Xikar, Inc. The Latest News
FEBRUARY 2009
Kurt's Corner

Dear XIKAR Friends,
 Kurt Van Keppel, XIKAR President and Scott Almsberger, XIKAR Vice President
Everywhere we look, new themes for 2009 are emerging.  The economic theme will be stimulus and jobs.  Energy: independently green.  Business: cost cutting and efficiency.  Themes change from year to year, but here at XIKAR our theme NEVER changes. 
 
For over 12 years, we've built a brand on one theme: VALUE.   In everything we do, we aim to create value.  Products valuable to enhancing your smoke and most importantly, valuable enough to enjoy forever!   We believe all our actions, from design to warranty service, should bring value to you.  And you have shown your appreciation through your good business and support of this great community of cigar lovers.  Thank you. 

Last month we verified surprising news that our good competitor, The Colibri Group, shut down their operations. During these tough economic and market conditions, it is not impossible that even companies with solid brands and market presence may falter. And while we are glad that our product and service philosophies have helped make us the leading accessory brand, we certainly do not celebrate the demise of a good competitor.
 
If this recent news has left you questioning the life of your Colibri lighter warranty, print off this voucher and bring in your old Colibri for 20% OFF a XIKAR lighter at your local retailer.

Know that XIKAR is here to stay.  FOR LIFE.
 
PS: The theme for the anti-tobacco crowd in 2009: tax and legislate. Therefore, our theme must be freedom.  Recently, the President signed the SCHIP Tax into law, raising the cost of  cigars $0.40.  But the fight is just beginning.  Join us in the fight and ensure that 2009 is the year you protect your rights to enjoy a cigar.

Join the Defiance Alliance and the Cigar Rights of America !

>>>

Happy New Year,
Kurt Van Keppel
Defiance Cigar named #18 on Cigar Aficionado's Top 25 Cigars of 2008!
Guardian
"The Guardian is a serious smoke, heavy on the leather, with caramel and tea to balance it."  We couldn't agree more! 

READ THE FULL CIGAR AFICIONADO REVIEW HERE >

FIND A DEFIANCE RETAILER NEAREST YOU >

Unmatched Cold-Weather Performance!   

Enjoy your cigar no matter the temperature and no matter your budget! These powerhouses ensure you're never left out in the cold this winter:

Plunge Plunge
This single-jet lighter could be your new best friend. Available in 5 colors, the Plunge is equipped with RapidFire™ ignition allowing you to light a cigar at 15°F! SRP $29.99  Check it out >>


  Axia
Axia
The powerful double-jet flamed Axia comes in a durable metal body casing and is available in 5 colors. With a large adjustment wheel and butane viewing window, you will be sure that you can guarantee the right flame if you are forced out into the cold for a smoke.  SRP $69.99  Check it out >>
 
 
Trezo Trezo
The Trezo is an extremely powerful, in-line triple-jet flame lighter available in 4 colors. Its three flames make lighting large ring gauge cigars a simple task, and like its little brother the Axia, you can easily adjust and monitor your butane levels.
SRP $99.99  Check it out >>
Crazy Humidor Challenge

Here's to Rob Marcroft and his home-made setup!

Rob bought a china cabinet from Craigslist, then added a dollar-store, 2qt plastic container and a 80mm fan. He sealed the cabinet with silicone to keep humidity constant, filled the container and hot glued the fan in place. He then wired the fan to a dc converter and plugged it into a timer. Now the cabinet holds a steady 63% RH at 65 degrees.

Way to go Rob! Enjoy your Total Humidification prize pack:

One 8oz bottle of PG ($5.99),One Digital Hygrometer ($19.99), One 50ct Humidifier ($15.99) & One 5 ct Travel Humidor ($19.99)

Check out the other entries >>

Meansardine 10 CT Display BoxMeansardine 10 CT Display Box
Best Holiday Gift Survey: Your Picks

We asked you what you wanted for the holidays, and you answered! Check out the results.

Survey Results

Congratulations to Ryan Briggle of Miami, Florida for winning the random drawing of all the survey participants!

Ryan won a Gunmetal Element lighter ($49.99)!

REMEMBER: We randomly select winners from every survey, so stay tuned for next month's survey: cigar ratings on the internet!
Ask the Experts

How to light (and keep lit) a cigar in winterXIKAR Experts Kurt and Scott
 
Cold weather cigar smoking is not for the faint of heart. Here are a few tips to make the experience that more enjoyable: 
 
Pick a smaller cigar.  That way if you can't stand the cold you won't feel as if you've wasted a great stick. 
Use a lighter.  Matches are fine for indoors, but they are the enemy of enjoyment when fighting wind-chill.  A lighter with a push or pull button ignition is your best bet when your fingers get too cold to spin a flint wheel. 
Don't rush it.  Be sure to place the foot of the cigar 1/2 inch above the visible flame and rotate as you puff for a nice, even burn. 
Nice and slow.  Even seasoned experts can puff too hard or too often in cold weather.  This causes the cigar to burn too hot or unevenly. 
Keep notes.  Some cigars lose a lot of taste in cold weather (perceived or not). Some taste great!  Keep in your journal of your favorites and you'll be sure to pick the right ones for the next winter chill. 
 
On cold-weather taste: The debate will no doubt continue, but temperature and humidity affect cigars from the time they are rolled until the last ash.  Some say that since colder weather holds less humidity, a cigar burning in cold weather will dry more quickly than normally, stealing essential oils and flavors through evaporation.  Some also say that the flavor difference is perceived because the smoker is too chilly to notice the taste!  You be the judge. 
 
HAVE A QUESTION FOR THE EXPERTS? 
EMAIL US: info@xikar.com
Our Commitment

We never waiver in our commitment to offering you top quality leisure tools that enhance your lifestyle.  So you can buy with confidence, we back all our products for life and welcome any suggestions and concerns.  So, if you feel that a XIKAR product fails to live up to our promise of fit, finish or function, simply return it to us and we will immediately and cheerfully repair or replace your product under our Total Satisfaction Guarantee!
About XIKAR, Inc.
From its Kansas City headquarters, XIKAR is the world's leading manufacturer of cigar cutters, including the well-recognized Xi cigar cutter, along with a full line of cigar accessories, lighters and humidification devices and containers.

XIKAR cigar cutters and accessories are sold through more than 3,000 dealers worldwide. With even more product and service introductions planned, XIKAR strives to lead the market in providing quality and innovative cigar accessories now, and in the years to come.
In this Issue
Quick Links
XIKAR Press Contact:
Jacob Dysart
Media Relations
Email: jdysart@xikar.com
Phone: 888-266-1193
XIKAR Sales Contact:
Customer Service
Email: info@xikar.com
Phone: 866-676-7380 
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