Bariay 1492 Black Toro (6 x 54)

 

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Bariay Cigars)

Named in honor of the place where Columbus first encountered the sacred smoke of the Taino people, Bariay 1492 pays homage to the island where the cigar was born. Every cigar we craft by hand is part of that lineage. It’s not only a ritual but a reconnection to this lost art. 

Our story begins with César Ramirez, a master blender born in Havana with fire in his blood. In the cigar industry, he is world famous. Known as the "Crazy Cuban", he is respected and loved by all.

And then came Alan Kirchhoff, a cigar lover residing in Texas with a love for tradition and a heart tuned to legacy. Alan had long dreamed of building something that honored not just the craft of cigars, but the people and heritage behind them.

Together, Alan and César began to shape what would become Bariay 1492: a brand forged from two paths that were always meant to intersect.

Today, Bariay 1492 stands out as the only fully integrated, handcrafted cigar brand — rooted in Cuban heritage, rolled in Nicaragua, and headquartered in the heart of Texas.

Black

From César:
"The Black Label is where a medium strength meets soul. I blended it to be bold, yes—but layered, too. Each draw brings waves of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, black pepper, and aged wood, shifting and unfolding as you smoke. It’s a deep, complex cigar with a rhythm of its own—never rushed, or a single note. For those who crave richness in their draw without the burn, this is for you."

Blend:

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Filler & Binder: Esteli, Condega, Ometepe

Available vitolas:

Robusto 5.25x54

Toro 6 x 54 REVIEWED TODAY

Gordo 6 x 56

The cigar is nicely made 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, brown sugar, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (19 minutes) the flavors are just like they started. Nice apricot and brown sugar with a black coffee base. The flavors are mixing well. There's about 55% sweet notes and 45% black coffee. Nice mix. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a weak apricot with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is very good. I rated the first third 94.

Moving through the second third (38 minutes) I was left asking "where did the apricot go?" It has greatly decreased. The black coffee is up. There is just enough apricot to keep the cigar from being just coffee and brown sugar. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 91. On another note, the burn times for this cigar are much shorter than the Red. In the first third the Red got 24 minutes. The Black got 19. In the second third the Red was at 51 minutes and the Black is at 38 minutes. Big difference. I can't explain that but those are the times.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 3 minutes. The Red had a total burn time of 1 hour 20 minutes. The only difference in the second third and the final third is the cigar is now medium to full bodied. Same flavor notes. I held the score of 91. The cigar is not bad but I wish it had held the first third notes throughout.

Overall Score: 92

Bariay 1492 Red Toro (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Bariay Cigars)

Named in honor of the place where Columbus first encountered the sacred smoke of the Taino people, Bariay 1492 pays homage to the island where the cigar was born. Every cigar we craft by hand is part of that lineage. It’s not only a ritual but a reconnection to this lost art. 

Our story begins with César Ramirez, a master blender born in Havana with fire in his blood. In the cigar industry, he is world famous. Known as the "Crazy Cuban", he is respected and loved by all.

And then came Alan Kirchhoff, a cigar lover residing in Texas with a love for tradition and a heart tuned to legacy. Alan had long dreamed of building something that honored not just the craft of cigars, but the people and heritage behind them.

Together, Alan and César began to shape what would become Bariay 1492: a brand forged from two paths that were always meant to intersect.

Today, Bariay 1492 stands out as the only fully integrated, handcrafted cigar brand — rooted in Cuban heritage, rolled in Nicaragua, and headquartered in the heart of Texas.

Red

From César:

"The Red Label is for those who appreciate a cigar that speaks gently but lingers deeply. It’s hand-rolled feel is firm yet easy to draw, smoke experience is cool, clean, and smooth. You’ll taste notes of honey, warm spice, and vanilla. There is no bite, just a cigar meant to bring peace, not punch. Many have told me this is the best cigar they've ever had."

Blend:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habana​

Binder & Filler:  Esteli, Condega, Jalapa

Available vitolas:

Robusto 5.25x54

Toro 6 x 54 REVIEWED TODAY

Gordo 6 x 56

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was a bit firm but workable. The initial flavors at light up were strawberry preserves (but not rich), brown sugar, and tanned leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Interesting start.

