UNITED CIGARS TAKES A BOLD PRICE DROP

 

In a world where everything seems to cost more, from gas to guacamole to gym memberships you don’t even use, United Cigars is proud to announce something rare: prices are going down. The beloved flagship line will be dropping in price as United Cigars steps up for the cigar community.

As the cigar industry braces itself for economic headwinds, rising tariffs, and uncertainty in the air thicker than country gravy, United Cigars is taking a bold stand by lowering the prices on their flagship line.

“Timing may be right with tariffs and inflated prices,” said Oliver Nivaud, Director of Operations at United

Cigars. “This industry is built on brick-and-mortar, they are the front porch of the cigar community. We’re doing this for them and for every cigar smoker who’s felt the pinch.”

United Cigars was able to cut costs at the heart of production, starting by bringing box production in-house at the Magia Cubana factory to see significant savings. The United line isn’t just about margins, it’s about a mission for cigar lovers.

Cigars should be shared, celebrated, and affordable. While there are times that costs cannot be absorbed, United Cigars is passing along the savings. Effective immediately, pricing on the United Cigars flagship line will be lowered by over 20%.

Now: United Cigar Brand will have a suggested retail price of:

$7.50 Robusto – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro) $8.00 Toro – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro) $8.50 Churchill – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro)

At this year’s Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show next week, the new prices will take effect with special offers including HumiBags that offer 5 United Cigars plus a corresponding Firecracker (in the same wrapper) at a more than value price to the cigar enthusiast.

So light up, lean back, and breathe easy. Because while the world goes a little crazy, United Cigars is staying grounded and lighting the way forward. The bottom line? The flagship line is now your everyday smoke.

J.C. Newman’s 5th Annual Founder’s Day Celebration

Join us for a spectacular day celebrating J.C. Newman's 130th anniversary at our historic El Reloj Cigar Factory! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM, as we host our 5th Annual Founder's Day Celebration in Tampa, FL.

What To Look Forward To:

Free Factory Tours: Discover the rich history of America’s oldest, family-owned premium cigar maker.

Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge: Featuring world-champion competitive eaters Miki Sudo and Nick Wehry, local influencer Austin from Tampa is Life, and enthusiastic J.C. Newman employees at a showdown you won't want to miss with Cuban sandwiches made by Ybor's Bread on the Bay.

Family Fun Activities: Enjoy lawn games, live music, Ybor Misfits meet & greet, and more.

Exclusive Cigar Deals: Purchase our historic Sanchez y Haya cigars for just  5¢ with any $20 purchase. (limit 2 per person) We'll be fully stocked all day long, so there’s no need to line up early. We have plenty for everyone and won’t run out!

Learn and Play: MOSI children's science experiment stations will be open for young explorers.

Local Food Trucks and Stands: Cuban Sandwiches from Bread on the Bay, Los Chapos Tacos, Frios Pops, and Engine 53 Pizza.

This event is free to the public, and we encourage everyone to come and enjoy a day filled with fun, history, and celebration. For details and updates, please visit our event page: Founder's Day Celebration.

One of the can't-miss highlights is the second annual Cuban Sandwich Eating Challenge featuring 10-time Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest champion Miki Sudo and last year's Cuban Sandwich Challenge winner, Nick Wehry. Let’s see if Miki can beat Nick in this exciting rematch! The two, known as The Hungry Couple, are sure to bring the energy—and the appetite.

We can't wait to celebrate with you and share the beauty and tradition of El Reloj. For any inquiries, please contact us through our online form.

PLASENCIA CIGARS TO INTRODUCE THE ALMA FUERTE SIXTO I HEXAGON TUBO AT THE 2025 PCA IN NEW ORLEANS

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower Established in 1865, announces that the popular Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto l Hexagon will now be available in a new sleekly designed and elegant tube presentation. This new format will be displayed at the 2025 PCA Trade Show (Premium Cigar Association) in New Orleans, taking place from April 11th through 14th in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and is expected to begin shipping in early June.

