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News/Features

Micallef Purple Reigns as the Newest Color Series Release

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Micallef Cigars proudly announces the release of Micallef Purple, the latest addition to its growing Color Series. Following the celebrated launches of  Micallef Black, Blue, and Red, the new Micallef Purple continues the tradition of offering exceptional cigars at an outstanding value—ensuring quality and consistency while maintaining the same price point established with Micallef  Black in 2023. Micallef Black, the first in the series, was awarded Cigar of the Year  2023 by The Cigar Authority, cementing the Color Series as a standout in the industry. 

Read more: Micallef Purple Reigns as the Newest Color Series Release

Micallef Purple is a medium-bodied cigar featuring a San Andrés Sumatra wrapper, a Broadleaf binder, and a carefully curated blend of Nicaraguan,  Dominican, and Mexican fillers. This combination delivers a smooth yet complex smoking experience, with notes of cinnamon, nuts, cocoa, and white pepper,  balanced by earthy undertones of chocolate, leather, molasses, and cedar. 

The official launch of Micallef Purple will take place at the Premium Cigar  Association (PCA) Trade Show in April. The cigar will be sampled to select  consumers ahead of its national release, with exclusive pre-release  opportunities at: 

• The Cigar Authority Care Package in April

Following these previews, Micallef Purple will be available in brick-and-mortar shops nationwide beginning April 24, 2025. 

The Color Series reflects Micallef’s unwavering philosophy: delivering premium cigars that offer exceptional quality at an accessible price. Since the introduction of Micallef Black, this approach has resonated with cigar enthusiasts and retailers alike. Micallef Purple continues this tradition,  maintaining the same price as its predecessors—ensuring smokers can enjoy a top-tier experience without compromise. 

“Micallef Purple, continues our mission of making premium cigars accessible without compromise.” said Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars. “Like the  rest of the Color Series, it proves that premium quality and affordability can go  hand in hand.” 

Al Micallef, Founder of Micallef Cigars, added: “We continue to invest in the best tobaccos, the best people, and the best processes to bring extraordinary cigars to the market. Micallef Purple is another proud addition to our Color Series, and  I can’t wait for our Ambassadors and retail partners to enjoy it.” 

Micallef Cigars remains committed to brick-and-mortar retailers, ensuring their continued success by offering exclusive products, pricing consistency, and direct-to-store support. 

Purple is available in Toro and Robusto sizes in 25-count boxes and will be available in brick-and-mortar retailers nationwide beginning April 24th.  

Strength: Medium 

Wrapper: San Andrés Sumatra 

Binder: Broadleaf 

Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Mexico 

Retail Price: Robusto (5×52) $7.00/cigar, Toro (6×52) $8.00/cigar

Lounges, News/Features

Ryan Gallimore’s Vision: The Future of Cigar Lounges

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As I drove up to the location of the newest cigar lounge Cigar Circus in Clearwater Florida, I thought owner Ryan Gallimore must really have guts to put his inspiration in the middle of an industrial park.

When I entered the 6200 sq. foot shop, with a gorgeous built-in 2000 sq ft. humidor and a tasting room, I decided he was a genius.

Continue reading Ryan Gallimore’s Vision: The Future of Cigar Lounges →
News/Features

Republicans need a place to smoke

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Republicans have a burning problem: No place for cigars

[NOTE: the article is from the Washington Examiner and has some “boo-hooing” that’s typical media bias.]

The Capitol has a huge problem. The place where House Republicans used to smoke cigars no longer belongs to the same person. Some representatives are begging Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to solve this problem. “We desperately need a place to smoke cigars,” Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) told Axios on Sunday. Another Republican said, “It’s a very important issue.” 

Continue reading Republicans need a place to smoke →
News/Features

Casa 1910 Announces Lauch of New Products and the ‘Mexigars’ Brand

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Mexico City, March 22, 2024

Casa 1910, a leader in the production of mexican high-quality cigars, is pleased to announce the launch of several new products that will further enrich its Revolutionary lineup. These exciting releases reflect Casa 1910’s continued commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and innovation in the mexican tobacco.

