JC Newman

March 16, 2024

Julius Caeser Toro by JC Newman (6 x 52)





Video review HERE.


(Description taken from JC Newman website)

Born in 1875 in a small Hungarian village, Julius Newman and his family sailed across the Atlantic in 1888 in search of the American Dream. With no middle name, Julius was required to choose one before workers could complete his entry paperwork. Stumped, he solicited help from the immigration officer who suggested Caesar, after the great Roman. Julius relished in the thought of being named after a historic leader and conqueror but due to a typo by the attendant – Caeser was spelled with an “e”. Thus Julius Caeser (J.C.) Newman, American citizen, was born.

Unlike his brothers who became tailors, J.C. had a yearning to make cigars. So, his mother paid an experienced cigar maker $3.00 a month to teach her young son the art of hand cigar rolling. Little did J.C. know that day in May 1895, when he started his company and hand-rolled his first 500 cigars for the family grocer, that he was establishing a family legacy that would be flourishing four generations later. In fact, of the 42,000 cigar manufacturers licensed in 1895, J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the only premium cigar maker that is still owned and operated by the founding family.

In 2010, to celebrate J.C.’s 135th birthday and our company’s 115th anniversary, Diamond Crown Julius Caeser was released. Diamond Crown Julius Caeser cigars are meticulously rolled by hand in small batches by Tabacalera A. Fuente in the Dominican Republic. As with all Diamond Crown cigars, Julius Caeser is held to the highest standard of quality control.


(Blend and Origin)

WRAPPER: Ecuadorian Havana

BINDER: Dominican

FILLER: Caribbean and Central America

FACTORY: Tabacalera A. Fuente

AGE: 5 years


Available vitolas:

Churchill; 7 1/4″ x 52

Pyramid; 6 1/2″ x 52

Hail Caeser; 6″ x 60

Toro; 6″ x 52 REVIEWED TODAY

Corona; 5 1/2″ x 43

Robusto; 4 7/10″ x 52

1895; 5″ x 52*

*Only Available at Diamond Crown Lounges*


The cigar is well made 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 sweet, tangy citrus and peach, brown sugar, cinnamon, and light leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Very nice, sweet start.



At the first third (36 minutes there were the same notes but now there is more peach than citrus. The leather is a little more elevated bringing the cigar in balance. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is peach, leather, and good lingering black pepper. The cigar is very good at this point. The notes are nice and work well together. I rated the first third 94.




As I moved through the second third (1 hour 14 minutes) there was a little wrapper issue but it's where the band was removed so I'm not too concerned. The notes are the same but the sweetness is not quite as intense. The leather is a little more prominent and there is now some black coffee in the mix. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is hints of peach and leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar continues to be good but the dip in sweetness caused me to rate the second third 93.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 43 minutes. A very good burn time. I touched up the area where the wrapper came apart but again, that's probably due to removing the band. The sweet notes came back. The leather and black coffee make a nice base. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The peach is very sweet and there is a lot of brown sugar. The cigar is back in balance again. The finish is primarily peach with light leather and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 94. This is a very good cigar and one you should put on your radar.




Overall Score: 93.67

March 15, 2024

Don Doroteo Salt of the Earth Piedra Viva (5 3/4 x 54)





Video review HERE.


(Description provided by Don Doroteo Cigars)

Don Doroteo Cigars announces that the “Salt of the Earth” line of cigars is now shipping to retailers across the United States. The Salt of the Earth line boasts two blends, the Piedra Viva and the Piedra Angular. The Salt of the Earth blends proudly represent Dominican tobacco culture via the use of andullo. Both blends were showcased at the 2023 PCA in Last Vegas this past July.

Juan Lugo, co-founder of Don Doroteo Cigars comes from a four-generation tobacco growing family. His mentor, his grandfather, Doroteo Fermin Delgado farmed tobacco in the D.R. His grandfather is described by Lugo as the very definition of a salt of the earth person. A hardworking and honest family man who dedi cated his life to tobacco.

Juan Lugo said: “My grandfather and my Dominican roots are the inspiration for the Salt of the Earth line, which is why we used andullo in both blends. Andullo is distinctly Dominican and has been smoked as pipe tobacco by the Taino Indians on the island 500 years ago.”

