PLASENCIA CIGARS APPOINTS TIM GRIEK AS VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES, EMEA & GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and maker of award-winning cigars with a tobacco tradition since 1865, proudly announces the appointment of Tim Griek as Vice President of Sales, EMEA & Global Travel Retail.

The appointment reflects Plasencia’s continued commitment to strengthening its international presence and building long-term partnerships across key global markets. With nearly 15 years of experience in the tobacco industry, Tim has built a sterling reputation for developing successful sales and channel strategies while fostering meaningful relationships throughout the premium tobacco world.

Since 2023, he has supported the Plasencia family business across the Global Travel Retail channel and the Middle East region, helping expand the brand’s presence in these strategically important markets. Based in Rotkreuz, Switzerland, he will now oversee sales efforts across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Global Travel Retail, working closely with distributors, retailers, and partners to further strengthen Plasencia’s position around the world.

For Tim, the appointment carries a unique personal significance. His first cigar experience came nearly 15 years ago when he selected a Jalapa torpedo from an office humidor, unaware at the time that the cigar had been crafted by the Plasencia family.

“What excites me most about this new role is the opportunity to continue building long-lasting partnerships around the world while representing a brand that is setting a new standard of quality in our industry,” said Tim. “Looking back, it feels like a full-circle moment. Fifteen years ago, my first premium cigar was crafted by the Plasencia family. Today, I have the privilege of helping share their story with partners and consumers around the world. Together with our global partners, we have an opportunity to continue elevating Plasencia as a benchmark for premium cigars worldwide.”

“Tim brings extensive international experience, strong industry relationships, and a deep understanding of global markets,” said Ed Bello, Chief Executive Officer of Plasencia Cigars. “His leadership, strategic mindset, and commitment to building meaningful partnerships make him exceptionally well suited for this role. We are excited to have him  guide the next chapter of Plasencia’s growth across EMEA and Global Travel Retail.”

Davidoff Cigars launches new Voyager's Selection assortment dedicated to the Davidoff Black Band Collection

Davidoff Cigars launches new Voyager's Selection assortment dedicated to the Davidoff Black Band Collection – created exclusively for Global Travel Retail and including Puro Dominicano, the brand's latest addition to the collection.

Davidoff Cigars, the global leader in handmade premium cigars and accessories, announces a new addition to its expanding Voyager's Selection, a line launched in 2025 that was exclusively created for Global Travel Retail. The Voyager's Selection Black Band invites aficionados, travellers and gift givers to discover the brand's popular Black Band Collection in a distinctive format presented in premium, travel-friendly packaging featuring two cigars of each line.

"Our Voyager's Selection Black Band presents our four Black Band Collection lines Escurio, Puro Dominicano, Nicaragua and Yamasá in one single assortment. Especially with the addition of our latest launch Puro Dominicano, the selection will speak to those aficionados seeking depth and intensity in taste profiles of terroirs from all around the world", says Javier González, SVP Head Global Marketing & Innovation at Oettinger Davidoff. "Crafted with our esteemed Global Travel Retail customers in mind, the Voyager's Selection Black Band offers an incredibly diverse range of taste experiences in a single box that makes for a perfect gift and a light-weight yet elegant travel companion."

The Voyager's Selection Black Band: Escurio, Puro Dominicano, Nicaragua and Yamasá in a gran robusto format

The Davidoff Voyager's Selection Black Band presents an intriguing selection of four distinct, exceptionally rich expressions, crafted for medium-to-intense palate stimulation and inviting aficionados on a journey through some of the world’s most renowned tobacco origins. The journey begins in Brazil, where sweet and spicy Escurio delights with a unique salty-sweet profile shaped by Brazilian and Dominican tobaccos. It continues to the Dominican Republic, where Puro Dominicano, a refined Dominican puro made from tobaccos with a combined age of 32 years, offers a full-bodied yet refined and harmonious experience. From there, the path leads to Nicaragua – a bittersweet expression reflecting the heat and intensity of the country’s rich volcanic soils. The journey concludes with Yamasá, named after a distinctive Dominican region, where the Dominican tobaccos reveal an earthy complexity paired with spicy notes from Nicaraguan leaves.

