Just a quick post

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas and I hope everyone has a safe and great holiday season. Thanks to all of our customers (local and via web) for making Silo a great place. Without customers like you this would not be near as fun!!!!

kp

Christmas coming early at Silo Cigars

Just a day after Thanksgiving and we are already gearing up for Christmas at Silo Cigars. We will have some exclusive cigars for the local market coming in next week and you should rush in to get them. Already on the shelves are a great selection of Arturo Fuente Anejo Cigars. These are reserved for our local customers and quantities are limited.

We will be getting the new Casa Magna Oscuro next week with plenty of them to go 'round. I bet this could be one of the best new cigars this year, it has a rich chocolate aroma and smokes perfect. We have also been announced as the newest La Flor Dominicana LG account. So expect to see those in the store and online next week, if you like a Dominican Puro cigar (similar to a Opus X or Mi Dominicana) you will love the LG.

Last but not least we have in stock now the New Holiday Blend from Viaje, this cigar comes in one size a 5 1/4 x 54 with a covered foot. I smoked one yesterday and it was delicious, starts out spicy and transitions into a solid full bodied cigar with a lot of cinnamon and woodsy flavors. These are only here for the holidays so if you love Viaje Cigars as much as me jump in and try one. We still have a few Toast across America Packs left and some Casa Magna Colorado's left in stock so call or stop by to take advantage. Also be sure to check the store for info on the current Happy Hour Cigars and our Sunday Specials. Oh and we may piss a few people off but we will be calling the upcoming holiday the correct name Christmas. WE WILL BE SAYING MERRY CHRISTMAS and NOT HAPPY HOLIDAYS. Sorry but that's how we roll in TN and Silo.

The Mother Load of Casa Magna Cigars

We just got in the Mother Load of Casa Magna Cigars, with 7 different sizes in stock you should not wait to come in the store or call for details. We expect the new Oscuro Casa Magna in later this week or early next week. Enjoy..

New Arrivals and some Restocking

Ok so the past couple of weeks has been crazy in the store. We have gotten in a ton of new cigars and restocked on some stuff we were out of. The list of new cigars include the following:

Gurkha Assassin
Gurkha Evil
Casa Fernandez Arsenio 2009
Cubao Maduro
El Titan Redemption Maduro
Brickhouse
Liga Privada T52
Murcielago

This Time of Year- I love the fall season

Ok if you have never been to Tennessee in the fall this is the best time to visit. The leaves are turning the high for the day is in the low 60's and nights are down around the high 40's. This is about the best time to go to your favorite pub that has a patio to eat drink and smoke. So lmk if you plan on making a trip to Knoxville and I will let you know the best places to go for whatever.

On the cigar side of things we do have a few new things in stock that are really really gooda. First off the Liga Privada T-52 are flying off the shelf, I wanted to put some singles online but it looks like our locals are loving them and they are going away quick. I am adding the entire line of Don Pepin Cigars online this week and that includes the My Father Le Bijou 1922. We also have the Gurkha Assassin in stock in the robusto and torpedo size, this has to be the best Gurkha cigar ever made and the price is around $7 or $8.00. We have a ton more new arrivals that I have not had a chance to put online so if you looking for something feel free to call 865-675-7456.

Silo Cigars-Anniversary Random Madness

Here are some random shots of the madness on October 15th. enjoy.

Silo Cigars-Don Pepin Interview Part 3

The last of our conversation. A few more questions were answered and I hope you guys enjoy.

Silo Cigars-Don Pepin Interview Part 2

Part 2 of our October 15th conversation, yes I know the video quality sucks but blame youtube and not me. I don't have 13 hours to upload a 2gb avi or mpg4 file, for some reason youtubes uploader is not working on those codecs. Anyway, in this video we talk about what will be next for Don Pepin and his cigars. He does get specific about the limited edition cigar and when it will be released and how many will be made. Enjoy

Silo Cigars- Don Pepin Interview Part 1

On October 15th during our Anniversary party I had a chance to sit down and talk with Pepin about various things. Here is the first of a three part interview. I will try and get the other videos up today and tomorrow. Hope everyone enjoys, sorry but youtubes upload is being crazy so until the vidoes are processed the audio and video is not that great.

