The Miracle of Ascoli

There is a small town in the Marches province of Italy called Ascoli Piceno. It is a beautiful, historic little city, graced with a central square in the middle of which is a fountain.

In 1909 Ferdinando Paoletti, his wife and daughter made the trip from Italy to the United States.  As family lore has it, when they arrived either his wife Mariantonia or his daughter Carolina had developed a severe cough, and was denied entry. Mariantonia and Carolina returned to Italy, presumably to await Ferdinando raising enough money to send for them again. They returned in 1912 through Philadelphia, and reunited at last the couple went on to build a life for themselves in Wilmington, Delaware.

It was here that their son Nicholas was born. Stationed in Georgia during his service in the Army Air Corps he met and married his wife, and this is where the story, for me, really begins.

I have always believed everything happens for a reason, that somehow there are few things in life that are unordained, and that the patient soul is always rewarded.

I grew up about 20 miles from Wilmington, attended High School in Elkton, Maryland, and had a pretty ordinary experience there. Of all the 220 people in my graduating class there were few I interacted with. I was shy, studious, and more inclined to sit at home and read a book or paint than date, or attend parties.

Move ahead 4 decades. As our 40th class reunion approached a few classmates made a concerted effort to reconnect many of us through Facebook. I happily accepted friend requests, but since our reunion fell on the weekend of our annual cigar festival it was certain I would not attend. The weekend before, however, I was scheduled to make an appearance at a small wine and food festival.

On a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon, as I sat on a dock along the Susquehanna River, I was approached by a beautiful woman who looked vaguely familiar. As it turned out, we had gone to the same High School, had no classes together, and as far as I can recall if we had ever even spoken it was only a few times. On September 9th that all changed in a wonderful way.

We spoke for perhaps a half hour, and I found her deeply intriguing. She had noticed the announcement of the event, and though she initially had decided to make the hour drive there threatening weather almost changed her mind. Cajoled by her sister to just go ahead and make the trip, there before me she was.

As she moved to head home, in an uncharacteristiclly brash way, I asked her to dinner. A few days later we met at a restaurant near her home, near the city if her birth, and the place she had returned to after graduation. Were it not for her taking that drive on that particular day chances are we would never have encountered each other again.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Today I am pleased to announce the forthcoming release of "Mia Dora" by Emilio Cigars, dedicated to the beautiful woman I love.  Manufactured in Esteli, Nicaragua by my dear friend Abdel Fernandez, the cigars, featuring a Habano Rosado wrapper and Nicaraguan filler, will be released in July, 2013 at IPCPR in Las Vegas.

The decorative art for the bands and boxes will feature themes and colors from the flag of Ascoli Piceno, the city in which a young family made the bold decision over 100 years ago to ultimately deliver an angel to me.

I love you Dora. This is my gift to you, in my own way, in the art form I know best.

A Bit of Our Story

A wonderful piece written by Nathan McIntyre:

Over the past three years, our project that was Emilio Cigars has grown exponentially. This largely due to our passionate community of cigar enthusiasts finding out about us and sharing their discovery with friends. For this, we thank you. 

One thing we have realized also is that while we have grown very quickly, we haven't stopped to actually share the story of how Emilio Cigars came to be. So, it is here that we'd like to take a moment and just give you the story of what Emilio Cigars, and our imagery, is about. 

What you may know...

Gary Griffith for many years has managed a chain of tobacco stores in Delaware. While doing so, he received a call to come to Central America on a blending trip. While there doing the work that he was called to do, he blended what came to be our Series H Sumatra and Maduro...at the time, content just to sell them in his shops. While there, he struck up a friendship with AJ Fernandez, and on a return trip blended what is now our AF1 and AF2. Still, content to sell them to a small number of shops...whomever was interested. Alongside those came the Grimalkin, inspired by a friend who had haunting eyes.... 

No delusions of grandeur or stardom. Just interesting cigars that his passion for tobacco and friendships helped create. 

2011 came along, and with it, a number of the right people. Most by accident, but we're learning there are no accidents. With the right people came an astounding level of attention from internet media. Emilio Cigars, having no advertising budget made top-10 after top-10 toward the end of the year. 

2012 brought AF Suave... our Connecticut made on a dare. Then Draig K Limitado, and the rebranding of Grimalkin to La Musa. La Musa, we felt was more appropriately branded in honor of a dear friend who inspired us that Gary called his Muse. In fact, every line has a unique story and purpose behind it.

We also realized that in the same way that friends had helped us early on, we had the capacity to help new friends come to market. Enter "House of Emilio." It is our honor to provide great retailers with great cigars, and help our friends along the way. Once again, it wasn't in our "Five Year Plan", but always doing what seemed right when presented with the opportunity. 

Doing right by people, every time. However, there's more to it.

What you probably do not know...

The deeper story behind Emilio Cigars can be seen in our logo. Most companies start with a logo and go from there. For our first two years, we didn't bother to have one because nothing was perfect. We just made great cigars. 