For travellers looking for something truly special, two cigars of each Black Band line are available in the exclusive gran robusto format, united in one assortment and offered only in Global Travel Retail. Dimensions gran robusto: 55 RG x 5 ½" | Ø 2.2 cm x 14 cm | Enjoyment time: 60–80 minutes

The packaging: lightweight, luxurious presentation

Like its cigars, the packaging design takes aficionados on a journey. Delicate gold embossing captures the Estelí region of Nicaragua, symbolising the moment Davidoff first ventured out into the world in search of new taste stimulations, thus laying the foundation of the Black Band Collection.

Housed in a clean-lined, rigid carton box with wooden elements, the Voyager’s Selection is designed with the modern traveller in mind. Lightweight yet unmistakably premium, the packaging combines functionality with luxurious aesthetics. Its sleek, protective structure ensures that each cigar arrives in perfect condition, ready to be enjoyed during the journey or presented as an elegant gift. A refined hologram sticker indicates the travel retail exclusivity.

Launch & Availability

From 16 July 2026*, the Davidoff Voyager's Selection Black Band will be exclusively available at Global Travel Retail.

*Launch dates and availability may vary depending on country.

Tampa Bay 28: Official 'America 250' cigar hand-rolled in Ybor City's historic J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

(from Tampabay28.com)

When it came time for the U.S. Government to honor a domestic cigar with the official "America 250" label — a cigar that would officially mark the nation's 250th birthday — Uncle Sam cast his gaze on Ybor City.

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. — 131 years of hand-rolling cigars the same way — is as integral to the growth of Tampa as tobacco was to the birth of the United States, a major financial catalyst for the American Revolution.

"Our only goal is to roll cigars 100 years from now the same way we do today," says Drew Newman, a fourth-generation cigar maker.

Not only is J.C. Newman the oldest major cigar factory in America, it's also the last. And all these years later, they just received one of their greatest honors:

They are the makers of the official "America 250" cigar.

The long vetting process for getting the "America 250" nod started more than a year ago. When Drew got word that the government deemed them worthy of the honor, he was in joyful shock. "I couldn't believe it," he says.

The "America 250" label adorns several cigars here, but the main one for this year's momentous July Fourth celebration is called "The American" — every aspect of the cigar is grown or made in the United States, from the tobacco (harvested in Florida, Connecticut and Pennsylvania) to the hinges on the cigar box.

As well as giving tours, J.C. Newman features a museum and a factory store, where you can purchase all their products including "The American."

PLASENCIA CIGARS APPOINTS RODRIGO MEDINA MENDIETA AS FIRST-EVER GLOBAL BRAND AMBASSADOR

Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and maker of award-winning cigars with a tobacco tradition since 1865 proudly announces the appointment of Rodrigo Medina Mendieta as the company’s first-ever Global Brand Ambassador, a newly created role that reflects both the continued evolution of the brand and Rodrigo’s nearly 11 years of dedication to expanding Plasencia’s presence around the world.

Throughout his tenure, Rodrigo has played a key role in the international growth of Plasencia Cigars, helping strengthen the brand’s presence across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and other international markets. In his new position, he will serve as a global representative of the brand, sharing the story of the Plasencia family’s five-generation tobacco legacy, commitment to craftsmanship, and deep connection to the land.

Raised in Nicaragua, Rodrigo has long viewed his work with Plasencia as more than a profession. For him, it has been an opportunity to represent his homeland through one of its most celebrated products while helping elevate Nicaragua’s reputation on the global stage.

“What first attracted me to Plasencia was the opportunity to connect my professional career with a product from my country that I deeply believe in,” said Rodrigo. “For years, I asked myself whether a luxury product could come from Nicaragua and stand alongside the world’s most respected brands. Through Plasencia, I have seen that answer become a reality. It is an immense honor to represent a brand that reflects the heritage, craftsmanship, and spirit of the country I love.”

In his role as Global Brand Ambassador, Rodrigo will work closely with retailers, distributors, media, and consumers around the world, helping further elevate awareness of the Plasencia story and its commitment to quality from seed to smoke.