Silo Anniversary Party

Ok guys so October 15th was the big event and I can honestly say it was the biggest event I have ever been involved in. After the dust settled the total count of people through the evening was around 300. According to everyone around Don Pepin we had the largest and most successful Pepin event in the South. So Thanks to everyone that helped, worked and came to the event. I have a ton of videos, from interviews to random clips. The first video I want to post is of a unreleased cigar that Pepin rolled for me, I will release more details in a interview with him about the cigar later. I can't bring my self to smoke it considering how rare it is, I did smoke the toro sized fresh roll today. Keep a look out for photos and videos in the next couple of days. Enjoy this one, oh and THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING OUR FIRST YEAR AWESOME!!!

Don Pepin just a few days away

From 3-8 pm on October 15th Silo Cigars will have the Legend Don "Pepin" Garcia in the store and he is bringing René to roll cigars. René is the man that taught Pepin how to roll cigars!!

This is Silo Cigars' anniversary party so everything in the store will be discounted. Farragut Wine & Spirits will be doing a bourbon tasting From 5-8 featuring Jim Beam Small Batch ( Bakers, Booker, Rye 1 and Basil Hayden) and Oskies will be bringing food for everyone. This is a free event to attend, so bring some friends and have a great time with the gang from Silo.


The Pepin cigar specials will be buy 3 and get 1 free banded Pepin cigar; for the box buyer we will offer (a nice box discount) and a 5 pack sampler of Robustos plus a fresh roll from René; this is about a $70.00 value on free goods to our customers. Also we will have raffle items: Pepin ashtrays, T-shirts and a grand prize Savoy Humidor. Every box you buy during the event you get 10 raffle tickets for the possibility of winning some of the items.

October 15th Don Pepin and Rene will be at Silo Cigars

Ok so for those that do not know Rene, he is the man that taught Don Pepin how to roll!! On October 15th from 3-8 Don Pepin and Rene will be hereWe wil have a Free Bourbon Tasting from Farragut Wine & Spirits and some great pub food from my favorite pub Oskies. While your here enjoy some of the finest cigars on the market from Don Pepin, hell get a picture with him or a autograph. This will be Silo Cigars 1 year anniversary party so everything in the store will be discounted that day. We will have Rene cranking out fresh rolled cigar so when you purchase a box you will be sure to get one along with all the other free things.

We will have raffle prizes/door prizes a plenty and all kinds of things going on so join us for Knoxville's biggest cigar herf.

Don Pepin and a Cigar Roller in Store

Yep October 15th from 3-8 pm Don Pepin will be in house with a roller from his Miami Factory. As far as the specials we will offer, the buy 3 and get 1 free banded Pepin cigar, for the box buyer we will offer our 5 pack sampler of Robustos plus a fresh roll from the roller; this is about a $70.00 value on free goods to our customers. Also we will have Raffle items, some Pepin ashtrays, some T-shirts and a grand prize a Savoy Humidor. Every box you buy during the event you get 10 raffle tickets for the possibility of winning some of the items. Boxes will be discounted for the event and we are working out the details but please if you can make it lmk and we will have deals worked out with local hotels. I would love to have a crew from cigar forums show up and herf with us, I will also try to make the deals good online that day only but I can't promise anything.

We are working on other things to go along with this event since it is close to our 1 year anniversary at this new location. I will update the thread when I get more details worked out.

La Flor Dominicana Cigar Tasting

From 4-9 pm on September 11th Silo Cigars will have a La Flor Dominicana Cigar Tasting in the store. Purchase any 3 La Flor Dominicana Cigars and get 1 Free, Buy a Box of Cigars and get 6 Free plus a LFD Ashtray!!!


During the event single cigars will be 10% off and boxes will be 15% off. We will also have some event only samplers for sale during the show.

Interview with Abe Flores from Pinar del Rio Cigars

I had a chance before the event started to sit down with by buddy Abe and talk a little about his brand and such. Hope you guys like the interview because Abe is a great guy. Support his brand people!!!

Pinar del Rio Cigars and Rum Tasting

On Saturday August 29th from 1-9 pm Abe Floares (the blender for Pinar del Rio Cigars) well be in store with some killer deals.

Buy any 3 Pinar del Rio Cigars get 1 Free. Buy 10 Pinar del Rio Cigars get 3 Free Cigars. Buy a Box (20% Discount on the Box)or 25 Single Pinar del Rio Cigars get 7 Free Cigars plus a Raffle ticket for a Pinar del Rio T-Shirt plus Abe will autograph the box for you!!!


McScrooge's Wine & Spirits was kind enough to arrange the Rum tasting to the first 40people to register via email, phone or at the store.


Again, be among the first 40 people to register via email, phone or at the store and you will also get to participate in the FREE Plantation RumTasting.

