Vice President of Sales, George Sosa, Departs Alec Bradley Cigar Co. Fort Lauderdale, FL (5/21/19)
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced today Vice President of Sales, George Sosa has resigned.
“I would like to thank George for his many years of service,” Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin said. “Over the last 12 plus years, George has been an integral part of the brand; increasing both domestic and international sales. The wind down plan was in place over the last few months. On behalf of the Alec Bradley family, I would like to wish George the best of luck in his future endeavors!”
One of my favorite things I love to say to myself, and others on occasion, is “the beauty of being human is that no one person is alike”! If you don’t believe that, or see the aforementioned “beauty” in that statement, well then open your eyes. Sure we all have similarities, maybe a common interest or a certain physical feature stands is more commonly apparant. But ultimately, we all have a different genetic code that separates us in some way. This difference is all too noticeable in the Cigar industry, and its what makes the lifestyle so fun. From one country, state, city or lounge to the next there is a plethora of variance that exists in each individual that partakes in the love of the leaf. From Maduro to Connecticut, Lanceros to 60 ring gauge monsters, we all have a size and palate preference that we call our own and quite frankly most take a lot of pride in.
While I do love the ability to be different, the ideology and culture of cigars is simply to bring people together. Just a couple short months ago my favorite brick and mortar and honestly the place I whole heartedly consider my “second home”, Industrial Cigar Co., decided they were going to attempt just that. But what is the best way to accomplish that goal? Construct a lounge in the largest growing city in America….check! Staff said lounge with mixture of family and friends that cater to the consumer in a way that is unmatched…check again! Calendar a number of events that bring some of the biggest names in the cigar business….triple check! Create your own house cigar that fills the spectrum of each and every one of said family members and friends…checkmate!
Just a few short months ago Industrial Cigar Co. (ICC) released there very first house cigar blend that is now known as “The House”. Before I dive into the cigar itself, I would seriously recommend that you get a little taste of what Industrial Cigar Co. truly embodies. Since my words cannot do it justice you can see the story of Industrial here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzWLBbdlKCg&t=2s , and the details of “The House” here http://bit.ly/icc-thehouse
For those who prefer a brief textual explanation “The House” is a blend created solely for Industrial Cigar Co., crafted by Darren Cioffi (Principle Cigars) and Hendrik Kelner Jr (KBF/Smoking Jacket Cigars). The blend utilizes a 4 year old Nicaraguan wrapper, Cubra binder, and a Peruvian/Dominican filler. The end result is a vibrant, balanced, and inviting flavor profile that is enjoyable for both novice and seasoned smokers alike. (Courtesy of Industrial Cigar Co. Press Release)
Essentially this is not just another run of the mill house stick that used a previously manufactured cigar and slapped new label on it.
“It was a big step when we decided to put our name on a cigar,” said owner Dave Frakes “we needed to be in love with it. Luckily we have a team in [Kelner & Cioffi] that we trust and rely on to listen and deliver a cigar better than we have the knowledge to produce.”
“The House” has an aesthetically appealing shape, 6 x 52 Grand Pyramid, that fits somewhere on the spectrum between a full belicoso and your general rounded cap. The Pyramid cap tapers beautifully to the full ring gauge at the foot. The Nicaraguan wrapper resembles the top of a perfectly baked sweet bread in color with visible yet non protruding veins, and is very soft to the touch. The band embodies the story and makeup of ICC to a tee, showcasing the hexagon that defines Industrial Cigar Co.
As with just about anything created and blended by Principle Cigars and the KBF factory the construction of “The House” is beautiful. A firm feel in the fingers with just the right amount of softness when you squeeze let you know you have a rare treat in your hand. I have always straight cut the pyramid cap with ease and there is no give or collapsing of the cap, as the blade of the cutter slices through like warm butter.