The Salt of the Earth Piedra Viva is a very complex blend which features an Ecuadorian Cameroon wrapper, which houses Nicaraguan binder and a mix of Dominican andullo, corojo, criollo ’98 and Nicaraguan condega ligero and viso condego. This complex blend offers up rich notes of cedar, caramel, and mild salt. The andullo adds strength and earthy sweetness.

Toro (5 3/4 x 54) — $16.75 (Box of 10, $167.50) available in boxes of 10.


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




The test draw after cutting the cap was a little firm but workable. The initial flavors at light up were a candy-like orange citrus similar to a Pez candy, brown sugar, quite a bit of earthiness, and leather. There is a substantial amount of earthiness. The leather is rather light. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start but I'm concerned about the earthiness.



At the first third (31 minutes) the orange citrus is on the lighter side and there seems to be the lightest note of strawberry with it. There was light brown sugar, heavy earthiness, and leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is earthy leather with good lingering black pepper. The earthiness is hold the cigar back. I rated the first third 92.




As I moved through the second third (1 hour 4 minutes) the earthiness has reached another level. It's greatly increased. There are only hints of citrus and brown sugar. There is some black coffee combining with the earthiness and light leather. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The earthiness is hurting the cigar quite a bit. I rated the second third 88.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 27 minutes. The earthiness kept it's heavy roll. There are only light notes of citrus and brown sugar. There are still light leather and black coffee notes at the base. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. For me the Angular was a much better cigar. I rated the final third 86.




Overall Score: 88.67

March 14, 2024

A TOAST TO OPULENCE: LA GIANNA HAVANA 30TH ANNIVERSARY


La Gianna Havana celebrates thirty years of elegance with the La Gianna Havana 30th Anniversary. Prepare your palates and dust off your finest smoking jackets; the La Gianna Havana cigar line is rolling out the red carpet for its extravagant 30th-anniversary celebration! The story began in 1994 when La Gianna Havana first released to celebrate the birth of beloved retailer David Garofalo’s daughter. Thirty years later, from heart of Honduras at the Agroindustria Diadema Factory, this limited-edition milestone is released as a testament to three decades of sophistication and class.

King Midas would have craved this gleaming, golden box of 20 cigars, each one a symphony of flavor and refinement. This limited-edition collection is offered in one vitola, measuring 6” x 54, draped in aged tobaccos to symbolize a dance between the La Gianna Natural and Maduro lines.

What sets the La Gianna Havana 30th Anniversary Edition apart? It's not just the shimmering Hollywood gold or the celebratory aura that surrounds it; it's the special selection of the finest tobaccos from across the Caribbean. With a barber pole design, intertwining Ecuador Connecticut and Mexican San Andres wrappers, the La Gianna 30th Anniversary features a Honduras Habano Criollo binder, and fillers sourced from the finest tobacco regions of Honduras, the Dominican Republic, and USA.

"Thirty years of excellence, thirty years of passion, and thirty years of indulgence. That's what the La Gianna Havana line represents," says Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars. "With each puff, you'll embark on a journey, experiencing the palette of our dedication, passion and time."

The La Gianna Havana 30th Anniversary will make its debut at the 2024 PCA Show in Las Vegas, NV this month. The golden boxes will begin shipping to retailers during the PCA Show with an MSRP of $12.



Drew Estate Expands Exclusive Liga Privada Expression to International Markets


Joining the original Toro (6 x52) size, are the Robusto (5 x 54) and Corona Doble (7 x 54), set to launch at the end of March 2024. While the new Selección de Mercado Robusto and Corona Doble are crafted with the same meticulously selected blend, both new sizes standout with distinct, defined smoking experiences that broaden the taste profile of the line. ​

​​Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate, remarks from Wynwood Miami, “It’s a ton of fun to focus on the international cigar culture as we continue to build our master-brand, Drew Estate, with a global vision. Look, we’ve driven the brand from local-schmocal Brooklyn to a domestic heavyweight, and now we goin’ worldwide live - and every step of the way, never loosing Drew’s noble purpose, the Rebirth of Cigars.”

​​​The Liga Privada Selección de Mercado was initially introduced at the 2023 Intertabac Show in Dortmund, Germany, and captivated the international market with its exceptional Connecticut Criollo capa leaf, grown exclusively for Drew Estate in the Connecticut River Valley. “Mercado,” as we call it, showcases a medium-bodied profile that is both bold and sophisticated, featuring luxurious espresso notes alongside the earthy robustness of the Connecticut Criollo.

