Good Life Diaries

Dear Friends, You may have read the recent editorial from Cigar Aficionado, which did not fully reflect the substance of Altria’s comments on the Food & Drug Administration’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) on the Regulation of Premium Cigars. I wanted to offer my perspective by providing my colleagues and friends in the industry with additional context on Altria’s comments. I urge you to read the letter   (also posted below), and our comments , in their entirety and come to your own informed opinion about the company’s commitment to the premium cigar industry. You might also want to read John McTavish’s blog , which was posted on July 31 and gives a very informed perspective on Altria’s ANPRM comments: Gratefully, Michael Herklots Vice President, Retail and Brand Development, Nat Sherman International  -- Dear Friends, You may have read the recent editorial from Cigar Aficionado, which did not fully reflect the substance of Alt...

Mr. Michael Herklots - The King of Cigars  When Michael explains a cigar, it is as if the whole world slows down and you are a witness to a great solo performance at the Lincoln Center. As the VP of Retail & Brand Development at the historic cigar brand Nat Sherman, Michael knows his craft and is passionate about creating a life he loves.   HOW DID YOU GET STARTED WITH NAT SHERMAN?  I joined Nat Sherman in June of 2011, having worked with Davidoff of Geneva for almost ten years prior. It was a big decision, but certainly the right decision. I truly enjoyed my time at Davidoff, but my role was strictly running the retail businesses in New York. The Nat Sherman opportunity has given me more opportunity to be creative, develop strategy, and build the overall brand and business.   WHY DO YOU DO IT AND HOW DO YOU THINK YOU'VE GAINED THE SUCCESS THAT YOU HAVE? I’m not sure there is a secret to success. And personally, I feel as though I’m on an end...

CIGAR INTERVIEWS ,  CIGARS ,  NAT SHERMAN Interview with Nat Sherman’s Michael Herklots By  Cigars and Leisure   Fall 2015 Cigars & Leisure  we interviewed Michael Herklots, vice president of retail and brand development at  Nat Sherman . For those that may have missed it, here’s the interview in its entirety as we continue to celebrate Nat Sherman and its contribution to the cigar industry. Cigars & Leisure : It’s Nat Sherman’s 85th anniversary. Even though there’s an 85th Anniversary Nat Sherman Cigar, what cigar from the company’s catalog would you say is your favorite? Michael Herklots:  That’s obviously a very difficult question to answer. I am really proud of all of our cigars, and in particular those that I’ve had the privilege of working on. The Timeless Collection was the first, which has really been a star in our portfolio. With all of that being said, personally I love the Joel Sherman 75th Celebration. I think it has ...

9th Annual Michael Herklots Birthday Fundraiser To Support the Killingly High School Learning for Life Fund. SAVE THE DATES!!! Monday, April 29, 2013 The Carnegie Club 156 West 56th Street 6:00pm-10:00pm This is a free event! Cigars and Hors d'Oeuvres will be provided. There will be an incredible raffle, plus silent and live auction! Tuesday, April 30, 2013 The Grand Havana Room 666 Fifth Avenue 39th Floor 6:00pm Cocktails and Hors d'Oeuvres 7:00pm Dinner This is an elegant sit down steak dinner. Incredible wines will be served. The event features a Silent and Live Auction! $325 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. email mherklots@natsherman.com for more information. CLICK HERE FOR THE MOST RECENT LEARNING FOR LIFE NEWSLETTER! Check out Previous Birthday Party Coverage! 2012 Birthday Event Coverage 2011 Birthday Event Coverage  

Bolivar d'Oro A Nat Sherman Exclusive... In the 1950's, Nat Sherman was one of three licensed distributors of Havana Cigars east of the Mississippi River.  Even more important, Nat Sherman was the exclusive importer and distributor for the famous Bolivar brand, having developed a very close relationship with cigar manufacturer Ramon Cifuentes who was the mind behind the Partagas brand and factory in Havana, where Bolivar production had been relocated.  In the spirit of this incredible partnership, Nat Sherman once again partnered with the Bolivar brand, via General Cigar Company, the manufactures of the Bolivar brand for the U.S. market.  Take a look at some of the Bolivar products we sold during the 1950's. In February of 2011, Nat Sherman proudly launched the Bolivar d'Oro, a beautiful lancero-like cigar measuring 6.25" x 42.  This limited production smoke features a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan filler tobaccos with a Mexican binder and Ho...

Nat Sherman was proud to be the exclusive cigar sponsor for the Annual Emeril Lagasse Golf Classic at the Newport Country Club in Newport, RI Sept 19th and 20th, to benefit Johnson & Wales University, Lagasse's alma mater.  It was a two-day affair beginning with a gala dinner on Monday Evening at Newport's Belle Mer.  The dinner featured well thought out dishes paired with one wine and one beer with each course.  Four students were awarded Emeril Lagasse Scholarships.  At the conclusion of dinner, guests were treated to Nat Sherman Cigars and Gossling's Rum.  (More Pictures to Come)  Custom Nat Sherman exotic-woods putter collection and cigars Auction Lot value $4,000   Nat Sherman's Pat Felitti setting up to offer Nat Sherman Cigars to guests   The Nat Sherman "GATOR" has arrived direct from the previous night's tailgate party at Giant Stadium  ...

