Though he may be approaching 50 years old, Rocky Patel shows no signs of aging and certainly no signs of slowing down. Rocky’s slow, steady and deliberate growth of his cigar empire are what has allowed him to not only survive the “cigar boom” of the 1990’s but to catapult his company to a whole new level in the 2000’s becoming one of the world’s best selling premium cigars as well as he becoming one of the world’s most recognized cigar personalities.

The premium-cigar industry is a pretty traditional one; one that has deep roots often through many generations … However once in a while, a brand pops up with the balls to be different; to push the envelope in new directions that our industry isn’t used to.

If you bumped into Dion Gioloto, you wouldn’t peg him as one of the premium cigar industry’s up and coming players, more likely pegging him as a rock-a-billy bass player who dabbles in UFC. And, giving credit where credit is due, perhaps “up and coming” isn’t even accurate anymore since his innaugural brand Illusione has become one of the most sought after “boutique brands” on today’s market.

Luxury cigar manufacturer, Davidoff of Geneva has released a brand new line of premium cigars out of the Dominican Republic. Though limited editions are released annually; one shape one blend- the Davidoff Puro d’Oro is an entirely new line with an entirely new flavor and concept.

We often hear the term “Cult Wine” but rarely do we hear “Cult Cigar”. “Boutique Brand” has been thrown around for years… Fortunately for us, Tatuaje is one of the exceptions to the rule.

In 2007, Zino Platinum created its first limited edition in the Scepter Series called the Master Edition. It was an exceptional cigar that sold out quickly. This year’s release is no exception. The 2010 Zino Platinum Scepter Series Master Edition is a very limited release at only 1,000 boxes of ten cigars for the United States.

Since 1994, Litto and Ines Gomez have worked tirelessly in the Dominican Republic to produce great, consistent cigars. Though arguably among the mildest cigars available in the late 1990’s, today La Flor Dominicana boasts an impressive portfolio of premium cigars that span the entire spectrum of strength.

Often times today, we see brands created from thin air as “luxury” or “boutique”. But few have really earned that title through hard work, and dedication to quality. Padron however deserves every bit of the success they’re experiencing.

In 1995, two college buddies opened up a little cigar kiosk in the World Trade Center in New York City to help realize their passion for cigars and desire to get into the cigar business. In 1998, they decided to make their hobby their full time career, and closed their store in exchange for opening a factory in Nicaragua.