“Rodrigo has been an important part of Plasencia’s journey for more than a decade,” said Ed Bello, Chief Executive Officer of Plasencia Cigars. “His passion for the brand, his deep understanding of international markets, and his authentic connection to our heritage make him uniquely suited for this role. As we continue to grow around the world, Rodrigo will help bring the Plasencia story to new audiences while reinforcing the values that have defined us for five generations.”

My Father La Lealtad Torpedo (6 1/8 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

This is the second My Father line to come out of the company’s factory in Honduras, and the blend leans Honduran as well. The name means the loyalty, and it will be available in four sizes. This is described as a medium to full-bodied smoke, offering a bit more in the flavor department than the My Father Blue, the first cigar to come out of the company’s Honduran factory.

Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano Oscuro Rosado)

Binder: Honduras and Nicaragua

Filler: Honduras and Nicaragua

Available vitolas:

My Father La Lealtad Robusto (5 1/4 x 52) — $11 (Box of 20, $220)

My Father La Lealtad Toro (6 x 54) — $12.50 (Box of 20, $250)

My Father La Lealtad Toro Gordo (6 x 60) — $13.50 (Box of 20, $270)

My Father La Lealtad Torpedo (6 1/8 x 52) — $13 (Box of 20, $260) REVIEWED TODAY

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apricot, brown sugar, touch of nougat, earthiness, and leathery black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Very good start.

At the first third (27 minutes) the burn was a little off but I decided to let it catch up as it's not too bad. Now I had the apricot but there's also a citrus note. The brown sugar and light nougat are still there. The black coffee is pronounced but it comes after the sweet notes. There's a little earthiness and leather notes. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is apricot with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour) the cigar burn caught up without needing to be touched up. The earthiness and black coffee are up and the sweet notes are a little lower but it's not too bad. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The change did not hurt the cigar much. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 37 minutes. The cigar got back to nice again. The apricot notes were good along with the brown sugar and light nougat. The earthiness toned down. The black coffee was in a nice amount. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish was apricot with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 94. Another good cigar out of their new Honduran factory.

Overall Score: 93.67

Amar by AJ Fernandez Torito (6 1/2 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Almost a year ago, a fire broke out at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A., the main factory for AJ Fernandez. For the company’s next release, Abdel Fernández is honoring some of the help he received following the fire.

Amar by AJ Fernandez is the new line. It’s made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco, capped off by a habano wrapper. While Amar is born out of the fire at the factory in Estelí, the line is being made at the San Lotano Factory, the company’s second factory, which is located in Ocotal, north of Estelí.

It is offered in four vitolas:

Amar by AJ Fernandez Robusto (5 1/2 x 54) — $10.40 (Box of 20, $208)

Amar by AJ Fernandez Toro (6 x 56) — $11 (Box of 20, $220)

Amar by AJ Fernandez Gordo (6 x 60) — $11.30 (Box of 20, $226)

Amar by AJ Fernandez Torito (6 1/2 x 50) — $10.70 (Box of 20, $214) REVIEWED TODAY

The name has two different meanings. In Spanish, amar means to love; while in Arabic, it is the word for moon. The company says this highlights Abdel Fernández’s heritage; he is known for being Cuban but also has Lebanese heritage.

“Like the lunar phase that directly follows a moon at full illumination, Amar represents reflection, gratitude, personal growth, and new beginnings,” said the company in a press release. “AJ’s passion and perseverance only made him return stronger, and the cigar community’s unwavering support overwhelms him with appreciation and fuels his purpose.”

The cigar is nicely 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, cinnamon, tanned leather, black coffee, and a little earthiness. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (31 minutes) the pear notes were a little lighter but still nice. There was brown sugar, cinnamon, some earthiness, and a good bit of leathery black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is pear and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is quite good and may have lost a little from the light up but I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 5 minutes) the cigar has gotten a lot more earthy and there's a lot of black coffee. The pear notes are much lighter. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is light pear and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost a little due to the elevated earthiness and black coffee. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 46 minutes. There was somewhat of a bounce back. The pear, brown sugar and light cinnamon notes returned in a nice amount. There is still a lot of black coffee but the earthiness went down. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is pear with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar got nice again but not quite to the way is was in the first third. I rated the final third 92. Nice cigar from AJ and well worth trying.

