Rafaeli's Cigars

I am very excited to have been contacted by Rafaeli's Cigars about reviewing their cigars. They have also generously provided some prizes for a giveaway here on the site. I find the back story to this brand very interesting and will post the press release from their website toward the bottom of the post. Rafaeli's Cigars are available in 3 sizes robusto, toro, and churchill and offered in either a sumatra or a maduro wrapper. The cigars do come individually cellophane wrapped and pre-punched for the convenience of the consumer. This, to me, is a pretty cool feature and is usually not found on a premium handmade cigar. They come in boxes of 50 and are available for 115 bucks or less, making is a great value in the cigar world. Rafaeli's cigar are filled with a blend of Indonesian, Cuban, and Dominican seed tobaccos. The sumatra wrapped offering is medium in body and the maduro is a more full body offering. The following is the press release and story of the brand, as found on their website at www.Rafaelis.com. Stay tuned because I will have the review and the details of the giveaway posted soon.
Press Release:

"Elite Life Magazine, from Armenia"

Rarely in the history of mankind does a miracle occur that everyone can witness.

The phenomenon of the Templar Diamond is just such a marvel. A beautiful creation of nature, this incredible brilliant diamond is almost three carats in weight and a natural greenish color, but the miracle of this gift of the universe is a spectacular cross that can be seen at its center.

One day in late autumn, David Rafaeli, a diamond dealer in Los Angeles, was sorting through his latest acquisitions from Israel. To his amazement, one of the precious stones was like nothing he had ever seen. He focused his jeweler's lens as closely as he could, and no matter how he tried to adjust it- the symbol was still there. It was a perfect unilateral cross, totally natural and magnificent! The beautiful cross was positioned exactly in the center of the diamond.

Even more stunning was the fact that the cross is a replica of the symbol of the Templar knights from the first crusade of 1096.

The Templar knights were entrusted with the mission of defending the Holy Land and protecting the Holy Grail, said to be the cup that contained the blood of Christ. The knights believed that anyone who drank from the Grail would have eternal life. To be the defenders of the Holy Land and keepers of the Grail was an immense responsibility indeed, but one that the knights gave their lives to fulfill.

The Templars were instrumental to the successes of the Crusades, easily recognizable by their white mantels emblazoned with a unique stylized cross. The knights were the bravest and best warriors in battle, but they were also responsible for creating an economic infrastructure that resulted in the earliest form of banking and created economic stability in the medieval world. The Templars represented an amazing balance of unfathomable courage in battle and incredible foresight for the preservation and development of civilized society.

Today, we romanticize the concept of knights, courage, and devotion. It is the stuff of legends from long ago. Recent movies such as "The Da Vinci Code" remind us of this era of romance and chivalry. For centuries, the eight-pointed cross of the Templars has represented the virtues of:

• Loyalty
• Piety
• Honesty
• Spirituality
• Honor
• Charity
• Devotion
• Brotherhood

Recently, the Vatican announced the release of long-hidden papers in the Vatican library that absolve the Templars from all charges of heresy. Philip IV, King of France prosecuted fabricated charges against the Templars in order to free himself of debts owed them. These papers are soon to be displayed for public viewing and a limited number of books will be published about the document. With all this publicity about the ancient order, what perfect timing for the discovery of the Templar Diamond!

The marvel of a diamond itself gives us awe. Taking millions of years to create, the diamond symbolizes eternity and love. But this unique creation embodying the image of the Templar cross is almost incomprehensible to the human mind. Can it be a gift from God and a reminder of the Holy Grail at a time in our history when we need to refocus our energies toward peace and unity? This amazing brilliant diamond is indeed a messenger for all mankind. It is a symbol of universal faith and hope for our future. It represents the divine essence of the human spirit.

Brian Kannard, PR Director for the Templar Diamond Exhibit, expresses his feelings on the discovery:
"The significance of this find is difficult to ignore. Could it be a sign sent to us now when we need it the most? This is a time of conflict and war, when we need it the most? This is a time of conflict and war, when mankind needs to take a step back and reevaluate the meaning of sharing the Earth. It is essential to remember the meaning of unity and love. We all need to come together to resolve our difference and live in peace."

David Rafaeli has been greatly affected by the discovery of the miracle diamond. He is dedicated to seeing that this gift is seen and experienced by as many people as possible. Thus, plans are being set in motion now to have the diamond placed on view around the world for the benefit of everyone.

To celebrate the Templar diamond David has produced a fine handmade boutique cigar that is now available! You can find MT Cigars through Phillips & King. Cigars-now.com, or by ordering directly from the company in Los Angeles at  213.373.1393