​​Consistent with the original release, these new sizes will be available in 10-count boxes, designed to cater to international markets.

​​The Liga Privada Selección de Mercado is handcrafted by the same skilled buncheros and rolleras responsible for the Liga Privada 10 Aniversario, guaranteeing impeccable construction. ​


DISSIDENT ANNOUNCES PCA RELEASE OF LIMITED EDITION PLASMATIC



DISSIDENT Cigars pays tribute to a true punk rock Dissident with the release of the Limited Edition PLASMATIC! “Wendy O. Williams is an icon of punk rock decadence & attitude who is known for going against social norms, her over-the-top on stage antics, and for questioning authority! If that’s not living the life of a Dissident, we don’t know what is!” says owner/blender Cynn Coburn “The PLASMATIC is a tribute to her rebellious lifestyle and legacy!” 

PLASMATIC

Country of Origin: Esteli, Nicaragua

Wrapper(s): Sumatra, Connecticut

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Nicaraguan, Dominican

MSRP: $12.50

The 5.5x52 PLASMATIC is a smooth, creamy habano with notes of floral, earth, spice, and nuts. The PLASMATIC arrives in a 20 count box with striking artwork of owner/blender Cynn Coburn and containing a Wendy O. Williams lyric that reminds us that we are responsible for the lives we choose to live! The PLASMATIC will first be available to attendees of the 2024 Premium Cigar Association trade show March 22nd - March 25th in Las Vegas, Nevada. Remaining boxes will be available to stocking Dissident lounges nationwide after the close of the show. 



DON DOROTEO CIGARS TO UNVEIL THE LIMITED EDITION “El ALCALDE” AT THE 2024 PCA IN LAS VEGAS


Don Doroteo Cigars announces the'' El Alcalde” cigar brand to make its debut at the PCA Convention & International Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada later this month. Don Doroteo closed out 2023 by earning the No. 1 Boutique Cigar by Enthusiast Report for the Don Doroteo “El Legado'' and a top twenty-five ranking by Cigar & Spirits Magazine for the “Salt of the Earth Piedra Angular”. Don Doroteo now presents El Alcalde which continues the company’s mission to honor the family Patriarch Doroteo Fermin Delgado. 

El Alcalde translates to “The Mayor” and pays homage to Doroteo’s trajectory, which saw him come from humble beginnings as a young tobacco farmer, to the mayor of his city. Doroteo Fermin Delgado grew up on a farm learning the ways of the tobacco leaf from his father Marcos Delgado. Sadly, Macros passed away when Doroteo was 16 years of age. Through sheer grit Doroteo over the years saved enough money to purchase plots of land, which totaled eighty-four acres. La Aurora took notice of his tobacco and quickly became his exclusive buyer. Doroteo became a leader of his community, and his popularity led him to become the mayor of his small town in 1969.


Juan Lugo, founder of Don Doroteo Cigars stated: “My grandfather and his example will always be a guiding light for me. Coming from poverty and with little education, he was able to become a respected tobacco grower, and a leader within his community. This cigar is in honor of his accomplishments. El Alcalde is a blend that has gone through extensive aging (15 years), and we are confident that it will be well received.”

El Alcalde has been extensively aged – as the cigars were rolled in 2008 and have been stored at the La Aurora factory, in Santiago, Dominican Republic. The blend is full-flavored – medium to full in strength. The blend offers the smoker an overly complex smoking experience. Nutty flavors, sweet berries, floral tones, hints of coffee beans and spice best describe the smoking experience. 

El Alcalde comes in a Belicoso 6 1/4 x 52 and are housed in boxes of 5.

Country: Dominican Republic

Wrapper: Sumatra seed grown in Ecuador

Binder: Sumatra grown in Ecuador

Filler: Brazil, Dominican Republic (Cibao Region)

MSRP” $29.75 per cigar. $148.75 per box of 5.

March 13, 2024

Luciano Cigars Unveils Fiat Lux Limited Edition 'Tenebrus' and Announces Manufacturing Collaboration with Plasencia’s Tabacos de Oriente in Honduras


Luciano Cigars is thrilled to announce the launch of the Fiat Lux Limited Edition 'Tenebrus,' a testament to our new strategic manufacturing partnership with Plasencia’s factory-Tabacos de Oriente, where the celebrated Fiat Lux line is now being crafted. 

