Crux Cigars hires new Executive VP of Sales, Chip Goldeen

I am very happy to have joined Crux Cigars as Executive Vice President of Sales.

I have 30+ years of senior management and executive experience in the cigar industry. I know most of you from my days as Vice President of Sales at Ashton Distributors, Inc., where I spent 24+ years helping grow the popularity of Ashton, La Aroma de Cuba, San Cristobal cigars and Savoy accessories. The last 4 years I have helped two start up cigar companies develop their cigar and accessory companies.

I am very excited to be back with an established cigar company. Jeff Haugen, the owner of Crux cigars started his cigar company 11 years ago. He also has a very successful and respected cigar retail store, Tobacco Grove, in Minneapolis, MN., for the last 31 years.

Crux has world-class cigars, gorgeous cigar bands and packaging, and great prices. We have solid inventories so you will not run out of cigars in your stores. Our plans are to introduce merchandising and marketing programs that are friendly, and profitable to our retail partners. We are also developing a new in-store Events Program that we will be presenting to you very shortly. We plan to immediately add to our professional sales force, so we can better serve you in your retail stores.

Black Works Studio releases Hawaii Hornet as an R. Field Wine Co. exclusive

Black Works Studio is pleased to announce the release of Hawaii Hornet as an R. Field Wine Co. exclusive; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.

“The Hawaiian Hornet is definitely a favorite of the R.Field Hawaii series. Its big, bold and intense profile represents not only Black Works Studio but the smokers of Hawaii as well. This cigar is spice forward with layers of complexity and a long finish. The profile is what you would expect from our Hawaiian exclusives; rich, dark and earthy with a complex blend of spices on the retrohale," said James Brown, creator of Black Works Studio and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Hawaii Hornet will be available at R. Field Wine Co. Honolulu, HI.

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro, Candela and Connecticut

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Robusto– 5 x 50 (10 count) MSRP $11.50

THE SMOKING FRENCHIES OPEN NEW HEADQUARTERS AND PRIVATE LOUNGE IN SWEETWATER, FL.

The Smoking Frenchies, LLC has officially relocated to a new headquarters featuring a refined private lounge integrated within its daily operational space.

The domestic and international distributor, known as the exclusive distributor of Fuente The OpusX Society cigars and accessories, has unveiled its new 2,480 square foot office and private lounge located at 2129 NW 135th Avenue in Sweetwater, Florida. The new space serves as the company’s central hub for daily operations while offering a curated environment designed for connection, creativity, and industry collaboration.

Founded in 2023, The Smoking Frenchies focuses on the distribution of Fuente The OpusX Society cigars and accessories, along with proprietary product merchandising. Recent milestones include the launch of the Fuente The OpusX Society Edición de la Sociedad three cigar pack in November 2025, presented in a yellow and blue wooden box. The company is also preparing for the Spring 2026 release of Gold and Bullet, a line extension to the Fuente The OpusX Society portfolio that was publicly unveiled at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show.

Both the office and lounge coexist within the same footprint. This marks the first professional interior design project by Manny Iriarte, Executive Creative Officer of The Smoking Frenchies. Iriarte led the creative direction, including specialty finishes, furniture selection, humidor design, and overall interior execution.

“This space embodies contemporary Miami chic, drawing inspiration from the Design District’s forward thinking lounges,” said Iriarte.

The private lounge is not open to the public and is intended exclusively for family, friends, brand partners, retailers, and industry colleagues.

All construction was completed courtesy of Cisca Construction and Champ Plumbing. The companies are led by Frank Balleste of Cisca Construction and Julio Rodriguez of Champ Plumbing, both co-owners of Smoke and Barrel, a South Miami cigar lounge located across from Dadeland Mall. Both are authorized Fuente The OpusX Society cigar and accessories retailers, reinforcing the project’s strong industry ties

Looking ahead, the opening of the new headquarters coincides with an upcoming milestone. In 2027, Manny Iriarte will celebrate twenty years of Iriarte Photography and Design, marking two decades since the launch of his creative career on March 3, 2007.

