Tiny Tim's Cigar World!

Laranja Hybrid Toro (6 x 52)

2026-10-11T17:46:42.063-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Espinosa Premium Cigars has begun shipping its new Laranja Hybrid line.

The new blend uses an Ecuadorian habano oscuro wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and Brazilian and Nicaraguan tobacco in the filler. It is offered in two sizes, a short Churchill and a box-pressed toro, both of which are made at the La Zona Cigar Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua.

“Known for incorporating Brazilian tobaccos into a balanced, flavor-forward profile, the Laranja line has become one of the company’s most recognized brands, and Hybrid expands that identity with a new blend designed to evolve the series without losing what made it work in the first place,” the company said in a press release.

The original Laranja line debuted in 2014 and became known for its bright orange bands and its orange-hued, Brazilian wrappers. In 2019, the company released the Laranja Reserva Escuro, which offers a fuller-bodied, fuller-flavored profile.

Available vitolas:he cigar is

Short Churchill: 6 x 48

Toro: 6 x 52 REVIEWED TODAY

The cigar is nicely made and has an average to good feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was a bit firm. I massaged around the cap and the draw opened up a little. The initial flavors at light up were lime/apple, brown sugar, earthiness, black coffee, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start.

At the first third (26 minutes) here's what you can expect. You take in the draw and you taste the lime/apple and brown sugar. You're holding the smoke and have not expelled it yet. Once you start to expel the smoke it turns earthy, leathery, and bitter. Normally the flavors you have on the draw are extended through the expelling of the smoke. Not this cigar. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a dull apple. It's light. There was very good lingering black pepper. With the flavors on the draw and holding the draw I'll rate the first third 92. I'm not a fan of how the flavors changed once you expel the smoke but the flavors on the draw are good enough to overcome them...at this point.

As I moved through the second third (53 minutes) there is a minor hint of the lime/apple. Then you get earthiness, black coffee, leather and bitterness. The finish is bitterness with very good lingering black pepper.. There isn't much to say positive. I rated the second third 84.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 21 minutes. It was tough to make it this far. The cigar continued to go down hill at a rapid rate. At this point I had black coffee, bitterness (which is actually a little less than before), and earthiness. That's it. No sweetness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. There's not much there on a positive format. If you like black coffee just buy a cup of coffee. It would be cheaper. I rated the final third 76. This cigar was a little ok in the first third but it dropped out of sight after that. I'd pass on this one.

Overall Score: 84

Viso Horny Ligador Fantasma (5 x 50)

2026-10-06T19:59:22.399-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Viso Horny, the cigar brand from Tyler Jeffery, has announced a limited edition that will come from a different factory than the ones the brand is known to have worked with.

Ligador Fantasma is a new 5 x 50 robusto. It uses corojo and candela wrapper leaves to create a barber pole look. Underneath is a habano binder and the fillers are from Nicaragua and the U.S. All of the fillers are from the viso priming, the middle section of leaves on a vertical tobacco plant.

Pricing has not been announced and production is limited to 500 bundles of 10 cigars. It is expected to ship in late summer.

The cigar is being made at Fábrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua.

“Oveja Negra has long been one of my favorite factories in Nicaragua — not just for what comes out of it, but for the people behind it,” said Jeffery in a press release. “Getting to know James and Angela (Brown), watching how they approach blending and what it actually takes to run a factory at that level, has been one of the genuine highlights of building this brand. This cigar is a direct reflection of that relationship and the respect I have for what they’ve built.”

Jeffery says that Ligador Fantasma is a tribute to those who blend cigars. He specifically cited those who have helped him in his journey, including the Browns, Skip Martin and Alex Nowogrodzka of Nica Sueño, Gustavo Cura and Angel Oliva III of Oliva Tobacco Co., and Mo Maali of Patina Cigars.

The cigar is a nice barber pole look and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good with a touch of firmness. The initial flavors at light up were a lemon citrus with a lot of brown sugar, tanned leather, and at the end a hint of nougat. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (19 minutes) toffee has entered the picture. I still had the lemony citrus, brown sugar, toffee, light leather, and even lighter black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a touch of lemon and leather with very good lingering black pepper. The lemon, brown sugar, and toffee make a very sweet combination that is very pleasing. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (38 minutes) the intense sweetness I had in the first third is a bit dulled. All the notes are still there but there was a little decrease in the sweet notes. The leather and black coffee did not rise. The sweet notes just decreased. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is toffee with a touch of leather and very good lingering black pepper. The finish improved but the cigar slid a little. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 58 minutes. The sweetness decreased more. This time it was due to earthiness and an increase in the black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 92. The cigar had a fantastic first third and nearly as good second. These are well worth trying. I purchased the review samples from smallbatchcigar.com and you can get 10% off using code tinytim, plus you'll get free shipping.

Overall Score: 93.67

Cigar Culture Summit Africa to be held October 23-25, 2026

2026-10-05T14:14:30.587-04:00

Cigar Culture Summit Africa: First speakers and topics announced

Market development, brand building and cigar culture take center stage in Johannesburg

Just one month after its second edition at InterTabac 2026, the Cigar Culture Summit is moving on. From 23 to 25 October, the cigar community will gather in Johannesburg. The first program details have been confirmed. Topics include the development of the African market, brand building, new markets, the history of tobacco and the growth of a vibrant community.

Dortmund, 02 October 2026 – The Cigar Culture Summit offers a focused platform for the national and international cigar industry. It provides practical insights into a dynamic sector and gives participants the opportunity to connect with industry professionals from around the world. The speakers now confirmed bring perspectives from retail, brand development and cigar culture to Johannesburg.

The event will start with opening remarks from Erika Alvarez Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to South Africa. Other speakers include Pedro Ramos, Sales Director at Amano Cigars and co-founder of Los Amigos Cigars. He will discuss developments in the African cigar market and national cigar industry. Andrew Edmondson of Francois Cigar Collection will speak about Africa’s cigar heritage and brand storytelling. Thierry Farah, Co-Founder of Chateau Diadem, will explore how young cigar brands can establish themselves internationally and enter new markets. In his talk, “From Peru to the World,” Gennaro Lettieri, owner of Tabacalera del Oriente, will trace the global history and cultural journey of tobacco. Leonor Abzaradel, CEO of Platinum Nova Cigars, will examine how cigars connect people and markets across borders. And Anthony Azar, founder of the Cigar Sommelier Institute (ICSI), will share insights into cigar storage, collection and preservation.