The introduction of TENEBRUS marks a pivotal moment celebrating a shared commitment to excellence in cigar manufacturing. This collaboration allows Luciano Cigars to enhance its production capabilities, further enriching its portfolio of 20 Luciano brands and 4 regular private labels from its factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

“We are very pleased to welcome Luciano and his family to produce some of their brands in Honduras. This new production is in line with our strategy to put the name of Honduras on high by manufacturing brands like Luciano’s. This production links the relationship of friendship and respect between the two families who have always been known by supporting the communities where they operate.”  Nestor André Plasencia - CEO Plasencia Cigars.



TENEBRUS comes from the Latin word 'Tenebris', meaning darkness, and the concept was actually a result of a philosophical reflection brought by Joshua Beaver, Luciano’s   Midwest Regional Sales Representative. 

“Our meetings are always full of philosophical discussions,” says Josh Beaver. “In our company everyone has a voice and I’m honored to have somehow contributed to the development of this brand”. 

TENEBRUS embodies the philosophical journey from "darkness into light", mirroring the Latin expression 'Fiat Lux' (let there be light). This connection not only highlights the profound depth of the blend but also the enlightening experience it promises to offer.

The cigar is crafted with a “dual-wrapper”; one, a Habano from Azuacualpa, Olancho - Honduras  (Plasencia's "San Agustin" Farm) and the original Fiat Lux wrapper; a Sumatra seed grown in Ecuador. Both wrappers are fermented for over 5 years and they wrap a Nicaraguan binder and fillers, 'Tenebrus' offers a medium-full blend with an intricate balance of sweetness and depth. This blend is a creation born of innovation and tradition, a tribute to the expertise and legacy that define our industry.



"Discovering that wrapper from the San Agustin farm was a moment of serendipity and tradition entwined. When I was invited into their pre-industry, revealing those precious, aged leaves—a mere small pilón left in existence called my attention—it felt like uncovering treasure. These wrappers, grown in the lush fields of Olancho, carried a story in each vein, a narrative of legacy and innovation. It was in that moment, surrounded by the scent of heritage and the warmth of friendship and brotherhood, that Tenebrus began to take shape. Crafting Tenebrus wasn't just about creating another cigar; it was an homage to tradition, a nod to the exceptional, and a celebration of the endless possibilities when passion meets partnership." Luciano Meirelles - President of Luciano USA.


Product Details:

- Vitola: 6 ½ x 52

- Wrapper: Habano Azuacualpa- Olancho, (Honduras) and Ecuadorian Sumatra

- Binder: Nicaragua

- Fillers: Nicaragua

- MSRP: $22 per cigar

- Availability: Limited to 1500 boxes in sets of 10.

Given the exclusive and limited nature of this release, our team anticipate 'Tenebrus' will sell out swiftly and may not be available by the PCA trade show. We advise enthusiasts to secure their boxes early to experience this extremely limited blend that deepens the essence of Fiat Lux.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that the regular Fiat Lux line, now produced at Fabrica Tabacos de Oriente, will be available for sale at the PCA 2024 and that another line, soon to be announced, will also be produced at Tabacos de Oriente, in Honduras. 

"Only two months after these events we lost a great visionary, a friend and Brother, Conrado Plasencia. In honor of Conrado's lasting legacy, Luciano Cigars is proud to contribute a portion of the proceeds from Tenebrus to the Plasencia’s “Souls from the Earth” Foundation. This initiative is more than a gesture of respect; it's a continuation of the values Conrado championed—community support and education. Through this contribution, Tenebrus embodies not just the pinnacle of craftsmanship but also a beacon of hope and progress, celebrating the light Conrado brought to this world." Luciano Meirelles - President of Luciano USA.