New Cigars in the Revolutionary Line: “Tierra Blanca – Format” and “El Ebano – Cigar”

Continue reading Casa 1910 Announces Lauch of New Products and the ‘Mexigars’ Brand →
Reviews

Foundation Introduces Two Cigars and One New Brand; All As Tributes

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Foundation Cigar Company, renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, proudly announces the launch of its newest brand, METAPA. Inspired by the birth town of Rubén Darío, a legendary Nicaraguan poet, Metapa pays homage to Nicaragua’s rich cultural heritage and the artistry behind its world-class cigars.

Foundation Cigar also unveils its latest creations, “Charter Oak Pegnataro-CT Shade and Pasquale-CT Broadleaf” cigars. These exceptional blends serve as a heartfelt tribute to the lasting influence and cherished memories of Nicholas Melillo’s grandfathers, whose passion for tobacco kindled his own.

Continue reading Foundation Introduces Two Cigars and One New Brand; All As Tributes →
Reviews

Lounge Review: AME Cigars, Weatherford

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When you pull into the parking lot of a cigar lounge and see a space reserved for Al Micallef, you know you’ve chosen wisely.

This quaint shop has a few surprises around every corner. Their humidor is small and was not full but we found several cigars we couldn’t get anywhere else. The staff was young but knowledgeable and friendly. The shop looked small but had multiple rooms making it able to hold a large crowd.

Continue reading Lounge Review: AME Cigars, Weatherford →
News/Features

A different look at all the ‘Top 2022’ lists: Cigars most often rated 1-5

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Here is a look at all the Top Cigars from all the current lists, sorted by most times rated in the Top Five. Check it out to discover what you need to try and which brands need to be your favorite. Note: Cuban and extremely exclusive releases are excluded. Click on the images to see their lists.

Continue reading A different look at all the ‘Top 2022’ lists: Cigars most often rated 1-5 →
News/Features

This weekend: RoMa Craft Tobac hosts Weaselfest in Austin

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Fair Market in Austin will be the site for a seven-hour party with live music, good food and great cigars. RoMa Craft Tobac celebrating it’s 12th year in business and is hosting its annual Weaselfest.

The event will give patrons a taste of Austin with local BBQ, Texas Brewers and Distillers, and most importantly, a limited edition cigar taster.

Continue reading This weekend: RoMa Craft Tobac hosts Weaselfest in Austin →
News/Features

Day 2-PCA Top 10:

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  1. Before the Mayans. The symbol for cigar from an ancient Central American civilization dons the band and the box for Foundation’s new Olmec Cigar. Foundation also is producing a Cigar marking the 100th anniversary of King Tut’s Discovery The box is a replica of one of the boxes found in the tomb, It’s called Highclear Castle Sinetro.

2. The whole package. El Septimo Geneva has brought the luxury again with El Septimo Cognac, El Septimo wine, and three different $5.5 million lighters. They also premiered the Emperor’s line of Connecticut and Maduro.

3. What’s that taste? Color has a flavor in the first Ozgener Family Bosphorus yellow by Tim Ozgener and Crowned Heads. He also promoted his Pi Synesthesia with artwork on the box inspired by his father’s tobacco leaf art.

4. Charity for the troops. Cigars for Warriors is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a medal. They are available for purchase to help the charity at their PCA booth or on their website after the convention.

5. Take you to school. Noel Rojas has made a splash with several different brands in their booth but if you haven’t seen “The Complete Guide to Becoming a Cigar Specialist” Vol. 1,-Nicaragua, you should. Buyers smoke the cigars in the box from the regions used to make the blend.

6. Cuban sized. Micallef Cigars is proud of their variety and with good reason. At PCA they are showing off their pack with eight of their blends in a londres size. They are also adding another size to the A line with the “a,” named after their ambassador’s program.