Claudio Sgroi, founder of CST Consulting LLC, master blender and consultant, will contribute his expertise to the “Blending Experience”. The format has already proved popular as part of InterTabac’s supporting program in Dortmund.

Nosipho Gumede, founder of The Cigar Lady SA, will contribute two sessions to the Cigar Culture Summit Africa. She will explore how women can help shape the future of cigar culture and how consumer communities can be built and activated. Her sessions are part of the “Discover Women’s Leadership in Cigar Culture” stream. To highlight and strengthen the role of women in the cigar industry, Messe Dortmund is working with the SOTL Global Movement (SGM). The network brings women from across the cigar world together, raises their visibility and encourages them to build communities of their own.

The Cigar Culture Summit Africa is aimed at cigar aficionados, manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, importers and other industry professionals. Its program combines specialist knowledge with networking and offers insights into opportunities in a growing market. The event is supported by companies from across the sector: Tabacalera del Oriente, Platinum Nova Cigars, Fabrica de Puros International, Clipper Sales, Gran Habano, the Pedro Portia Cigar Lounge, Amano Cigars, the Cigar Sommelier Institute and Les Fines Flames are sponsors.

The Cigar Culture Summit will take place at Emperor Casino in Johannesburg. The venue is easily accessible from the airport and is close to hotels, restaurants and other tourist amenities. Program updates and tickets are available on the event’s website 24/7

EVENT AT A GLANCE

CIGAR CULTURE SUMMIT

The Cigar Culture Summit Africa will bring together cigar enthusiasts, experts, brands and industry leaders from 23 to 25 October 2026 for two unforgettable days of discovery, education and networking in Johannesburg, South Africa. The future of premium cigars is not shaped in boardrooms alone. It is shaped by the people who create outstanding brands, build thriving businesses, cultivate communities and inspire new generations of cigar enthusiasts. The Cigar Culture Summit Africa brings together the minds, makers and visionaries driving the industry forward. These include master blenders and tobacco experts, brand founders and owners, distributors and market leaders, innovators from the retail and lounge sectors, specialists in spirits and food pairings, executives from the luxury and hospitality industries, media representatives, storytellers and influencers as well as those taking their first steps into cigar culture.

DATE:

23 - 25 October 2026

ORGANISER:

Messe Dortmund GmbH

TARGET VISITOR GROUP:

Key players from the cigar industry, such as master blenders, tobacco experts, brand owners, distributors, innovators from the retail and lounge sectors, specialists in spirits and food pairings, executives from the luxury and hospitality industries, media representatives and influencers.

PARTNER:

CST Consulting LLC by Claudio Sgroi

International Tobacco Growers´ Association (ITGA)

European Cigar Manufacturers Association (ECMA)

Cigar Association of America (CAA)

ProCigar – Association of Dominican Cigar Manufacturers

And many more

Tradecraft Cigars announces the launch of 4th Core Line, Shinobi

2026-10-05T13:23:06.348-04:00

The Tradecraft Shinobi is the fourth addition to the Tradecraft Cigars core line— a full-bodied 5.5 × 52 Gran Robusto blended by Rob Blumenthal and produced by Hostos Quesada at Tabacalera La Isla in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Shinobi Is built around a Sumatra wrapper and is our expression of what we love most in a Nicaraguan forward blend.

True to Tradecraft form we are tapping into our love of history. There is perhaps no other culture we love more than the ancient Japanese. We are collectors of Japanese swords from the Kamakura and Muromachi era, collectors of Japanese tattoos and appreciators of Japanese art.

There is no other group in history that embody the spirit and application of Tradecraft more than the Shinobi. Perhaps the inventors of Tradecraft. So much so in fact, that the tactics and techniques of the Shinobi were recorded in the historical documents, The Shoninki.

Dark, sweet, and slow-burning, Shinobi delivers the kind of balance and complexity that has become the trademark of Tradecraft's cigars. One can expect tasting notes of Coffee, cinnamon, cocoa powder, and saffron weave through a steady sweetness, with a rediculously tasty retrohale that rewards the unhurried smoker with layers of rich smoke that take you on a journey.

The Shinobi features Tradecraft's upgraded box design. Just a more elegant and refined 12-count box that is aesthetically pleasing, feels wonderful in hand and handsome enough to be used as a travel case.

The Shinobi 5.5x52 Gran Robusto will retail for $13.80/Cigar.

It is pre-releasing with our friends at Luxury Cigar Club now and will be available to Tradecraft's retail partners in December.

Blend Information

Vitola: Gran Robusto (5.5 × 52)

Wrapper: Sumatra

Binder: San Andrés

Filler: Jalapa, Condega, Connecticut Broadleaf, Olor (all viso priming)

Factory: Tabacalera La Isla

Body: Full

Independence Toro (5 7/8 x 50)

2026-10-04T18:18:54.537-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

United Cigars has released two new vitolas of its Independence line.

The blend, which is made by Arnold André in the Dominican Republic, debuted earlier this year in the Independence Firecracker, a limited edition release as part of United’s long-running Firecracker series of cigars.

At the time, the company didn’t announce that there were new vitolas coming. However, last month, it said that Independence would be a regular production line, offered in two standard vitolas. Like with the Firecracker version, the two new cigars ship in 12-count metal tins that can also be used as an ashtray.

“Why mess with success?” said Oliver Nivaud, director of operations for United Cigars, in a press release last month. “The Independence Firecracker exceeded every expectation. Rather than retire a blend people fell in love with, we’re making Independence a permanent part of the Arnold André portfolio.”

United is also the American distributor for Arnold André.

