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A Message from Michael Herklots

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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 Altria’s rec
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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 endless quest to l

Interview with Nat Sherman’s Michael Herklots

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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 incredible balance, sensational fl

BLACK FRIDAY 2016 AT NAT SHERMAN

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Beginning on Friday, November 25, 2016 and ending NO LATER than close of business Sunday, November 27, 2016 (Promotion only available while supplies last).   Step 1.  Visit the Nat Sherman Townhouse Step 2.  Work with one of our Certified Retail Tobacconists Step 3. Select great cigars and merchandise for yourself and friends Step 4. Earn points for every dollar you spend Step 5. Redeem your points for free gifts. IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO OUR STORE, PLEASE CALL 1 800 MY CIGAR AND SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TOBACCONISTS. Dollars Spent Points Earned $50.00 1 $150.00 3 $250.00 5 $500.00 10 $750.00 15 $1,000.00 20     Points Choice of  ONE 1 Single Joel Sherman 75th Celebration Cigar Single Nat Sherman 85 th Anniversary Cigar  Firebird Torch Lighter 2-oz Tin of Na

Eight Great Alternatives to the Cigar Aficionado’s Eight Great Cuban Cigars to Buy Now

Recently, the United States eliminated the restrictions on bringing Cuban cigars and rum into the United States when returning to the country from international destinations.  Cuban cigars , are among the best cigars in the world.  Arguably, they, along with Dominican Republic, Nicaragua and Honduras produce the majority of Premium Cigars enjoyed by cigar enthusiasts around the world.  Cigar Aficionado reviews cigars blind, giving ratings and tasting notes to each.   CA’s staff has put together a list of “ Eight Great Cuban Cigars to Buy Now ”.   Of course, only those fortunate enough to live or travel internationally (or those willing to risk purchasing online and shipping to the US Illegally) are able to try these eight cigars.  So, using Cigar Aficionado’s Ratings and Review database , I’ve compiled a list of alternatives, trying to match size, flavor and score as best I can.  Here are my: Eight Great Alternatives to the Cigar Aficionado’s Eight Great Cuban Cigars to Buy