(Miami, Florida)May22,2023,Santana Cigars&Co. announces the release of theSantana 1997Series. The Santana 1997Series is composed of different three blends. Santana Cigars Co.made its debut as a company in January 2023. Owner of Santana Cigars, Andy Santana, felt it was the right time tor elease this series of cigars which have been years in the making. Santana Cigars made its debut this past January with the Santana San Andres.
Andy Santana, who owns two cigar shops in Miami (Absolute Cigars) featured three house blends which were popular with his patrons. After years of tinkering with the blends Andy is ready to make them available nationally. The Santana Series features three distinct blends. The year 1997is significant as it was the year in where Absolute Cigars Shop opened its doors.
LAMPERT CIGARS has begun shipping the updated “EL GRINGO”, a 5 x 50 ROBUSTO, to retailers. While the box and the cigar band have changed, the blend remains the same.
West Tamp Tobacco Company is excited to announce that West Tampa Red has shipped and is available both in the US and international markets. “West Tampa Tobacco Co. continues to focus on serving the global cigar community. It is important that we take a global approach when blending our cigars and ensuring our cigars are available to all markets”, said Gus Martinez, President & co-owner.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Cigar Rights of America (CRA) expressed to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC), our concerns over the proposed Tobacco Product Manufacturing Practice (TPMP) rule by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
With a medium box press and the tradition of the Murcialago heritage, I expect a great cigar. The wrapper is dark San Andreas and the binder and filler are Nicaraguan. From the foot I can smell the earth and oak common to Nicaraguan cigars, but I detect something more. The cool draw is perfect, also showing off its Nicaraguan pedigree. A Real Ale Black Quad Trappist-style ale that has excellent malty flavors with some coffee notes is tonight’s beverage. I think it will be a good pairing.
Ocala, FL – Operation: Cigars For Warriors recently received a massive donation of cigars to support its ongoing mission. “Caldwell Smokes for the Troops” 5-packs of cigars totaling 14,000 sticks were received at CFW’s distribution center operation.
As an extension of their Highclere Castle line, Foundation has released the Sentejer, a long perfecto. The wrapper is seventh-priming Ecuadoran Habano leaf over a Brazilian Mata Fina binder. The filler is an undisclosed blend. The cigar is dark and lightly oily. The cold draw is perfect. Tonight’s beverage is a Real Ale Black Quad Trappist style ale.
Hudson, NH – Atabey Black Ritos is coming to market in the latter half of 2023. After going through Selected Tobacco owner Nelson Alfonso’s five year aging process, the cigars are now ready to be enjoyed in United Cigar Lounges across the US. Launched as an NFT in 2021, Atabey Black Ritos was the first NFT cigar in the world, limited to 25 single cigar and 10 boxes as unique digital images. The Atabey Black Ritos NFT sales proceeds were raised for Cigar Rights of the World, and now the cigar will be featured at PCA 2023 in Las Vegas, NV with a scheduled ship time to retailers in December 2023.
Hudson, NH – United Cigars is proud to announce the opening of a new flagship lounge, The Red Anchor Lounge at Two Guys Smoke Shop Nashua. Over the past several years, retailers around the United States have partnered with United Cigars to have a branded lounge at their store, and Nashua was a perfect location to drop anchor.
The Ozgener Family, founders of the CAO brand, are back in the cigar business, working alongside Crowned Heads. This is a good looking short robusto with a medium dark wrapper and a soft box press. The cold draw is perfect. Tonight’s beverage is a 903 Brewers Dice Goblin Imperial Cream Stout Ale. the wrapper is a dark sumatran and the fillers are Nicaraguan.
The initial flavor profile notes are earthy with cedar undertones. The ale is a bit too sweet, but not enough to ruin the cigar. The ash is mottled grey and solid. The burn is even.
On a side note, this is a pretty short cigar for how much band is present. I’m going to have to peel off before the end of the first third. Fortunately it peeled off with no damage to the wrapper.
In the first third the earth base and cedar notes continue with yeast-roll flavors sneaking in from the side. A trace of spice also appears, and I think it will grow. The ash remains solid and the burn remains even.