Overall Score: 91.67

POWSTANIE CIGARS ANNOUNCES THE 250TH AMERICAN ANNIVERSARY WAR BEAR

Powstanie Cigars is proud to announce the release of the 250th American Anniversary War Bear, a special commemorative edition celebrating America's 250th anniversary with limited-edition collector's packaging honoring the spirit of independence, resilience, and sacrifice.

Inside the commemorative packaging is the same blend that made the 2025 War Bear one of the year's most talked-about releases. Fans of the original can expect the same exceptional smoking experience, now presented in a patriotic package designed specifically for collectors and enthusiasts looking to mark this historic milestone.

The 250th American Anniversary War Bear features:

Vitola: 5 5/8 x 60 Perfecto

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano & Mexican San Andrés Barber Pole

Binder: Indonesian

Fillers: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A.

The cigar proudly retains the iconic War Bear band while the addition of commemorative collector's packaging transforms the release into a unique keepsake honoring this historic anniversary.

The commemorative packaging showcases the beauty and uniqueness of a natural Cerakote metal shell, making each box a one-of-a-kind collector's piece. (Actual Cerakote pattern may vary.)

The 250th American Anniversary War Bear is limited to just 250 commemorative boxes, with each box containing eight cigars housed in exclusive packaging designed to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

"We wanted to commemorate this once-in-a-generation anniversary while preserving everything people loved about the original War Bear," said Mike Palmer, National Sales Manager for Powstanie Cigars. "The commemorative packaging transforms it into a collector's piece worthy of this historic occasion while honoring the legacy of the War Bear."

The 250th American Anniversary War Bear will carry a Suggested Retail Price of $250 per box, reflecting both the limited nature of the release and its unique commemorative presentation.

Product Information

Product: 250th American Anniversary War Bear

Manufacturer: Powstanie Cigars

Factory: Fábrica de Tabacos Nica Sueño S.A.

Packaging: Commemorative Collector's Packaging featuring Cerakote metal shell

Cigars Per Box: 8

Total Production: 250 Boxes

Total Cigars Produced: 2,000

Suggested Retail Price: $250 per Box

The 250th American Anniversary War Bear serves as both a celebration of American history and a tribute to one of Powstanie's most memorable releases. With only 250 boxes available, this commemorative release offers collectors and consumers an opportunity to own a piece of Powstanie history while enjoying a cigar crafted to honor the occasion.

Partagas Y Nada Más Cibao Robusto (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

A follow-up to last year’s Y Nada Más Santiago, Partagas announced the launch of Y Nada Más Cibao, the second in the Y Nada Más line.

Remaining true to its roots in the Dominican Republic, Partagas has centered this new blend around tobacco sourced from the Cibao Valley and has partnered with the renowned, Santiago-based La iSLA factory to craft Y Nada Más Cibao.

John Hakim, brand manager for Partagas, says, “We are reimagining classic cigar traditions through a modern lens, crafting a cigar for today’s cigar smoker who wants authenticity and refined flavor. We went back to our home in the Dominican Republic and sourced from the Cibao Valley to blend our heritage with innovation, making Partagas Y Nada Más Cibao perfect for the modern smoker who has high expectations.”

The cigar is made with an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, a Sumatra binder, and Habano Vuelta Abajo (HVA), Criollo, and Pennsylvania Broadleaf tobaccos that pair well with Pinot Noir, Cognac, or Porter. Medium-to-full-bodied, Partagas Y Nada Más Cibao is refined and bold, and balances leathery notes of dark wood, mocha, and white pepper.

Partagas Y Nada Más Cibao is handcrafted at La iSLA in the Dominican Republic. The cigars will be presented in 20-count boxes and will ship to retailers on May 11, 2026. The line will launch with three sizes.

Available vitolas:

Robusto (5" × 50): SRP per cigar $7.99 REVIEWED TODAY

Toro (6" × 52): SRP per cigar $8.99

Gordo (6"x 60): SRP per cigar $9.99

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were sweet apple, light citrus, red pepper, walnut, earthiness, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. An interesting start.

