For most folks this is the time of year when they get out the cleaning supplies and finish those projects they've been putting off all winter. Now for those in the cigar business “spring cleaning” is the time to make room in the humidor because "the show" is just around the corner. The show refers to the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) annual convention where everyone in the industry unveils their latest and greatest cigars and tobacco gadgets to us retailers. It is a great time for cigar lovers because many new items are about to hit your local tobacconist's shelves.

Unfortunately, we can't add onto our humidors each year, so we have to make room for the new items. I am still looking for that magical humidor stretcher, but I just can't ever seem to find one. This again is great for the cigar consumer because it means you get to purchase some great quality sticks at a deep discounted price. At ABC, we discount our clearance cigars at 50%, and right now we are discounting close to 50 items. With names like Arturo Fuente, CAO, Cohiba, Gurkha, La Gloria, Macanudo, Oliva, Punch, etc. we have something for everyone. Let me assure that these cigars are of the best quality and are as good as the day we brought them into the store. We just have to make room for the new stuff. Also, if you are a fan of some of the cigars I listed above, don't worry. We aren't getting rid of them completely, just need to tighten some of the brands up a bit.

Some more great news is that you won't have to wait until after the trade show to purchase some new cigars from our humidors. Coming to our top cigar stores will be the very exclusive Oliva V Melanio. I am also proud to announce that we will be adding some Davidoff cigars to our portfolio. It has been a long time coming, but we are excited to offer some of these great products to our guests.  Davidoff has always been a name associated with quality and craftsmanship in the industry and they don't let just anyone sell their products. The first Davidoff items to hit our stores will be three of their premium tins. Their tin cigars are absolutely amazing and will dispel any preconceived notions you may have about little cigars that are sold in metal cases. Davidoff is also providing us with three high quality bundle cigars: the CC Robusto, CC 6x60, and the M1 Churchill. These new bundles will replace our One Leaf cigars, so come in and grab the One Leafs while supplies last. They should go fast considering that you can two bundles for the price of one.

We have plenty of discounted cigars—a lot of new ones on the horizon, and it looks like our summer weather is here to stay. It sure is a great time to live in Florida. Come to think of it, can you ever think of a bad time to live here?

Long Ashes,

Chris Gwaltney

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits regional manager in Jacksonville. Follow him on Twitter @chrisgnole