The Rum list includes:
We will be tasting the following Single Plantation, vintage rums:

Plantation Barbados 1999
Plantation Grenada 1998
Plantation Jamaica 1998
Plantation Nicaragua 1998
Plantation Trinidad 2000

Each of the bottlings are limited production and bottled without chill-filtration or caramel coloring added.

Andre Farkas and Viaje Cigars

I was on my way to get some lunch at the latest IPCPR show and I happen to run into Andre from Viaje. I had him on my schedule for later but I figured what the hell I will stop by and say Hi. Well I did get a chance to to sit and chat a bit about his new cigar Fifty|Fifty so I got someone to hold the camera and shoot us talking about his smokes. Sorry for the background noise but it was busy around his booth. Also thanks Andre for giving us an exclusive on your smokes in Knoxville!!! I love the Perfecto 2 so I had to get him to talk about those as well. Hope you enjoy the video even with the horrible background noise. Oh the fifty|fifty will be out around October but we may be able to get a few before then, so stop by the store.

Reyes Family Cigars- Interview and Tasting

Ok guys I had a chance to smoke some Reyes Family Miami Cigars and I have to say I enjoyed them so much that we did a Knoxville Exclusive on them. So if you want to try the Miami blend stuff and are in Knoxville you must stop by Silo Cigars to get them. We were smoking the Vintage in the video but my favorite is the Miami Cuba Aliados. So here is the scoop on the Miami Rolled Blends:

Cuba Aliados Miami Edition

Wrapper – Habano
Binder – Dominican Republic
Filler – Nicaragua
Sizes Available - All 20 count boxes

Robusto 5 x 50
Toro Viejo 6 x 53
Valentino 7 x 49



Wrapper – 8 year Ecuador Sumatra
Binder – Ecuador
Filler – Brazil, Ecuador & Nicaragua

Sizes Available - All 15 count boxes

#4 5.5 x 45
Rothschild 5 x 50
Toro 6 x 53
Churchill 7.5 x 47

Hand rolled in our Miami Factory

Best of IPCPR Show

We just got back from the show last night and here are some of my top favorite new cigars. These are not in any particular order:

Cuba Aliados Miami blend ( rolled in Miami)
Viaje Fifty/Fifty
Pepin My Father 1922
EP Carrillo ( Ernesto Perez new cigar)
Dions new Nosotros
El Titan Redemption Maduro
Casa Magna Oscuro

I am sure I have forgotten a few but honestly there were so many great cigars that it was hard to remember them all. I am going to let my throat heal and get some taste buds back and come on strong with some reviews of the new cigars in the next few days

IPCPR Show Day 1

Well the first day was very productive for Silo and our customers :). We saw a ton of new products and plan on bringing some into the store. Sorry for the short post but blogging from a trade show with a phone is difficult. So on the cigar side of things Dions new Nosotros were awesome, Pepin has his new My Father 1922 and it was very nice and spicy. Andre from Viaje has a great new cigar called fifty/fifty the cigar was very unique in flavor and one of the best of the show so far. I did some video interviews and hope to have them up by the weekend. Oh and I did sign some Silo exclusive contracts while here, more to come so stay tuned in

Avo Cigar Tasting

On July 24th from 4-9 come in and enjoy some great deals on Avo cigars. Buy 3 get 1 Free, we will have boxes discounted and a ton of raffle merchandise and door prizes to give away.

Some new things to talk about

Ok well it has been awhile since I posted info about the store and what is going on with it so here are a few new things.

We just got in a shipment on Djarum, Nat Sherman and American Spirit cigarettes so for all you people that have asked in the past we can now say Yes we sell cigarettes.

You like cuban coffee or café cubano? good because for the last month we have been testing a machine and coffee to our regular customers. We can now announce we have the same coffee as if you walked up to a restaurant in Little Havana and ordered a cafecito. For $1.50 you get a full Colada (4-6 shots)and that includes tax, so next time you come in and have time to sit and smoke order a cafe cubano with that cigar.

Casa Magna Cigars will be in stock next week including robustos so call or stop in next week (7/21/09).

Punch Rare Corojo will be in around the same time (7/21/09) be sure to stop in and snag a few before they are gone.

Did I mention we have a really cool game in the store? I dont want to spoil it but please stop in and play or take a look.

kp

Sudeste Cubano Cigars update

Well we are down to having just a few of our original release Sudeste Cigars left in stock. So in the next couple of days I am going to run some specials to spread the love on what is left. I am doing this to make room for a new addition to the line, the Sudeste Maduro Limitada. This cigar is a huge hit in our store already, it features the same binder and filler as the regular Sudeste but has a San Andres Maduro wrapper (sound familiar? it should, it is the padron anni wrapper).