THE WORLD’S MOST COVETED FIRECRACKER, BANDOLERO 2026

The 2026 return of the Bandolero Firecracker is here, the limited-edition cigar that has become a benchmark in the Firecracker series and a symbol of celebration. First introduced in 2006, the Firecracker line redefined premium cigars with its signature fuse-shaped head, and the 2026 Bandolero Firecracker continues this legacy with this highly anticipated release.

Created in partnership with Selected Tobacco, the Bandolero Firecracker 2026 is built on a rich, multi-origin blend featuring Dominican, Nicaraguan and Peruvian fillers, secured with an Ecuadorian binder and enveloped in a dark, 5th Priming, Ecuadorian Habano Maduro wrapper historically reserved for the Bandolero Aventureros line. Measuring 3 ½ x 50, this edition preserves the iconic Firecracker shape while offering an experience of depth, and intensity.

“United Firecrackers are about our nation’s tradition reimagined in tobacco,” said Oliver Nivaud, Director of Operations for United Cigars. “The Bandolero Firecracker 2026 is the culmination of two years of patient post- roll aging, and it delivers everything you could expect from a legend like Nelson Alfonso.”

The Bandolero Firecracker 2026 will be available in cedar aging boxes of 20, with a suggested retail of $9 per cigar. This year’s release will reach United Firecracker Retailers nationwide in late summer, following the completion of the required two-year post-roll aging period, in multi-cedar lined rooms.

Every element of this release, from the hand-selected tobaccos to the aging box design, is intended to celebrate the Bandolero name and the prestige of the Firecracker series. This is a cigar destined to be sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike, a true hallmark of excellence in limited-edition releases.

Trinidad x Tommy Bahama Island Collection Breeze (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

At Tampa Cigar Bash 2025, Altadis U.S.A.’s debuted its new collaboration with Tommy Bahama.

Blend-wise, the new Trinidad x Tommy Bahama Island Collection is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco and is made by AJ Fernandez.

It is offered in three regular production vitolas:

Trinidad x Tommy Bahama Island Collection Harbor (5 x 52) — $16.50 (Box of 20, $330)

Trinidad x Tommy Bahama Island Collection Breeze (6 x 54) — $17.50 (Box of 20, $350) REVIEWED TODAY

Trinidad x Tommy Bahama Island Collection Marlin (6 x 60) — $18.50 (Box of 20, $370)

“Trinidad has always stood for heritage, craftsmanship, and depth of character,” said Oliver Hyams, vp of Marketing at Altadis U.S.A, in a press release when the cigar was announced in July. “This collaboration with Tommy Bahama allows us to translate that tradition into an experience that’s equally about lifestyle—elegant, relaxed, and inspired. The Island Collection is a tribute to shared values and an invitation to enjoy the premium cigar lifestyle in a luxurious new way.”

Hyams said that there are accompanying cigar accessories that will ship either in late 2025 or early 2026. Those accessories are made in partnership with Island Lifestyle Importers, a separate company that has had a licensing agreement with Tommy Bahama for cigar accessories. While Island Lifestyle released a variety of Tommy Bahama-branded accessories over the years, it had not released Tommy Bahama cigars.

The cigar is nicely made and has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. I had a little problem with the cap after the cutting. Part of the wrapper broke off but the other samples I had did not have this problem. It may be this particular cigar. The initial flavors at light up were lemon, some citrus peel, brown sugar, earthiness, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (26 minutes) the lemon is coming out nicely and it's quite sweet with the brown sugar. There's still some earthiness and leather and now there's some black coffee at the base. The cigar is medium bodied and may move up. The finish is leather with minor hints of lemon and very good lingering black pepper. The sweet lemon reminds me of a lemon drop candy. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) there was a lot of earthiness. I still had the sweet lemon notes but they were challenged by the massive earthiness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is sweet lemon with leather and very good lingering black pepper. There is a lot of lingering black pepper. The cigar got a little too earthy. I rated the second third 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. The cigar bounced back. The sweet lemon was again prominent and the earthiness decreased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged and the lingering black pepper is still very good and intense. I rated the final third 93. This is not a bad cigar but a little pricey. The earthiness in the middle section hurt the cigar.

