Tag Archives: news

PCA Hires New Director of Trade Show & Events

[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

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.

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

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

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!

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 Ship

Inaugural 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.

Continue reading Inaugural QI SPOTLIGHT Tradeshow & Festival

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 GUAJIRO

Shipping 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.

Continue reading Shipping Nationwide – The Palió® Tazza Piccola Ashtray!

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 Law

Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Deference

Earlier today (6/28/24), the Supreme Court published their decision in Loper Bright v. Raimondo, a case which significantly curtails the power of federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to interpret ambiguous statutes.  The court’s 6-3 ruling struck down a principle known as ‘Chevron Deference,’ a precedent created by the Court in the 1984 case, Chevron v. NRDCChevron essentially allowed Agencies wide latitude in interpreting the scope of their own authority in cases where laws passed by Congress were ambiguous, by requiring judges to strongly defer to the agency’s interpretations of vague statutory language.

Continue reading Supreme Court Overrules Chevron Deference

HumidifGroup Partners with Kingmakers to Develop the First “Shoemidor” Supporting WNBA Star Kelsey Plum’s Under Armour 2024 Shoe Drop

June 11, 2024 – HumidifGroup, a company specialized in the design and fabrication of packaging and accessories for the cigar industry, has stepped out of just packaging cigars into the shoe world.  

Kingmakers brought HumidifGroup in to develop the packaging for a luxury humidor to support the launch of Kelsey Plum’s cigars.  The WNBA superstar also launched her 2024 Under Armour shoes the same week, giving a nod to the cigars by including one of the cigar bands in the back of the shoe.  The half shoe box half humidor coined the ‘shoemidor’ turned heads at the launch event held in Las Vegas last month.

Continue reading HumidifGroup Partners with Kingmakers to Develop the First “Shoemidor” Supporting WNBA Star Kelsey Plum’s Under Armour 2024 Shoe Drop

A Message from PCA’s New Executive Director

Dear PCA Members,

Thank you for having the confidence in me to lead the Premium Cigar Association. I do not take this responsibility lightly. I vow to put my heart and soul into this association with a rich history, massive past successes, present stability, and, most importantly, a bright future. We will never be bashful about promoting the positive impact of this organization and industry on communities across the country and the joy that premium cigars bring to adult consumers throughout the world. I am extremely fortunate to take on this role with an incredible staff and experienced board of directors who will work as a team as we access, grow, and generate new ideas. 

Continue reading A Message from PCA’s New Executive Director

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

Republicans need a place to smoke

Republicans have a burning problem: No place for cigars

[NOTE: the article is from the Washington Examiner and has some “boo-hooing” that’s typical media bias.]

The Capitol has a huge problem. The place where House Republicans used to smoke cigars no longer belongs to the same person. Some representatives are begging Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to solve this problem. “We desperately need a place to smoke cigars,” Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) told Axios on Sunday. Another Republican said, “It’s a very important issue.” 

Continue reading Republicans need a place to smoke

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”

CROWNED HEADS CELEBRATES THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF LAS CALAVERAS

Crowned Heads is proud to announce its latest installment to their highly sought-after and eagerly anticipated annual Las Calaveras series, Las Calaveras EL 2024, along with a release to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the brand, Las Calaveras DéGimo Antversario .


Las Calaveras EL 2024 and Las Calaveras Décimo Aniversario are both manufactured at My Father Cigars, S.A., in Esteli, Nicaragua. Las Calaveras EL 2024 features a stout blend of 100% Garcia-grown Nicaraguan tobaccos finished with a sumptuous Habano wrapper.

“When I smoked the final blend for this year’s Las Calaveras, it immediately took me back to the 2015 Las Calaveras profile, which happens to be one of my favorite blends in the series,” commented Crowned Heads co-founder, Jon Huber.

Continue reading CROWNED HEADS CELEBRATES THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF LAS CALAVERAS

PLASENCIA 1865 TO RELEASE THEALMA DEL FUEGO OMETEPE EDICIÓN LIMITADA – TORPEDO 6 X 54

(Miami, Florida) June 12, 2024, Plasencia 1865, a world-leading premium tobacco grower since 1865, announces the release of the Alma del Fuego Ometepe Edición Limitada. This blend is the first of its kind, as it is the only cigar that has a wrapper made with tobacco from Ometepe. This tobacco was named Hoja del Fuego by the Plasencia family. Only 1,000 boxes (that double as a luxury humidor) containing 20 cigars were created of this ultra-premium blend, which carries an MSRP of $100 per cigar. Each cigar is housed in a hand-blown glass tube. The Plasencia family drew inspiration for this blend from old indigenous mythology, surrounding the island of Ometepe in Nicaragua.

Continue reading PLASENCIA 1865 TO RELEASE THEALMA DEL FUEGO OMETEPE EDICIÓN LIMITADA – TORPEDO 6 X 54

TobacTracktm Revolutionizes Tobacco Industry Compliance with Advanced RFID Technology

Huella, LLC. proudly introduces TobacTracktm, its revolutionary compliance platform, leveraging advanced RFID and block chain technology to streamline regulatory oversight for the Alcohol and
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) and ensure effortless adherence to the FDA’s Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. This state-of-the-art system, subject to two pending patent applications, is designed to enhance monitoring of tax compliance and FDA regulations, facilitating a transparent and accountable tobacco market.

Continue reading TobacTracktm Revolutionizes Tobacco Industry Compliance with Advanced RFID Technology

The Women of PCA Light Up Washington, D.C.

[FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Washington, D.C., June 6, 2024] The Women of PCA, a new resource group within the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), hosted its inaugural policy conference in Washington D.C. on June 5, 2024. This groundbreaking event brought together industry leaders, legal minds, and policy experts in the nation’s capital for an engaging program that addressed key policy issues while celebrating and acknowledging the important role of women in the premium tobacco industry. PDR Cigars, Micallef Cigars, Villiger Cigars, and Rabbit Air generously sponsored the event.

Continue reading The Women of PCA Light Up Washington, D.C.

Espinoza To Add Canada to Distribution

June 4, 2024 – (Hialeah Gardens, FL)
Espinosa Premium Cigars is proud to announced that they will
be entering the Canadian market with Brigham Enterprises as
their distributor.


Said Erik Espinosa, “This is the first step in our goal of becoming
an international cigar company and I truly believe that we have
chosen the right company to showcase and grow our brand throughout Canada.”

Continue reading Espinoza To Add Canada to Distribution