At the first third (24 minutes) there was still the strawberry-type note and now a little nougat attached to it. There's also black coffee now to go along with the tanned leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 92.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) the strawberry notes got extremely light and there are some unripened type notes. The brown sugar is rather light. The black coffee has risen and close behind is the tanned leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. The unripened notes have a bitterness to them. While the light strawberry still has some sweetness the bitterness is quite detracting. Plus, the elevated black coffee and tanned leather did not help. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. The only difference in the final third and the second third is the bitterness subsided. That's a big deal to me. I do not like bitterness. But the remaining notes were such that the cigar improved only one point to an 88. The finish is unchanged. The cigar is medium bodied. This cigar started out with some promise but lost it in the second third and did not recover.

Overall Score: 89

BOLIVAR ROLLS OUT TWO BIGGER SIZES OF FAN-FAVORITE BLEND

Bolivar today announced the release of the new Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770s, offering the same well-respected blends in a larger, 7x70 format.   

The introduction of the 770s gives fans of larger ring gauges a new way to enjoy two of Bolivar’s classic blends. Combining the familiar character and affordability smokers have come to expect in the new size, the Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770s deliver a bigger smoking experience while remaining among the most accessible cigars in the category. 

“Both Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro have long been among the best buys in humidors,” said Joe Krzyston, Brand Manager of Bolivar Cigars. “Now those same cigars are available in a bold new size. These 770s are for lovers of big ring gauges and uncompromising Bolivar blends.” 

Both Bolivar Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770 are crafted in Honduras at HATSA and come in a 20-count box at a 7x70 size. The SRP for each blend is $10.09 per cigar.  

Bolivar Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770 began shipping to retailers in July 2026. 

Bolivar Cofradia (7 X 70); SRP per cigar $10.09 

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro (7 X 70); SRP per cigar $10.09

    

OUR INDEPENDENCE IS HERE TO STAY

Following the overwhelming success and nationwide sell-out of the Independence Firecracker, United Cigars and Arnold André are proud to announce the ongoing production launch of Independence, the newest permanent offering in the Arnold André premium cigar portfolio.

Scheduled to begin shipping to retailers on August 27th, Independence will debut in a 4 7/8” x 50 Robusto and a 5 7/8” x 50 Toro. Both formats will feature the blend that made the Independence Firecracker the hottest and fastest-selling limited release of 2026. While these additional vitolas will not feature the Firecracker's iconic fuse cap, they will deliver the identical smoking experience that captivated retailers and consumers alike.

"Why mess with success?" said Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Arnold André premium cigars, including Montosa and Terra Nova. "The Independence Firecracker exceeded every expectation. Rather than retire a blend people fell in love with, we're making Independence a permanent part of the Arnold André portfolio."

Independence Firecracker was created to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the United States, continuing the premium cigar industry's longest-running Firecracker collaboration series between United Cigars and leading cigar manufacturers. This is not the first time a limited-edition Firecracker has made it into a core line for manufacturers, Mi Querida Triqui Traca and Fratello Fuoco Oro went to market after the success of the Firecracker collaboration.

The blend remains unchanged, featuring Dominican and Nicaraguan ligero fillers, a Dominican binder, and a Mexican Habano wrapper. Full bodied and bold, Independence offers a rich profile of floral sweetness, toasted grain, baking spices, earth, and pepper, delivering the same bold character that made the Firecracker release so memorable.

The Independence line will be available in the signature 12-count collectible tin, boldly marked with "Land of the Free" and "Home of the Brave." Once empty, the tin is designed to be repurposed as a personal cigar ashtray and provides retailers additional merchandising flexibility while making it approachable for consumers.

Independence Robusto will retail for $10.50 per single, $126 per tin and the Toro is set at $11.00 per single, $132 per tin.

The World’s Strongest Cigar Returns August 13th To Two Guys Cigars

The return of one of the most talked-about cigars in recent memory is coming this August as the World’s Strongest Cigar officially makes its comeback by popular demand, now as an exclusive release for 2GuysCigars.com and all Two Guys Cigars retail locations.

