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50 SMOKESHOP February 2016 finest premium cigar tobaccos in the world. Along with an ex- perienced and dedicated head-office team, the Grupo de Mae- stros (the blending experts based at the Tabacalera de Garcia factory with over 250 years of combined experience), and the largest sales footprint in the U.S. premium cigar market, Alta- dis U.S.A. is poised as a true market leader. JR Cigar is widely regarded as one of America's premier premium cigar wholesalers and retailers, selling a comprehen- sive range of national brand and private label cigar and tobacco accessories. JR's state-of-the-art catalog, internet, and call cen- ter operations are joined by strategically-located and inviting retail locations celebrating the premium cigar lifestyle. These two independent companies are supported by some of the finest premium cigar facilities in the world. Tabacalera de Garcia, maker of many leading brands of premium cigars, is located in La Romana, Dominican Repub- lic. With over 3,000 employees dedicated to the crafting of premium cigars, it is the largest handmade cigar factory in the world and home to one of the greatest inventories of fine cigar tobaccos. Based in the lush hills of northeastern Honduras amid an- cient Mayan ruins, the Flor de Copán factory in Santa Rosa de Copán has been crafting some of the finest cigars in the U.S. premium cigar market for decades. These Honduran tobac- co experts are active growers and recently created the new Yargüera, an innovative hybrid tobacco grown exclusively for use only by Altadis U.S.A. The company's Connecticut farm operation is one of the oldest and few remaining tobacco farms in the Connecticut Valley still producing the high quality and highly coveted Connecticut broadleaf and Connecticut Shade tobacco used in many of the company's leading blends, including Montecristo. "We are proud to be leading Imperial Tobacco Group's pre- mium cigar business in the U.S.—the largest premium cigar market in the world—and are confident this organization will better align us for the future," said Estades. It seems evident that from the company's rich tobacco his- tory to its innovative farming, manufacturing and marketing excellence, the new Tabacalera USA group reflects the very best of tradition and expertise. Craig Williamson is president of the Cigar Association of America, Tel: (202) 223-8204, Web: www.cigarassociation.org. VAPOR NATION 1/2H 400 W. Front Street • PO Box 226 Washington, MO 63090 • 800-888-2109 pipes@corncobpipe.com MISSOURI MEERSCHAUM CO. WASHINGTON, M o U.S.A. Font: Futura Med. Cond An AMERICAN LEGEND HANDCRAFTED in U.S.A. SINCE 1869 HANDCRAFTED in U.S.A. SINCE 1869 LEGEND MISSOURI MEERSCHAUM CORN COB PIPES • Wide selection of popular styles • Quality old world craftsmanship • Sweet smoking and long lasting SS•1/2V•Missouri Meershaum.indd 1 1/22/16 9:41 AM CAA INSIGHT > > Inside Tabacalera de Garcia in La Romana, Dominican Republic.