Kurt's Corner
Dear XIKAR Friends,
Besides the finale of college basketball, March set the pace for the an exciting Spring. We had the pleasure of entertaining some customers in the beautiful tobacco region of
Nicaragua
, to learn the art of growing, harvesting, fermenting and blending tobacco. Our master blender,
Jesus Fuego
, did a superb job educating our customers while setting the stage for a 6x60 Grande cigar introduction in July.
  
March also brought an opportunity to voice my concerns regarding anti-tobacco to Kansas Senators at the Senate Taxation Committee hearing in Topeka, KS. The political posturing is completely unbalanced, which is why we need more voice and representation as an industry on all levels. Targeted tax proposals to increase taxes on cigars and other tobacco products (OTP) will seriously hurt the local retailer, and will limit your freedom to buy good cigars! Retailer friends and I echoed that a substantial tax increase would devastate their businesses. Time and again, politicians tell us the same two things: "we didn't know the premium cigar business is different (small business, hand-crafted), and we didn't know you guys were out there."
LET THEM KNOW!
Email or write your state and US congressmen! Tell them you oppose targeted taxes and regulation on cigars and OTP. Join the
Cigar Rights of America (CRA)
to help defend your freedoms!
After leaving the State Capital, I attended an HC Series Cigar event in Napa Valley, to share the HC Series cigars and story with Brenda Roberts at
Baker Street Tobacconist
, and with her customers. I also had a chance to educate them on the proper steps of cutting, lighting, storing and humidifying
cigars. I enjoyed meeting Stephane de Vivier, winemaker at
Hyde De Villaine
, a Carneros joint venture between the Villaine family of Burgundy (Domaine de la Romanée Conti) and the Hyde Family, whose wine-making in California dates back to the late 1800's. C'est Superb! (fantastic wines!)
March Madness for me finally came to closure
with last Friday's jam-packed event at
W. Curtis Draper
in Washington DC. The trip started with stumping "the Hill" to tell my Kansas Senators (Roberts and Brownback) that premium cigars are unique and small business (see above). Also got a great tour of the Capital from XIKAR friend and former Congressman (FL) Ron Phillips. Thanks Ron! Mother nature showed up to help, bringing out the cherry blossoms, tourists and XIKAR consumers in droves. Fun event, thanks MOM!
March Madness is my new battle cry and I picked XIKAR in the Final Four!
XIKAR for Life
Kurt Van Keppel
President, XIKAR Inc.
|
|
XIKAR
HC
Series Cigar Events
XIKAR HC Series Cigar events are
gaining popularity around the cigar world and every weekend retailers and cigar enthusiasts are coming together to share the love of the leaf. XIKAR's HC Series event program for local retailers has been a huge success. A typical event includes a great line-up of cigars, 25% off XIKAR
accessories, valuable consumer incentives, food & beverage, and Havana Collection door prizes.
For more
information on HC Series events click on
hc.xikar.com
or visit our
Facebook
. If you are a retailer, and are interested in planning an event, please send us an
email at
info@xikar.com
and a
XIKAR Customer Service Representative will contact you with more
details.
|
|
XIKAR in the Press
In the latest issue of
Pipes and Tobaccos
, XIKAR's
Pipeline Lighter
was featured in the Pipe Stuff section (page 35). The new Pipeline lighter combines luxurious style with dependable function and lifetime guarantee. Thanks to Mr. Hoyt's staff at
SmokeShop Magazine
, XIKAR's humidification display is proudly merchandised in the feature article on Truly Cigars. (Feb. issue pg. 30). This is a must read article about
Truly Cigars'
positive customer experience and building brand loyalty. In the land down under, yes Australia... XIKAR accessories are just as popular as vegimite. In the latest issue of Insite Autumn Magazine, XIKAR's triple flame
Windowpane TableTop Lighter
is pictured in the Old School pictorial - featuring personalized study (pg. 28).
HC Series Tabletop
TableTop Basket Weave/ Window pane
|
XIKAR's Limited Edition 300CHTL Design
"Core of Collectibility"
Kurt and Scott introduced the first Xi cutter in 1997. Some 13 years later, the philosophy and passion of providing artful cigar tools and accessories remains paramount. In 2010, retailers and consumers will see some exceptional new designs, limited edition masterpieces, and innovative products. At the recent TAA Show in San Juan, PR, XIKAR unveiled the new limited edition Polished Chrome Tobacco Leaf Cutter. This is masterpiece of art, in all polished chrome with laser engraved tobacco leaf design and individually numbered (001 thru 500). Certificate of authenticity and stringray sheath are included with this beautiful collector's item, available first week in April. Scott Almsberger, VP XIKAR provided inspiration for the leaf design.
