All posts by Jeff Slatton

In charge @haveapremiumcigar.com cigar reviewer @CigarWeekly.com
News/Features

Cigar Dojo & Black Star Line Honor First Black Samurai with Yasuke Cigar

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DENVER, CO (Thursday, September 19, 2024) —— In a groundbreaking
collaboration, Cigar Dojo and Black Star Line Cigars proudly unveil
their first joint venture: the limited-edition Yasuke cigar. This
collaboration marries Cigar Dojo’s Japanese-inspired ethos with Black
Star Line’s rich heritage as a black-owned cigar company, paying
homage to a remarkable historical figure.

Yasuke, the cigar’s namesake, is believed to be the first black
samurai, serving the Japanese daimyō Oda Nobunaga from 1581 to 1582. His extraordinary journey from Africa to feudal Japan embodies the spirit of cultural exchange and barrier-breaking that this
collaboration represents.

Continue reading Cigar Dojo & Black Star Line Honor First Black Samurai with Yasuke Cigar →
News/Features

WEST TAMPA TOBACCO COMPANY EXTENDS ITS INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT

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West Tampa cigars now available in Canada through Lindal Cigar Importers Inc.

Tampa, FL, Sept. 2024. West Tampa Tobacco Company is proud to continue its global expansion to Canada. Canadian cigar aficionados have something new to celebrate as West Tampa Tobacco Co., a brand known for its meticulously crafted cigars, makes its debut in Canada via a collaboration with Lindal Cigar Importers Inc. The iconic cigars, which have been a staple for connoisseurs in the United States and around the world, are now available in select retailers across the country, marking a significant milestone for the brand’s international expansion.

Continue reading WEST TAMPA TOBACCO COMPANY EXTENDS ITS INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT →
News/Features

ARTISTA CIGARS ANNOUNCES PACKAGE REDESIGN FOR TWOCLASSIC LINES

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(Tamboril, Dominican Republic) – Artista Cigars announces today that it will redesign packaging for two existing lines, Puro Ambar and Cimarron, and the packaging will be on-display at Intertobac 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. New packaging begins shipping Q1 2025. The package redesign is accompanied by a name change and SKU reduction.
Puro Ambar and Cimarron will now be known at Artista Cimarron and Artista Puro Ambar. The name changes and package redesign are the latest steps in the rebranding process Artista initiated in 2022.

Continue reading ARTISTA CIGARS ANNOUNCES PACKAGE REDESIGN FOR TWOCLASSIC LINES →
News/Features

Killer Bee Buzz Saw

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September 16, 2024 — Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the upcoming release of Killer Bee Buzz Saw as a Smoke Inn exclusive, handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. 

“Smoke Inn has been a big supporter of Black Works Studio, so we wanted to do something special with our first exclusive release.  The Buzz Saw perfecto was a fan favorite from the 2021 Hive release.  This cigar is bold and very intense.  The Buzz Saw is a great representation of the Killer Bee and definitely deserved an individual release,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Continue reading Killer Bee Buzz Saw →
News/Features

Congressman Garbarino and Congressman Armstrong Join the Fight to Protect Premium Cigars

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Cigar Rights of America (CRA) applauds Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) and Congressman Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) for officially signing on as co-sponsors of HJ Res. 99, a vital resolution aimed at permanently exempting premium cigars from burdensome FDA regulation.

Continue reading Congressman Garbarino and Congressman Armstrong Join the Fight to Protect Premium Cigars →
News/Features

FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Dr. Brian King Testifies Before U.S. House Subcommittee on FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs

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Today, Dr. Brian King, Director of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), testified before the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee during a hearing titled, “Evaluating FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs.” He was joined by Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, to address a range of concerns surrounding tobacco regulations.

Continue reading FDA Center for Tobacco Products Director Dr. Brian King Testifies Before U.S. House Subcommittee on FDA Human Foods and Tobacco Programs →
News/Features

Update from the Executive Director: Summer/Fall 2024 Edition

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This is my first issue writing the editor’s note as the permanent Executive Director of the Premium Cigar Association. I am deeply honored and grateful to the board of directors, staff, and general membership for having the confidence in me to lead the organization, the premium cigar industry’s advocacy agenda, and the epicenter of cigar commerce at the trade show in New Orleans in 2025.

Continue reading Update from the Executive Director: Summer/Fall 2024 Edition →
News/Features

DON’T MISS OUT ON THE VERSATILE XIKAR® FLIP DUAL CUTTER – SHIPPING NOW!

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company® (QI), the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, is excited to announce that the versatile XIKAR® Flip Dual Cutter,
which was first launched at the PCA in March, is now shipping four (4) color options, Black, Blue, Gunmetal, and Red and the remaining three (3) colors, Black & Bronze, Bronze, Brushed Chrome will be available in mid-September. This innovative cigar accessory is designed to cater to the diverse preferences of cigar aficionados, offering both a deep V-Cut and a traditional Straight Cut in one sleek and portable design.