Blend:

Wrapper: Mexican Habano

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

Vitolas:

Toro: 5 7/8 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY

Robusto: 4 7/8 x 50

The cigar is dark brown and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a citrus/cedar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and earthy black coffee. The notes have a slight buttery flavor. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (25 minutes) I had a little more citrus than cedar, brown sugar, cinnamon, earthiness, and black coffee that's a little intrusive. You get the sweet notes and then from out of nowhere the black coffee swoops in to steal the show. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a doughy nutmeg with a touch of citrus and very good lingering black pepper. The sweet notes are very nice but the attack of the black coffee is detracting. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (45 minutes) the back coffee pulled back to a normal amount. Now the nice notes of citrus, cedar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and slight buttery notes can shine as they should with a moderate amount of earthiness and black coffee. The finish is more of a citrus with a sprinkling of cinnamon and brown sugar with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The cigar improved. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 13 minutes. In the final third the earthy black coffee rose a little but it's not the intrusive type that was in the first third. It's just elevated causing the sweet notes to dip a little. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is back to that doughy nutmeg with hints of citrus and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 93. The cigar is not back but it's a little interesting how it was blended and the differences in the thirds.

Overall Score: 93.33

Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro Robusto (5 x 50)

2026-10-03T16:04:25.276-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forged Cigar Co.)

Room101 Cigars is reigniting one of its most sought-after sub-brands with the introduction of Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro — a highly anticipated return and the next chapter in an episodic story that began in 2015.

Originally released as a limited Unobtanium project, Johnny Tobacconaut quickly built a reputation among collectors and enthusiasts. Now, the brand returns in Maduro form, offering a darker, more developed expression of the original concept.

Built with AJ Fernandez, Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro is a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro, finished with a rich, oily maduro wrapper. The blend delivers bold notes of earth, espresso, and dark cocoa, pushing the profile further while staying true to the character that defined the original release.

Matt Booth, Founder and Creative Director of Room101 Cigars, said: “I was a tremendous disappointment to my mother during my teenage years. I still lament over this period of life well knowing that time was the only medicine to heal our relationship. Time brings lessons nothing else can teach - and in time we have evolved our beloved Johnny Tobacconaut into a sensational maduro variant which I believe is the most appropriate evolutionary step for this series in our evergreen effort to spread this cosmic brand across this beautiful planet of ours.”

Johnny Tobacconaut Maduro began shipping to retailers in June 2026 and will be available in three vitolas: Robusto (5 x 50) REVIEWED TODAY, Toro (6 x 52), and Gordo (6 x 60). The cigars will be offered in 20-count boxes, with suggested retail prices ranging from $10.29 to $12.49 per cigar.

The cigar is dark and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a pear-like flavor, a lot of brown sugar, a little tanned leather, a little chocolate, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (15 minutes) the cigar is very sweet. I still had the pear-like notes, a lot of brown sugar, white chocolate, and black coffee. The white chocolate notes surprised me. I did not expect those in a Maduro cigar. The black coffee at this point is very light. The cigar is medium bodied and it's leaning toward medium to full. The finish is black coffee with some light pear and white chocolate notes and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (31 minutes) the cigar changed a little. The pear-like notes are tangy. They seem to have some citrus in them. The white chocolate notes are still there. And the black coffee is still holding the base. There is a little earthiness but not much. I do not have any chocolate notes. The cigar is still medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is a full bodied black coffee, almost an espresso with very good lingering black pepper. I held the score of 95.

The cigar lasted 49 minutes. In the final third I had some light tangy notes which could be the pear and citrus. There was quite a bit of brown sugar. and black coffee. I lost the white chocolate but there is a lot of brown sugar. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with a little brown sugar sweetness and very good lingering black pepper. I lost some of the notes I had previously but the brown sugar is elevated. I rated the final third 94. This is a very good cigar. I am curious if the Toro is just as good.

Overall Score: 94.67

2ND EDITION ATABEY RITOS GIFT SET WITH PORCELAIN ASHTRAY

2026-10-01T11:30:13.391-04:00

Atabey Ritos Gift Set will begin shipping first week of October. These limited-edition sets, featuring five Atabey Ritos cigars (6 1/8 x 55) in cosmetic grade tubes paired with an elegant porcelain Atabey ashtray. This remarkable gift set is a celebration of Atabey and the post-roll aging process that Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco has become known for.

Designed with purpose, the five-year, post-roll aged Atabey Ritos is a tribute to the Goddess Atabey, delivering a smooth, balanced smoking experience that amplifies the senses. The luxurious porcelain ashtray designed by Alfonso, adorned with the iconic Atabey branding, completes the set, making it a perfect gift or collector’s item for cigar lovers worldwide.

Alfonso, the mastermind behind Atabey and Selected Tobacco, has once again redefined luxury with this release, blending tradition with innovation to create an unparalleled smoking experience. The Atabey Ritos features a flawless Ecuadorian wrapper with Peruvian and Dominican filler leaves.

The Atabey Ritos Gift Set is not just an indulgence, it's a statement. Whether for personal enjoyment or as a gift, this set will enrich any cigar-smoking occasion. A suggested retail price of $270 has been set for the limited-edition Atabey Ritos set.

The Tampa Bay Lightning Are Back! Watch them live from the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Lounge

2026-10-01T10:11:04.919-04:00

For more than two decades, Diamond Crown Cigar Lounges by J.C. Newman Cigar Co. have offered cigar enthusiasts across the country a welcoming place to gather and enjoy a premium cigar. Here in our hometown of Tampa - fondly dubbed Cigar City - one of the most unique can be found inside the private club level of Benchmark International Arena.

As the Tampa Bay Lightning return to the ice tonight, the newly refreshed J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Lounge at Benchmark International Arena re-opens for another victorious hockey season.

Since 2010, this one-of-a-kind lounge has brought together two Tampa legacies: the heritage of cigar-making and the excitement of Lightning hockey. Overlooking the ice, the J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Lounge features premium seating, high top tables and a humidor stocked with J.C. Newman and Arturo Fuente cigars. This exclusive lounge remains the only space inside an NHL arena where guests can enjoy a cigar and indulge in curated, all-inclusive food and beverage options, all while watching the action live.

As the Bolts take on opponents at home this season, we look forward to seeing fans lighting up a J.C. Newman cigar and enjoying the game from a lounge unlike any other.

Go Bolts!

The J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Lounge is available to eligible, 21+ guests during Tampa Bay Lightning home games.

To find a Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge by J.C. Newman near you, click the button below.