Since I only have 2 sizes left of the original release Sudeste Cigars I am going to give a sample Sudeste Maduro Limitada to all that buy a box.

Here is some info about the original Sudeste Cigars....

A full year after starting this project we have finally released our very own line of cigars. All of our cigars are hand crafted in the USA (Little Havana, Miami) by “Level 9” rollers all of whom have worked for world-renowned factories such as Romeo y Julieta®, Corona®, and Partagas®. Each cigar is made in the traditional Cuban style of tubing the filler (entubado) and then finished off with a beautiful triple cap. Each “tarea” (days work) is then inspected by another Master Roller/Blender to ensure the cigar is of the highest standard for the aficionado. Due to the high standards placed upon our rollers our cigars are made in small quantities to ensure quality and consistency that only a boutique manufacturer can produce. The cigars are very rich with with noticeable spice on the tongue. With only a total of 10,000 cigars made per year this is truly a limited production cigar. Look for many reviews by customers to be posted soon.

Wrapper- Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano
Binder-Ecuadorian
Filler- Nicaraguan


Stay tuned for more info on the Maduro Limitada.

Kristoff Cigar Event

Stop by the store on July 10th from 4:00-9:00 pm to enjoy some great Kristoff Cigar Deals. Buy any 3 Kristoff Cigars and get 1 Free, Also if you buy a box you save 15% on the purchase plus you get 7 Free Cigars and your choice of a Kristoff Hat or T-Shirt.

Romeo y Julieta Tasting Event

Join us on June 30th from 3:00-8:00 PM for one of the rarest cigar tastings ever!!!




Purchase a single RyJ Museum and get a Free Trinidad Habana Reserve


We will also have all Altadis Cigars on sale featuring buy 3 get 1 free. Brands include Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Saint Luis Rey, Siglo Reserve, Trinidad and many many more!!

Charles Fazzino is one of the most popular artists in the world today. As the creator of the limited edition fine art prints, he is best known for his obsession with bright colors, wonderful detail and a unique hand-assembled, 3-D layering technique that brings his images to life. His artwork can be found in the private collections of hundreds of prominent collectors and sports and entertainment celebrities.


This Limited Edition 3-D Giclee print was specially commissioned for Romeo y Julieta. It is printed on 100% Rag Museum Board and paper. Once printed, each image is meticulously cut and assembled and embellished by hand, establishing each print as a unique work of art.
This very special Romeo y Julieta edition is limited to 2,000 prints and each individual print is hand numbered and signed by the artist.


All 36 cigars stand tall in a beautiful black laquer humidor. Each cigar is incased in a frosted crystal tube with a gold cap. Besides each tube containing a beautiful 6 x 54 cigar with a Criollo 98' wrapper, and Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. It also contains a print of the signed image that is displayed on the lid of the humidor.

FDA To Regulate Tobacco

US House of Representatives And Senate Pass FDA Regulatory Authority Over Tobacco Legislation. President Obama Expected To Sign Next Week



We have said for months that you can not take your eyes off of the government for one second, but for one piece of legislation, you couldn't take your eyes off of it for ten years.

Today, ten years of federal debate almost came to a close. On a vote of 307-97 the US House of Representatives concurred with the Senate's vote of 79-17 passing S982 / HR1256 – The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. It grants the US Food and Drug Administration sweeping authority over all tobacco products, from content and production, to advertising and distribution.

S982 / HR1256 will be on the President's desk within days. He has pledged to sign the legislation.

While the focus of the legislation is not cigars, the language and regulatory authority that it grants FDA over all tobacco products is to say the least, worrisome. It is why the actions of the agency will have to be monitored on a consistent basis.

Under the legislation, within 90 days of adoption and a signature from the President, FDA will create the “Center for Tobacco Products” within the agency, and will report to the Commissioner for Food and Drugs. The center will be responsible for implementing the legislation. FDA is under the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services. It is interesting to note that in the opening preamble to the legislation, it states that the Secretary can not “ban little cigars, or all other cigars.”

It's the chain of command within the Administration that is also of concern. As mentioned, FDA is under the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). We have previously informed you that the Deputy Secretary of HHS is Bill Corr. Mr. Corr was previously executive director of Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. Well, we know where he stands. Then, the President appointed Dr. Margaret Hamburg as Commissioner of the US Food and Drug Administration, where one of her previous claims to fame was serving as Health Commissioner for New York City , and advocating the smoking ban ordinance in effect today. Then as Deputy Commissioner of FDA, the President appointed Dr. Joshua Sharfstein.

