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 EditionTag Archives: cigars
DON’T MISS OUT ON THE VERSATILE XIKAR® FLIP DUAL CUTTER – SHIPPING NOW!
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.
KINGPIN debuts at INTERTABAC 2024
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.
CAO BX3
The cigar has a rich brown wrapper. The cold draw is perfect . No discernible flaws.
The opening flavors are cocoa and loam. That shouldn’t be read as chocolate soil. The cocoa notes are light and the loam notes are, for a lack of a better descriptor, rich like potting soil. The burn is even and the ash solid.
Continue reading CAO BX3Toscano and PCA Announce Toscano Brenta PCA Exclusive
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
Humidor Supreme® and Boveda® come together to Prep Humidorsfor Immediate Cigar Storage
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:
Join the CONSPIRACY®!
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.
Keep Your Summer Productive
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
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.
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.
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 THE ASYLUM 12 2024 IS NOW SHIPPING
(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
Guy Fieri, Espinosa Premium Cigars, & Cigar Dojo Team Up to Launch the “Knuckle Sandwich Strike Force” Cigar
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.
BLTC Bishops Blend Set to Ship
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 ShipInaugural QI SPOTLIGHT Tradeshow & Festival
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.
Umbagog Bronzeback
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
PLASENCIA CIGARS ANNOUNCES THE ALMA DEL CAMPO GUAJIRO
ROBUSTO GORDO BOX-PRESSED IS NOW SHIPPING
(MIAMI, FL) July 2, 2024- Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower, established in 1865, has announced the Plasencia Alma Del Campo new box-pressed vitola, Guajiro 5 ½ X 54, is on the way to stores across the nation. This box-pressed vitola will eventually replace the existing round Guajiro which will remain available for clients to purchase while supplies last. The highly popular Alma Del Campo line made its debut in 2017.
The Alma Del Campo is a Nicaraguan puro that was an instant hit with consumers. The inspiration behind the blend draws deeply from the Plasencia family’s rich heritage. “Alma Del Campo” (Soul of the Field) signifies the essence and spirit of the fields where premium tobacco is cultivated. This blend is a tribute to the fertile fields, and the meticulous cultivation practices, which have been passed down through generations of the Plasencia family.
Continue reading PLASENCIA CIGARS ANNOUNCES THE ALMA DEL CAMPO GUAJIROShipping Nationwide – The Palió® Tazza Piccola Ashtray!
WESTON, Florida – Quality Importers Trading Company ® (QI) the leading accessory supplier to the worldwide premium cigar trade, announces the nationwide shipping of the Palió® Tazza Piccola
Ashtray. Unveiled this past spring at PCA, this compact, all-metal, four-cigar rest personal ashtray provides cigar aficionados with a clean and stylish smoking experience.
SCOTUS Facilitates Challenges to Agency Law
WASHINGTON, DC (July 01, 2024) – Today, the Supreme Court of the United States published their decision in Corner Post v. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, in which they ruled that the six-year statute of limitations to challenge an agency regulation begins when a party is first harmed by the regulation. Prior to this decision, the statute of limitations had begun when the regulation was first published. As a result, a newly formed company appears to have the capacity to challenge any regulation that has an impact on it, regardless of how long ago the regulation was created. The New York Times’ article on Corner Post is available here.
Continue reading SCOTUS Facilitates Challenges to Agency LawC.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, 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.
Continue reading C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES EIROA EXCLUSIVO REGIONALES BULGARIA
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.
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
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”
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