All Diamond Crown Cigar Lounges

A Cigar Hustlers Podcast Adds New Personalities to Its Lineup

2026-09-29T15:30:15.510-04:00

A Cigar Hustlers Podcast is expanding its lineup with Cheanno Respo and Siggy Schlieper joining as rotating co-hosts, and Tim McGuffie joining the engineering team. Tim is the brother of longtime show engineer Phil McGuffie.

The additions bring more voices and perspectives to the show while giving the crew greater flexibility both on air and behind the scenes. They join a team that includes Super Star Triple G, who has already become a valued member of the show.

“Cheanno and Siggy are going to bring fresh energy to the conversations, and having Tim join Phil behind the board gives us even more versatility,” said co-host Mike “The King” Szczepankiewtcz. “Super Star Triple G has already become a valuable part of this team, too. We’ve got more personalities in the mix than ever—and plenty of people to keep Mike BDP on his toes.”

A Cigar Hustlers Podcast has become a daily listen for people throughout the cigar industry. The show describes itself as the most listened-to podcast among industry professionals, bringing cigar news, reviews, and candid conversation to its audience each weekday.

The new personalities will appear alongside host Mike “BDP” Palmer, The King, Triple G, and the show’s existing crew on upcoming episodes.

Celebrate the Season with Bricktoberfest

2026-09-29T10:37:24.642-04:00

Bricktoberfest season is here and we’re raising a stein to this annual tradition!

This year's limited-edition Brick House Bricktoberfest cigar is available now at participating retailers across the United States and Germany.

The 2026 Bricktoberfest Churchill is a 7 ¾" x 48 cigar finished with a traditional pigtail cap. Handcrafted at J.C. Newman PENSA in Estelí, Nicaragua, this limited-edition cigar features an Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper over a hearty blend of Nicaraguan tobaccos, specially created to pair with a bold, malty Oktoberfest-style lager.

Bricktoberfest celebrates a tradition that reaches back to the origins of Brick House itself. J.C. Newman was born in the only brick house in his small village in Austria-Hungary, where his family lived above the local tavern and general store. The Brick House cigar label depicts this family home, where generations gathered to enjoy beer, cigars and time together. More than 150 years later, Bricktoberfest carries that same spirit of camaraderie forward.

As part of this year's celebration, those who purchase a 10-count box of Brick House Bricktoberfest cigars from participating retailers will receive an exclusive, hand-painted Bricktoberfest beer stein while supplies last.

Mr. Punch Toro by Punch Cigars (6 x 54)

2026-09-27T17:56:50.100-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Punch Cigars is honoring its iconic (and “devastatingly handsome”) mascot, Mr. Punch, with a new cigar that bears his name. Mr. Punch by Punch Cigars is a full-time blend that delivers a signature Punch smoking experience with a flavor profile tailored to the modern smoker.

Mr. Punch by Punch features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan Jalapa Seco binder, and fillers from Nicaragua. The cigar was produced at the Scandinavian Tobacco Group Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, and it offers tasting notes of wood, cream, and spice.

Mr. Punch by Punch is available in three sizes: Toro (6 X 54) (REVIEWED TODAY), Gigante (6 X 60), and the largest Punch Cigar ever released, The Big Slapper (7 X 70). SRPs (suggested retail price) for the respective cigars are $7.89, $8.99, and $10.09. Each size is packaged in boxes of 20.

Scott Abney, Brand Manager for Punch Cigars, said, “Mr. Punch is a true icon not just in the cigar industry, but in pop culture. So it only made sense to create a cigar that captures his spirit. This new blend delivers a classic Punch smoking experience with a flavor profile tailored to the modern consumer. We know it’s going to be a hit.”

The cigar is dark and has an average to nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a lemony orange citrus, brown sugar, and a lot of earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (23 minutes) I had the exact same notes. Nothing changed. For me, this has the feel of an every day cigar. Something you could have any time, any place. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a light lemony orange citrus with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (48 minutes) the earthiness is up. The sweetness is down and there is more of a citrus peel note instead of the lemony orange citrus. The cigar is medium bodied and moving up. The finish is still the lemony orange citrus but there is some black coffee with it and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost some appeal. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. It bounced back nicely. The lemony orange citrus is back with nice sweetness of brown sugar. The earthy black coffee pulled back. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is also back to the lemony orange citrus and it's more pronounced with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 93. I repeat my previous statement that this is a good every day cigar. For the price it's well worth trying and it may be your every day cigar too.

Overall Score: 92

Room101 17th Anniversary (6 x 52)

2026-09-26T17:53:25.223-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forged Cigar Co.)

Room101 Cigars is marking another milestone with the release of Room101 17th Anniversary, the latest installment in the brand's evolving annual Anniversary series.

Crafted in collaboration with AJ Fernandez, the limited-edition 17th Anniversary continues Room101's tradition of marking each milestone with an entirely new blend. Rather than revisiting the same cigar year after year, every Anniversary release is designed as its own expression, reflecting where the brand is at that moment in time.

The 17th Anniversary is a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro that opens with notes of pepper and spice before settling into layers of dark chocolate, roasted espresso, and rich earth. Powerful yet balanced, the cigar delivers the depth and complexity that have become hallmarks of the Anniversary series.

Matt Booth, Founder and Creative Director of Room101 Cigars, said, "Every Anniversary cigar is a snapshot of where we are at that moment. They aren't meant to repeat themselves because neither do we. That's the whole point. Seventeen years in, we're still finding new places to go."

Room101 17th Anniversary will begin shipping to retailers in August 2026. Produced in a single 6 x 52 Toro, the limited-edition release is packaged in 20-count boxes and has an SRP of $15.89 per cigar.

The cigar is dark and well made. It has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were lemon, apple, brown sugar, tanned leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2+. Pretty good start.

At the first third (24 minutes) I had the same notes with a little dark chocolate which is noticed right before the black coffee. The leather is more noticeable. The cigar is fairly balanced. I have about the same amount of sweet notes as I do the dark notes. The finish is a leathery black coffee with a little dark chocolate and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is full bodied. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) there was a big move by the black coffee. It's up a lot. There's still some dark chocolate with the black coffee but there's much more black coffee. I'm not getting the leather notes at this point. The sweet notes are greatly reduced. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is unchanged with very heavy black coffee. I rated the second third 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 24 minutes. It improved somewhat. The sweet notes came out a little more. There's still a lot of black coffee. I'd say there is more black coffee than sweet notes. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 93. This is a pretty good dark noted cigar.