Now here's an interesting story.

Dr. Sharfstein was formally Health Commissioner for the City of Baltimore, Maryland, who like Dr. Hamburg , spearheaded the Baltimore and Maryland sweeping smoking ban legislation. Oh, but the plot thickens.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Sharfstein was supported for appointment as FDA Deputy Director by none other than the chief patron of the House version of this legislation, Congressman Henry Waxman of California . Why? Because Dr. Sharfstein was previously an investigator for Congressman Waxman's Government Reform and Oversight Committee. The circle is complete.




But let's throw in one more twist.

This week the President's appointee to head the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Dr. Thomas Frieden, travels to his new job in Atlanta . Dubbed “Dr. Buttinsky” by the New York Post, Dr. Frieden is noted for his implementation of the New York City smoking ban as their most recent Health Commissioner, and then going after trans-fat in cooking. He has listed smoking as “the nation's number one health issue,” in public statements. The CDC is one of the most cited agencies for smoking "statistics" in the nation by proponents of further regulation.

So now, we have Corr , Hamburg , Sharfstein, and Frieden at the top of the Administration – all being unapologetic anti-tobacco zealots. Then we get FDA regulation of all tobacco products, where the rules of the legislation have yet to be written. Let's top it off with SCHIP and a $3 million campaign by the Cancer Action Network, political arm of the American Cancer Society to press for another round of federal tobacco taxes to fund national health care reform.

Fellow CRA members, that's why this organization exists. We have to watch. We have to offer alternatives. We have to voice our opposition to every representative in government that we have.

Every one of you has a Congressman and two US Senators. How did they vote? Please see the links above and find out. Call them. Tell them we're watching and remembering every vote and every government action as it impacts the premium hand-made cigar industry.

Ask them why is it so important to attack one of life's simple pleasures, which has offered solace to enthusiasts from John Adams to John F. Kennedy – from Winston Churchill to Gerald Ford [who unapologetically smoked in the White House.]

It's time to act.


CRA Needs Your Help!

In order to be successful in our fight to enjoy cigars without the threat of smoking bans and high taxation, CRA needs your help. Please consider partnering with CRA through two important methods:

Membership:
There is strength in numbers! The more members CRA has, the greater voice we have at all levels of legislature. Please help CRA by asking your fellow cigar enthusiasts to join CRA today! Membership starts as low as $35/year.

Donate:
Our fight around the country is very expensive. We would like to ask all CRA members and cigar enthusiasts to consider making a donation to CRA in any amount you choose.

There are three easy ways to donate to CRA:

Online
Please visit: www.cigarrights.org/donate.htm

By Fax
Please download the CRA Donation Form and fax it to (818) 541-6865

By Mail
Please download the CRA Donation Form and mail it to:
5105 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Suite 155
Simi Valley, CA 93063

Miami trip Video Interview with Willy at El Titan de Bronze

Hey Guys,

Ok so all the local customers know I went to Miami last week to visit some of my favorite cigar makers. Me and a few friends hit Calle Ocho and visited El Titan de Bronze, Padilla, El Rey de los Habanos, El Credito and many more. So below is the first of many videos I will be posting. Willy at El Titan de Bronze was nice enough to sit down and chat with me about his factory/company and cigars. Everyone knows by now he makes the Sudeste Cubano cigar for us so sit back with a Redemption cigar and some cafe cubano/cafecitoand watch some interview action. Sorry for the sound, a roller is chopping cigars and the store was busy as hell that day so I did the best I could.

Interview with Patrick Vivalo-Esteban Carrera Cigars

Patrick was in the store on May 15th for a event so we wanted to do a interview about the Esteban Carreras Cigars and Cigar Rights of America. Below you will see the results, hope you like the video.

Esteban Carreras Month

The Entire Month of May is Esteban Carreras month. Buy 3 Esteban Carreras and get 1 free. Also on May 15th we will have Patrick Vivalo from Esteban Carreras in the store talking about the cigars. The event will feature the 10 Anos and the Habanos blends of Esteban Carreras.

Cigar Rights of America

Good Morning Everyone,

I would like to take this time to talk to everyone about how we as a group can make a difference. Silo Cigars, Inc. has joined what I believe to be the best designed organization out there to help protect our rights as cigar smokers. Below I am going to paste some mission statements and facts. If you are a true cigar smoker and you're tired of local, state and federal laws trampling on our rights PLEASE JOIN THEM NOW. Click on the logo and read about what they are doing, this is the closest you can get to the NRA of the cigar business.