Overall Score: 92.33

Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Toro (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Altadis U.S.A. has released the Tabacales, a new Saint Luis Rey line that is made in the Dominican Republic.

The cigars reportedly use a Nicaraguan wrapper, Cameroon binder, and a filler that uses tobacco from the Navarette region of the Dominican Republic, along with Nicaraguan tobacco. They are produced at Tabacalera de García, the company’s factory in La Romana, Dominican Republic, a departure from the tradition of producing the line in Honduras.

The Saint Luis Rey Tabacales are being offered in three sizes:

Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Rothchilde (5 x 54) — $7.70 (Box of 25, $192.50; Box of 50, $385)

Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Toro (6 x 54) — $8.25 (Box of 25, $206.25; Box of 50, $412.50) REVIEWED TODAY

Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Titan (6 x 60) — $8.95 (Box of 25, $223.75; Box of 50, $447.50)

The cigar is a light brown 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 somewhat of a peach, a decent amount of brown sugar, earthiness, and light leather. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (20 minutes) the ash was still intact and the burn was a hair off. The notes were about the same but the earthiness is moving up. There also seems to be a little black coffee creeping in. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with hints of peach and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (41 minutes) the cigar was changing but not for the better. The peach notes are getting faint and there is more of a citrus peel flavor with some bitterness. There is a lot of earthiness, light leather and black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward to medium to full. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 10 minutes. Now there is a lot of earthiness and little sweetness. It seems to be a peach note with some brown sugar but not a lot. There is still some bitterness from citrus peel. There is also leather and black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 85. 

Overall Score: 87.67

Introducing Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo

Altadis U.S.A. is proud to unveil the next evolution of one of its most iconic and best-selling cigar lines — Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo. Crafted in collaboration with master blenders A.J. Fernandez and Rafael Nodal, this latest addition to the acclaimed Reserva Real collection offers aficionados a bolder, more flavorful interpretation of the line. 

A 100% Nicaraguan puro, the Profundo features an extra-fermented Oscuro wrapper selected for its ability to enhance flavor while maintaining the smooth, creamy character that defines the Reserva Real family. Through A.J. Fernandez’s meticulous fermentation process, the tobaccos develop remarkable depth — yielding a cigar that is medium to full in body, yet perfectly balanced and refined. 

“Continuing to build on the success of the Reserva Real family, the Profundo was developed to offer aficionados a new expression that reflects their evolving taste and growing appreciation for Nicaraguan tobaccos, while preserving the signature smoothness that defines the brand,” said Mariana Hinestrosa, Senior Brand Manager for Romeo y Julieta. 

The flavor profile reveals notes of dark chocolate, espresso, hints of earth, pepper, dried fruit, nuts, finishing with a creamy touch of molasses. This sophisticated progression delivers richness without overpowering strength, appealing to aficionados who seek complexity and nuance in every draw. 

The Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo will be available in four classic sizes—Robusto (50 x 5), Toro (54 x 6), Magnum (60 x 6), and Churchill (50 x 7). The Robusto, Toro and Churchill sizes are presented in elegant 25-count boxes, while the Magnum size is offered in a 20-count box of the same design, all adorned in Profundo Purple with subtle gold detailing. The design merges the look of the Reserva Real Red and the Reserva Real Nicaragua Blue, symbolizing the union of passion and depth that defines this new chapter in the Reserva Real story. 

Preorders will begin in February, with the product scheduled to ship nationally in mid-March.  

With its darker aesthetic, refined composition, and smooth balance, Profundo stands as the most expressive chapter to date in the Reserva Real legacy — inviting smokers to go beyond the familiar and experience a new dimension of flavor and sophistication. 

Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo Sizes and Pricing: 

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Oscuro 

Binder:         Nicaraguan 

Filler:         Nicaraguan 

Strength: Medium-to-full; full flavor 

Origin:         Nicaragua (A.J. Fernandez) 

Sizes:  

Robusto 50 x 5 $11.25 MSRP 

Toro 54 x 6 $11.90 MSRP 

Magnum 60 x 6 $12.95 MSRP 

Churchill 50 x 7         $12.75 MSRP

Cigars International Keeps the Celebration Rolling with Major League Fishing

Cigars International is proud to continue its partnership with Major League Fishing as an Official Sponsor for the 2026 season, extending a relationship built on craftsmanship, competition, and celebrating hard-earned victories. 

As part of the renewed agreement, Cigars International will once again serve as an Official Sponsor across Major League Fishing’s premier tournament platforms, including the Bass Pro Tour, MLF Team Series, Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit, Toyota Series, and Phoenix Bass Fishing League. 

Building on a successful 2025 season, the 2026 partnership places an increased focus on celebrating tournament champions throughout the year. In addition to championship trophies and prize payouts, Cigars International will enhance the winner’s experience by presenting Bass Pro Tour and Team Series champions with custom humidors filled with a curated selection of celebratory cigars crafted specifically to mark each victory. Meanwhile, premium brands like Cohiba and Man O’ War are prominently featured in the commercial produced for this partnership, underscoring the prestige and passion behind the experience. Together, these elements offer champions a meaningful way to commemorate their accomplishments and share the moment with family, friends, and fellow competitors. 

“Winning on the water is the result of countless hours of preparation, sacrifice, and focus,” said Kim Shay, Marketing Director, North America at Cigars International. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Major League Fishing and to give champions something special that allows them to savor these moments long after the final cast.” 

The partnership also includes year-round brand integration across Major League Fishing’s media ecosystem, including livestream broadcasts, digital coverage, email communications, and social platforms — creating authentic touchpoints with anglers and fans across the sport. 

“Cigars International understands what it means to celebrate achievement,” said Chris Bork, Vice President of Sponsorship & Sales Development at Major League Fishing. “Their presence adds an authentic and memorable element to those moments when anglers can finally exhale and enjoy what they’ve accomplished.” 

This renewed partnership reflects Cigars International’s continued commitment to outdoor sports communities and shared traditions, while reinforcing Major League Fishing’s ability to deliver meaningful, season-long brand integration at the highest levels of professional bass fishing. 

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Releases 2026 José Gaspar Cigars

Tampa has two-century-old traditions: Since 1885, Tampa has been known as “Cigar City.” Since 1904, pirates have been invading Tampa and throwing a large festival called Gasparilla. Each year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. brings both traditions together by releasing a limited edition José Gaspar cigar.  Handcrafted by J.C. Newman, a 130-year-old, four-generation family business, José Gaspar cigars pack a punch perfect for any pirate.

“José Gaspar was one of most feared pirates in the Americas,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner. “Sailing from his base near Tampa Bay in the late 1700s, he terrorized the Gulf of Mexico and amassed a great fortune.  Gaspar celebrated victories with a bold and flavorful cigar.  This cigar honors his legacy and the tradition of Gasparilla.”

This year, J.C. Newman is releasing 10,000 José Gaspar cigars.  The 2026 release of José Gaspar is a 6’ x 54 cigar wrapped with a Ecuador Havana wrapper. The 2026 José Gaspar cigars are sold in packs of 5 cigars with an MSRP of $40. José Gaspar cigars are only available at the following locations in the Cigar City of Tampa, Florida:

Cigar City Brewery Co.