During the second third, I am drinking the beer sparingly to avoid missing tobacco flavors on the palate. The spice notes remain subtle, even in the retrohale. Ash and burn remain good.
The Ale is Butter Cream and Whipped Cream flavored, and I was a bit leery, but it is actually working. The cigar flavors are pushing through the sweetness.
Approaching the final third the ash is splaying on the end but still not dropping off. The flavor profile is rounding out nicely. This is a medium bodied cigar. The ash and burn speak well for the construction. The spice never develops past a light white pepper note.
Overall a very satisfying short smoke with good complexity. I would recommend a lighter/less flavored beverage.
This one earns 9.4/10 points for being very smooth and consistent. Joe Bob says check it out.
Hudson, NH – Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco is introducing the Atabey Limited Edition Humidor for PCA 2023. Each luxury humidor with gold trim and black gloss finish contains sixty Atabey cigars, five of each size in the portfolio. The sizes included are Hechizos 4 x 40, Divinos 4 2/5 x 50, Idolos 4 x 55, Brujos 5 x 52, Sabios 5 1/4 x 52, Delirios 5 3/4 x 55, Duendes 6 1/8 x 54 (Torpedo), Spiritus 7 x 40, Ritos 6 1/8 x 55, Misticos 6 3/4 x 56, Dioses 8 x 50, and Benditos 7 1/4 x 58.
April 25, 2023 — Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of AMBUSH, a collection of its Tiger Series: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.
AMBUSH will be available at select BLK WKS retailer events beginning this month.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is proud to announce the creation of the Diplomatic Cigar Corps, a project designed to bring together countries’ diplomatic representations in Washington, DC to promote and preserve the premium cigar industry. The Dominican Republic and Honduras will co-chair this initiative.
The Diplomatic Cigar Corps will foster the cultural, social, and economic importance of the premium cigar industry through meetings, discussions and events that will strengthen the relationship between embassy officials from around the world, legislators, and different premium cigar stakeholders. The group will also highlight the benefits of premium cigars in the development of related industries, such as packaging, design and warehousing.
LAMPERT CIGARS has started shipping its Edición OSCURA for worldwide release. The Edición OSCURA has been first presented at the InterTabac 2022 in Dortmund, Germany.
LAMPERT 1593 EDICION OSCURA is a full-bodied, full flavor cigar and it’s the second maduro cigar in the LAMPERT CIGARS portfolio.
The final day of the 2023 Tobacco Merchants Association (TMA) Conference concluded Wednesday, April 19th, with a keynote address by former director of science at the Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), Dr. Todd Cecil.
On Friday, February 24th, FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) announced a major restructuring initiative. This fundamental rethink of the Agency comes in the wake of sustained criticism from industry, public health groups, and judicial pushback, including the recent, CRA spearheaded court loss that is likely to repeal significant regulations on premium cigars.
DENVER, CO (Monday, April 17, 2023) —— Cigar Dojo and Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust have collaborated for the first time, introducing a fine-tuned variation of the beloved Sobremesa Brûlée brand with a Japanese-inspired twist.
Cigar industry veteran will fill board seat vacated by Alan Rubin
[Washington, DC, April 17, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced that Mike Gold, President of Arango Cigar Co., has been appointed to the PCA Board of Directors to fulfill the balance of Alan Rubin’s term, which will conclude at the PCA trade show in 2024. Rubin stepped down from his board seat at the conclusion of the sale of the Alec Bradley Cigar Company to STG last month.
“Mike has been an incredible force for the industry for decades and his perspective and insights will be invaluable for the Board,” said Greg Zimmerman, president of the PCA Board of Directors. “Mike really understands the value of our work in the states and will be a tremendous help in guiding our advocacy strategy,” Zimmerman said.
PCA Executive Director Scott Pearce noted Gold’s position and relationships in the industry will help continue bringing multiple stakeholders together. “I met Mike early on in my tenure here at PCA and he has always been at the ready to help. He is involved in so many different aspects of the industry so he has view points that are tremendously beneficial.”