The XIKAR® Flip Dual Cigar Cutter incorporates stainless steel blades capable of handling 64-ring gauge cigars with precision. The dual cutting options ensure an optimal depth for both V-Cut and Straight Cut,
providing an ample draw without compromising the cigar cap. The V-Cut design is based on the classic XIKAR® VX2 cutter engineered with an inverted stainless steel blade providing inward pressure to the cap of the cigar during the cut, preventing the cigar cap from expanding and splitting.

Continue reading DON’T MISS OUT ON THE VERSATILE XIKAR® FLIP DUAL CUTTER – SHIPPING NOW! →
News/Features

Toscano and PCA Announce Toscano Brenta PCA Exclusive

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The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has partnered with Manifatture Sigaro Toscano (Toscano cigars) to bring its members a new PCA release, the Toscano Brenta. The Toscano Brenta is the first Toscano blend to use tobacco that has undergone an air-cured process rather than its traditional fire-cured process. The Toscano Brenta’s blend has tobacco that has been aged 3-5 years. After the cigar has been rolled, it is re-fermented in special rooms and allowed to age for an additional six months.

Continue reading Toscano and PCA Announce Toscano Brenta PCA Exclusive →
News/Features

Humidor Supreme® and Boveda® come together to Prep Humidorsfor Immediate Cigar Storage

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers, the leading supplier of premium cigar accessories, announces a groundbreaking new initiative to enhance the experience for cigar smokers. XIKAR® Boveda® 60g 84% RH Seasoning Packs will now be included with Humidor Supreme® Desktop Humidors, thus, simplifying the setup and maintenance process. This enhancement applies to current Humidor Supreme® Desktop Humidors, meaning each desktop humidor will come with the added benefit of Boveda’s® renowned seasoning packs, ensuring the optimal environment for your cigars from day one. Humidor Supreme® Desktop Humidors include a Spanish cedar humidification panel interior and are
tailored to accommodate the XIKAR® Boveda® seasoning packs which offer several key benefits:

Continue reading Humidor Supreme® and Boveda® come together to Prep Humidorsfor Immediate Cigar Storage →
News/Features

QUALITY IMPORTERS REVEAL THE 5-COUNT CIGAR CADDY®CAMOUFLAGE TRAVEL CASE

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company® (QI), the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, is excited to reveal a new line of Cigar Caddy® Travel Cases – The
Camouflage Series. Available in Red, Green, or Tan, the 5-count Cigar Caddy® Camouflage Travel Case is designed for those who demand both style and durability.

Continue reading QUALITY IMPORTERS REVEAL THE 5-COUNT CIGAR CADDY®CAMOUFLAGE TRAVEL CASE →
News/Features

Join the CONSPIRACY®!

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CONSPIRACY CIGARS featuring SWAGSTORM Packaging is Available!

WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company ® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade announces the immediate availability of CONSPIRACY® CIGARS. This
innovative new line of premium cigars, blended by Hall of Fame Master Cigar Maker Ernesto Perez Carrillo Jr. at Casa Carrillo, was launched at PCA 2024 and features SWAGSTORM packaging. The cigars are shipping in three sizes, each available with an Ecuador Connecticut, or San Andres Mexican Maduro wrapper.

Continue reading Join the CONSPIRACY®! →
News/Features

Keep Your Summer Productive

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What is a retailer to do when there are no trade show distractions to navigate? We don’t have to plan for big buys. We don’t have to scramble for event windows with our favorite brands that are making their show plans and scrambling to ship products for weeks after the show. We don’t have to sweat anything but selling. In the words of Mel Gibson (in a marginal Scottish accent), “FREEDOM!” Here are three ideas to consider when planning your summer:

Continue reading Keep Your Summer Productive →
Reviews

July 31, 2024 — Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the release of Hawaiian Tiger as an R. Field Wine Co. exclusive; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.  

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Hawaiian Tiger is a special event cigar available first to attendees of the R. Field event in Honolulu featuring James Brown on August 3, 2024. 

“Really excited about our first exclusive in the Tiger series. We have done a lot of great cigars for R. Field over the years and now it’s time to take it to the next level. The Hawaiian Tiger has a rich, dark, earthy profile. It’s a complex blend of spice and dark fruit with prominent star anise notes on the finish,” said James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

Continue reading July 31, 2024 — Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the release of Hawaiian Tiger as an R. Field Wine Co. exclusive; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.   →
News/Features

C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE ASYLUM 12 2024 IS NOW SHIPPING

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(Miami, FL) July x, 2024–C.L.E. Cigar Company announces that the Asylum 12 2024 is now shipping. The Asylum 12 cigar brand is released yearly, and this 2024 version is housed in new sleekly designed packaging. 