Finally, to get to the smoke experience of the cigar itself. The Different tobaccos really play well off of each other and create a unique blend of flavors that can appease to a wide range of enthusiasts. The overall experience leaves “The House” very much on the mild end of the spectrum, however the Nicaraguan wrapper gives off just enough bold flavors at times throughout the smoke that move the needle towards medium just a tick. The most prominent notes that hit my palate with his cigar is a sweet toasted bread and warm almonds. These can really be picked up stronger at the finish of the smoke. On the forefront there is a nice clean earthy presence and what I still have a hard time pinning down as either a hint of cedar or spruce. For the pepper lovers out there, you are left out of the mix, while not very noticeable on the initial pull, the retro hale offers a nice mild white pepper in the nose that is quite pleasurable. Not too strong as to send you into a sneezing fit, but just enough to give another change of complexity. Ultimately my favorite feature of “The House” is just how clean the cigar tastes and smokes. It just has a consistency throughout of mild smoothness that I would have no issue labeling this a cigar that literally “everyone can smoke”. Whether with a cup of coffee in the morning (my favorite pairing) or a stiff scotch or bourbon after a long day. This cigar will help get you to the place you want to be.
As I stated earlier, the general concept of the cigar lifestyle is to bring people and our differences together. Industrial Cigar Co. has just made this task much easier with the release of “The House”, as a cigar that tailors to the everyday cigar smoker. If you are in the North Texas area, there is absolutely no reason you shouldn’t make a stop at Industrial a priority. If you do make it in, ask for their house cigar and you wont be disappointed. If by chance they are sold out, there is good reason, but someone (including myself) can make something happen for you…but hurry because I may just smoke them all!
This review receives no rating as none is needed. This cigar can only be found at Industrial Cigar Co. If I had to give a rating I would say screw your rating….get to Industrial Cigar Co. And try for yourself!!
May 16, 2019 (Miami, Fla.) – Crux Cigars is now shipping the Epicure Maduro to its retail partners across the country.
The new blend builds upon the success of the Crux Epicure, but is wrapped in a premium Mexican San Andreas Maduro wrapper, with Nicaraguan binder and fillers. The combination results in a medium-full flavored cigar delivering notes of rich mocha, cedar, earth, and black pepper that are bound together with an underlying creaminess.
“Our customers have been asking for a maduro and we wanted to give them one of the highest quality,” said Jeff Haugen President at Crux Cigar Company. “We are blessed to work with AJ Fernandez the company and the person, they are awesome.”
The Epicure Maduro is the first Crux Cigars release to be produced at the Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars factory in Esteli, Nicaragua and is a regular production release.
Available in three vitolas:
Crux Epicure Maduro 5 x 50 Robusto – 10.00 SRP/Cigar
Crux Epicure Maduro 6.25 x 52 Robusto Extra – 10.75 SRP/Cigar
Crux Epicure Maduro 5.75 x 54 Toro – 11.50 SPR/Cigar
All sizes are sold in 10-count boxes.
For questions or additional details, please contact [email protected]
May 14, 2019 — Emilio Cigars releases into general production the AF1 and AF2; hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.
This is the first release of this line since the collaboration between Emilio Cigars and Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) was announced in January. The artwork and blending for these cigars has been done by James Brown. Mr. Brown, owner of BLTC and Fabrica Oveja Negra, stated, “I am very excited to have these cigars hitting the market. The AF1 & AF2 are classics that have been given the Oveja Negra makeover in appearance and flavor. Both are medium bodied with the AF1 highlighted by the rich, earthiness of the San Andrés wrapper and the AF2 is more spice forward with a Ecuador Habano wrapper.”
AF1 and AF2 will be available at select retailers this month.