7. The summer of Bewitching. It’s another very good show for Steve Saka and Dunbarton tobacco. He has several projects he has been working on that are being promoted at the show. Another Muestra De Saka, Bewitched, the Holiday Edition Stillwell star, Todos Los Dias is back with the Mas Fuerte, and the limited edition. Mi Querida “SakaKhan”

8. American aged. The relatively new brand ATL, straight out of Atlanta is enjoying the 95 from Stogie Press for their Magic and using it for their success. The company uses Nicaraguan tobacco that is curated and aged in Atlanta.

9. New approach to tubos. Cigar Bros Humidors was showing their Vending Machine like Humidors. The stand-alone boxes are full of tubos with prices and cigar description.

10. The competition is steep Integra has stepped up the game and was showing their Boost 420 humidification insert that services 200 cigars. The 320 will keep up to 150 and they offer smaller sizes as well.

News/Features

PCA Convention Day 1 TOP 10:

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  1. We live in the greatest country in the world. At the PCA Annual Meeting of the Membership sponsored by Foundation Cigar Company, breakfast was provided, cigars were plentiful and we respected the flag and recited the pledge as Cigars for Warriors presented the colors.

2. The Cigar Industry in general and PCA specifically is doing well. PCA reported on the recent court victory calling the FDA’s regulation of premium cigars “arbitrary and capricious.”

3. Drunk Chicken Cigars is no joke. In just three years, CEO Desiree Sylver has made others take notice. This minority-owned, woman-owned, veteran-owned company creates “cigars that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.” Look for the Fat Hen or the Mother Clucker.

4. Rebranding is worth it. El Artista has become Artista and the new look is clean and well done. They are known for the Big Papi and Buffalo Ten (we gave that a 97). They created a new master brand and introduced new blends. They also added a really clever new line called Paper Boy. (see cover photo)

5. Pipes are cool again. Dominican Big League created their version of the pipe by way of a specially-rolled cigar. by Francisco Almonte

6. ATF is not so bad. The ATF magazine is a quarterly publication that writes about Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Subscribe at ATFlifestyle.com. Their latest issue cover story was Matt Booth of Room 101 Cigars.

7. It matters what you pair. When manufacturers blend a cigar, they often have a specific drink in mind for the consumer to make that cigar the best it can be. Luciano (in the Crowned Heads booth) showed off their wine to pair with their new blend, Mas Igneus.

8. Cigar manufacturers are humble and gracious people. Mrs. Have A Premium Cigar created jewelry, key chains and coasters for many vendors. They were very appreciative.

9. All the hype was right. 2022 is a great year for cigars and the health and excitement of this convention proves it. Surpassing pre-COVID numbers is something the organization can achieve and the industry needs.

10. Las Vegas may be hot but it’s very cool. The strip has many gems including the LinQ Promenade (Alley). Despite the over 100 degree temperature, the outdoor restaurants have cooling water and fans, to make the experience pleasant.

News/Features

Black Works Studio announces Killer Bee Connecticut

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PRESS RELEASE

  • July 8, 2022— Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of Killer Bee Connecticut: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

KILLER BEE CONNECTICUT will be available at select BLK WKS retailers later this summer.  This cigar was first released in a small batch in 2018.

“We are excited about the return of the Killer Bee Connecticut.  It was one of our most popular cigars in the Killer Bee line.  After several years of requests, we are happy to announce Killer Bee Connecticut will now be a core-line product. With similar profiles to the Killer Bee, it may not be what you expect from a typical Connecticut cigar.  The Connecticut wrapper gives an added creaminess and changes up the spice components quite a bit,” said James Brown, creator of BLK WKS and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

KB Connecticut will be shipping in limited quantities this week.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Connecticut and Ecuador Maduro swirl cap & closed foot 

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Petite Corona – 4.5 x 46 (24 count) MSRP $11.00

BLK WKS cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique, and tobacco behind boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra.  

For more information contact info@BlackLabelTrading.com.

News/Features

Fuente gives unique 13-blend cigars to PCA attendees and a special surprise

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Carlito Fuente blended a 6 1/4x 52 with 13 tobaccos, including 2 wrappers and 2 binders, to celebrate Fuente Friday with 250 of their closes friends in Las Vegas at PCA 2022.