At the first third (23 minutes) the same notes were there but there is a lot of earthiness. The sweet notes are almost encapsulated, meaning you get them in a concentrated dose with the massive earthiness following along with the black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is apple and citrus with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is decent at this point but not great. There's a lot of earthiness. I rated the first third 90.

As I moved through the second third (48 minutes) the word is earthy. The earthiness has increased. In fact, the notes are earthiness, black coffee, red pepper, and very faint sweetness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The cigar lost all the major sweet notes. I rated the second third 82. Quite a fall from the first third.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 6 minutes. Earthy. Now the notes have boiled down to black coffee and earthiness. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is earthy black coffee. As you can see there's not much there. I rated the final third 78. This cigar fell off the cliff after the first third. The Y Nada Mas Santiago I reviewed last year was pretty good. It rated 93.33. A far cry from this cigar.

Overall Score: 83.33

La Gloria Cubana Intención Gran Robusto (5 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forge Cigar Co.)

La Gloria Cubana is on a mission to bring back the cigar style that established it as the Original Boutique Cigar Brand decades ago: bolder blends and larger ring sizes at a price all cigar lovers can enjoy.

While La Gloria Cubana has never compromised on quality, the brand wants to journey back to its core values of crafting cigars that stand out from the competition.

John Hakim, brand manager for La Gloria Cubana, says, “Everything about this cigar is intentional. With all of the gimmicks that flood the cigar industry, we wanted to remind fans why La Gloria Cubana deserves to have a spot in their humidor. La Gloria Cubana began with the intention to create satisfying, fuller-bodied cigars at a price all cigar lovers could access, so that’s exactly what we’re giving fans. Nothing flashy, just a real quality cigar.”

Intención is a medium/full-bodied blend that packs bold, spiced notes of chocolate and leather. Full of Nicaraguan Estelí Ligero and Viso, Honduran Jamastran Viso, and Honduran La Entrada Ligero filler tobacco. It’s held together by an Indonesian binder and a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, making for a memorable smoking experience.

This full-time blend is available in 20-count boxes in the following frontmarks: Gran Robusto (5"×54), Toro (6"×52), and Gigante (6"×60). Intención is produced at Scandinavian Tobacco Group Esteli, S.A. in Nicaragua and will begin shipping to retailers on April 20th, 2026.

Available vitolas:

Gran Robusto (5" × 54): SRP per cigar $5.99 REVIEWED TODAY

Toro (6" × 52): SRP per cigar $6.99

Gigante (6" × 60): SRP per cigar $7.99

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apricot with some tangy notes, brown sugar, earthiness, tanned leather, and a lot of black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start.

At the first third (27 minutes) I still had the apricot notes with brown sugar but the earthiness and black coffee are up. The sweet notes were not as prominent as they were at the light up. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is apricot with black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost some steam from the light up to now. I rated the first third 92.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) the sweetness has left us. There are only minor hints of apricot and you probably won't fixate on that; rather you will notice the large increase in black coffee with an increase in earthiness also. There seems to be some leather and unsweetened dark chocolate in the mix. All dark notes with no sweetness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. At this point there is no sweetness. There's a lot of black coffee, earthiness, and pecan. I found it a little odd that pecan notes popped up. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 82. The cigar started out fairly nice but it started losing sweetness immediately. 

Overall Score: 87

ERNESTO PEREZ-CARRILLO TEAMS UP WITH LA GLORIA CUBANA FOR AN EVENT-ONLY CIGAR

Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has returned to La Gloria Cubana to release his latest blend, Los Gloriosos, in the Salomon frontmark. Salomon is a difficult vitola to roll, and despite Perez-Carrillo’s affinity for this frontmark, he has rarely created any. Ernesto and La Gloria wanted to create something special for this amazing blend, and Los Gloriosos Exclusivo is now available to those attending La Gloria Cubana events across the country.

Los Gloriosos, created in 2025 with the godfather of La Gloria Cubana, Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, has already captivated fans nationwide, including a 92 rating from Cigar Aficionado.