Until on a car ride the subject of Metasequoia glyptostroboides came up. Metasequoia glyptostroboides  is the "Dawn Redwood."

Considered extinct for millions of years, a few Dawn Redwoods were discovered living in China in 1944. American scientists brought them back to the US, and slowly started working to repopulate them. The Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer. While growing cones, it turns bright orange every Fall and loses it's fern-like, prehistoric leaves, only to come back in Spring. Truly unique...a tree that should not exist, yet despite all the odds it lives and grows. Much like Emilio Cigars. 

The leaf in the Emilio Cigars logo is that of a Dawn Redwood, handpicked. The sword is Gary's family sword, which he owns to this day. Together, these images form a message that tells you the meaning behind Emilio Cigars. We are fiercely dedicated to honoring our loved ones, and thankful for that which should not exist. There are no accidents.

So, when you smoke an Emilio Cigar now, perhaps you'll feel a little bit more of our story. We'd like to start telling it more. Some details we'll keep for ourselves, but now, when you smoke Emilio, maybe you'll appreciate things which should not be, and give thanks that they are.

...as we do everyday.

Smoke well friends.

Press Release: Half Ashed Podcast

Kip Fisher (of The Cigarmy) and Craig Schneider, former guest co-host of Dogwatch Cigar Radio, have teamed up with Kyle, Chris, and The Don of Cigar Federation to publish a new cigar podcast: Half Ashed. Kip and Craig were moved to undertake the endeavor in the wake of the final episode of Dogwatch, and expect to bring unique content and perspective to the show.

CigarFederation.com, a cigar-themed social network, provides a platform for publishing cigar and tobacco-related information – as well as provides an outlet for consumers, bloggers, retailers, and manufacturers to share in the pastime and community enjoyed by those in the hobby. Users can create a profile and enjoy the company of like-minded people from around the world.

“After the end of Dogwatch, Craig and I both felt there was a void left in the arena of cigar podcasting and show production that we could help to fill. I believe we have some unique ideas to bring to the table that will do just that, as well as work toward building a sense of a community for enthusiasts as we feel our way through putting this show together. I hope it will turn out to be something from which we can all learn and benefit.” Fisher noted.

Half Ashed will be a weekly show, broadcasted live on CigarFederation.com on the second Friday of each month at 9:00pm Eastern/8:00pm Central (beginning February 8th, 2013) and featuring a live chatroom for audience participation. Archived shows will be available on the Cigar Federation YouTube Channel. Once archived, audio podcasts will be edited and published for download onto mobile devices via iTunes and/or an RSS feed.

“Viewers and listeners can expect a great deal of informality to go with cigar reviews, interviews, giveaways, and a few surprise tie-ins that will evolve as the show grows. Kip and Craig bring a innovative approach to cigars that is both entertaining and informative. The perfect addition to the Cigar Federation team!” Chris explained.



More information can be found at:

Cigar Federation (Twitter @CigarFederation)

The Cigarmy (Twitter @The_Cigarmy)
Visit Cigar Federation at: http://cigarfederation.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

Rodrigo Cigars Factory Video

Have a look inside the factory where Rodrigo Cigars are made!

Announcing "The Disseminators"

Over time I've come to realize that we have been blessed to have some very passionate supporters of our brand. These are folks who, since the beginning, have advocated on our behalf. They have all along been like family, so today we begin the process of formalizing that relationship.

Over the next few weeks we'll begin announcing the appointment of a select group of cigar smokers to be known as "Disseminators." Across the country, these folks will be bringing you all the latest news about not only Emilio Cigars, but all the other terrific brands we distribute.

These will be the first people to receive samples of new products. They will participate in product development. They may even show up at shops and events bearing gifts.

We'll flesh out the details of how this will all work as we move forward, but effective today the infiltration begins.

Emilio Cigars and Nomad Cigars enter distribution agreement

Emilio Cigars Enters Into Agreement With Nomad Cigar Company For Distribution Rights

January 4, 2012 – Fred Rewey, owner of Nomad Cigar Company, makers of Nomad cigars manufactured in Dominican Republic, and Gary Griffith, owner of Emilio Cigars, announced today that they have entered into a distribution agreement.  

Under this arrangement, Emilio Cigars sales staff will bring the Nomad Cigar line to market while Fred Rewey will continue to focus on product development, brand expansion, and manufacturing.

Nomad Cigar Company was started by Rewey in 2012 and quickly leveraged Rewey’s experience with social media and online promotion. The result was Nomad hitting the spotlight early in production.

"The Nomad brand fits well with what we're trying to accomplish," said Griffith "and I believe will become an important addition to the portfolio."

Rewey added: “I am truly honored to have Gary and the entire Emilio team distribute Nomad cigars. In addition to being able to partner with such a well-run infrastructure, it continues to give both Nomad and boutique cigars in general a more significant presence in a growing marketplace. The interest in Nomad since launch has been a bit overwhelming – this new relationship will enable Nomad to continue to grow in 2013 and beyond.”