Gold, who has been in the industry for over 40 years as an importer and distributor, expressed his enthusiasm for bringing more of the industry together in its common defense. “PCA has always been a major force in our Industry,” said Gold. “It is my honor and pleasure to once again be able to work with this very impressive and important group of Board members. I hope my insight and experiences can benefit everyone that is involved in this organization including Retailers, Wholesalers , Importers and Manufacturers.”
Gold was on the ballot during last year’s associate member election and Pearce remarked it was a very close election. “Really it was just a few votes difference. And with only two seats open, it was very tight. When Alan stepped down, the board felt the best way forward was to reach out to the member who had the next most votes. We’re very grateful Mike accepted. Everyone is looking forward to working with him,” Pearce said.
Rubin lauded Gold and his experience, saying, “Mike is so well respected and has been a leader in our industry for many years. He will be a great addition to the PCA board and will bring great perspective to the organization.”
Zimmerman expressed gratitude for Rubin and all the work he has put in over the years on the advisory board as well as being among the first associates to serve on the PCA Board. “I want to personally, and on behalf of the Board, thank Alan for all of his work and the time and energy he put into volunteering on the Board,” said Zimmerman. “His contributions have been great and will have a significant positive impact on our organization for years to come.”
Pearce echoed Zimmerman’s comments and said that the industry has been fortunate to have had such a steadfast and determined leader on the frontlines working for the betterment of the entirety of the industry. “I’ve always been able to count on Alan for direct and bold honesty on changes to make, how to get better, and in putting in work to fight for premium cigars and pipes. PCA is definitely in a better place now because of his participation, and I am very grateful for the professional and personal relationship I’ve been able to develop with him,” said Pearce.
Fifteen Seventy-Three, Britain’s newest and finest cigar importers, are excited to announce an exclusive partnership with Nicholas Melillo’s Foundation Cigar Company.
(Miami, Florida) April 13, 2023—Amendola Family Cigar Co.’snew release “The West Side Story” is now shipping! Owners Jefferey Amendola and Christopher Monaco to celebrate by hosting a series of events in New York City at four different tobacconist shops over the course of 3 days.
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) and Cigar Rights of America (CRA) celebrate the passage of HB 1229 in North Dakota, which allows the establishment of cigar lounges in the state. The legislation was signed yesterday by Governor Doug Burgum.
Washington, D.C. – The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) today expressed its appreciation to Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for vetoing the harmful 25% cigar tax hike in H.B. 547. The veto shields New Mexico premium cigar retailers from the adverse consequences such a drastic tax increase would have on their business.
PCA Director of State Advocacy, Glynn Loope, said, “We are grateful to Governor Grisham for recognizing the impact this tax increase would have had on small businesses and consumers in New Mexico, especially during these challenging times. Her decision to veto the cigar tax will undoubtedly work to keep sales of premium cigars in New Mexico.”
However, actions by the legislature to strip the cigar tax cap during the session need to be addressed. Loope stated, “Last week, I spoke to the Governor’s Office on this issue. Procedurally, her hands were tied. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Office and legislative allies to revisit this matter in the 2024 session.”
Loope continued, “We are pleased that the legislation that would have banned flavored tobacco products, as well as legislation that would have granted local governments sweeping authority over tobacco products failed to advance. We appreciate all of our premium cigar advocates, both retailers and consumers alike, who let their voices be heard on these issues.”
PCA represents over 3,000 members nationwide, including retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of premium cigars, and works to protect the interests of the premium cigar industry. The association has been advocating for the protection of premium cigars from harmful regulation, taxes, and other measures that threaten the industry.
Yesterday, the Biden Administration issued an Executive Order (EO) targeting the modernization of the regulatory process with a focus on advancing policies that promote the public interest and address national priorities.
In order to improve effectiveness in the regulatory review process, the EO made a number of significant changes that will supplement and reaffirm the principles, structures, and definitions governing contemporary regulatory review established in Executive Order 12866 of September 30, 1993 (Regulatory Planning and Review), and Executive Order 13563 of January 18, 2011 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review).
Today, the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) in partnership with its member tobacconists of Idaho, are pleased to announce that Governor Brad Little has signed legislation calling for a fifty-cent tax cap on the sale of cigars.
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