March 12, 2024

Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Medio Siglo: A Twist on a Beloved Classic



Exclusively for Club de Amigos

The Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original, a favorite among seasoned cigar smokers worldwide, was re-released in the USA in 2023 as a Club de Amigos exclusive at 120 stores across the country. Since its launch, it's been the buzz of cigar shops as one of the most sought-after cigars with an unmatched price-quality relationship. ​

​​This year, we're thrilled to introduce a new member to the Clásico family – the Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Medio Siglo. Think of it as the Clásico Original's bolder, more adventurous sibling. Initially making waves in Europe in 2021, the Clásico Medio Siglo has since risen to prominence, becoming a flagship brand in our factory’s international portfolio. ​

​​​The Clásico Medio Siglo, or "Half a Century" in Spanish, is our homage to the original White House cigar from the early 1970s. It encapsulates over fifty-five years of Nicaraguan cigar craftsmanship. While it mirrors the Clásico Original in balance and elegance, it packs a slightly more robust Nicaraguan flavor profile – a legacy rolled into every cigar. ​



​​Juan I. Martínez, Executive President of Joya de Nicaragua S.A., shares, “The criollo wrapper in the Clásico isn't a new concept. In fact, until the late 1990s, our primary brand was the Clasico in two expressions: claro and colorado, or criollo. The change was subtle, just a sticker on the box indicating 'natural or criollo.' We're not reinventing the wheel here; rather, we're reviving a legendary brand for the palates of today’s cigar aficionados. ​ This approach has already seen tremendous success globally, and now it's the US smoker’s turn to enjoy it.” ​

​​Wrapped in a Habano Criollo leaf, with Nicaraguan fillers and binders, the Clásico Medio Siglo strikes a perfect balance as a medium-bodied cigar. It treats your taste buds to a rich mix of flavors – imagine the earthy notes of spices, wood, and leather, all coming together in a smooth, aromatic, and enjoyable smoke. ​



​​Presented in an eye-catching "sunset-orange" box of 25 cigars, Clásico Medio Siglo is available in four sizes: ​

​​Número 6 (6in x 41) - MSRP $8.25 ​

​​Toro (6in x 50) - MSRP $9.25 ​

​​​Robusto (5in x 50) - MSRP $8.75 ​

​​Gordo (6in x 60) - MSRP $10.50 - NEW VITOLA - US EXCLUSIVE ​

​​The brand will be introduced this March at the PCA 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas and will be shipping in the summer of this year.




March 11, 2024

Sans Pareil Announces the Addition of Green to the Core Line



Sans Pareil Cigars, an ultra-premium luxury cigar company, is pleased to announce the addition of Green to their core line.

The much anticipated Green line will debut at the 2024 PCA Convention & Trade Show taking place March 23-25 in Las Vegas. This is the first expansion to Sans Pareil’s core line of cigars since its start in 2017. From selecting the finest tobacco available on the market, to the details of placing Boveda® humidification packs in every box, Sans Pareil’s eccentric focus to the quality of Dominican cigars continue with the Green line.

David Swinburne, President of Sans Pareil, said:

“We couldn’t be more excited to debut the Green at the 2024 PCA Trade Show. This project is long awaited and has been in the planning stages for years.

“Developing the Green line with Jochy Blanco at Tabacalera Plama was an unforgettable experience. Every detail was scrutinized from the shade, burn, and of course taste of the Desflorado wrapper. When Jochy was able to smile and say, ‘This is Sans Pareil’ we knew the Green line was ready for retailers.”

The Green Line will be available in 4 sizes:

·       Diademas: 52 x 8 ½ – $48 (Box of 10, $480)

·       Sherrys: 44 x 7 – $35 (Box of 10, $350)

·       Gran Robusto: 50 x 6 $33 (Box of 10, $330)

·       Belvederes: 40 x 5 ¼ – $18 (Box of 10, $180)


 About Sans Pareil

Sans Pareil (Pronounced sahn-pah-rehy) is an ultra-premium cigar brand, manufacturing cigars with Jochy Blanco out of Tabacalera Palma in Tamborli, Dominican Republic. The French name translates to peerless, without equal, or unparalleled. Sans Pareil offers 4 lines: Purple, Blue, Red, and Green. The company uses 6- to 7-year-old tobaccos and selects the top 10% grade of leaf used in the wrapper, binder, and filler. These cigars are exquisitely constructed for the connoisseurs who expect the most out of every cigar experience.

Joya de Nicaragua brings back Joya Cabinetta Lancero as a Limited Edition



"At every cigar event, the question pops up: 'What about the Cabinetta Lancero?' We get it; there's a certain charm to the elegance and rich experience of a great Lancero, but let's face it – it's a niche favorite. So, 'by popular demand', here it is the Cabinetta Lancero Limited Edition for 2024… and trust us, it's better than ever!" - Juan Martínez

In 2016, Joya de Nicaragua's branding was getting a facelift. The "Cabinetta Serie" morphed into "JOYA Cabinetta" under the JOYA family, together with the likes of JOYA Red, JOYA Black, and the later addition, JOYA Silver. The aim was to cater to both the traditional and contemporary cigar smoker, satisfying cravings for flavorful yet not overpoweringly strong experiences. However, in the 2016 revamp, we waved goodbye to the Lancero. But good news – in 2024, it's back, albeit in a limited run of just 1,000 boxes globally.

