All posts by El Jefe

I am a part time journalist and a full time cigar and pipe tobacco reviewer. If you enjoy "the leaf," Why not join us over at Cigarweekly.com. I personally have 30ish years of knowledge to share and I consider myself one of the lesser experts.

E.P. Carrillo Connecticut Ships to Retailers This Week

Miami, FL – Casa Carrillo is proud to announce the latest addition to its acclaimed Essence Series: the E.P. Carrillo Connecticut is now shipping to retailers nationwide. As the fourth blend in this celebrated line—following Sumatra, Maduro, and Honduras—the Connecticut is also the second Essence cigar crafted outside Casa Carrillo, produced exclusively at the renowned Agroindustrias DIADEMA factory in Honduras.

Debuted at the 2025 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, the Connecticut brings a velvety, mild-bodied option to the Essence Series, delivering smooth sophistication and subtle complexity.

“The E.P. Carrillo Connecticut was born out of a desire to create a cigar that pairs creamy, mellow flavors with exceptional craftsmanship,” said Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. “This blend is perfect for both seasoned smokers seeking a refined, nuanced experience and those new to the world of premium cigars.”

Continue reading E.P. Carrillo Connecticut Ships to Retailers This Week

THE ALMA DEL CIELO BY PLASENCIA CIGARS IS NOW IN TOBACCONIST SHOPS ACROSS THE U.S.

This new blend, the world’s first high elevation cigar, was unveiled by the Plasencia family at the 2025 PCA

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, proudly announces that the first-ever high-elevation cigar, the Alma del Cielo is now shipping! Alma del Cielo, meaning “Soul from the Sky,” was unveiled via a grand event at the Plasencia Cigars booth at the 2025 PCA in New Orleans. Guests enjoyed champagne and a performance by Grammy Award-winning artist October London.

Continue reading THE ALMA DEL CIELO BY PLASENCIA CIGARS IS NOW IN TOBACCONIST SHOPS ACROSS THE U.S.

Ozgener Karatoba

This cigar has a very smooth wrapper and is box pressed. The cold draw is perfect.

The initial flavors are earthy and the retrohale is smooth. The burn is very even.

In the first third light coffee notes and toasted tobacco join the flavor profile. This is a good medium to full bodied cigar. The burn and ash are perfect.

During the second third light pepper joins the profile for an excellent complexity. Pepper is also in the retrohale. The burn and ash remain solid.

Approaching the final inch the flavor profile remains more medium than full, but the overall taste is very good. The ash and burn are still perfect.

Overall a very enjoyable experience. The Ozgener family has another hit on their hands. 9.2/10, Joe Bob says check it out.

E.P. Carrillo Evolves into Casa Carrillo:

A Unified Vision for the Future

Miami, FL – E.P. Carrillo, the award-winning premium cigar brand, proudly announces its transformation into Casa Carrillo. This rebrand marks the next evolution of the company, uniting its U.S. headquarters, factory, and global presence under one name that reflects both its heritage and its vision for the future.

Continue reading E.P. Carrillo Evolves into Casa Carrillo:

PLASENCIA CIGARS TO INTRODUCE THE WORLD’S FIRST HIGH ELEVATION CIGAR, ALMA DEL CIELO, AT THE 2025 PCA IN NEW ORLEANS

A cigar crafted from a story of family, love, passion, and destiny.

 (Miami, Florida) April 12, 2025 – Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, proudly announces the debut of Alma del Cielo, the first-ever high-elevation cigar, at the 2025 PCA in New Orleans. Alma del Cielo, meaning “Soul from the Sky,” captures the essence of tobacco grown at Finca San Julian in Condega, situated at greater than 3500 feet above sea level. This cigar is a tale of family, love, passion, and destiny.

Continue reading PLASENCIA CIGARS TO INTRODUCE THE WORLD’S FIRST HIGH ELEVATION CIGAR, ALMA DEL CIELO, AT THE 2025 PCA IN NEW ORLEANS

BYRON PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF TIME AND TASTE WITH 10 YEAR AGED

Madrid, Spain — Following the wildly successful and completely sold-out 2023 releases of the Atabey Dioses and Misticos 10-Year Aged editions, Selected Tobacco returns to the PCA stage with something even more
seductive, the Byron 21st Century Aristocratas 10-Year Aged (8 x 52).

Continue reading BYRON PUSHES THE BOUNDARIES OF TIME AND TASTE WITH 10 YEAR AGED

PCA Member Update: Addressing U.S. Tariff Measures

[Washington, D.C.–April 3, 2025] On April 2, 2025, the White House introduced a sweeping trade policy shift, set to impact the premium cigar industry among others. Starting April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, a 10% tariff will apply to all goods entering the United States. A second phase, effective April 9, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT, will impose additional reciprocal tariffs on countries with higher tariffs or trade barriers against the U.S., calculated at half the value of those barriers.