The Asylum 12 2024 blend will be different from years past as the binder and filler is composed of tobacco from C.L.E. Cigar Company’s new farm in South America. The wrapper and type of tobacco in the binder and filler will remain undisclosed.

Continue reading C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE ASYLUM 12 2024 IS NOW SHIPPING →
News/Features

PCA Hires New Director of Trade Show & Events

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[Washington, D.C.–July 16, 2024] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has announced the hiring of Shannon Marie as its new Director of Trade Show and Events. Shannon’s first day with the PCA was July 15, 2024. With over a decade of experience in the events industry, she has spent her professional career helping trade associations grow their event offerings. Shannon will work with Lisa Cox, the organization’s Senior Director of Trade Shows and events, effective immediately.

“I am excited to see the PCA’s team expand in a critical area so that we can provide additional program offerings for the trade show and events. I know that Shannon will be able to support Lisa in maintaining a best-in-class trade show and add other experiential elements to our marquee event and beyond,” says Joshua Habursky, PCA’s Executive Director.

Continue reading PCA Hires New Director of Trade Show & Events →
News/Features

Guy Fieri, Espinosa Premium Cigars, & Cigar Dojo Team Up to Launch the “Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force” Cigar

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DENVER, CO (Tuesday, July 9, 2024) —— Guy Fieri’s fan-favorite Knuckle Sandwich brand expands its footprint in the craft cigar scene with its first-ever collaborative release, combining forces with Cigar Dojo, Espinosa Premium Cigars, and Smoke Inn Cigars. Introducing: the
Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force cigar.


Guy Fieri, the culinary rockstar known for his bold flavors and
larger-than-life personality, is turning up the heat with the latest
creation from his Knuckle Sandwich brand. The Knuckle Sandwich Strike
Force is the ultimate testament to Fieri’s flair for quality and flavor, crafted in cahoots with the cigar maestros at Espinosa Premium
Cigars and Cigar Dojo.

Continue reading Guy Fieri, Espinosa Premium Cigars, & Cigar Dojo Team Up to Launch the “Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force” Cigar →
News/Features

It’s Official, STINKY CIGAR® has been acquired by Quality Importers!

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company ® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, has officially acquired the Stinky Cigar® brand of cigar accessories. The transaction closed on July 1, 2024. Stinky Cigar® is known worldwide for innovative and functional ashtrays featuring oval leaf-shaped stirrups imprinted with the Stinky Cigar® logo. Quality Importers
has been the exclusive wholesale distributor for Stinky Cigar® since January 2011, stewarding the brand’s growth and promotion for over 13 years.


The Stinky Cigar® ashtray, introduced in 2004, is renowned for its quality and durability, becoming one of the most popular cigar ashtrays in the trade, known simply as “Stinky”. Quality Importers plans to
continue offering all current styles of Stinky Cigar® ashtrays including the World Famous “Original”, Personal, Tall, Old World, Floor Standing, One Piece, and Herf models. We will celebrate the fact that the Stinky Cigar® brand becomes “legal” on its 21st birthday and its joining the QI family of brands during PCA 2025 in New Orleans, LA.

Continue reading It’s Official, STINKY CIGAR® has been acquired by Quality Importers! →
Reviews

BLTC Bishops Blend Set to Ship

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July 8, 2024 — Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the shipment of Bishops Blend to select retailers beginning next week.  Bishops Blend is hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

“We are very excited about this highly anticipated release.  This is the eighth release of Bishops Blend and continues to be one of our most sought-after, limited annual releases.  Bishops Blend boasts big bold flavors of anise, pepper, raisins, and a sweet earthiness on the finish. It is very complex and extremely refined. As with the past vintages, the broadleaf fillers shine at the forefront and are perfectly balanced by the Nicaraguan filler tobaccos,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Continue reading BLTC Bishops Blend Set to Ship →
News/Features

Inaugural QI SPOTLIGHT Tradeshow & Festival

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WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company ® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, is hosting the inaugural QI Spotlight Tradeshow & Festival. This exclusive buying event, designed specifically for retailers and distributors, is set to take place on September 7, 2024, in Weston, Florida.

Continue reading Inaugural QI SPOTLIGHT Tradeshow & Festival →
Reviews

Umbagog Bronzeback

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This cigar looks great. The wrapper is not as dark as the Broadleaf of the original Umbagog, but smoother and a slightly lighter color. The cigar clipped cleanly with my Cera ceramic blade guillotine. The cold draw was perfect with hints of things to come. Tonight’s beverage is a Mean Old Tom vanilla bean stout from Maine Brewing.

In the first third the pepper notes are already starting build; this is where the Bronzeback starts tasting different; more pepper and not deep Nicaraguan soil. The earthy notes kick in just after the pepper settles. Ash is solid and the burn is very even.

Continue reading Umbagog Bronzeback →