Overall Score: 92.67

Sans Pareil Debuts the Club Humidor Exclusive Blue Belicoso

2026-09-25T13:27:05.759-04:00

Sans Pareil announces the debut of the Club Humidor Exclusive Blue Belicoso, a limited release created in collaboration with legendary San Antonio tobacco retailer Club Humidor and its owner, Keith Rumbo. Marking only the second retail collaboration since Sans Pareil’s inception, the release brings together a shared appreciation for exceptional tobacco, enduring craftsmanship, and the luxury of time.

Rolled in 2020 and aged ahead of its debut, the Blue Belicoso reflects the patience at the heart of Sans Pareil. Its original release is available in very limited quantities, offering collectors and discerning enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this long-rested expression of the brand’s Dominican heritage.

Measuring 6¼ inches with a 52-ring gauge, the Dominican puro features a Criollo 98 wrapper over Dominican Elite Selection binder and filler tobaccos. The cigar is crafted at Tabacalera Palma in the Dominican Republic, drawing on a tobacco-growing legacy spanning five generations and four farms. Presented in boxes of 15, the Blue Belicoso unites a classic tapered silhouette with the quiet distinction of an extensively aged cigar.

“Club Humidor has always been about sharing exceptional cigars and the stories behind them,” says Keith Rumbo, owner of Club Humidor. “What makes this collaboration special is the care and patience it represents. A cigar rolled in 2020 carries years of anticipation into the moment it is finally enjoyed. We are proud to put the Club Humidor name on this release and share it with the community that makes our three San Antonio locations so special.”

The collaboration follows Sans Pareil’s Ariston Exclusive Purple Toro, created with The Ariston in Nashville, Tennessee. For its second retail partnership, Sans Pareil brings that same personal approach to Club Humidor, honoring the retailer’s place in San Antonio’s cigar culture through a distinctive expression of its Blue line.

“True luxury begins long before a cigar reaches the humidor,” says David Swinburne, CEO and Co-Founder of Sans Pareil. “It begins with the tobacco, the hands that shape it, and the patience to give it the time it deserves, and this release reflects our commitment to that philosophy. Keith and Club Humidor share our respect for the craft, making this a meaningful partnership and a fitting home for a cigar we have waited years to present.”

The Sans Pareil Club Humidor Exclusive Blue Belicoso will be available at all three Club Humidor locations in San Antonio, Texas, with a very limited allocation to select appointed retailers across the United States, including The Ariston in Nashville, Tennessee. Quantities from the original 2020 production are very limited.

The unveiling

The cigar will be unveiled on September 27, from 6–9 p.m. Central Time, at Club Humidor’s San Pedro lounge in San Antonio. This intimate, private setting offers a fitting occasion to introduce a vintage cigar that embodies the Sans Pareil promise: “without equal.”

Release details

Cigar: Sans Pareil Club Humidor Exclusive Blue Belicoso
Size: 6¼″ × 52
Origin: Dominican Republic
Wrapper: Criollo 98
Binder: Dominican Elite Selection
Filler: Dominican Elite Selection
Factory: Tabacalera Palma
Year Rolled: 2020
Packaging: 15 cigars per box
Availability: Very limited initial release

ALEC BRADLEY GOES BIG WITH CHUNK SUMATRA

2026-09-25T13:20:00.361-04:00

Alec Bradley is adding even more weight to the acclaimed Chunk series with a new offering this fall. Chunk Sumatra — the third dedicated Chunk cigar — is a full-time release that will ship to retailers starting in October.

While Chunk began as a frontmark for various Alec Bradley cigars, it has since become a line all its own with three full-time products: Maduro, Shade, and now Sumatra.

As its name suggests, Chunk Sumatra features an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper. It also has a USA Broadleaf binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. It was produced in Honduras.

Tasting notes include dried fruit, spices, and cedar. It is a medium-bodied cigar.

Bradley Rubin, Alec Bradley Brand Ambassador, said, “Chunk has been one of our favorite recurring traditions, and we’re excited to release the third dedicated Chunk cigar. Chunk Sumatra delivers the same big and bold smoking experience fans have come to love, but its smooth and nuanced profile offers remarkable quality — particularly at this approachable price point.”

Alec Bradley Chunk Sumatra is available in three sizes:

● XL (4 X 60); SRP per cigar $6.49

● 3XL (4 X 66); SRP per cigar $8.49

● 4XL (4 X 80); SRP per cigar $9.49

It will be sold in boxes of 20 except for the 4XL size, which will be sold in boxes of 18. It will ship to retailers starting in October 2026.

CAO AMAZON BASIN EXTRA AÑEJO RETURNS FOR 2026

2026-09-25T13:10:00.641-04:00

CAO is bringing back Amazon Basin Extra Añejo, an extremely limited release of the sought-after Amazon Basin blend aged for two years to allow its distinctive tobaccos to fully mature.

The cigars were rolled in 2024 using the same blend that has made Amazon Basin a fan favorite since its introduction in 2014. At the heart of the blend is Brazilian Bragança, an indigenous tobacco grown in the Amazon. Rather than releasing the cigars immediately after production, CAO placed them in its aging rooms, where they rested for two years before their 2026 return.

“Amazon Basin has always been a special blend because of the unique profile of Bragança tobacco from the Amazon rainforest,” said Cory Beardsley, Brand Manager for CAO. “With Extra Añejo, we gave that blend an extra year to rest and fully mature. It’s the Amazon Basin experience people know, with time bringing even more depth to the blend.”

An Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper surrounds a Nicaraguan binder and a filler blend of Dominican, Colombian and Brazilian Bragança tobaccos. The resulting medium-to-full-bodied cigar delivers notes of earth and fruit.

CAO Amazon Basin Extra Añejo will begin shipping to retailers in October 2026. The limited-edition release is available exclusively in a 6 x 52 Toro, packaged in boxes of 18 cigars, with a suggested retail price of $15.89 per cigar.