Continue reading PCA Member Update: Addressing U.S. Tariff Measures

Hiram & Solomon Cigars Introduces the Patriot Cigar Honoring M.W. George F. Hamilton, 91st Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Hiram & Solomon Cigars is proud to announce the release of the Patriot Cigar, a distinguished addition to its portfolio, crafted exclusively in the Dominican Republic to honor Most Worshipful George F. Hamilton, the 91st Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

This carefully curated blend results in a medium-to-full-bodied profile that is bold yet balanced. The Ecuadorian Habano Claro wrapper lends a smooth, elegant finish, while the Dominican Ligero and Seco fillers provide depth and complexity in every draw.

Continue reading Hiram & Solomon Cigars Introduces the Patriot Cigar Honoring M.W. George F. Hamilton, 91st Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts.

Trump Administration Reinstates Global Steel and Aluminum Tariffs; E.U. Responds with Countermeasures Impacting Premium Cigars

Today, the Trump Administration reinstated a 25% global tariff on all steel and aluminum imports, expanding duties to include hundreds of downstream products derived from these metals. This policy marks a return to the broader tariff framework previously implemented during the first Trump Administration.

Continue reading Trump Administration Reinstates Global Steel and Aluminum Tariffs; E.U. Responds with Countermeasures Impacting Premium Cigars

Foreign Affair by Ace Prime

This is a medium brown cigar with a rich pre-light draw. I think this is the corona gorda due to the ring. Tonight’s beverage is a Saint Arnold’s Tarnation brown ale.

That said, this is a very solid medium to full profile. And, as I would expect from Luciano, a perfect construction. Go to the store and get some.

The initial flavors are smoked pork and leather. Very light pepper on the palate. Other notes in the flavor profile include earthy loam. So far very good. Ash is holding and the burn is even.


In the first third the flavor is slightly sharper, but not unpleasantly so. The flavor profile remains pepper and loam, but some nutty flavors are emerging. Burn and ash holding.


In the second third, the pepper has dropped from both the draw and the retrohale. Perhaps a bit milder than I prefer, but it is still loaded with flavor and should please the medium-bodied smoker.

Approaching the final inch the flavor profile is still very loamy with earthy and cedar notes. This is a very good choice if you prefer a stable profile. If you prefer shifting profiles, this is not your cigar. It also has a peppery retrohale.



C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES  EIROA EXCLUSIVO REGIONALES BULGARIA

Official launch event – June 29th, 7:30pm (Bulgaria Time), at Best Cigars in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

(Miami, Florida) June 25, 2024C.L.E. Cigar Company announces that the country of Bulgaria was chosen for the first ever C.L.E. Cigar Company Exclusivo Regionales. The Bulgarian regional release will be the first ever Eiroa Classic offered in the unique 11/18 vitola. The blend also receiving a slight tweak by Christian Eiroa. Only 150 boxes containing twenty cigars of the of the Eiroa Exclusivo Regionales Bulgaria were produced. The Eiroa Exlcusivo Regionales Bulgaria will launch with an event on June 29th, 7:30pm (Bulgaria Time), at Best Cigars in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.

The Eiroa Classic Bulgaria was born out of a meeting and instant friendship between Christian Eiroa and Harry Dulendarov (Owner of Best Cigars in Bulgaria). Harry’s shop is considered the standard in Bulgaria and the Eiroa cigar brand is a favorite of his. Harry convinced Christian to create a unique international Exclusivo with the C.L.E Cigar Company’s brands.

Continue reading C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES  EIROA EXCLUSIVO REGIONALES BULGARIA

PCA Names Joshua Habursky as New Executive Director

[Washington, D.C.–June 26, 2024] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Board of Directors announces the promotion and hiring of Joshua Habursky to the role of PCA Executive Director, effective immediately. Habursky’s tenure at PCA includes outside government affairs consultant (2018), Director of Federal Affairs, Head of Government Affairs, and Deputy Executive Director (2019-present). Since May 2024, Habursky has served as interim executive director of the PCA following Scott Pearce’s departure.

Continue reading PCA Names Joshua Habursky as New Executive Director

2024 “TRAVELING CIGAR ROAD SHOW” SETS OFF ON A NATIONWIDE TOUR THIS SUMMER!

Sponsored By Rocky Patel Cigars, Altadis U.S.A, Oliva Cigars, and C.L.E. Cigar Company/Asylum

June 24, 2024 – The Traveling Cigar Road Show is back! Spanning 16 cities across the nation from July 29 through August 9, 2024, Rocky Patel Cigars, Altadis U.S.A, Oliva Cigars, and C.L.E. Cigar Company/Asylum will bring “The Traveling Cigar Road Show” to retailers across the country.