Corona Cigar Company-Tampa

Edwards Pipe and Tobacco

Grand Cathedral Cigars

Hotel Haya

Central Cigars

J.C. Newman Cigar Museum and Factory Store

King Corona Cigar Bar & Cafe - Ybor

Tobacco Depot- Carrollwood

Sterling Cigar Lounge & Bar

Visit Tampa Bay Visitor Center

Tampero Cigars Ybor City

Cigar Castle 

Bruton's Cigar Shop

Casa de Montecristo Cigar Lounge & Bar - South Tampa

Cigars International Superstore - Brandon

The Columbia Restaurant- Ybor

J.R. Cigars Outlet-Tampa

“When pirates invade Tampa and parade down Bayshore Boulevard on January 31st, they will be enjoying José Gaspar cigars,” said Newman.  “Just like the pirates of Gasparilla, however, José Gaspar cigars will sail out of Tampa Bay at the end of Gasparilla season and will not be available again until next year.”

 Shortly after J.C. Newman Cigar Co. relocated to Tampa in 1954, leading cigar makers invited the late Stanford J. Newman to become a pirate and join the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla, the organization that hosts the annual Gasparilla celebration.  This invitation was a symbol that J.C. Newman had been welcomed and accepted into the cigar community in Tampa, which was then widely recognized as the fine cigar capital of the world. 

 

Trinidad Espiritu Miami Edition (6 1/8 x 52 Belicoso)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

First, there was the Trinidad Espiritu Series No. 1. Then there was an Espiritu No. 2 and No. 3. Next up is not the Espiritu No. 4. Instead, it will be the Espiritu Miami Edition.

It’s offered in one vitola: a 6 1/8 x 52 belicoso. Blend-wise, it is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco.

Despite having Miami in its name, the cigar is made in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez. Altadis U.S.A.—which sells the non-Cuban Trinidad cigars in the U.S.—says that each Espiritu release has been inspired by a place: No. 1 (Cuba), No. 2 (Brazil) and No. 3 (Mexico).

The MSRP is set at $15 and production is limited to 4,000 boxes of 20 cigars.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was a bit firm but I gave it a try. After lighting the cigar I used the PerfecDraw to open the draw. The initial flavors at light up were a citrus/peach, brown sugar, earthiness, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. 

At the first third (21 minutes) the notes were more of a citrus peel/peach. The peach was a little light and the sweet notes are not popping. There was some brown sugar, earthiness, a tough of caramel, and black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is quite a bit of black coffee with minor hints of peach and very good lingering black pepper. There could be more sweet notes but as it is the cigar is not bad. I rated the first third 92.

As I moved through the second third (42 minutes) the lead flavor is more of a citrus peel with some brown sugar. The black coffee is very elevated. There's a little bitterness due to the elevated citrus peel. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar took a turn to the dark, bitter side. But the brown sugar is trying to keep the bitterness down. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 4 minutes. The black coffee is still quite elevated and may have increased. The citrus peel with it's bitterness is somewhat elevated. The brown sugar is still there but it's not enough to overtake the bitterness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. For me, the cigar moved a little further away from the second third. I rated the final third 88. This is not a bad cigar but the sweet notes don't pop.

Overall Score: 90

Sans Pareil Appoints Vice President of National Sales

Sans Pareil Cigars, the epitome of luxury and artisanal craftsmanship in the premium cigar world, proudly announces the appointment of Joseph Perkins as Vice President of National Sales.

Perkins joins Sans Pareil during a pivotal chapter in the brand’s expansion across the United States — a moment defined by precision, purpose, and the pursuit of aligning the brand with the nation’s most discerning appointed retailers and private lounges. With a proven track record in elevating luxury material products and fostering authentic relationships, Perkins brings both experience and strategy to Sans Pareil’s leadership team.

His role will focus on cultivating long-term partnerships with select U.S. tobacconists and partners, ensuring Sans Pareil’s rare, meticulously handcrafted cigars are presented in environments that reflect the brand’s enduring values of exclusivity, integrity, and craftsmanship.