John Hakim, brand manager for La Gloria Cubana, says, “We wanted to give fans of The Lady the chance to get even closer to the roots of La Gloria Cubana. So we had Ernesto Perez-Carrillo create his newest La Gloria blend in a rare shape that he loves and fans will appreciate. This rare and exclusive cigar is a special treat for our most passionate fans and can be found only at La Gloria Cubana events!”

Los Gloriosos Exclusivo is the same complex blend of premium tobaccos from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Salomon vitola is known for its dramatic curves and unique design, which further elevate the smoking experience of Los Gloriosos.

This limited-edition event-only size (6 ¾ " × 63) is available in five-count boxes. It is produced at Casa Carrillo in the Dominican Republic and is available exclusively for those attending La Gloria Cubana events.

Exclusivo (Salomon) (6 ¾ " × 63): SRP per cigar $14.99

CAO BRINGS BACK AMAZON BASIN DAGGERS FOR LIMITED 2026 RUN

CAO is answering the call for the return of its most sought-after short smoke. Shipping June 1, 2026, Amazon Basin Daggers are returning to retail for a limited time, delivering the brand’s legendary rainforest blend in a compact 4 x 38 format.

Engineered around the rare Brazilian Bragança leaf, Daggers deliver the same exotic profile as the original Amazon Basin but are built for shorter smoking windows. The Bragança tobacco is grown on unspoiled land in the Amazon and harvested just once every three years, making this release a priority for those seeking a rare tobacco experience.

"Amazon Basin fans are some of the most passionate in the cigar world, and we know how fast the larger sizes disappear," said Cory Beardsley, brand manager for CAO. "Daggers are back for the people who missed the original drop or for those who want the Bragança profile but don't have an hour and a half to commit to a Toro. It’s the same blend and the same intensity, just built to fit a shorter smoking window."

Handcrafted at STG Estelí, the blend features a hearty Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder, and a filler of Dominican, Colombian, and the signature Brazilian Bragança tobaccos.

CAO Amazon Basin Daggers are packaged in 5-count packs and will be available nationwide starting in June.

CAO Amazon Basin Daggers (4 x 38) – SRP per 5-count pack: $24.99

CLARIFICATION FROM KEVIN “THE COMMISH” PAROW REGARDING THE COMMISH CORONA CIGAR

Recently, many in the cigar community have asked if I am affiliated with The Commish Corona cigar.

To avoid confusion, I want to make it clear that I have no involvement with The Commish Corona cigar, its producer, or the person behind it.

I was not consulted, nor did I collaborate or give permission to use my name.

For those who know me, I have been known as “The Commish” for well over a decade. Through New England Cigar, Cigar Militia, social media, events, cigar reviews, collaborations, and numerous cigar-related projects, that nickname has become closely associated with my identity within the premium cigar community.

Because of that, several people understandably assumed that The Commish Corona was in some manner connected to me. It is not.

This statement is not intended to criticize any person or company. My only purpose is to provide accurate information and prevent further confusion among consumers, retailers, media members, and fellow cigar enthusiasts.

I have always tried to be transparent with the cigar community, and I felt it was important to address this situation directly after receiving so many inquiries.

Thank you to everyone who reached out for clarification. Your support means a great deal.

I remain focused on building Cigar Militia and New England Cigar, and supporting projects true to our values and community.

I appreciate your support.

Respectfully,

Kevin “The Commish” Parow

Founder, Cigar Militia

Founder, New England Cigar

ATABEY BLACK DELIRIOS LIMITED-EDITION TRAVEL HUMIDOR SHIPS

United Cigars announces the shipment of the highly anticipated Atabey Black Delirios Limited-Edition Travel Humidor, a luxurious collector's piece showcasing one of Selected Tobacco’s most exclusive and meticulously aged cigars.

Limited to just 1,500 humidors worldwide, the Atabey Black Delirios Travel Humidor is tailored for collectors and a cigar culture who appreciates rarity with an unmatched aging process. Each humidor features a sophisticated leather-finished exterior accented with elegant gold trim and contains 10 Atabey Black Delirios cigars, making it one of the most sought-after releases from Selected Tobacco.