Discover the Tobacco Heritage of the Connecticut River Valley

2026-09-21T11:21:46.162-04:00

For centuries, the Connecticut River Valley has been home to one of America’s most remarkable agricultural traditions. Its fertile soil and distinct climate have made the region renowned for growing premium cigar tobacco prized around the world. Today, farmers are harvesting the end of this year’s historic crop.

In our latest video, we travel to Dunn & Foster Farms in Ellington, Connecticut, to explore the rich history of this celebrated tobacco-growing region and the generations of knowledge, innovation and hard work behind its enduring legacy.

Fourteenth-generation farmer Jonathan Foster takes us from the fields to the curing barns, sharing the unique growing conditions of the Connecticut River Valley and the careful process of planting, cultivating, harvesting and curing premium cigar tobacco. It is a process shaped not only by the land, but by generations of experience and the skilled hands of the people who continue this work today.

We invite you to discover the story behind this enduring American agricultural tradition and the communities working to preserve the tobacco heritage of the Connecticut River Valley for generations to come.

Moonflower Toro (6 x 54)

2026-09-20T18:19:31.226-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

For its newest regular production line, Crowned Heads is once again turning to the My Father Cigars S.A. factory.

While the two companies have worked together for more than a decade, most notably on Las Calaveras, it’s been more than 10 years since Crowned Heads introduced a new regular production line from the García family’s factory. Moonflower is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobaccos, including a corojo-seed wrapper, binders from Estelí and Jalapa, and fillers from Condega, Estelí and Jalapa. A press release describes the blend as “medium-plus bodied.”

It will be offered in three vitolas:

Moonflower Robusto (5 x 52) — $12.95 (Box of 21, $271.95)

Moonflower Corona Gorda (6 x 46) — $11.95 (Box of 21, $250.95)

Moonflower Toro (6 x 54) — $13.50 (Box of 21, $283.50) REVIEWED TODAY

“(Moonflower is) a celebration of partnership, tradition, and holds a deeply personal symbolic meaning to me, as well,” said Jon Huber, co-founder of Crowned Heads, in a press release. “We’ve poured everything into creating something truly special: a cigar that delivers complexity, balance, beauty, and that unmistakable ‘wow factor our supporters expect from Crowned Heads.”

The cigar is dark and well made. It has an average to nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were unripened apricot, brown sugar, cinnamon, earthiness, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. I'm hoping the unripened apricot notes improve.

At the first third (25 minutes) I had basically the same notes. One thing I noticed is the black pepper is directly connected to the unripened apricot. As soon as you get them you get black pepper before you get any brown sugar or other notes. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unripened apricot with average to good lingering black pepper. The cigar is not grabbing me with those unripened apricot notes but it's ok. I rated the first third 92. It's ok but needs to improve.

Moving through the second third (58 minutes) there was a lot of black coffee with very little sweetness. There's more of a citrus peel note. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with hints of citrus peel and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 27 minutes. The sweet notes moderately improved while the citrus peel notes went away. I rated the final third 90. The cigar is hovering around the "ok" range. I expected much more from this release.

Overall Score: 89.67

San Cristobal Golden Hour Angelico (7 x 49)

2026-09-19T16:54:06.712-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com)

As with the rest of the San Cristobal line-up, the new San Cristobal Golden Hour is made by the García family at their My Father Cigars S.A. factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Blend-wise, Golden Hour uses a Cuban-seed wrapper from Ecuador over a variety of Nicaraguan tobaccos from Condega, Estelí, Jalapa and Namanji. All of the Nicaraguan tobaccos come from the García family farms. A press release described the blend as medium-full with flavors of “cedar, cinnamon, coffee bean, molasses, and spice.”

The new regular production line is debuting in six vitolas

San Cristobal Golden Hour Magico (5 1/2 x 50) — $11.40 (Box of 25, $285)

San Cristobal Golden Hour Bonito (6 x 52) — $12 (Box of 25, $300)

San Cristobal Golden Hour Angelico (7 x 49) — $12.15 (Box of 25, $303.75) REVIEWED TODAY

San Cristobal Golden Hour Dorado (6 1/8 x 52 pirámides) — $12.45 (Box of 25, $311.25)

San Cristobal Golden Hour Ocaso (6 x 60) — $12.75 (Box of 25, $318.75)

San Cristobal Golden Hour Pacifico (6 1/2 x 64) — $13 (Box of 25, $325)

Four of the vitolas are box-pressed; the two thickest—The Ocaso and Pacifico—are round.

The cigar is well made and has an average to nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a lemony citrus, brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon peel, light leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.

At the first third (26 minutes) I had lemon, brown sugar, cinnamon, light leather, and earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is hints of lemon peel and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is quite good. The lemon notes are nice and the black coffee somehow contributes to the cigars appeal. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (53 minutes) the cigar is burning evenly. The cigar is not changing. I don't think anything has changed enough to change the score. So, I held 95. I had the same notes, same strength, and same finish. The cigar continues to be very good.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 17 minutes. The black coffee rose a little and the sweet notes dipped a little. There wasn't a huge change but enough. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is basically the same but there is a little more black coffee. I rated the final third 94. This is a good cigar and worthy of a try.

Overall Score: 94.67

Ferdinand Piet Leaves LOFB Cigars, Launches New Asia-Pacific Focus

2026-09-18T14:58:14.400-04:00

Ferdinand Piet has left LOFB Cigars after more than two years with the company, where he served as Head of Europe, Asia & the Middle East.

Piet joined LOFB in August 2024 and was instrumental in developing the brand’s international distribution network. During his tenure, LOFB established distribution and market presence across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Oceania and a number of Asian markets.

“It has been an interesting two years, and we made significant progress in bringing LOFB into new markets,” Piet says. “We secured distribution across a large part of the international market, and I am proud of what we achieved together.”

“However, I feel the time is right for someone else to take the brand forward and to the next level. The mission behind LOFB still speaks to me, and I would like to thank Adam and everyone at LOFB, both past and present, for the last two years.”

Focus shifts to The Straits Cigar Company

Following his departure from LOFB, Piet will concentrate on The Straits Cigar Company, the Singapore-based cigar business he operates with two partners.

The company imports premium cigars into Singapore and supplies licensed private clubs and F&B establishments. It is also preparing to open its own retail operation, allowing Piet to devote more time to the company’s expansion.