FIGHTING TO PROTECT YOUR FREEDOM TO ENJOY CIGARS

* “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”
* “Land of the Free”
* “No Taxation Without Representation”

These are the principles on which America was founded. Unfortunately for cigar enthusiasts, the age-old pleasure of enjoying a cigar is under attack. On a daily basis, your freedom to enjoy a cigar is being stripped away by an overzealous, anti-smoking movement. Their tactics are varied; be it through supporting onerous cigar taxes or lobbying government for restrictive smoking bans. The anti-smoking movement will stop at nothing short of the complete prohibition of tobacco.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States ensures that all men and women have the freedom and the right to the pursuit of happiness. Unfortunately, cigar enthusiasts have slowly allowed these rights to be removed. Over the past twenty years, the anti-tobacco movement has broadened their reach and scope and are moving towards abolishing ALL forms of tobacco including cigars. Until recently there has essentially been very little organized opposition to their actions. And why should there have been? Most of us assumed that their attention was directed towards cigarettes.

Unfortunately, we were wrong. Here's the facts...

* All 50 states in America have some form of smoking ban and local, state, and federal governments are working to pass more-restrictive legislature.


* Additionally, 48 states in America have enacted cigar taxes. Some states have gone as far as taxing cigars at a rate of 75%.


* On February 4, 2009, President Obama signed the State Children's Health Insurance Plan (SCHIP) which raised the federal excise tax on cigars to 52.75% .


CRA's MISSION

Cigar Rights of America (CRA) was founded on the principle of fighting for the freedom to enjoy cigars.

CRA is a consumer-based, non-profit public advocacy organization that works with local, state and federal governments to protect the freedoms of cigar enthusiasts.

Together, with our constituency of nationwide members, we focus our fight for freedom in two main areas:

Oppose Restrictive Smoking Bans

Oppose Taxation of Cigars

Tatuaje Event News and Interview with Pete

What up everyone? I just uploaded the video of the interview with Pete. We discussed the new La Verite Cigar he is going to release based on futures. I know, it sounds crazy but I think it is a cool idea. So Pete came to Silo Cigars on April 24th 2009 and rocked this place for 5 hours before jumping on the red eye the next morning. We had a ton of people all night long in the store and some great deals were had for our awesome customers. The best part of the event was when people bought 2 boxes or more of any Tatuaje family products not only did they get the swag pack and a pimp hammer! they got the second release La Verite for free. That's right Silo customers were some of the first in the nation to smoke or even see this cigar.

Sorry for the audio in the video but it was loud in the store and to cover up some of the background noise I added some music. I was wanting to get more information out to everyone about this cigar and the concept behind it because I believe it is a great freaking idea. As the event finished we ripped Knoxville a new one, hell we may have scared Pete away for good lol.

Anyway I want to give a huge shout out to Pete for doing this type of event, any time I can hang with a guy like that it makes all the work worth the effort. Also thanks to all the people that turned out for the event without your support this would not be possible. Enjoy the vid and keep a look out for those cigars, they are worth the wait.

Tatuaje Event and some new smokes

Did I mention that Pete From Tatuaje will be here April 24th from 4-9 pm? lol anyway on to business.

We just got in 5 boxes (well 4 boxes and about 6 cigars) of the new J. Fuego limited release Origens. The deal with this cigar is it is all Corojo tobacco and very very very limited production. As in only the top 100 accounts get it and they only get 5 boxes. I have smoked about 8 of these cigars and I can say these are a great cigar. I will try to put them on the site this weekend but can't promise anything. If you have to have 1 or a box call us at 865-675-7456 and place a order, these will go fast.

Also we got in the new 777 Corojo and for the price of $4.50 for the corona you can't beat this cigar. Complex and rich with a nice Corojo spice upfront but then mellows to a medium body cigars, I suck at describing cigars but I can say they are yummy.

Oh and to set the record straight on SChip and the cigar prices going up, I am happy to say unlike most other shops local or across the nation we chose not to raise prices until we have to re-order at the new price. Then and only then will we raise the price and even then we are passing the tax along and not trying to profit from it like other retailers. Some have been asking me why we are doing this and I simply say it is the right thing to do. In this tough economy why is it right that we should profit off a tax that could kill the industry?

Is it a gamble? Sure but I hope in the long run customers will realize that we treat them the way we would want to be treated.