The cigars will be warehoused and shipped from the Emilio Cigars facility in Vineland, NJ and should beginning shipping later in the month.

Contact:

Emilio Cigars

Gary Griffith

Twitter: @EmilioCigar

Nomad Cigar Company

Fred Rewey

Twitter: @Godfadr

Godfadr@NomadCigarCompany.com

House of Emilio December Recap

 To say December has been a wonderful month for we at the House of Emilio would be an understatement indeed. We partnered with some incredible new friends, released a few cigars, and have been overwhelmed by all the great press we've received about the Emilio brand and our distributed brands.

My best wishes to all for a wonderful year in 2013!

I'm just going to keep this simple. Below are links to the many top cigar lists we've been honored to be included on, as well as links to reviews published in the past month.

Emilio Cigars AF Suave was awarded "Cigar of the Year" by Michael Forry of Stogie Review, and was among The Smoking Greek's Top 10 Cigars of 2012, Leaf and Grape's Top 10 Light Cigars of 2012, and A Cigar Smoker's Top 15 Cigars of 2012

Los Regalos Quetzal ranked #3 on Frank's Top Ten Cigars of 2012 on the Keeping Your Man Card Blog, and #2 on Covering Your Ash Top 10 Cigars of 2012

Draig K ranked #15 on Cigar Coop's Top 25 Cigars of 2012 , #2 on Patrick Landrums Top 10 of 2012 on Keeping Your Man Card , Seth's Humidor Top 10 Cigars of 2012 , The Smoking Greek's Top 25 Cigars of 2012 , as well as Leaf and Grape's Top 10 Medium Cigars of 2012

Emilio Cigars Serie H Maduro was named "Cigar of the Year" for 2012 by Cigars of Savannah, and was included in Birmingham Cigars Top 10 Cigars of 2012

La Musa Mousa was included on Scott Partridges's Top 10 Cigars of 2012.

La Musa Melete ranked #6 on Patrick Landrum's Top 10 of 2012 on Keeping Your Man Card
 , and was included by Charlie Greenbacker of Stogie Review on hist list of "Cigars to Watch in 2013."

Emilio Cigars AF1 was included among Tom's Cigars Top Cigars of 2012

Emilio Cigars AF2 was included on The Smoking Greek's Top 25 Cigars of 2012

Ezra Zion Inception was named Cigar of the Year by Stick Review, ranked #1 on the Covering Your Ash Top 10 Cigars of 2012, and was included among The Smoking Greek's Top 10 Cigars of 2012

Rodrigo Cigars La Fortaleza was included on The Smoking Greek Top 25 Cigars of 2012 , A Cigar Smoker's Top 15 Cigars of 2012, and were in included in the Top Ten Cigars of 2012 on Keeping Your Man Card, was named #1 Cigar of 2012 by Habana Happenings, made Birmingham Cigars Top 10 Cigars of 2012, and was included on the Blowin' Smoke Podcast "Prime 9 of 2012"

Rodrigo Cigars Habano Clasico was listed among The Perfect 10 for 2012 as well as the Top 12 of 2012 by the reviewers of Tiki Bar Online.

Guayacan was listed among the Top 12 of 2012 by Tiki Bar Online

Herederos de Robaina included on the Covering Your Ash Top 10 Cigars of 2012

The 1502 Cigars Ruby was included in the Blowin' Smoke Podcast "Prime 9 of 2012" and made Frank's Top Ten Cigars of 2012 on Keeping Your Man Card

The following were reviewed during the course of December:

Emilio Serie H: Stogies on the Rocks , Tom's Cigars , Cigar Freaks

Reviews of the Emilio Cigars AF1 were done by Tiny Tim's Cigar Blog , Smoke Easy Blog

Reviews of the Emilio Cigars AF2: Long Fillers Lounge , The Cigar Broskies

Emilio AF Suave: Stogies on the Rocks , Traveling Stogie

La Musa Mousa: Long Fillers Lounge , Keeping Your Man Card , Seth's Humidor , Cigar Coop
 , Stogies on the Rocks

La Musa Melete: Cigar Coop

Los Regalos Quetzal Reviews appeared on Stogies on the Rocks , Blowin' Smoke Podcast , Mike's Stogies

Draig K: Stogies on the Rocks

Herederos de Robaina Covering Your Ash , Nice Tight Ash

The first Ezra Zion Release, Inception was reviewed by Rip's Cigar Journal , Stogie Cop , Keeping Your Man Card , The Smoking Greek , and Mike's Stogies

Ezra Zion Honor Series Reagan reviews: The Smoking Greek , Stogie Review  , The Cigar Broskies
 , and Traveling Stogie

Reviews of the latest Rodrigo release, La Fortaleza, appeared on Mike's Stogies,

 Guayacan Tom's Cigars , Mike's Stogies ,and Seth's Humidor

1502 Cigars Emerald: Stogie Guys

1502 Cigars Ruby: Habanos Nut