The Atabey Black Delirios made its celebrated debut in 2025 and represents the most coveted of Selected Tobacco's proprietary aging philosophy. Measuring 5 3/4 x 55, the cigar is adorned with a dark, velvety Ecuadorian Habano wrapper and undergoes a minimum of five years of post-roll aging before release.

What distinguishes the Atabey Black line is Selected Tobacco's unique aging process, which carefully raises and lowers humidity levels throughout maturation. This controlled environmental variation allows the tobacco to develop exceptional balance and complexity. Complementing this process is the company's extensive use of multiple aging woods, including a blend of more than five different cedars. For the Atabey Black series, Selected Tobacco further enhances the aging environment through the incorporation of French Oak, contributing additional depth and character to the finished cigar.

Nelson Alfonso, founder of Selected Tobacco shared, "Every step, from the tobacco selection to the aging process, to the presentation of the travel humidor was designed to create a truly extraordinary experience for cigar lovers around the world."

The Atabey Black Delirios Travel Humidor carries a suggested retail price of $600 and is currently shipping to authorized retailers.

With its limited production, distinctive aging methodology, and elegant presentation, the Atabey Black Delirios Travel Humidor stands as a testament to Selected Tobacco's commitment to creating some of the world's most refined luxury cigars.

INDEPENDENCE FIRECRACKER BEGINS SHIPPING FOR 250TH CELEBRATION

Independence Firecracker began shipping to retailers in time for the 250th Birthday of our great nation. United Cigars and Arnold Andre collaborated to celebrate the anniversary and the longest running collaboration series in the industry.

The Independence Firecracker measures 3 ½ x 50 and is fashioned with the original fuse on the head of each cigar to help light up the skies for this yearly collaboration series from United Cigars. Blended for the taste of freedom with ligero filler leaves from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, cradled by a Dominican binder. The Independence Firecrackers uses a Mexican Habano wrapper to bring the celebration together.

These complex little vitolas have built a following for their rarity and their explosive profiles. With the 250th Anniversary celebration in mind, these limited-edition Firecrackers will be packed in collectible tins of 12 cigars. With ‘Land of the Free’ and ‘Home of the Brave’ boldly inscribed on the sides, the tin boxes can be inverted to become your personal ashtray after the cigars are enjoyed.

The Independence Firecracker smokes as a medium-plus bodied cigar, with balanced strength courtesy of the dual country ligero blend. Starting with a dance of floral pastures and wheat fields, the cigars pop with baking spices and opens into a piquant journey.

The Independence Firecracker will have a suggested retail of $9 and are now shipping to retailers. Quantities are extremely limited, so be sure to secure your box of this historic release.

Avowed Cigars Unveils Awakening Rhapsody for Father's Day 2026

Orange, CA (June 7, 2026): Avowed Cigars is proud to announce the release of Awakening Rhapsody, an ultra-limited sampler that invites you to experience the road not traveled this Father's Day. Inside each pack of three is an original Awakening with a 2015 Ecuadorian Hybrid wrapper that is no longer grown, Awakening White featuring a vintage 2016 Ecuadorian Connecticut (New Dawn) wrapper leaf, and Awakening Black featuring a 2021 Ecuadorian Corojo (Hallowed Hands) wrapper leaf.

"Since we're unable to commemorate Father's Day with everyone in person, we wanted Awakening Rhapsody to be a nationwide celebration. From now until June 16th, we're gifting Awakening Rhapsody samplers to our Retail Partners with every purchase to add to their festivities and create an exclusive Father's Day event within their treasured communities." – Andrew Considine

Each cigar includes the same binder and filler leaves from the concluding Awakening production in 2024 underneath wrapper leaves that were selected for other blends, bringing the past and present together for a limited time. Only 1,000 boxes of three were crafted and patiently aged.

"A rhapsody stitches together multiple themes and concepts in a bold, new experience to create an epic story that is greater than the sum of its parts. Awakening Rhapsody was a fun time capsule for us that was intentionally planted in the past to remind ourselves to live in the moment at a future date. And that date is set for Father's Day, June 21st, 2026." – Dave West

Beginning June 22nd, remaining Awakening Rhapsody samplers will be available for purchase at $90 MSRP while supplies last.