AF1 Country Of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Mexico San Andres Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Filler: Nicaragua Robusto – 5×50 (20 Count) MSRP $9.50 Toro – 6×50 (20 Count) MSRP $10.00 Grand Toro – 6×58 (20 Count) MSRP $10.50
In 2014, Crowned Heads created “Hecho Con Corazon LE 2014” (translation: made with heart) for the members of the Hickory Cigar Club to commemorate the club’s 20th Anniversary. On May 15, Crowned Heads will release the HCC XXV LE 2019 to recognize the Hickory Cigar
Club’s 25th Anniversary. The HCC XXV is a box-pressed 5 1/2″ x 56 cigar, produced at Tabacalera La Alianza, S.A. (Santiago, Dominican Republic), under the supervision of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, the mastermind behind Cigar Aficionado magazine’s 2018 Cigar of the Year, the EPC Encore Majestic. Total production was limited to 300 (10-count) boxes. The HCC XXV LE 2019 will be offered first to members of the Hickory Cigar Club at its 25th Anniversary Dinner on May 15, and remaining inventory will be sold exclusively via Tinder Box Cigars South Park in Charlotte, N.C., beginning on May 17.
“When Craig Cass approached Mike (Conder) and I last year with the idea of creating a 25th Anniversary cigar,” commented Jon Huber, Crowned Heads co-founder, “we were excited for the opportunity, but we felt that rather than simply re-treading the 2014 blend we wanted to create something entirely new, unique, and exciting for the club. To do justice to one of the oldest active cigar dinner clubs in the country, we went straight to Ernesto and jumped in with both feet. We feel that the result is a top-notch expression of Sumatra (wrapper) leaf that is not only bold with excellent structure, but that retains the signature balance and complexity that Ernesto Perez Carrillo has become known for.”
The HCC XXV LE 2019 is comprised of 100% Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, finished with an Ecuadorian (Sumatra) wrapper, and will retail for $109 per 10-count box.
Bringing Back a Taste of Vintage Caribbean Culture With Every Puff
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Altadis U.S.A., maker of world-renowned premium cigars is introducing Trinidad Espiritu – a collaborative effort with tobacco prodigy A.J. Fernandez – to deliver adult cigar connoisseurs the spirit of vintage Latin Caribbean culture through a series of special events nationwide.
“The original Trinidad cigar brand was used exclusively for dignitaries and diplomats as gifts,” explains Brad Winstead, Altadis’ head of consumer marketing. “Fifty years later, we’re celebrating the venerable brand’s halfcentury anniversary by taking adult smokers back to the late 60s-early 70s era — which many consider the “Golden Years” of cigars.”
This medium to full-bodied Nicaraguan puro was created by none other than A.J. Fernandez. He was the perfect choice to recreate and memorialize history, as Fernandez’s tobacco fermentation methods and cigar making have stayed consistent with the methods his grandfather and father used.
“The Trinidad Espiritu,” said Eddy Guerra, brand manager, “is an amazingly complex, yet balanced cigar that embodies vintage Caribbean culture. This release will be an experience, as we will hold a nationwide tour of events, featuring vintage Latin Caribbean music, classic cocktails, domino tournaments and much more. This will be an allencompassing experience that will go hand in hand with a cigar we are so very proud of. Our kick-off event will be in Miami in June. Details of this and other upcoming events will be out soon.”
The nationwide series of events will center around a complete conversion of each venue to the Latin Caribbean of yesteryear through décor, music, vintage uniformed bartenders, cocktails and more. A special edition Trinidad “Fundador” lancero 40 X 7 1/2 will also be available as an event exclusive. The vintage Latin Caribbean music play list that will be used for the events is now available on Spotify at www.TrinidadEspirituMusic.com.
Summing it all Up
“It has been an honor pay tribute to our Latin Caribbean heritage and to work closely with Master Blender A.J. Fernandez on this project,” said Rafael Nodal, head of product capability for Tabacalera USA. “The Trinidad Espiritu is a cigar to please the palate and speak to your soul. This is a celebration of tobacco, music and all things Latin Caribbean.”
The Trinidad Espiritu will be available in five vitolas in mid to late June:
Robusto 52 X 5
Toro 52 X 6 Belicoso 52 X 6 1/8
Magnum 60 X 6
Fundador 40 X 7 1/2 (Only available at official Trinidad Espiritu events.)