Not all cigars will be going up 40 cents either, some companies split the tax and others ate it (Tatuaje did not raise taxes, Esencia did not either). A huge shout out to all the companies that didn't just pass the tax along, you guys deserve some major props.

kp

Pete Johnson at Silo Cigars April 24th

Yep my good friend Pete from Tatuaje cigars will be at Silo Cigars April 24th from 4-9pm. This is his only stop in Tennessee so be sure to come visit. We have a ton of new release stuff coming in for the event and Pete is bringing a killer package of swag for everyone that purchases a box of his smokes. The swag includes a Custom Hat, Patch, Pin, Cutter and 3 pack of Black Robustos (only available at the event). Depending on how busy we are some substitutions on the swag may occur. Pete will be signing all items purchased from the Tatuaje Family of products so if you have never met Pete or have talked to him before this is the only chance this year you will get to see him in TN.

I consider Pete to be one of the pioneers in the new full-bodied trend of cigars, his vision to team up with a unheard-of manufacturer (at the time) and to keep things true to the Cuban Cigars really sparked Don Pepins fame and led to his first Highly Rated cigar with national acclaim. Everyone knows Don Pepins name now but back in the day everyone knew Tatuaje (even though they couldn't pronounce it) before they knew who made the Tatuaje brand of products.

I will update this post with more details soon.
kp

J. Fuego Event Pictures and Shout Outs

I would like to give a shout out to following people for making this event happen.

Jesus Fuego

Ekert Cordon

David Purvis

B&T Distributing

Seasons Cafe

and all the customers that showed up for the event. We had around 50 people come to event plus the 25 person Scotch Tasting. Below are some pictures with names of some of the people involved.

Kevin (Me), Jesus, Ekert, David, Bill

The Set-up

Random Shot

I have a ton of other photos that I will upload later. Thanks to all for making this a killer event.

kp

New Cigars and Events

Ok guys/gals I have been working hard on getting some new cigars on the site and as I am making some progress new stuff keeps showing up. So once again I am behind on updating the website, I have been able to get Tempus and La Flor Dominicana Cigars online. We also just got in the Illusione ECCJ Cigars as well as the Culebra 2/3. Oh I shouldn't forget the Coronado by LFD because I am really digging the Corona Extra size right now. In store we just got in the new Esteban Carrera Habano Maduros and the Esteban Carrera 10 Anos both of which are excellent smokes, I hope to have those online soon.

Now for the events, we have some great stuff coming up. Jesus Fuego will be in store March 27th and we are doing a combo Scotch Tasting (limit of 25 people, sold out already) and a regular cigar tasting. Buy 3 cigars get 1 free, buy a box get 7 free and 15% off everyone that buys a box will also get a raffle ticket and will have a chance to win a Xikar Amboina Humidor. Or just stop in and chat with Jesus Fuego, since he has blended and made some of the highest recently rated cigars including the Defiance.

On tap for the next few months we have the following events ( I will post time and dates later):

Viaje
Pinar del Rio
Avo
Tatuaje
Esteban Carrera
Gurkha

I am sure we will have more events scheduled soon. enjoy

kp

More Items to be posted online

Sup everyone? I have been working hard on trying to get some new stuff online. We have expanded our in store cigar brands and I almost have them ready to go online. I have been working with a couple of different cigar companies to get a new blend ready for Sudeste Cubano Cigars. We will keep the current blend but I want to tweak things a little and see if what I am thinking will work.

Also if your on twitter, please do stop by and say hello.
twitter.com/silocigars I am on there all the time posting random thoughts and a few pics of the store and such.

New Cigar Arrivals

It has been awhile since I last posted but we do have some great events coming up and some new cigars on the way. In store currently we just added Avo cigars along with Alec Bradley Tempus, Maxx and Occidental cigars. Also in the last few days we have gotten a huge selection of La Flor Dominicana Cigars. Expected in this week is the New cigar from Tatuaje called Ambos Mundos ( I did confirm they are in transit) these cigars are getting great reviews and are priced very well. With two different wrapper variants the habano and sumatra it will be interesting to see which one tastes and sales better.

On the accessory side we just picked up some really nice single torch lighters for $12.00-$15.00 these lighters work and look great. Hope to see you soon, if not stop by and visit us on facebook, myspace and twitter they all are silocigars btw/ftw!!

kp

Schip is Signed. Cigars will be going up in Price

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama sees expansion of government health insurance to millions of lower-income children as a first step of several to come in providing coverage for all Americans.