This cigar will never be sold,” Jose Blanco said. “It was made for us to smoke together. I came up with this idea because I’ve always been a big supporter of IPCPR, RTDA, PCA. “

The cigar was made and smoked at the opening event of the annual convention. Fuente said it was done to support PCA but to bring something unique to the retailers.

“We would not be here if it was not for the retailers who make everyone’s lives better, Blanco said. “Carlito made this blend using 13 different tobaccos. To make this blend you really have to know tobacco.”

They provided cigars to the first 250 retailers at the event and opened a Q&A for the audience.

“I wanted to have fun and interact with each and everyone if I’m you,” Fuente said “It’s about entertainment and it’s about sharing. I wanted to use tobacco I had not used before. I made a blend with tobacco from the memories I’ve had. I blend in my dreams.

“If you know tobacco, you envision what you want to achieve. You instruct the master roller of how to place the tobacco,” he added.

Blanco and Fuente opened it up to the audience to get opinions of the cigar as they smoked it.

“Taste is subjective,” Blanco said. “I’m picking up a lot of sweetness from it.”

Others mentioned flavors such as earth, pepper, cedar, baking spices.

“This is the kind of cigar you’d expect to pay more for because of the quality and the attention to detail that was used when it was made,” Jeff Slatton (HaveAPremiumCigar.com and CigarWeekly.com) said. “It has quality construction, and it is true of all the cigars made in your factory. Hats off to you sir.”

Blanco asked Fuente, “How many times have you made a blend with 2 tobaccos and they don’t work together?”

“It’s happened, Fuente said. “Many times. You realize something’s missing. What’s a great cigar? My dad said It’s a cigar you are enjoying. It’s one you are burning your fingers because you don’t want to put it out. It’s balance, it’s complexity.”

“Cigars are made to be enjoyed not to knock you on your ass. It’s too enjoy with others,” Blanco said.

Blanco said the retailers inspired him to want to share cigars with the audience.

“Hard work is what retailers do,” Blanco said. “I take off my hat to all the retailers all over the world because you are a part of the greatest industry in the world.”

Carlitos surprised the audience with two trips for two.

“It you talk the talk, you walk the walk, Fuente said. “I believe in family and you are my family. And you bring family to your home.”

He told the audience to look under their chairs and if they had a cigar taped under their chair they were the lucky winners to win round trip for two to Dominican Republic and a visit with him at his home.

One luckily winner.

Blanco: What’s the one thing that can ruin the perfect cigar? Smoking it next to an asshole.

News/Features

Judges: FDA acted improperly, EPA exceeded authority

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A district court ruled the FDA did not properly adhere to the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act by ignoring the evidence supporting a premium cigar exemption from regulation.

This comes on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling last Thursday stating Congress did not give the Environmental Protection Agency authority to make broad requirements of states in the climate fight.

“Agencies have only those powers given to them by Congress,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote. “The agency … must point to ‘clear congressional authorization’ for the power it claims.”

The ruling yesterday called the FDA’s move “arbitrary and capricious.” The judge gave the opportunity for both sides to submit additional briefings before he issues his final judgement after July 26.

Credit has to be given to Premium Cigar Association, the Cigar Rights of America and the Cigar Association of America, Inc. for years of research, lobbying and lawsuits.

“Please understand this is and has been an incredibly complex and difficult task to get our Government’s Regulatory Bureaucracy to respond,” cigar manufacturer Steve Saka posted on Facebook. “A tremendous effort has been expended legislatively and legally to get us to this point.

“Without their efforts, I am not even sure if Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust would be in business today,” he added.

In June, the FDA ordered the vaping company Juul to pull its devices and nicotine liquid pods off shelves, determining they had not shown enough evidence that its products do not hurt public health.

“On July 5, 2022, FDA administratively stayed the marketing denial order” the FDA said in a twitter post. “The agency has determined that there are scientific issues unique to the JUUL application that warrant additional review.”

The stay temporarily suspended the marketing denial order during the additional review but did not rescind it. The message added the stay “does not constitute authorization to market, sell, or ship JUUL products.”