Crowned Heads is proud to announce Las Calaveras EL 2019, the sixth installment to the highly anticipated annual release from the Nashville-based company.
Introduced in 2014, Las Calaveras was created as a tribute to those who have passed away in the previous year, and is intended to be a celebration of lives and remembrances, rather than a mournful symbol of sadness and death. Traditionally, each Las Calaveras cigar band contained
the initials of four different individuals, each embossed on one of the four gold coins on the sides of each band. For the first time, however, this year’s Las Calaveras cigar band carries the initials of one individual only, i.e., Cano Ozgener (CO), who founded CAO International in 1968. “When Cano passed on June 9 of last year,” commented Jon Huber, Crowned Heads co founder, “the cigar industry lost a true trailblazer and innovator, and I lost a mentor, friend, and father-figure. He meant so much to us here at Crowned Heads and he touched the lives of far too many to mention. His legacy lives on not only in the cigar business, but in the lives of those whom he came in contact with during his lifetime.”
Also for the first time since 2014, the Las Calaveras EL 2019 blend features a Habano (Oscuro) wrapper which completes a blend of all Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. The flavor profile may be described as medium-full to full-bodied, and exhibits not only intensity and structure, but balance, complexity and finesse, as well. Las Calaveras EL 2019 will be offered in three vitolas, along with a 4-cigar sampler which will include one of each vitola along with a sampler-exclusive cigar (6 1/8″ x 52 Torpedo). The suggested retail price range per cigar will be $10.50 to $12.95.
LC46 (6 x 46) $10.50
LC50 (5 x 50) $11.75
LC54 15 1/2 x 54) $12.95
Las Calaveras EL 2019 is manufactured at My Father Cigars, S.A., in Esteli, Nicaragua. Total production is limited to 1,700 (24-count) boxes per vitola, along with 2,500 samplers. Shipping will begin June 2019.
Aganorsa Leaf is proud to announce the coming release of the Aganorsa Leaf Signature Maduro. This blend features the elite tobaccos found in the original Aganorsa Leaf Signature now wrapped in a proprietary Shade Grown Corojo Maduro cover leaf. This Shade Grown Corojo Maduro wrapper is selected from the higher primings of Corojo 99 Cuban Seed grown on Aganorsa Leaf farms in Jalapa under shade. It is then naturally cured for a long period of time to produce a rich, dark oily maduro. The result is an immaculate wrapper that possesses an incredible taste and aroma unlike any other.
Quote from Eduardo Fernandez: This has been a long dream of Aganorsa going back 20 years to grow and naturally ferment a maduro cover leaf from our best fields in Nicaragua. It is in honor of Arsenio Ramos and a testament to his guidance and knowledge that we are finally able to introduce a Cuban seed Corojo Maduro leaf under shade in Jalapa for the cigar lovers of Nicaraguan leaf.
Quote from Max Fernandez: You will not find a Nicaraguan Puro Maduro that tastes like this one. We take pride in curing our Aganorsa Leaf grown on our best farms to use in cigars layered in balanced flavor and complexity. We chose this Shade Grown Corojo Maduro for our Signature brand because it is a rare leaf that matches the pleasant sweetness of our filler tobaccos.
Quote from Terence Reilly, VP Sales & Marketing: This wrapper is a game changer for us and will grow our already stellar reputation for creating incredible cigars that possess a signature flavor and aroma impossible to duplicate.
The blend will be released in allotments, the first of which will ship this summer and will consist of 250 boxes of each of the following vitolas: robusto (5×52), toro (6 x 52), corona gorda (6 x 44) and Belicoso/109 Head (6.25 x52). Suggested retail prices will range between $9.99 and $10.99
For more information regarding this announcement or general information on AGANORSA Cigars and tobacco visit our new website www.aganorsaleaf.com or contact Terence Reilly, VP of Sales and Marketing, at 954-579-1082
Alec Bradley Announces the Global Release of Project 40 Take Control of Your Happiness
For Immediate Release Alec Bradley Announces the Global Release of Project 40 Take Control of Your Happiness Ft. Lauderdale, FL (April 25, 2019 )
Alec Bradley Cigar Co. today announced the Global Release of the Alec Bradley Project 40. The brainchild of Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin- Project 40 is not just a line, but a concept representative of the search to find a deeper understanding as to why cigars have a positive cognitive impact on the mind and body.