“Joseph’s appointment marks a defining moment in our strategic growth,” said David Swinburne, President and CEO of Sans Pareil Cigars. “His deep understanding of the luxury commodity markets and his dedication to relationship-driven sales align perfectly with our vision of placing Sans Pareil only where it truly belongs — among the world’s finest and most respected retailers. As we continue expanding our U.S. presence, Joseph will play a vital role in preserving the exclusivity and prestige that define Sans Pareil.”

Perkins’ leadership will reinforce Sans Pareil’s commitment to quality and consistency — from its Dominican-crafted cigars to its selective retail partnerships. His appointment signifies not just growth, but refinement — ensuring every new placement embodies the same sophistication that Sans Pareil represents globally.

This strategic addition underscores the company’s continued dedication to curating the Sans Pareil experience for the clientele who understand that perfection is not an option; it’s a responsibility.

Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust releases 2026 Year of the Pausers, "Friends to Many"

This year it is a great privilege to honor Michelle Pauser and Tom Pauser aka The Alaskans, but I decided it wasn't as important where they are from, but who they are as people hence the moniker I chose was "Friends to Many".

Michele and Tom are a spectacular couple who are very active online, in particular the SI Social Group, and travel to Lower 48 to attend multiple cigar events each year. They are two of the nicest people in the world, always positive and not only are big supporters of DTT, but many other brands. From hosting cigar dinners in the tundra to sponsoring multiple charities through their passion for cigars, they are truly an inspiration to all and are beloved by all who know them!

Michele is as serious a cigar smoker as Tom, maybe even more crazy, so doing one special liga for them was not going to cut it. Therefore I created 2 totally different blends, one for him, the other for her. 

For those of you not familiar with the process, these are -not- blends they have any involvement in creating. They will actually smoke them just before we ship to all of our Purveyors, so they may not even like them.

What I do is ask the Year of Honoree, what are some of their favorite DTT cigars and what are their favorite vitola sizes to smoke and from that I create an all-new liga based on this info.

This year they both asked for the classic Saka format, our 6x48 parejo, but blend wise they had different asks. Both smoke many of our cigars, but I needed them to provide me some guidance. Michele told me she really loves our Sin Compromiso, whereas Tom said some of his favorite DTT cigars are our heavier, bolder blends like our MQ Black and Triqui Traca.

And with these "marching orders", I got to work.

For the liga honoring Michele, it is a variation of my beloved Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka, but now in a smaller format and with modified filler blend that maintains the higher octane of the PDS, but adds a beautiful sweet, creamier note to its combination of cocoa and coffee notes. Overall, medium plus - this is sublime cigar, many folks are going to love this one.

For the liga honoring Tom, I went into uncharted territory. It is the very first ever cigar blend featuring a totally NEW wrapper variety I dubbed "Capa Camaleón". Grown in Esteli, it is a first generation hybridized seed that crosses the classic H2000 Sungrown Cuban Seed with US Connecticut Broadleaf. Why "chameleon"? Because when the farmer initially showed it to me, at first blush looking at the leaf structure I thought it was Habana seed, but then I noticed some distinct markers in the vein and leaf shape structure that made me think it was some sort of Broadleaf. And then I smoked some samples and I was blown away - it truly tastes different than anything I have ever had before. Almost a burnt caramel and saltiness to it that has a distinct twang on the palate. Now I will admit this liga is a bit of a risk given its unique properties. But torpedos be damned, I just went for it. And while this is a fuller bodied liga, that cross of the broadleaf tempers the bite I would normally expect from an Esteli sungrown Cuban seed capa. I think this liga is going to age out beautifully over time.

So folks, you are getting two great blends in a single box. Kinda' like the Pausers themselves, both great people, but an even better couple!

Each of the rings is marked uniquely, so you can tell which liga is which. Originally I was positioning Michele's cigars on the left side of the box, as in "ladies first", but David Lafferty told me I had to put Michele's cigar on the right.

Why? In his words: "Any happy couple knows that the wife is Always Right!"   