JOYA Cabinetta is all about connections, seamlessly blending our rich heritage with modern innovation. It's a bridge from time-honored tradition to modern-day versatility, designed to delight cigar smokers across the spectrum. From the curious to the seasoned aficionado. This blend's magic lies in its milder binders and fillers, beautifully complemented by the spicy kick of its dual wrappers – a top-grade Ecuadorian Shade CT caressing its length, capped off with a Nicaraguan H. Criollo head for that extra richness. This unique combination ensures a creamy, silky, and smooth smoke, with a spicy twist in the final third.

"Forget the usual 'barber pole' cigars that are all about looks. This dual- wrapper approach is not just for show – it's a game-changer in flavor and aroma," explains Dr. Alejandro Martinez Cuenca, the mastermind behind the 2007 blend.

JOYA Cabinetta is globally available in three vitolas: Corona Gorda (5 1/4 x 46), Robusto (5 x 50) and Toro (6 x 52).

JOYA Cabinetta in the Lancero format will be re-introduced at the PCA 2024 Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas this March as a Limited Edition and will be ready to ship to stores shortly thereafter. The MSRP will be $9.95 a cigar and $199 a Box. Its return in this much-loved vitola is set to stir up excitement among lancero enthusiasts and JDN devotees alike. 





March 09, 2024

Don Doroteo Salt of the Earth Piedra Angular (5 3/4 x 54)





Video review HERE.


(Description provided by Don Doroteo Cigars)

Don Doroteo Cigars announces that the “Salt of the Earth” line of cigars is now shipping to retailers across the United States. The Salt of the Earth line boasts two blends, the Piedra Viva and the Piedra Angular. The Salt of the Earth blends proudly represent Dominican tobacco culture via the use of andullo. Both blends were showcased at the 2023 PCA in Last Vegas this past July.

Juan Lugo, co-founder of Don Doroteo Cigars comes from a four-generation tobacco growing family. His mentor, his grandfather, Doroteo Fermin Delgado farmed tobacco in the D.R. His grandfather is described by Lugo as the very definition of a salt of the earth person. A hardworking and honest family man who dedicated his life to tobacco.

Juan Lugo said: “My grandfather and my Dominican roots are the inspiration for the Salt of the Earth line, which is why we used andullo in both blends. Andullo is distinctly Dominican and has been smoked as pipe tobacco by the Taino Indians on the island 500 years ago.”

The Salt of the Earth Piedra Angular features a Dominican corojo wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and filler composed of Dominican andullo, corojo, criollo ’98) & Nicaragua condega ligero, viso condego. Immediate notes of fruit transitions to chocolate, espresso, mild salt, and spice. The andullo adds strength and depth to the smoking experience.

Toro (5 3/4 x 54) — $16.75 (Box of 10, $167.50) in boxes of 10.


The cigar is well made and has a nice 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 pear with a little citrus influence, brown sugar, light cinnamon, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Pretty good start.



At the first third (31 minutes) the cigar is changing a little. It's now more of a tangy, sweet apricot, brown sugar, light cinnamon, light leather, and black coffee. There are more lower level notes. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is apricot with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is just as sweet with more lower level notes. I rated the first third 94.




As I moved through the second third (1 hour 3 minutes) the black coffee that showed up in the first third is moving up. The sweet notes of apricot and brown sugar are not quite as prominent. The leather is very light. The black coffee has pretty much taken over the base. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is not as tasty as the first third. I rated the second third 92.




The cigar lasted 1 hour 26 minutes. The cigar kept moving in the same direction. There is now quite a bit of earthiness with the black coffee. The apricot and brown sugar are light. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost a little more ground with the appearance of earthiness. I rated the final third 90. The cigar starts out very nice and loses a little ground as it goes.