“Project 40 is a generally accepted concept in multiple industries with the end goal to find how a service or product can have a positive impact on the mind and body. Since cigars bring people together, cause for relaxation and create positive experiences, I asked myself why this concept should not be applied to premium cigars. This was my inspiration for Alec Bradley Project 40,” Rubin said.
Rubin believes that similar to music, cigars have a calming effect that allow connoisseurs to feel in control and rewarded. Specific tobaccos were curated and blended to achieve a cigar showcasing the qualities that Project 40 represents.
To bring this concept to life in Premium Cigars, Alec Bradley Project 40 required a proper blend and value proposition.
The competitively priced Project 40, Rubin explained, allows consumers with many different palates and different budgets to partake in the experience and understand the concept that this line has been created for every cigar smoker to enjoy. Rubin’s mantra for Alec Bradley Project 40 is ‘Take control of your happiness’.
The smooth, flavorful and approachable Project 40 blend features premium Nicaraguan fillers, a Habano Brazil binder and a distinctive, reddish hued Colorado wrapper from Nicaragua.
Project 40 is being presented in eye catching bright white 20 count boxes featuring the ‘Alec Bradley’ and ‘Project 40’ logos and will be available in four sizes. The vitolas are named after their dimensions- 05.50 (MSRP $5.25 per cigar), 06.52 (MSRP $5.50 per cigar), 07.50 (MSRP $5.99 per cigar) and 06.60 (MSRP $5.99 per cigar). All prices are US before any applicable taxes. Alec Bradley Project 40 is being produced at J Fuego Cigar Co De Nicaragua in Esteli. Project 40 will begin shipping to Tobacconists globally in May. For more pictures please click here.
SUMMARY: 4/25/2019, FT. Lauderdale, FL.
Alec Bradley Cigar Company today announced the Global Release of Alec Bradley Project 40. Created by company founder, Alan Rubin, the line pays homage to a generally accepted concept in multiple industries where the end goal is finding how a product or service can have a positive impact on the mind & body. To bring the concept to life in Premium Cigars, Project 40 required a proper blend and value proposition. The smooth and approachable Project 40 has four, sub-$6 per cigar, vitolas, each named for their dimensions: 05.50, 06.52, 07.50 and 06.60. The line is produced at J Fuego Cigar Co De Nicaragua and will be available for global distribution in May.
About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1996, Alec Bradley has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading producers of fine, handmade premium cigars. Alec Bradley has received the cigar industry’s highest critical acclaim for its Prensado, Tempus, MAXX and Black Market premium cigars, to name a few. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity and the highest quality standards.
Contact: Jonathan Lipson. Director of Sales & Marketing. 954.321.5991 or [email protected]
Crux Cigars Launches Union Fire Exclusive for Famous Smoke Shop.
(Miami, Fla.) – Crux Cigars has launched the Union Fire, a new line of cigars that will be available exclusively through the Famous Smoke Shop.
The name Union Fire pays homage to the Union Fire Company. It was a volunteer fire department in Philadelphia, formed with the assistance of Benjamin Franklin in 1736. Known as the “Bucket Brigage,” it was the very first such fire company in the colonies. In the days when wooden structures were highly vulnerable to fire, the formation of this volunteer company of citizens was invaluable. With leather buckets, a few hooks, and ladders, their success resulted in many more fire companies forming, and the results were immediate.