In addition, Piet plans to work as an independent broker and brand representative for a limited number of premium cigar companies looking to establish or expand their presence in Asian markets.

“I want to keep the number of brands deliberately limited,” Piet says. “The idea is to work closely with brands where I can genuinely add value, rather than simply taking on a large portfolio.”

Piet held discussions with several companies interested in Asian representation during InterTabac in Dortmund. He will now evaluate those opportunities and select the brands that best fit his plans for the region.

Exploring an Asia-Pacific distributor alliance

Piet is also exploring the formation of an Asia-Pacific Cigar Alliance, an initiative designed to address some of the logistical and commercial challenges faced by distributors operating in smaller markets.

The concept emerged during a conversation with Grant Ovenden of New Zealand-based Long White Cloud Distributors.

Many South-East Asian markets are relatively small individually. As a result, distributors can struggle to meet minimum order quantities for cigars, while the same applies to items such as regulatory-compliant packaging and other market-specific requirements.

A regional alliance could allow distributors to cooperate on selected purchasing and operational requirements while maintaining brand exclusivity and established distribution relationships in their respective territories.

“The idea came up during a conversation with Grant, and the more I thought about it, the more interesting it became,” Piet says.

“Asia-Pacific has a number of relatively small but potentially attractive cigar markets. Individually, they can be difficult to service efficiently. By working together where it makes sense, distributors may be able to overcome some of those barriers without compromising their individual businesses or brand relationships.”

The project remains at an exploratory stage. Piet plans to speak with distributors and other industry stakeholders over the coming months to determine whether the concept is commercially viable and what structure would work for participating companies.

A new chapter in Asia

Piet has almost two decades of experience in the premium cigar business, including roles in sales, distribution, brand development, international market expansion and cigar media across Europe and Asia.

His departure from LOFB marks a return to an independent role within the cigar industry, combining his work with The Straits Cigar Company with selected brand representation and the development of new opportunities for cooperation within the Asia-Pacific market.

“I have always enjoyed the international side of the cigar business,” Piet says. “This next step gives me the opportunity to focus on the areas where I believe I can make the biggest difference — building our own business, helping the right brands enter Asia, and potentially bringing distributors together to make the region easier to do business in.”

J.C. Newman Celebrates Cigar Trophy Win

2026-09-16T10:54:18.727-04:00

Yesterday, the cigar industry gathered for Cigar Journal Magazine's annual Cigar Trophy award ceremony at the Intertabac Trade Show in Dortmund, Germany. Each year, cigar enthusiasts from around the world cast their votes in recognition of outstanding cigars, brands and companies across the industry.

We are proud to announce that J.C. Newman’s The American cigar was named Best Brand – Other Countries. This prestigious honor marks the fifth Cigar Trophy awarded to The American.

Best Brand, Other Countries:

The American

The American was the first cigar brand rolled in the historic El Reloj factory when it opened in Tampa, Florida in 1910. In 2016, The American was reintroduced by J.C. Newman Cigar Co. as a 100% American cigar, once again hand rolled at El Reloj. From the cigar molds to the heirloom tobacco inside, every part of this cigar is proudly grown and sourced in the United States.

Thank you to everyone who cast a vote for us and continues to support our four-generation, family-owned business. We are incredibly grateful to have you as part of our story.

To learn more about The American and the people behind this award-winning cigar, we invite you to watch The American Story documentary.

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) releases CULTURE VULTURE

2026-09-15T09:23:39.528-04:00

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of CULTURE VULTURE; handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.

CULTURE VULTURE is a new Limited Edition that will begin shipping to select retailers next week.

“The Culture Vulture represents a whole new level for Black Works Studio. It’s unlike anything we’ve created before, from the artwork and overall concept to the construction of the cigar itself. From the first look, the dual wrapper grabs your attention with an ‘Ombré’-style fade that moves from green to yellow and back to green, highlighting the contrast between the Candela and Habano wrappers.

The artwork was created alongside the cigar, with both designed to capture the same bold, unconventional energy. For me, the visual identity and the cigar itself must work together—they’re both part of telling the story.

But the real story is in the profile. This is, without question, the boldest profile we’ve ever created for Black Works. There’s an intensity and depth to it that feels completely unique and pushes the boundaries of what we’ve done before. Culture Vulture isn’t just another cigar for us; it’s a statement," says James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

CULTURE VULTURE

Origin and Blend:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro, Connecticut & Candela

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Vitolas:

Toro – 6x48 (20 count) MSRP $14.50

Robusto – 5.25x50 (20 count) MSRP $14.00

Panatela – 6x42 (20 count) MSRP $13.50

New England Cigar Expo Fires Up 2026 Limited Edition Pizza Cigar

2026-09-14T15:16:41.122-04:00

The New England Cigar Expo taking place Friday and Saturday, September 25–26, 2026, will once again commemorate the event with its own extremely limited cigar. And in true Expo fashion, this year’s release turns up the fun with custom pizza box packaging that makes the cigar just as memorable before you even light it.

Why pizza? Because the 2026 Expo will feature a pizza-eating competition, and the special-edition packaging was designed to bring some of that fun directly to the cigar release. But don’t let the playful packaging fool you. Inside that pizza box is a seriously premium cigar.

Crafted by Perdomo Cigars at Tabacalera Perdomo in Estelí, Nicaragua, the 2026 New England Cigar Expo cigar features an exclusive blend created specifically for the event, delivering a bold, rich smoking experience worthy of the occasion.

“These are fun packages,” said David Garofalo, owner of the New England Cigar Expo, “but that takes nothing away from the cigar itself. The packaging is fun, but inside you’re getting a top-notch cigar with a one-of-a-kind blend. We take the cigar just as seriously as we always do.”

Production of the 2026 New England Cigar Expo cigar will be limited to just 300 boxes of 14 slices cigars each.Ticket holders will have an exclusive opportunity to purchase the cigars on Day 2 of the Expo at the Two Guys Cigars Pop-Up Store.

The New England Cigar Expo 2026 Limited-Edition Cigar is available for $159.99 per 14-count box, or two boxes for $300—just $10.71 per cigar with the two-box deal. If any boxes remain, limited inventory will be made available through 2GuysCigars.com on the Monday September 28th following the event.