Continue reading 2024 “TRAVELING CIGAR ROAD SHOW” SETS OFF ON A NATIONWIDE TOUR THIS SUMMER!

Sans Pareil Re-Launches the Prestigious Gold Line with The JeddoSans Pareil Unveils the Gold Line

Dominican Republic – June 2024 – In a $23 billion cigar industry, Sans Pareil stands as a beacon of excellence and luxury. We are thrilled to announce the re-launch of our exclusive Gold Line, headlined by the eagerly awaited cigar, Jeddo. Late June, Jeddo will make its way to elite retailers, poised to redefine the standards of the global premium cigar industry.

The Gold Line is the crowning jewel of Sans Pareil’s collection, exemplifying unparalleled quality in tobacco, construction, and presentation. Crafted in the Dominican Republic, each Gold Line cigar is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and exceptional tobacco. Jeddo, measuring 6 1/4 inches in length with a ring gauge of 54, promises a smoking experience like no other.

Continue reading Sans Pareil Re-Launches the Prestigious Gold Line with The JeddoSans Pareil Unveils the Gold Line

CIGAR CADDY® CIGAR TUBES, SINGLE AND TRIPLE CIGAR CAPACITIESARE READY TO SHIP GLOBALLY

WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, announces the availability of the single and triple-capacity Cigar
Caddy® Cigar Tubes which were launched at PCA this past spring and are now ready to ship globally.


The Cigar Caddy® Cigar Tubes are designed to provide cigar enthusiasts with portable and stylish solutions for carrying their cigars. These tubes are perfect for protecting cigars while traveling, ensuring they remain fresh and undamaged.

Continue reading CIGAR CADDY® CIGAR TUBES, SINGLE AND TRIPLE CIGAR CAPACITIESARE READY TO SHIP GLOBALLY

C.L.E./ASYLUM CIGAR COMPANY NEWS

APRIL FOOLS 2024 “YEAR OF THE DRAGON” IS NOW SHIPPING

June 19, 2024– C.L.E. Cigar Company announces that the Asylum April Fools’ 2024 “Year of the Dragon” is now shipping. Asylum April Fools’ 2024 Year of the Dragon is the fourthin this series of cigars. Last year’s version celebrated the Chinese Zodiac.” Asylum cigars will continue this trend showcasing this year’s Chinese zodiac sign, the Dragon.

In true Asylum style, the blend will come in a massive 90X9 vitola. Blended by Christian Eiroa this Honduran puro is a full-bodied blend featuring bold flavors throughout the smoking experience. Deeply rich in flavor and complexity, the blend is a peppery smoke, featuring woodsy and sweet notes.

Continue reading C.L.E./ASYLUM CIGAR COMPANY NEWS

WEST TAMPA TOBACCO COMPANY LAUNCHES LANCEROS

New size expands West Tampa Tobacco Company core line-up

Tampa, FL, June 2024. West Tampa Tobacco Company celebrates its two-year anniversary with the introduction of Lanceros to their core West Tamp line.

West Tamp Tobacco Company is excited to announce that West Tampa Lanceros have begun to ship,  both in the US and international markets.  “In my recent travels I have gotten several questions about this unique size, specifically why I should try it.  What makes this size special is that it allows smokers to truly enjoy the wrapper and I felt that this was a great way to commemorate our two-year anniversary,” said Rick Rodriguez, co-owner.

Continue reading WEST TAMPA TOBACCO COMPANY LAUNCHES LANCEROS

The Aged Side of Carenas – Altadis U.S.A. Launches the Newest Addition to the Awarded Saint Luis Rey Line – Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – TheSaint Luis Rey Carenas line, first launched in 2021 and recipient of a spot on the coveted Cigar Aficionado Top 25 Cigars of the Year, is expanding with a new extra-aged blend – Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar.

This latest offering from Altadis U.S.A. is a tribute to the early days of the cigar trade when sixteenth-century Spanish vessels traveled ‘ultramar,’ or overseas, from Puerto Carenas in the New World to Spain carrying tobacco leaves. The precious tobacco leaves, destined for the King of Spain, were stored in barrels in a clandestine part of the ship as a measure to keep the valuable commodity safe from pirates.

Continue reading The Aged Side of Carenas – Altadis U.S.A. Launches the Newest Addition to the Awarded Saint Luis Rey Line – Saint Luis Rey Carenas Ultramar.

New England Cigar Militia Introduces “76”

Boston, Ma – Cigar Militia proudly announces a new line extension to its growing portfolio. The “76” is the group’s second release in collaboration with Rock-A-Feller Cigars.

The Cigar Militia “76” is expressed in a (6 x 52) Box-Pressed vitola and will carry an SRP of $12.00/cigar. Only 1776 cigars will be available and will come packaged in 5-packs.

Continue reading New England Cigar Militia Introduces “76”