“When we partnered with Famous to create this blend, we wanted to link it to the history of Pennsylvania in some manner. After some research, we decided the history of the Union Fire Company was a perfect match for a new cigar line. The cigar itself is a rich and smokey blend of Nicaragua tobacco,” shared Crux Cigars President Jeff Haugen.
The Famous Smoke Shop is headquartered in Easton, Pennsylvania. It is a leading online distributor of premium cigars. (www.famous-smoke.com)
The Union Fire will be available in 10-count boxes.
Robusto 4.875 x 50 $ 6.99 MSRP
Toro 6 x 52 $ 7.80 MSRP
Churchill 7 x 50 $ 8.30 MSRP
The cigars are produced at the Plasencia factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Diesel Cigars and Rabbit Hole Bourbon have reignited their partnership with Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask, a new, three-cigar collection shipping to all channels on June 3, 2019. Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask is a cigar with epic depth and sublime flavor. Developed by Justin Andrews, blended by AJ Fernandez and handcrafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Esteli, Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask features Nicaraguan-aged tobaccos cultivated on three continents. This exciting new collection once again calls upon a proprietary aging process developed by AJ to deepen the complexity of the smoking experience by barrel-aging the binder leaves. Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask is centered around a rare Arapiraca leaf from Central Brazil’s Alagoas region. This binder leaf was selected for aging in Rabbit Hole’s Pedro Ximénez Sherry barrels to bring forth subtle notes of honey, vanilla and molasses. When blended with spicy Nicaraguan Habano and crowned with a lustrous Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, this Maduro cigar is a study in contrast, as cigar meets bourbon, salty meets sweet and earth meets spice. Justin Andrews, senior brand manager for Diesel cigars said, “With Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask, we set out to expand the Diesel portfolio by offering cigar and spirits lovers a deeper sensory experience and I believe we have delivered that in spades. This new blend is perfectly suited to pairing with a fine spirit, stands up equally well on its own, and has all the makings of another runaway success for Diesel.” Kaveh Zamanian, founder and whiskey maker of Rabbit Hole said, “For our second collaboration with Diesel, we selected our rich and aromatic Pedro Ximénez sherry casks for AJ to use in the tobacco aging process because we knew they would lend a stunning complexity to the blend. ‘Sherry Cask’ speaks to the power of our partnership with Diesel and our collective focus on combining heritage technique and refined innovation to heighten the experience of fine cigars and spirits.” Diesel Whiskey Row Sherry Cask will be available in three sizes, each presented in 20-count wooden boxes that give a nod to Rabbit Hole’s unique branding.
Robusto (5” x 52); SRP per cigar is $8.49 Toro (6” x 50); SRP per cigar is $8.99 Gigante (6” x 58); SRP per cigar is $9.49
Diesel Whiskey Row debuted in June 2018 and marked the first collaboration between Diesel and Rabbit Hole. It was the first cigar to feature a binder leaf aged in Rabbit Hole’s bourbon barrels and generated a significant following among cigar lovers nationwide. About Diesel Handcrafted by artisans in Esteli, Nicaragua, Diesel cigars are “bold by design.” The brand challenges the current conventions of the handmade cigar category through the bold, unapologetic style of its Cigar Master, AJ Fernandez. Diesel cigars are unified by their deeply complex flavor which is achieved through AJ’s steadfast adherence to time honored cigar making techniques. Whiskey Row is the second brand in the Diesel portfolio, joining Diesel Grind which debuted in 2017. Follow Diesel on Facebook and Instagram @Dieselcigars.
About Rabbit Hole Diversifying the spirits landscape with a modern approach to whiskey is Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole. Established in 2012 by Founder and Whiskey Maker Kaveh Zamanian in the heart of Louisville’s urban Bourbon Trail, Rabbit Hole unifies
heritage techniques with innovative mash bills, creating unique expressions of American whiskey. With four signature bottlings – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in PX Sherry Casks – Fingerprint Edition and London Dry Gin Kentucky Rye Barrel Finish – Fingerprint Edition – Rabbit Hole turns the whiskey world on its tail, inviting imbibers to take a sip and dive down the rabbit hole, where “there’s no going back™.” The brand’s 55,000 square foot, awe-inspiring distillery opened May 2018 and showcases the tradition and legacy of bourbon making in an all-encompassing experience, unlike any other distillery in the country. Having been inducted to full proof membership in February, 2019, Rabbit Hole is the newest member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Follow Rabbit Hole on Instagram @Rabbit Hole and Facebook @ Rabbit Hole Distillery.