Jim Young, CEO of Plasencia 1865 USA stated: "We are excited to announce that our best-seller, Alma Fuerte Sixto I, is now available in a hexagon-shaped tube presentation. This new packaging adds elegance and convenience, making it perfect for any occasion."

The Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon was introduced in early 2021 and quickly became a favorite among consumers as it features a unique smoking experience by combining Plasencia’s innovative Hexagon shape with exceptional aged tobacco.

For the craft of this exceptional cigar, the Plasencia team embraced biomimicry with the hexagon shape, inspired by the honeycomb’s ingenious structure which is one of nature’s most efficient and perfect shapes. It offers structural strength and stability, distributing pressure evenly and the hexagonal shape optimizes the cigar’s surface area while maintaining compactness. It enhances combustion and airflow, leading to a more balanced and complex smoking experience, creating a distinctive feel and grip, setting it apart from traditional cigars. Since its debut, the hexagon-shaped cigar has been a success and remains Plasencia’s best-selling cigar.

A true Nicaraguan puro, the Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon features a refined Colorado Claro wrapper that complements its innovative shape. This unique construction refines the smoking experience, delivering a smooth yet full-bodied profile. Expect rich notes of cocoa and almonds, layered with subtle hints of nutmeg and cedar that emerge in the final notes.

The 6X60 Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto I Hexagon Tubo (MSRP 26.25) is available in 10 count boxes (MSRP $262.50) and an elegantly designed 3 count pack (MSRP $78.75)

Black Works Studio to introduce BOOMBOX at PCA

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) will be showcasing its 10-year curated collection at this year’s PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, Black Works Studio BOOMBOX; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua. 

BLK WKS BOOMBOX is a collection of previous Limited Releases and will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis to BLTC/BLK WKS retailers attending PCA 2025. Shipping will commence directly after the show. 

"I'm very excited about this 10yr Anniversary project for Black Works Studio. We are taking things back to the beginning with the BOOMBOX artwork and all the old favorite releases. This box is a curated collection of all the BLKWKS limited releases over the last decade. Some of these cigars have not been released in years and are always asked about. This will be your chance to revisit what put BLKWKS on the map and made it what it is today,” says James Brown, creator of BLTC/BLK WKS and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra. 

BLK WKS BOOMBOX 21-count collection, 2 cigars of each: 

S&R - 5x50 

Hyena - 5x46 

Sindustry - 5x50 

Sindustry - 7x38 (3 cigars) 

Paper Crane - 5x46 

Boondock - 6.25x46 

Boondock - 5.25x50 

Killer Bee Shaolin - 5.5x46 

Intergalactic Sumatra - 6x46 

Intergalactic Event Horizon - 5.5x50 

Country of Origin: Nicaragua 

These cigars are an expression of art, showcasing the talent, technique, and tobacco of our boutique cigar factory; Fabrica Oveja Negra.  BLK WKS cigars are available for purchase through Oveja Negra Brands.  For more information visit OvejaNegraCigars.com. 

CAO INVITES FANS TO SAVOR THE SHADE WITH NEW FASA SOMBRA

CAO is completing the FASA trilogy with the release of FASA Sombra, the third cigar in the series. Designed as a smooth, shade-grown complement to FASA Sol and FASA Noche, Sombra rounds out the lineup with a nuanced smoking experience that’s ideal for those new to the category. 

Cory Beardsley, brand manager for CAO, explains, “FASA Sombra was created to bring the FASA lineup full circle. With Sol, we delivered a bold sun-grown expression. With Noche, a rich maduro profile. And now with Sombra, we’ve crafted a refined, shade-grown smoke that’s smooth yet layered. The FASA trilogy now offers the ideal smoking experience; morning, noon or night.” 

FASA Sombra features an Ecuadorian shade-grown wrapper, a Cameroon binder and a filler blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos. This combination delivers a refined, approachable smoke with balance and complexity while maintaining a smooth draw. 

Handcrafted at General Cigar Dominicana, FASA Sombra will be available in two sizes: Toro (6 X 50) and Gigante (6 X 60), both packaged in 24-count boxes. The suggested retail price will range from $6.99 to $7.99 per cigar. 

