(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.
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.
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.
At Intertabac 2024, the world’s largest tobacco trade show, LAMPERT CIGARS presents its latest release: LAMPERT CIGARS enters the Slovakian market through its appointed distributor MY & MI, the Slovakian market leader in the importation, distribution, and retail of premium cigars.
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.
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.
At Intertabac 2024, the world’s largest tobacco trade show, LAMPERT CIGARS presents its latest release:
KINGPIN
KINGPIN is part of the ORO LINE – besides the DON PATRON, EL GRINGO, and GATSBY. KINGPIN is a small batch production that measures 4 inches long with a 62-ring gauge.
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.
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:
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.
Black Works Studio cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique, and tobacco of our boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra.
August 9, 2024 — Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the release of NBK Hogshead as a Hogshead Cigar Lounge exclusive, handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.
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.
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:
(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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
Official launch event – June 29th, 7:30pm (Bulgaria Time), at Best Cigars in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
(Miami, Florida) June 25, 2024– C.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.
[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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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