Genuine Portion of Berlin Wall Comes to Spec's / Jul 06, 2011

An authentic 13 foot-tall, 6,400 pound piece of the Berlin Wall will be on display at a series of area events at select Spec’s Stores. Klin Groupe, owner and importer of Hammer + Sickle vodka and cigars, is touring the historic monument through its subsidiary Klin Tobacco Company to help promote its new line of cigars, aptly named the Berlin Wall Series. The “Fall of the Wall Tour”, is meant to celebrate the fall of the Berlin Wall – an event that made it possible for the company to collaborate with its Russian distillery, where the company’s vodka is produced.

The piece of the wall will tour around the United States, and be on display at Spec’s stores in Austin and Houston. Building on the success of the company’s Hammer + Sickle vodka sales with the popular retailer, Klin is adding its premium cigar line to the portfolio it offers at Specs. “Spec’s is regarded as a leader in our industry and they are a wonderful partner for our company. We are excited to introduce our cigar line to their fine stores and expect to build additional momentum through these events,” stated Eric P. Hanson, Executive Chairman, Klin Groupe.

The Spec’s events will take place on Tuesday June 28th, at Spec’s #61 at 4970 Highway 290 at Brodie Lane in Austin, Wednesday June 29, at Spec’s #62, 10515 North Mopac Express in Austin, and Thursday, June 30 and July 1 at Specs #00, 2410 Smith Street at West Gray & McGowe in Houston. These events will feature cigar specials and vodka sampling.

“The Klin Groupe is a great partner for us as they bring innovative products, thinking, and perspective to the table. We are happy to host the “Fall of the Wall Tour” at Spec’s and showcase to our customers some of the most exciting premium products on the market today,” stated Lisa Key, VP of Marketing, Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods.

The wall piece includes a painting from renowned German artist Thierry Noir and will ultimately be donated to a college or university.

“Berlin Wall” is Klin Tobacco’s second cigar release in its Hammer + Sickle line. Its’ first, Hammer + Sickle Tradicion Serie, entered the cigar scene a little over a year ago. Since its release, the cigars have been well received both at retail and by critics. The Tradicion Serie line was included in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 issue in the “selected new releases” section for 2009 and the Berlin Wall Series received the same honor in the 2010 issue.

For more information about Berlin Wall, or the Spec’s events, please email j.hanson@klinspirits.com.