The Kahala Hotel and Resort in Honolulu is "Hawaii’s reigning luxury resort."  And their Food and Wine Classics are the reigning food and wine events on the island.  These intimate events feature only one chef, one winemaker and one cigar brand, offering a wonderfully intimate experience allowing guests to connect personally with the hosts.  This past weekend's event was themed "Hollywood meets Honolulu" featuring Chef Carolynn Spence of L.A.'s Chateau Marmont, Rich Frank of Frank Family Vineyards and yours truly with Nat Sherman- the brand Hollywood has enjoyed for decades.  Michael Herklots, Rich Frank, Carolynn Spence, Fred Schrader courtesy of Honolulu Magazine   A Cigar Tasting Seminar Beachside at the Kahala   Inside the tent of the Kahala Food and Wine Classic Dinner Courtesy of nonstophonolulu.com   Guests enjoying Nat Sherman Cigars  Here is some great ...

 On September 14, we were honored to host Litto Gomez of La FLor Dominicana for a sensational day of sales promotions and an incredible "Launch Event" for his Casa de Tabaco. The event also ushered in a larger selection of La Flor Dominicana products now available at the Townhouse in our walk-in humidor. And as always SPIFF, New York City's premiere men's grooming venue, was on hand providing manicures and shoeshines. Here is more coverage from this fantastic evening! http://www.acigarsmoker.com/2011/09/16/nat-sherman-hosts-litto-gomez-to-launch-casa-de-tobacco/ http://flawlesscrowns.com/2011/09/15/la-flor-dominicana-casa-de-tabaco-launch-at-nat-sherman/

The Nat Sherman Townhouse will host the official launch of the La Flor Dominicana "Casa de Tabaco" on Wednesday, September 14, 2011.  From 12:00pm-7:00pm we will be offering a sales promo on all La Flor Dominicana products- buy any three La Flor Dominicana Cigars, get one free. From 6:00-8:00pm, we'll host the official launch party for the new Casa de Tobacco in the Johnson Club Room.  Mr. Litto Gomez will be with us for this special occasion. Tickets are $50 per person and must be purchased in advance as attendance will be limited.  Each guest will receive three cigars; 1 Cabinet Cameroon, 1 Double Ligero Chisel and 1 of the New Air Bender Maduro as well as light hors d'oeuvres and spirits.  Guests will also have the first opportunity to purchase these very special cigars. Please contact Tina Parrish to purchase your ticket. 646-442-1850. One of  the most exciting products to debut at this years annual IPCPR trade show was the La Flor Dominicana Casa de Ta...

The Kahala Wine Festival Featuring The Best of Napa Valley and Sonoma County Vineyards and Nat Sherman Cigars Kahala Poolside, Saturday, August 6, 2011 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.   Participating Wineries Include:  Aston Estate Double Diamond DuMOL Gemstone Vineyard Jones Family Vineyards Massican Outpost Winery PlumpJack Winery/CADE Winery Rivers-Marie Wines Sojourn Cellars Tofanelli Family Vineyard Vieux-Os   The Kahala Wine Festival on the oceanfront by The Kahala pool will feature 12 exceptional regional wineries offering unique wine selections,most of which are produced in extremely limited quantities and seldom offered for tasting. Interact with the vintners and sample all of the wines you care to try plus a delectable gourmet tasting buffet prepared by The Kahala’s culinary team under the direction of Executive Chef Wayne Hirabayashi. Cigar aficionado Michael Herklots of New York City's Nat Sherman will be beachside to showcase a fine selection of ciga...

You are cordially invited to the Sixth Annual Michael Herklots Birthday Fundraiser for Killingly High School's Learning for Life Fund Monday, May 2, 2011 The Carnegie Club (156 W. 56th St.) 6:00pm until 10:00pm  Premium Cigars - Raffles - Auctions  . The event is open to anyone who’d like to attend and make a donation. Tuesday, May 3, 2011 The Grand Havana Room (666 5th Avenue) 6:00pm Cocktails 7:00pm Dinner Premium Cigars - Incredible Wines - Auction $300.00 per person    For ticket information or to make a donation please email michaelherklots@gmail.com or call 212-751-9060   For More Info on Killingly High School Click Here   For the "Learning for Life" Fund Newsletter Archive Click Here    

The My Father Belicoso The newest Davidoff NYC Exclusive! After more than a year of work and development, the My Father "Belicoso", made exclusively for the Davidoff New York stores is now available.  This was a special project between Davidoff GM Michael Herklots, Jaime and Janny Garcia of My Father Cigar Factory, and Rich Rodenhaus and John Gonzalez of My Father Cigars.  These beautiful Nicaraguan Puros were blended to be slightly outside the classic "Pepin" experience.  Modeled after the Bolivar Belicoso Fino, at 5.5" x 52 and packaged in traditional cabinets of 50 cigars, these Campanas smoke with a tremendous creaminess while still maintaining their rich Nicaraguan character and body. The secret to the uniqueness of this cigar is... well, of course a secret.  However, the Pepin family used not only their impressive talents, but their impressive tobaccos to create this artisan cigar.  The blend is a special combination...