When the World's Strongest Cigar made its debut at the 2024 New England Cigar Expo, it immediately became one of the year's most sought-after limited editions. Created by Reinier Lorenzo, President and Founder of HVC Cigars, and handcrafted at Fábrica de Tabacos HVC S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua, only 500 boxes were produced. The release sold out almost instantly, leaving countless cigar smokers searching for boxes that simply no longer existed. Until now.

"This cigar developed a life of its own," said David Garofalo, Owner of Two Guys Cigars. "People still ask us about it every single week. It wasn't just a strong cigar; it was an exceptional cigar that happened to have incredible strength. We knew that if we were ever going to bring it back, it had to be exactly the same blend.”

Reinier Lorenzo created the blend using some of Nicaragua's finest tobaccos. The cigar features a double Jalapa Corojo '99 binder with a powerful combination of Jalapa ligeros and Estelí Criollo '98 visos and secos. The World's Strongest Cigar isn't built around gimmicks or harsh, under-fermented tobacco. Instead, it delivers a remarkably balanced smoking experience packed with rich flavor and extraordinary power. The result, many seasoned smokers consider one of the boldest premium cigars ever produced, and a perfect 10/10 on the Official Strength-O-Meter.

The World’s Strongest Cigar measures 6 x 56 and is packaged in boxes of 10. Production has been limited to just 500 boxes worldwide.The cigar will retail for $12.99 per single, $109.99 per box of 10, or 2 boxes for $200.00. Available exclusively beginning Thursday, August 13th at 10am EST at 2GuysCigars.com and all Two Guys Cigars locations.

Also, Reiner Lorenzo will be on hand to celebrate the launch weekend, with scheduled appearances at Two Guys Cigars locations in Seabrook on Thursday 8/13, Nashua Friday 8/14, and Salem on Saturday 8/15 including an appearance on The Cigar Authority Podcast at 12pm EST.

"This is the real deal," Garofalo added. "It's full-flavored, full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and without question one of the strongest premium cigars I've ever smoked."

Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade Robusto (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Macanudo is reinforcing its core portfolio with the introduction of Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade and Macanudo Sumatra, two new cigars crafted to deliver distinct experiences while staying rooted in the brand’s legacy of smooth, consistent craftsmanship.

For generations, Macanudo has been a staple of shared moments — known for its approachable profile and unwavering consistency. With Ecuadorian Shade and Sumatra, the brand builds on that foundation, introducing a new way for smokers to engage with Macanudo and better match the cigar to the moment. Crafted from the same core blend and distinguished by their wrappers, the two cigars highlight how wrapper selection can shape a cigar’s overall character.

Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade features a silky Ecuadorian Shade wrapper that delivers a smoother, more refined experience.

“Macanudo has always been about bringing people together through a consistently smooth, approachable experience,” said Matt Wilson, Senior Brand Manager for Macanudo. “With Ecuadorian Shade and Sumatra, we’re building on that legacy by giving smokers two distinct ways to experience the brand — making it easier to find the right cigar for the moment.”

Both cigars are handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, and feature a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers bound by a U.S. Broadleaf binder, delivering balanced profiles that reflect Macanudo’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade is available in Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 50) and Gigante (6 x 60) formats.

The cigar is golden 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 lemon, brown sugar, a little earthiness, light cream, tanned leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (17 minutes) I still had the nice lemon and brown sugar with light cream notes. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is an earthy lemon with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (35 minutes) some bitterness has popped up. The lemon and brown sugar notes now have some bitterness. The earthy black coffee is elevated. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged in notes but the lemon is a little more prominent. The front end notes lost a decent amount due to the bitterness and elevated earthy black coffee. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 52 minutes. 8 minutes shorter than the Sumatra. The bitterness pulled back a little allowing the sweet notes to get a little better. The black coffee is still elevated. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. The pepper on the front end is around 8 at this point, which is an improvement. The cigar got marginally better. I rated the final third 91. This cigar isn't bad but it's a little light.

Overall Score: 91.33

Macanudo Sumatra Robusto (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Macanudo is reinforcing its core portfolio with the introduction of Macanudo Ecuadorian Shade and Macanudo Sumatra, two new cigars crafted to deliver distinct experiences while staying rooted in the brand’s legacy of smooth, consistent craftsmanship.

