Bill Paley Re-launches La Palina

The “Babe” Cigar Evokes the Incredible Style of Fashion Icon Babe Paley

Washington, DC (May 2010) – In June 2010, Bill Paley will re-launch La Palina, a storied cigar brand famously linked to the early and fortuitous beginnings of CBS Broadcasting founded by Bill’s father, William S. Paley. The brand debuts with the introduction of the “1896” cigar series, fittingly dedicated to Paley’s grandfather, Sam Paley, who founded the Congress Cigar Company in 1896. It was William S. Paley’s interest in promoting La Palina through the use of radio advertising that led him into the broadcasting business.
 
La Palina, which literally translates to “female Paley” was named for Sam’s wife Goldie Drell Paley, and was also the company’s most fashionable brand, popularized by the image of Goldie in Spanish costume on the cigar box’s interior and exterior.
 
 “With the revival of La Palina, a family tradition continues,” said Paley, who sought to create a superb cigar to offer his guests at Lightbourne House, the family compound on Nassau in the Bahamas.
 
La Palina premium handmade cigars are a marriage of the finest tobacco leaves, aged, fermented, selected and blended by master artisans. The “1896” series is a blend of Nicaraguan and Honduran tobacco with an Ecuadorian wrapper and a Costa Rican binder. The “Sam” signature cigar is 4.75 inches long with a 52 gauge.
 
The Family Series will be introduced later this year and will consist of four different cigar formats and include:

• The “Pasha” is a tribute to Bill’s father, William S. Paley. Though known as “The Chairman” at work, he was jokingly known as “Pasha” at home. The cigar measures 7.25 inches with a 50 ring gauge and an unfinished foot.
• The “Babe” dedicated to Bill Paley’s mother Babe Paley, who was known as a fashion icon and socialite. Her style was so revered that she was included in the Best Dressed Hall of Fame. The cigar measures 5.25 inches with a 50 ring gauge.
• The “Alison” is dedicated to Bill’s wife Alison VanMetre Paley whose support and encouragement made La Palina’s revival possible. The torpedo shaped cigar measures 6.5 inches with a 52 ring gauge.
• The “Little Bill” is named for Bill Paley as it was the name used to distinguish him from his father. The cigar measures 4.5 inches with a 52 ring gauge.

The “1896” Sam will retail for $19 per piece and $190 for a box of 10. The cigars will be available at high end tobacco retailers around the country.  For more information on purchasing La Palina Cigars please contact 1-877-812-0150 or e-mail info@lapalinacigars.com.  
 
# # #

Media Contact:
Maria Andriano/John Weiss
Susan Magrino Agency
212-957-3005
maria.andriano@smapr.com <mailto:maria.andriano@smapr.com>
john.weiss@smapr.com <mailto:john.weiss@smapr.com>