Overall Score: 92

March 08, 2024

Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival tickets go on sale in one month



Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival 2024

Ticket Sales Begin:

Monday, April 8th at 8AM MDT

(Mountain Daylight Time)

All tickets for the 2024 RMCF will be made available at this time. To avoid raising ticket prices as the demand for RMCF tickets has increased, we have eliminated the Early Bird sale pricing used in previous years. There will be no Early Bird, limited access, or additional tickets this year. Once the available tickets on April 8th sell out, RMCF tickets will be entirely sold out for 2024.

Last year, all RMCF tickets sold out within hours of our ticket sales opening. VIP ticket levels will sell out very quickly, so we encourage you to make your ticket purchases as sales open for the best selection.

RMCF Ticket Purchase Link: https://rmcigarfestival.com/tickets/

For more information about the RMCF, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or visit our website: rmcigarfestival.com.

MONTECRISTO 1935 ANNIVERSARY “EDICIÓN DOBLE DIAMANTE” TO MAKE ITS DEBUT AT THE 2024 PCA SHOW IN LAS VEGAS



Altadis U.S.A., maker of world-renowned premium cigars, announces the release of the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Doble Diamante. The Premium Cigar Association (“PCA”) Trade Show 2024 will serve as the launchpad for the brand’s most exclusive Montecristo yet. With an MSRP of $150 (per cigar) and only 250 boxes produced, this cigar embodies the essence of luxury and elegance.

Inspired by the award-winning Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua brand, the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Doble Diamante is a true masterpiece, featuring a selected blend of rare and aged Nicaraguan tobaccos, masterminded by Rafael Nodal (VP Product Capability, Tabacalera USA) and acclaimed Nicaraguan cigar maker A.J. Fernandez.


Rafael Nodal stated: “This unique project has been many years in the making. We worked tirelessly to create a work of art that we felt demanded the very best in terms of flavor, aroma and complexity.”

This Nicaraguan puro was created for the true cigar connoisseur and incorporates extra aged tobacco leaves grown at A.J. Fernandez’s Finca la Lilia and San Lotano farms in the fertile Estelí Valley. A slow fermentation process elevated the flavors and aromas of the tobacco, which has been aged for over 10 years. This beautiful soft-pressed cigar has an excellent draw and razor-sharp burn. The smoke is sweet and nutty, with notes of vanilla that intermingles with elements of cocoa, hearty wood, and mineral undertone, before a spicy, cedary finish. The end result is balanced and flavorful.



The Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Doble Diamante will be available in one vitola, a 54 x 6 ½ Toro and comes dressed in a stunning 20-count wooden box with a piano finish and metal accents. The box also serves as a keepsake humidor for the perfect cigar collector piece.

To further support the launch, the brand has also designed a bespoke, diamond-shaped decanter set, that will only be available for retailers who purchase the Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Edición Doble Diamante box. Only a select number of decanters have been produced.



Blended by Rafael Nodal and A.J. Fernandez

Cigar MSRP is $150.00 per cigar.

Box MSRP is $3000.00 inclusive of 20 cigars.

Rare, rich tobaccos from Nicaragua.

Handmade in Nicaragua at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez



March 07, 2024

CHESTERTON & CO. CIGARS & MATT FRADD ANNOUNCE THE RELEASE OF THEIR OFFICIAL “PINTS WITH AQUINAS” EXCLUSIVE


Matt Fradd, prominent Catholic author and partner of Chesterton G Co. Cigars has announced the release of the Pints With Aquinas exclusive in- store cigar produced by MBFUMA in Nicaragua. Fradd is the creator G host of the Pints With Aquinas podcast, a popular online Catholic community G show that features long-form discussion G debating over pints. In 2022, Fradd G his partners opened Chesterton G Co. Cigars on historic 4th Street in Steubenville, Ohio, a town best known for the Catholic Franciscan University. The Pints With Aquinas brand is the first in-store exclusive produced for Chesterton G Co. Cigars and will have its official release on March 14th, 2024 at Chesterton G Co. in Steubenville.


The first vitola release in the Pints With Aquinas brand is a 6” x 52 Toro, featuring an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper atop a medium to medium-plus profile blend of Nicaraguan binder from Estelí and Nicaraguan fillers. The Toro is offered in 20ct wooden boxes with a vista that pays homage to Saint Thomas Aquinas, the “Angelic Doctor” G Saintly philosopher who is the patron of Fradd’s podcast. Each Toro is dressed with a cigar ring that is an artistic expression of a Byzantine chasuble, where a priestly vestment aesthetic is given a noble look with black G gold foil.