For generations, Macanudo has been a staple of shared moments — known for its approachable profile and unwavering consistency. With Ecuadorian Shade and Sumatra, the brand builds on that foundation, introducing a new way for smokers to engage with Macanudo and better match the cigar to the moment. Crafted from the same core blend and distinguished by their wrappers, the two cigars highlight how wrapper selection can shape a cigar’s overall character.

The Macanudo Sumatra is wrapped in Ecuadorian Sumatra leaf, offering a richer, more robust expression with added depth.

“Macanudo has always been about bringing people together through a consistently smooth, approachable experience,” said Matt Wilson, Senior Brand Manager for Macanudo. “With Ecuadorian Shade and Sumatra, we’re building on that legacy by giving smokers two distinct ways to experience the brand — making it easier to find the right cigar for the moment.”

Both cigars are handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, and feature a blend of Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers bound by a U.S. Broadleaf binder, delivering balanced profiles that reflect Macanudo’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

Macanudo Sumatra are available in Robusto (5 x 50), Toro (6 x 50) and Gigante (6 x 60) formats.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were syrupy orange citrus, brown sugar, tanned leather, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (16 minutes) the cigar is much like it started but the citrus notes seem to have some influence of pear. They're still syrupy. There is nice brown sugar, and a lot of black coffee. There is very little earthiness at this point. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with some of the citrus syrup and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (36 minutes) the black coffee has increased and it has some earthiness. The sweetness has dipped a little and they've moved toward the citrus peel/bitter direction with brown sugar so they're not too bad. The cigar is medium bodied but it's leaning toward medium to full. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour. It kept going in the same direction. The black coffee has increased while the sweet notes are more of a citrus peel type note with light brown sugar. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 90. This cigar is worth a try. It starts quite good but does not hold.

Overall Score: 92.67

Final Days: Experience the Cigars! Exhibit Before It Closes July 19

Just over one week remains to visit the "Cigars! Photography, Industry, and Identity" exhibit at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in historic Ybor City.

Proudly sponsored by J.C. Newman Cigar Co., this special exhibition commemorates the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City in 1886 through a remarkable collection of historic and contemporary photography. Rare nineteenth and early twentieth-century images from The Burns Collection & Archive are paired with striking photographs by documentary photographer Zack Wittman, showcasing the 25 cigar factories still standing in Tampa today.

The Burns Collection, home to more than one million historic photographs, also published the companion book, Cigars: From Seed to Smoke, A Photographic History, featuring 250 vintage images documenting the early days of the cigar industry. J.C. Newman commissioned Wittman, an award-winning documentary photographer, to photograph Tampa's remaining cigar factories, resulting in over 12,000 images and a book by Wittman and Drew Newman titled Cigar City: A Legacy of Tampa's Founding Industry.

Experience this one-of-a-kind exhibition before it comes to a close!

"Cigars! Photography, Industry and Identity" honors Ybor City’s enduring legacy as the cigar capital of the world through the powerful lens of photography, bridging the golden age of cigar making with its vibrant present while celebrating the deep roots that shaped the city’s cultural and economic foundation.

 Presented in collaboration with The Burns Collection & Archive in New York and Tampa’s own J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the exhibition offers a rare visual dialogue across centuries. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century original vintage photographs from The Burns Collection transport visitors to a time when immigrants were at the heart of Ybor City’s rise, bringing with them cigar-making expertise, revolutionary ideals, and a rich cultural heritage that transformed Tampa into a global hub of industry and identity.

 These historical images of factory life, skilled cigar rollers, and moments of everyday community are placed in conversation with compelling contemporary photographs by Zack Wittman, who documents the 25 remaining cigar factory buildings in present-day Tampa and the people who carry forward this legacy. Wittman’s work, created in partnership with the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, offers an intimate look at how Cuban, Spanish, and Italian traditions, labor practices, and pride remain embedded in Ybor City’s living culture.

 The exhibit reveals how photography has long served as a tool to preserve and reimagine the Ybor City story, as well as American history—one of migration, resistance, artistry, and community. "Cigars! Photography, Industry and Identity" celebrates not only the history of an industry but also the lasting contributions of the people whose spirit continues to define Ybor City’s past, present, and future.