April 9, 2019 — Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announcethe upcoming release of S&R: Hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra. S&R will be available at select BLK WKS retailers for a limited time.
“We are very excited for the second release of S&R. This cigar represents the broad spectrum of cigars produced under the Black Works Studio line. It’s medium bodied with tons of complexity and the perfect amount of white pepper spice to let you know this is a BLK WKS cigar. The Nicaragua & Dominican blend is wrapped in a beautiful cafe colored Sumatra wrapper and topped with the S&R’s signature pig tail. This year, playing on the serpent theme we made a very limited number of Lancero Culebras, so keep your eye out for those!” said James Brown, creator of BLK WKS and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.
S&R will be available in limited quantities at select BLK WKS retailers the week of April 15, 2019.
Country of Origin: Nicaragua Wrapper: Sumatra with a pigtail cap Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Lancero – 6.75 x 42 (20 count) MSRP $9.50 Corona Gorda – 5.5 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $9.50 *Culebra – 6.75 x 42 (1 count coffin) MSRP $35.00
Culebras will be available at select retailers listed alphabetically; BNB Cigars – Boling Springs Cigars, Cousin’s Cigar, East End Cigar Co., King’s Leaf Cigar Lounge, Marker Cellars Family Winery, Maxamar Ultimate Cigars, Omerta Cigar Co., Skallywag Cigars, Smoker’s Abbey TX, Underground CigarShop and Willy’s Cigars.
BLK WKS cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique and tobacco behind our boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra.
Alan Rubin Acquires Lars Tetens Brands New partnership between Alan Rubin, Lars Tetens & Alec Bradley Cigar Co. promises to turn the Premium Cigar Industry on its head
Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 9, 2019)
Stunning the cigar industry, Alan Rubin, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. founder, announced today his acquisition of Lars Tetens Brands. The acquisition now creates a partnership between the two cigar makers, Lars Tetens and Alan Rubin; as well as a working partnership between Alan Rubin, Alec Bradley Cigar Co. and Lars Tetens Brands. Lars Tetens Cigars will now solely be distributed by Alec Bradley Cigar Co.
For over thirty years, Lars has focused on manufacturing the world’s most exotic cigars and creating unique experiences of the senses for the premium cigar scene. Lars Tetens is best known for being the authentic and original cigar maker to introduce the world to a unique conditioning process. The creative prodigy is also known for his artistic and musical talents, bespoke leather, clothing and horological lines as well as his aptitude for culinary excellence as both a master chef and creator of spices and other unique food items.
“Lars has always intrigued me,” Alan said. “His guerilla marketing, unique products and creativity inspired me while I was coming up in this business. 15 years ago I searched Lars out, just to meet with him. I couldn’t make this story up if I tried. We scheduled some time to sit down for a cigar at a shop one night- we set the time for 11pm. Waiting, waiting, waiting, finally, at 2am, Lars shows up and tells me to join him, he wanted to make me lobster mac & cheese. Ummmm, ok, sure- this was the greatest lobster mac & cheese I ever had! Anyway, we ate, smoked cigars and talked until about 6am- like we had known each other forever. We became quick friends and stayed in touch since then.”
A couple years ago Alan and Lars met again over dinner, this time to talk about a collaboration. The two had been talking about one day doing something and that day was coming closer.
