Also included is a custom-branded Partagas triple torch lighter, complete with fuel window and cigar punch, all protected in a souvenir tin which pays homage to the original Partagas factory. The Partagas Collection will be available beginning in November, for an SRP of $44.99.



Hoyo de Monterrey Reposado en Cedros Collection

Masterfully handcrafted by Honduran artisans, Hoyo de Monterrey Reposado en Cedros debuted its innovative aging process last year and became a fast favorite among tenured cigar smokers. This year, we’re highlighting the complex, medium bodied taste with a three pack containing the popular Sueño, Liso and Marco frontmarks.  For just $19.99, this accessibly-priced pack showcases Honduran innovation at its best and will available starting in late October.



La Gloria Cubana Artesanos de Obelisco Collection

Hailed by Robb Report as one of the “Best of the Best” cigars released in 2010, Artesanos de Obelisco marries masterful cigar making techniques with impeccably balanced, full-bodied flavor. Team La Gloria is pleased to offer you this handsome window box which displays the five treasures contained within.  Supplies of this special offering are limited. SRP is $45.00.   



CAO Brazilia Collection with Coffee

CAO Brazilia has built a devoted fan base of those who favor a rich, full cigar blended to perfection with the finest Brazilian tobacco.  We’ve taken this opportunity to highlight two great blends by pairing this fine cigar with a dark roasted, whole bean bag of single-origin Brazilian coffee.  Both the tobacco and beans share the same growing conditions and are handled with equal care by craftsmen farmers a world away. Savoring a cup of joe with a CAO Brazilia is enhanced by the one-time issuance of the “Ristretto” frontmark made exclusively for this limited time offering. With an SRP of $49.99, this pack will be a hit with the cigar connoisseur and the holiday gift giver alike. Available beginning in November.



CAO Italia Collection with Coffee

CAO Italia offers you a rich cigar, blended to perfection with some of the world’s finest tobaccos, including rare Italian leaf.  We’ve taken this opportunity to pair this fine cigar with a dark roasted, whole bean bag of Italian Roast coffee.   Enjoying a cup of Italian roast coffee never tasted so good, for we’re including six, never-before-released Ristretto cigars created exclusively for this pack.  With an unbeatable SRP of $49.99, the only thing that’s missing is a cannoli. Available beginning in November.



La Traviata Limited Amatista Jar Collection

La Traviata has received high praise from cigar media and is firmly placed in the smoking repertoires of tenured smokers the world over. In time for holiday gift giving, we’re pleased to give consumers a chance to purchase a souvenir Amatista jar with seven Fabuloso –sized cigars made solely for this special offering. This limited edition offering will be available beginning in November for an SRP of $49.99. 



Macanudo Café Collection with Ashtray

As America’s top-selling premium cigar brand, Macanudo Café is universally appealing to those devoted to premium, handcrafted cigars. This year, Macanudo is proud to present a keepsake accoutrement like no other. Expertly crafted in the General Cigar Dominicana box factory, this handsome wooden ashtray features a compartment filled with classic Macanudo Café cigars.  The clever design allows the connoisseur to smoke the cigars while protecting cutters and lighters.  A fantastic value at $49.99, this unique offering will make its retail debut in November.



La Gloria Cubana Domino Collection

La Gloria Cubana fans are sure to spark envy when they pull out the brand’s custom Domino pack, available exclusively for the 2011 holiday season.  The pack features ten La Gloria Cubana cigars and contains a set of branded, tournament sized dominoes, complete with a spinner.  This unique pack will carry an SRP of $59.99 and will be available beginning in November.



Partagas Benji Master Series Collection

Benji Menendez is a true a legend whose storied career in the premium cigar business spans more than 50 years.  The 2009 limited release of his namesake Master Series earned the cigar a spot in Cigar Aficionado’s coveted Top 25 cigars of the year and depleted the supply from tobacconists’ humidors.  In honor of the industry’s most beloved cigar master, General Cigar proudly presents a one-time issuance of the “Toro” frontmark, protected in a handsome “book” box to add to the discerning cigar smoker’s collection.   This special offering will be unveiled in November, for a suggested retail price of $124.99.



Cohiba Black and Red Humidor

This striking and sturdy Cohiba Black and Red humidor screams of substance and style.  Destined to be a collector’s item, this substantial black lacquered humidor protects a total of 12 limited-edition Cohiba Red Dot and Cohiba Black cigars in the “Celebramos” size.  Discriminating, well-heeled cigar enthusiasts are sure to procure the Cohiba Black and Red humidor for their collections. This handsome humidor will be available in November, for a suggested retail price of $139.99.

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