XIKAR's "New" 300CHTL CUTTER
|
If you think the XIKAR 300CHTL cutter is a beautiful masterpiece, see what a local tattoo artist did with a tobacco leaf on Scott Almsberger. Unfortunately, this is not available in-store but I'm sure Scott can get you in contact with the local tattoo artist. I can't wait to see the Tabletop Lighter on the chest!?
|
|
Professor K's Humidification Tips
When you purchase a humidor, and before you load in your precious investment of hand-rolled cigars, there is a critical step to ensure your humidor is ready for use. Make sure your digital hygrometer is working properly. XIKAR's digital hygrometer is manufactured to our exact specifications and will accurately report humidity to +/- 2% at 70% RH and temperature to 1 degree F/C. Here are the proper steps to calibrate your XIKAR digital hygrometer, we call it the Salt Test.
Digital Hygrometer #832XI
Digital Hygrometer #830 XI
Salt Test Calibration Instructions:
Fill a plastic soda cap with plain table salt. Add enough water to make the salt wet, but not so much that water stands on top of the salt. Place a zip lock bag on a flat surface. Place the cap inside the bag with the XIKAR digital hygrometer. Seal the bag and wait 4 hours. Through the bag push and hold the green or calibrate button until the hygrometer resets itself to 75. Once it has reset, remove from the zip lock bag. The XIKAR hygrometer is now calibrated and ready for the humidor.
XIKAR's Crystal Jars (2oz. & 4oz.) and XIKAR's Humidifier Crystals in 50ct, 100ct and 250ct help maintain your humidors performance.
Propylene Glycol, not distilled water will help keep your cigars fresh. PG will maintain your humidor's humidity and benefit your cigars at a constant 70% RH.
One crucial point about humidors is that they are very sensitive to light, temperature and the surrounding environment. Your humidor is not intended to travel unless you are moving your Man Cave to the basement or garage. If you're a serious traveler, hunter or golfer, XIKAR makes a variety of travel humidors that are specifically designed for short or long trips. The XIKAR 5ct, 10ct or 15ct travel humidors are a perfect solution and here's why:
-
Airtight...water tight...crushproof
-
Silicone seal and stainless steel hinge and latch hinges
-
Molded lock ring for security
-
High density urethane foam cradles to protect your cigars
-
Lifetime Guarantee
-
Drymistat Tube is a perfect addition to the case
A cigar case is essential for every cigar enthusiast.
Havana Collection 10ct Travel Humidor #210HC
|
Get a FREE
HC Series Cigar!
Tell us a little about your cigar preferences by completing our
short survey
. First 75 surveys will enjoy a great XIKAR smoke!
Consumers Speak Out
"Just wanted to share a story with you about my XIKAR lighter. In January we got about a foot of snow in Chicago. I decided to snowblow my neighbors driveway and smoke a cigar. As I was making a pass I heard a clunk, clank and seen something shoot out from the snowblower. I realized later my XIKAR lighter was air born. I looked but could not find it in the snow drift. After the snow thawed I found my lighter. A little beat up but what is more incredible is that the XIKAR lighter worked on the 2nd try! Outside in the snow for at least 2 months. Just wanted to let you know how durable your products are."
John P., Chicago
The Consumers Speak Out section is dedicated to our consumers. If you have an exciting story, comment, testiomonial or a suggestion for a new design, please share it with us. If we publish your comment, we'll send you a fantastic XIKAR gift. Keep the letters and cards coming... we enjoy the connection!
rmoreno@xikar.com
XIKAR Supports US Troops
Every month XIKAR sends hundreds of lighters and cutters to US Troops around the world.
USMC, J. Navarrete, stationed in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, recently received a small package from XIKAR for his company. "Thank you for your support".
SSGT, Brent Mecklenburg..."thanks for your support for us here in Iraq and I am impressed by the high quality of your products. I will purchase one when I return."
Major, John Fleming, USAF, " your package just arrived. All I can say is WOW! Thanks for all the great gear to give my young airmen. We truly appreciate it."
|
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. 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 Lifetime 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.
CRA National Tobacconist Alliance - Cigar Rights of America
|
|
|
XIKAR Media Contact:
Bob Moreno
Email:
Phone: 888-266-1193
|
XIKAR Sales Contact:
Customer Service
Email:
info@xikar.com
Phone: 866-676-7380
|
|