With only 300 boxes being produced, custom collectible packaging, an exclusive Perdomo-made blend and hundreds of cigar enthusiasts expected to celebrate another year of the New England Cigar Expo, and this year’s release has all the ingredients for another sellout.

Limited Day 2 tickets are still available. To purchase tickets or learn more, visit www.2guyscigars.com/new-england-cigar-expo

Joya Red, White, and Blue (6 x 52)

2026-09-13T17:48:20.676-04:00

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com)

This year, many companies are introducing new cigars that are made to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of America.

Joya de Nicaragua’s entry will be the Joya Red White & Blue, a new 6 x 52 toro that uses an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over binders and fillers from Estelí and Jalapa, Nicaragua.

Each cigar will have an MSRP of $13.50 and production is limited to 500 boxes of 10 cigars. While the cigar will be shown off to retailers during the 2026 PCA Convention & Trade Show, which takes place April 18-20 in New Orleans, it is not expected to ship until June.

“The packaging reflects the spirit of the celebration,” said Cristhian Lanzas, marketing director of SAG Imports, in a press release. SAG Imports is the joint American distribution company operated by Joya de Nicaragua and Quesada. “It gently references American aviation, a symbol of freedom, ambition, and the pursuit of new horizons. The cigar band is also complemented by fifty stars encircling the design, representing the 50 states that form a nation that has long inspired the world.”

The cigar is part of the company’s JOYA Series, which includes regular production lines like the JOYA Black and JOYA Red.

The cigar has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus, brown sugar, cinnamon, tanned leather, and light black coffee. The citrus notes remind me of a baby aspirin or the Pez orange candy. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (19 minutes) the ash was still intact but rather precariously. By and large I had the same notes. The orange citrus is nice and it just sticks out enough from the other flavors to give you a nice sweet note. The leather and black coffee are closely behind and there's a little earthiness now. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a light citrus with good to very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is tasty. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (49 minutes) I had the same notes but different percentages. The black coffee is up. It's up enough that it slightly surpasses those sweet citrus notes. The other notes are about where they were. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is a little of the citrus with black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. The elevated black coffee caused me to lower the score to 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 16 minutes. The sweet notes made a little surge while the black coffee pulled back. The cigar improved but it did not get back to the exact first third notes. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar improved enough to raise the score to 94. This is a good cigar and I could have it quite often.

Overall Score: 93.67

JFR Clara to Debut at InterTabac 2026

2026-09-10T16:33:40.651-04:00

Aganorsa Leaf will introduce JFR Clara, a new expression of the JFR brand, at InterTabac in Dortmund this September.

The cigar will be available exclusively in international markets outside the United States.

Created for smokers who appreciate a lighter profile without sacrificing flavor, JFR Clara delivers a character marked by subtle sweetness, balance and satisfying flavor. Its approachable profile makes it equally suited to anyone seeking a lighter smoke and those beginning their exploration of premium cigars.

A delicate sweetness adds to the cigar’s inviting character, complementing its nuanced flavor without overpowering the experience.

JFR Clara will be offered in three traditional formats:

Corona — 5 1/2 x 44

Robusto — 5 x 50

Toro — 6 x 50

“JFR Clara represents a different side of JFR,” said Fabien Ziegler, International Sales Manager of Aganorsa Leaf. “The goal was to create something elegant and approachable.”

JFR Clara will make its international debut at InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, Germany at Kopp Tobaccos Booth 7.C12.

Aganorsa Leaf Expands Supreme Leaf with New Worldwide Release

2026-09-10T16:30:50.434-04:00

Aganorsa Leaf is expanding its Supreme Leaf portfolio with a cigar designed to cross borders and palates. Supreme Leaf Worldwide will debut this September at InterTabac in Dortmund, Germany, before arriving in the United States next spring.

The new cigar combines tobacco grown on the company’s farms in three of Nicaragua’s most important tobacco regions—Estelí, Condega and Jalapa—in the fillers and binders with a Habano cover leaf from Ecuador. Packed in boxes of ten, it will be offered in two sizes: a 5 7/8 x 52 Cañonazo and a 4 7/8 x 50 Robusto Clásico.

The release represents a different approach for the Supreme Leaf brand. The original Supreme Leaf is made exclusively for the U.S. market, while the Supreme Leaf International Edition is sold outside the United States. Supreme Leaf Worldwide is intended for both markets, giving Aganorsa Leaf a single expression of the brand that can be enjoyed by smokers around the globe.

More importantly, the blend was created with a specific target in mind: virtually every aficionado.

Rather than chasing extreme strength or trying to appeal to regional palates, Aganorsa Leaf developed Supreme Leaf Worldwide to be approachable from the first puff while offering the complexity expected from a premium, all-Nicaraguan cigar.

“We wanted to find that sweet spot where a cigar can be approachable without being simple,” says Terence Reilly, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Aganorsa Leaf. “It should be satisfying for someone who is relatively new to premium cigars, but it should also have enough nuance and sophistication that an experienced smoker can really sit down with it and appreciate what the tobacco is doing.”

That balance is particularly important for a cigar intended for an worldwide audience. Cigar preferences vary considerably from one market to another, particularly when it comes to strength and flavor. Supreme Leaf Worldwide was therefore developed around balance, complexity and refinement rather than sheer power.

The tobacco itself is central to that philosophy. Estelí, Condega and Jalapa each bring different characteristics to a Nicaraguan blend, and combining leaf from the three regions along with a Habano wrapper from Ecuador allows the cigar to develop depth without relying on excessive strength.

“We weren’t trying to make the strongest cigar in the room,” Reilly says. “We were trying to make the cigar that makes you want another one.”

Supreme Leaf Worldwide will make its first appearance at InterTabac in Dortmund this September at Kopp Tobaccos Booth 7.C12. Its U.S. debut is scheduled for PCA in Las Vegas in March 2027.

With one blend intended for two major markets, Supreme Leaf Worldwide represents an ambitious step for Aganorsa Leaf: a cigar designed not around where a smoker lives, but around what makes a cigar universally enjoyable.

Supreme Leaf Worldwide

Cañonazo — 5 7/8 x 52 Robusto Clásico — 4 7/8 x 50

Pricing to vary depending on country. Made in Nicaragua. Made for the world