“I’ve had multiple companies approach me to take my brand on, but I had this connection with Alan,” Lars said. “Out of all of the people that came to me, Alan was the only one that saw my vision and got me. He was the only one that would allow me to be me. I can express myself and my creativity with Alan. With the new partnership, I am a part of the Alec Bradley family and their wide distribution network. I am unbelievably excited to get going! I couldn’t have done this without Alan!”
Alan and Alec Bradley are extraordinarily excited about this opportunity.
Alan continued, “Lars brings tremendous energy and excitement, as well as a product line that Alec Bradley doesn’t have in its portfolio. This partnership allows us the opportunity to bring the Lars name back to prominence where it belongs.”
The terms of the agreement are not being disclosed.
For media inquiries, please contact Alec Bradley Director of Sales & Marketing, Jonathan Lipson: [email protected]
SENCILLOcigars were inspired by the love of simple pleasures. Pronounced “sen-see-yo,” Sencillo is the Spanish word for “simple.” With the Sencillo cigar, Keith K. Park, the same man who created the elegant Prometheus line of cigar accessories and critically acclaimed God of Fire and Angelenos cigars, presents a great everyday smoke. We hope this flavorful new blend will encourage you to light up, slow down, and enjoy the moment more often. The best things in life are simple pleasures. Let’s savor each moment.
Sencillo Platinum is produced in Danli, Honduras, mostly from tobaccos grown nearby. Sencillo Black comes from Esteli, Nicaragua, and is made largely with tobacco from that region. The two towns are only 80 miles apart, yet the tobaccos from the two regions have substantially different flavors. As you move south toward Nicaragua, the soil becomes darker, with more volcanic origin, and you can taste the difference in the tobacco.
Sencillo Black Robusto (50 X 5 1/2 inch, MSRP $8.50) and Gigante (60 X 6 inch, MSRP $9.95). Presented in Box of 25 cigars
Wine connoisseurs know well the character that different growing regions impart to a grape. They call it “terroir.” Like wine grapes, tobacco picks up the character of the place it’s grown. Just as a serious aficionado delights in the differences between the wines of Napa and Sonoma, or Bordeaux and Burgundy, so should the dedicated cigar aficionados explore the varied flavors of different tobacco growing regions: Nicaragua (Sencillo Black), Honduras (Sencillo Platinum) and Dominican Republic (Angelenos). You could call it a tour of taste.
Already a favorite of Inthehumidor.com, as Crowned Heads La Careme ranked in our Top 25 Cigars of 2018. Crowned Heads has produced what hopes to be the best version to date with this Limited Edition!
Under the heading, “back by popular demand,” Crowned Heads has announced the return of the sought-after Le Careme Belicosos Finos in the form of a 2019 Limited Edition.
In February 2018, Le Careme Belicosos Fines LE 2018 was introduced and immediately became a cigar enthusiast favorite. High ratings and industry accolades ensued, culminating in Halfwhee/’s ‘Cigar of the Year 2018’ Runner-up award in January 2019. Unlike the regular production Le Careme brand which is trunk-pressed, the 51/2″ x 52 Belicoso Fino LE 2019 retains the same round format as it’s 2018 predecessor.
“When we released the 2018 LE, we knew we had something special,” commented Crowned Heads co-founder, Jon Huber, “but we really had no idea that the Le Careme Belicoso Fino would go on to do what it did. We actually had made the decision to produce the LE 2019 in September of last year, well before the annual ‘awards season’ came into play. We also made the decision early on to increase the total production for 2019.”
The blend is comprised of an Ecuadorian (Sumatra) binder, Nicaraguan filler tobaccos, and is finished with a Grade A Dark Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. Production is limited to 2,500 (12-count) boxes, i.e., a total production of 30,000 cigars. The suggested retail price for the Le Careme Belicosos Fines LE 2019 remains the same as last year with an MSRP of $10 per cigar, and $120 per box.
Le Careme Belicosos Finos LE 2019 is manufactured at Tabacalera La Alianza, S.A., Santiago, Dominican Republic, under the supervision of premium cigar industry icon, Ernesto Perez Carrillo.