FASA Sombra will begin shipping to retailers on April 7, 2025. 

For more information, retailers and cigar enthusiasts can visit their preferred CAO distributor or contact their CAO sales representative. 

CAO FASA Sombra Toro (6” x 50) – SRP per cigar $6.99 

CAO FASA Sombra Gigante (6” x 60) – SRP per cigar $7.99 

A Closer Look at JC Newman's Tampa Smokers Release

We are proud to celebrate the launch of Tampa Smokers — a cigar that pays tribute to Cigar City’s rich legacy of craftsmanship and America’s favorite pastimes.

Every detail in this release was thoughtfully designed, from the bat-shaped cigar and vintage-inspired packaging to the hand-numbered, limited-edition cigar case by Brizard & Co. Crafted in California using the same ash wood found in baseball bats and authentic leather like that used in vintage gloves, this case is a true collector’s item — and a nod to the game’s golden era.

Now, we’re excited to share a few more visuals that highlight the spirit and story behind Tampa Smokers.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the first release of Tampa Smokers

Today J.C. Newman Cigar Co. began shipping its new Tampa Smokers cigars to more than 100 cigar retailers around the country.  This first release includes boxes of Tampa Smokers cigars handmade by J.C. Newman in Tampa and a baseball-inspired cigar case handcrafted by Brizard in California along with a retro Tampa Smokers cap and a 1947 vintage Tampa Smokers program.

“Baseball and cigars are two of America’s historic pastimes,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “It is only fitting to celebrate the new baseball season with a special cigar that honors Tampa’s first professional baseball team, the Tampa Smokers.”

A photo of the 1947 Tampa Smokers team from the Smithsonian Institution.

A century ago, Tampa was known as the Fine Cigar Capital of the World. The 200 cigar factories in Tampa handcrafted more than 700 million cigars per year. In 1919, Tampa’s first baseball team was named the Tampa Smokers to celebrate its place as Cigar City. Many famous athletes played for the Tampa Smokers, including Al Lopez, who was the son of cigar workers and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

Tampa Smokers cigars are handmade in J.C. Newman’s iconic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa with Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America where baseball continues to be a favorite pastime.  This release includes 500 boxes of 11 Tampa Smokers cigars: ten 6" x 52 toros ($20 SRP) and a 7" baseball bat ($40 SRP).  This release also includes 250 limited edition and numbered Tampa Smokers case handcrafted by Brizard in California with authentic leather used on vintage baseball gloves and ash wood that is used in baseball bats.  Each case includes three Tampa Smokers toro cigars.

J.C. Newman launched Tampa Smokers last month at a sold-out event with 150 cigar-loving baseball enthusiasts and local baseball celebrities at the Tampa Baseball Museum.  Fox 13 Tampa Bay also aired a story highlighting our new Tampa Smokers cigars and the deep connection between baseball and cigars in Tampa.

CTP Director Brian King Removed

 

Brian King, Director of the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP), was removed from office along with dozens of staff as part of the Trump Administration’s effort to refocus the agency on its core mission.

In 2022, a study commissioned by FDA (the Reagan Udall Report) noted that CTP struggled to function as a regulator. The report emphasized that CTP needs to fully understand and engage directly with its impacted industries before attempting to regulate them.

Last week, a delegation from the Cigar Association of America (CAA) met with the White House to highlight the industry’s broad economic impact. CAA also expressed frustration with CTP’s singular approach to rulemaking, which often threatens the viability of cigar and pipe tobacco products.

While CTP is statutorily prohibited from banning tobacco products, they have continued to propose regulations that would have the effect of removing cigar and pipe tobacco products from the market in their current form,” said Scott Pearce, President Cigar Association of America (CAA).

CTP has long faced criticism for prioritizing political expediency regarding tobacco products regulation. Critics argue that this approach undermines the agency's commitment to evidence-based policy and jeopardizes its credibility with the public. With underage tobacco use at record lows across the nation, many have viewed CTP’s adversarial posture as evidence the agency is too closely aligned with advocacy groups to fairly regulate tobacco markets.