Black Label Trading Company announces shipment of Bishops Blend to select retailers

Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the shipment of Bishops Blend to select retailers beginning this week. Bishops Blend is handcrafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BISHOPS BLEND is a limited release that was first released in 2016.

“It’s been ten years since we introduced Bishops Blend, and it has grown into one of our most sought-after releases. To celebrate this milestone, this year’s edition features a double-wrapper presentation, pairing the original Ecuadorian Maduro with Connecticut Broadleaf. The addition of Broadleaf in both the filler and wrapper further enhances the cigar’s rich, elegant, and complex character, taking it to an entirely new level. Smokers can expect the same bold profile that has defined Bishops Blend, highlighted by notes of anise, pepper, raisins, and a lingering sweet earthiness on the finish,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BISHOPS BLEND

Blend and Origin:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro and Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut & PA Broadleaf

Available vitolas:

Corona Larga – 6.25 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $13.50

Robusto – 5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $13.00

Lancero – 7 x 42 (12 count) MSRP $14.00

Fox & Friends Visits J.C. Newman to Celebrate America250

 

Fox & Friends showcased J.C. Newman’s iconic El Reloj cigar factory as part of its America250 celebration last weekend. Anchor Charlie Hurt toured El Reloj and learned how to hand roll his own cigars, which he shared with his co-hosts.

J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding. Therefore, it is only fitting that to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with cigars handmade in the United States, including The American, Angel Cuesta, LeRoy Neiman, and Tampa Smokers.

Zino Honduras Half Corona (4 x 44)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

For the next release in its Zino brand, Davidoff is once again turning to Honduran tobacco.

The new Zino Honduras can be seen as a follow-up line to the Zino Nicaragua. However, it’s also a return to Zino’s roots, which are deeply tied to Honduran tobaccos. The new Zino Honduras uses an Ecuadorian wrapper over a blend of Honduran tobaccos from Copán and the Jamastran Valley. It is made at Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A., best known as the Camacho factory.

It is debuting in three vitolas, all of which are also offered in the Zino Nicaragua line

Zino Honduras Half Corona (4 x 44) — $6.70 (Pack of 5, $33.50/Box of 25, $167.50) REVIEWED TODAY

Zino Honduras Robusto (5 x 54) — $7.50 (Pack of 4, $30/Pack of 5, $37.50/Box of 25, $187.50)

Zino Honduras Toro (6 x 50) — $8 (Pack of 4, $32/Pack of 5, $40/box of 25, $200)

As is the case with the Zino Nicaragua line, each vitola is offered in boxes of 25 cigars as well as five-packs. The Robusto and Toro vitolas are also sold in four-count bags. Notably, the Half Corona five-pack and four-count bags of the other two sizes have cigars that are pre-cut.

While the Half Corona will be offered in the above pictured five-pack, this five-pack will not be sold in the U.S. According to Davidoff of Geneva USA, for the Half Corona, only the five-count metal tin and 25-count box will be offered to American stores.

“We are delighted to be launching Zino Honduras to meet the rising demand for more intense cigars,” said Javier González, svp head global marketing & innovation at Oettinger Davidoff AG, in a press release. “The high quality of these handmade cigars, combined with the enhanced flexibility and spontaneity offered through innovative packaging and cut options, truly sets this line apart and reflects what Zino Cigars stands for as a brand.” In line with Zino Cigars’ price positioning, Zino Honduras also stands out for its attractive value-for-money proposition, making premium cigar enjoyment accessible to a broader audience.”

The cigar is golden 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 an earthy peach, brown sugar, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (15 minutes) the peach notes are coming out better. The cigar is not quite as earthy. There is light nougat in the mix. The cigar is better now than it was at the light up. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is sort of a peach/nougat but there's not a lot of either with average lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (25 minutes) the cigar got very earthy. There is a minor amount of peach and brown sugar. There seems to be some sort of wood aspect. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a little peach with earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 37 minutes. A short smoke. The cigar reverted back to the way it was in the first third; nice peach with brown sugar, light nougat, and black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is peach with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 93. This is a pretty good short smoke and we can always have one of those on hand.

Overall Score: 92