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.

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 – 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.

Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announce the release of the limited 601 Orange and 601 Yellow.

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.

March 3, 2023– C.L.E. Cigar Company announces the release of the Asylum April Fools’ 2023. The Asylum April Fools’ 2023is the thirdin a series of cigars that are released yearly on April Fools’ Day April 1^st, 2023). Asylum, known for its bold and edgy cigars, promises to stay true to its reputation with this latest version of the April Fool’s Day cigar blend. Updated packaging and a nod to the Chinese Zodiac separates this from the previous two versions.

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) announces today that the company is returning as an exhibitor to the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) trade show which takes place on July 7-11 at the Venetian Convention Center in Las Vegas.

Hudson, NH – United Cigars has enhanced their flagship United Cigars Line and will now be rolled in the traditional round shape. United Cigars is not just the name of the company, or their flagship brand, it is an
American Icon. The company’s rich origins stretch back over a century, delivering unique experiences to cigar enthusiasts since 1901. Since reigniting United Cigars in 2010, it has been their mission to continue improving on their products and services to their retail partners and consumers. As part of that pursuit, the new format for the United Cigars line will begin shipping in Mid-April.

[Washington, DC — Fri, March 24, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced today that the 2024 Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held March 22-25, 2024 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. This marks a change from the traditional summer time trade show to earlier in the year. PCA is currently negotiating contracts for the 2025 Annual Convention and Trade Show for an early spring date in a new location and expects to announce that in the coming weeks.

PCA | March 23, 2023

PCA POSITION/STRATEGY

The Premium Cigar Association is actively working with state associations, retailers, and coalition partners to introduce and support tax cap legislation in the states. The goal of this state legislation is to reduce the tax burden on retailers and consumers, alike, and to create a robust marketplace to sell premium cigars. The association aims to support legislation that can provide relief to the most number of products sold by our retail members, and to use the available definitions of cigars, that can best suit the legislative climate in a given state. The “large cigar” tax definition encompasses the most number of products, but because of it’s inclusion of non-premium machine made and flavored cigars, the use of this definition is not acceptable in every state. To pursue tax relief in more challenging legislative environments, the association will utilize the definition of “premium cigars” used by the Judge Amit Mehta opinion in Cigar Association et al v. Food & Drug Administration. Tax caps for premium cigars are essential in promoting a robust brick and mortar marketplace, especially in states with challenging tobacco tax and regulatory environments. 

[Washington, DC — Tue, March 21, 2023] The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced today the hiring of Antoine Reid as its new Director of Content. In this new role, Reid will be responsible for overseeing content creation and production for PCA’s various platforms, utilizing PCA’s unique industry position to connect content with retailers, manufactuers, and consumers. In addition, Reid will leverage high-quality content to engage consumers to raise PCA’s profile to enhance comsumer engagement in grassroots advocacy efforts. Antoine’s first day is Tues., March 21.