Ending a two-year effort by Democrats, Obama signed legislation Wednesday that will allow about 7 million children to continue coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance Program and allow an additional 4 million to sign up.

Now what they don't say is how it is funded, with your cigar/tobacco buying dollars!!!

February 4, 2009- Following a long, drawn-out political fight started in 2007, President Obama signed into law the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) renewal and expansion bill. In order to avoid further delay, the House of Representatives voted to accept the Senate's amendment to the SCHIP bill.

SCHIP Signed into Law by President

Large Cigars Capped at 40.26 cents per cigar

Legislation Takes Effect April 1, 2009

The new federal excise tax rates to take affect April 1, 2009 are as follows:

cigarettes $1.0066/pack
Large cigars 52.75% (capped at 40.26 cents per cigar)
Snuff $1.51/lb.
Chew $.5033 cents/lb.
Pipe tobacco $2.8311/lb.
RYO $24.78/lb.
Little cigars $50.00/1,000

Please remember: the cigar tax cap remains in this legislation! 40.26 cents per stick!

Important: This is a federal, manufacturer's and importers excise tax on tobacco.

Also there is a floor tax on little cigars and other tobacco products such as RYO. So retailers that have inventory of these will have to pay taxes on it. This is such bs, the tax increase on these tobacco products can not even come close to funding the bill. With their own numbers they admit we would need 2.2 million more smokers the first year to completely fund this piece of crap, I mean legislation. Get ready for more taxes on everything and socialized health care. Good God I need a smoke.
kp

Super Bowl Sunday!!!

Well I am sitting at home trying to get ready for the big game, and smoking a 5lb. boston butt for pulled pork bbq.My number 2 favorite team made it in (Steelers) however my favorite team fell apart at the end of the season (Buccaneers). Thanks UT for making that happen, anyway I hope everyone has plans to spend some time with friends and watch the game. Some may ask what the Super Bowl has to do with Cigars or why I am blogging about this. Well simply put some of my favorite customers/friends will be coming to the store to share in food, drinks, cigars and a great time. Everyone knows we are only open Noon-6:00 on Sunday but when the clock strikes 6 we are locking the doors and watching the game with 15-20 of our friends. I am sure we will eat a ton of food and drink our fair share of different things but what I look forward to the most is watching a great game and smoking cigars with a great group of guys and gals.

Kick back relax watch the game or commercials and enjoy a killer smoke!!

Top Cigar of the Year

Wow is all I can say to the response of the Casa Magna Robusto being the Number 1 cigar by Cigar Aficionado. We have had this cigar on our shelves since October (original release date) and we knew it was special. I can't tell you the number of people/customers we have recommended this cigar to in our store. The profile of this cigar is perfect for everyone, medium to full flavor and the price here is only $5.30 per cigar (for the robusto). I honestly believe that this is one of the best values on the market today, outside of Padron and Fuente where else can you get a great cigar for under $6.00 and most everyone agrees this line of cigars are special. I also think the corona and other sizes will rate really high in upcoming Cigar Aficionado reviews. Time will tell if this brand has staying power, but I will say that I will always have a box or 2 in my humidor.

Congrats to the people behind Casa Magna Cigars, job well done.

New Arrivals and Such

Today I got the web orders finished early so I decided to sit down and smoke some new stuff that just came in. First off I haven't told anyone yet except Andre (owner of Viaje) but the cigars on the site for the Oro are actually the new blend and rolled in the same factory as the Platino. By the way the new Oro blend is spectacular in my opinion.

Anyway I smoked a ton of cigars today, I started with the Pinar del Rio Clasico Double Corona then went straight to the new Pinar del Rio Sungrown Lancero. Let me tell you the Pinar del Rio Sungrown smokes are quickly becoming one of my go to cigars on a daily basis. I also smoked a Rocky Patel Decade Lonsdale which I believe is the best cigar he makes. So to finish my day I fired up the new Vengeance Cigars which is from the guys at Kristoff. The Vengeance is now brand new, new blend and packaging. Very good and a full body smoke.

After finishing the cigars I decided to actually get up off my arse and get some work done. So I scooped up a bunch of stuff to add to our website which is not currently displayed. Everything from swag to smokes will be on there soon so just hold on.

Did I mention that we have Devil's Weed bundles at like stupid low prices? hell I think they start at like $2.35 a cigar and go up to $3.00 when you buy the bundle. Ok well that is enough blogging for me tonight I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know what is going on with us.

Oh and Happy New Year!!!!