James J Fox Blog

The Cigar Country series continues, and today we’re looking at one of the world’s biggest exporters of cigars: the Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic has plenty to offer the cigar-hungry traveller, so we’re looking at how this land in the middle of the Carribean connected itself to Cigar culture.   ORIGINS: Overtaking Cuba A short distance from the mother of...

Anatomy of a tobacco nation There are four fundamental regions in Nicaragua where cigars are grown or produced. The main spot is Estelí Valley, known today as the modern global hub of tobacco. It is here where most factories are located. The soil of this area is clayey and the tobacco sweet with earthy and spicy notes. Jalapa, which means...

Arnold has been a huge name in both film and politics for decades, but he’s also a dedicated filmmaker, businessman and author. Schwarzenegger has forged a dynamic and multifaceted career, rich with success and cigars. Continue reading →

In this new instalment of our cigar spotlight series, we’re going to Italy for a taste of Toscano. Toscano have a deep heritage that is tangible in the flavour profiles of their cigars, and in this article, we’re looking into the brand’s history and where Toscano are today. The History of Toscano Cigars It had been a beautiful season for...

In the second addition to this series, we’re heading to the Alps. When considering the cigar, one’s mind often goes to hot and remote destinations with exciting cultures such as Cuba and Nicaragua, but the Swiss tobacco industry is far closer to home. In this spotlight, we’re going to shine our spotlight on the Swiss cigar industry and find out...

From royalty to stars of the stage and everyone in between, cigars are enjoyed by many around the globe. In the latest instalment of the Famous Cigar Smoker series, we will take a look at the life of the brilliantly funny American comedian, Groucho Marx. Marx’s Childhood Groucho Marx was born in 1890 in Manhattan, New York – throughout his childhood...

In this new series, we’ll explore the countries behind your favourite cigars to give you a greater appreciation of the world that exists behind your smoke. Perhaps the most famous of the cigar growing countries, Cuba is the home of the European fascination with smoking. Continue reading →

Destination Nicaragua Traditionally, the Habanos have been the first choice of cigar smokers and connoisseurs. No doubt that the Cuban Black Tobacco is very tasty and has unique flavour, and that the Caribbean island can show a very old culture of cultivating tobacco as well as crafting cigars.   But in the last few years, another country has emerged in...

 His full name was George Orson Welles, though he is better known by his second name, Orson. A product of Kenosha, Wisconsin, George was born in 1915 and lived his life to the fullest for seventy years. He came from very intelligent parents – his father was an inventor and his mother a concert pianist – but it wasn’t an...

‘Tis the season to be jolly! It’s true, the festive period is creeping up on us, and those of you who are particularly keen may already be enjoying Christmas music and festive foods. But there is still time to get your naughty and nice list in order and prepare for the season of giving. Here at James J. Fox, you...