Cigar info:

6 x 48 Parejo w/ Finished Moña DTT Style Pig Tail 

14ct Box - 2 Different Ligas - 7 of Each

MSRP: $276.50 Cabinet / $19.75 Single

Handcrafted at JDN & NACSA - Esteli, Nicaragua

Limited Production - ~2,700 Boxes

Available Late March 2026

Basic Liga Info:

"Michele"

Handcrafted at JDN - Esteli, Nicaragua

Wrapper: Mexicano Cultivo Tonto SAN – Grade 1

Binder:    Ecuador Habano Viso Rosado

Tripa:       Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Seedleaf     

Forteleza -  Medium Plus

Notes       -  Cocoa, espresso, loam, sweet – very creamy

Inspiration Liga was our Sin Compromiso “Paladin de Saka”    

"Tom"

Wrapper: Nicaraguan Capa Camaleón

Binder:    Mexicano San Andres Negro

Tripa:       Nicaraguan, Dominican

Forteleza -  Full

Notes       - Burnt Caramel, salty, dark chocolate, tangy – will age out beautifully.

Inspiration Ligas was our heavier bodied blends like Triqui Traca and MQ Black

J.C. Newman Celebrates Tampa Bay Lightning’s Jon Cooper

Last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrated Jon Cooper’s 1,000th game as the team’s head coach.  At the request of his assistant coaches, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. rolled 1,000 special cigars to commemorate the milestone.  After the Lightning’s 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, the team presented the cigars and a custom cigar humidor to Cooper.

“We are very proud to be a partner and exclusive cigar maker of the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman.  “As Tampa is ‘Cigar City,’ it is only fitting the coaches decided to celebrate Coop’s 1,000th game by lighting special Tampa Bay Lightning cigars.” 

Cooper is the fifth coach in NHL history to coach the same team for 1,000 games and is the longest tenured head coach in the NHL.  An avid cigar enthusiast, Cooper told Cigar Aficionado that he began enjoying cigars when the team started winning championships.  “I equated cigars to winning and I haven’t stopped,” he said. 

Hockey fans can light a cigar at J.C. Newman’s Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge inside the Lightning’s Benchmark Arena.  A review by Cigar Aficionado noted that  “the lounge is unique because it’s the only space in an NHL arena where you can smoke a cigar and watch all the hockey action at the same time.”

J.C. Newman delivered all 1,000 cigars to the Lightning.  They are not commercially available. 

ALEC BRADLEY BRINGS BACK FILTHY HOOLIGAN & SHAMROCK FOR 2026 RELEASE

Alec Bradley is kicking off the season with the return of its limited-edition Filthy Hooligan and Filthy Hooligan Shamrock, two fan-favorite barber poles that have become an annual tradition leading into St. Patrick’s Day.

Handcrafted in Honduras, both cigars share the same core blend found in the award-winning Alec Bradley Black Market line: a hearty Sumatra binder layered over a distinctive filler blend of Honduran and Panamanian tobaccos. What sets the duo apart is their wrapper configuration. Filthy Hooligan features its signature dual-wrapper barber pole of vibrant Honduran Candela and rich Nicaraguan Oscuro leaves. Shamrock takes the barber pole concept a step further with a triple-wrapper construction made up of Honduran Candela, Nicaraguan Oscuro and Nicaraguan Habano. The eye-catching bright green barber pole designs and band make these cigars a favorite for St. Patty’s celebrations.

“We look forward to Filthy Hooligan and Filthy Hooligan Shamrock just as much as our fans do,” said Bradley Rubin, Brand Ambassador for Alec Bradley. “The Candela barber pole has become a spring tradition for us, and we’re excited to share them again in 2026.”

Both cigars are offered exclusively in a 6 x 50 Toro format. Filthy Hooligan is presented in 24-count boxes with a suggested retail price of $12.69 per cigar, while Shamrock comes in 10-count boxes with a suggested retail price of $15.09 per cigar.


Shipments begin in January, and the limited quantities historically sell through quickly ahead of St. Patrick’s Day.