Avowed Cigar Company Announces New Core Line: Hallowed Hands

Avowed Cigar Company is pleased to announce a new addition to its portfolio just in time for Valentine's Day! Hallowed Hands debuts with three vitolas: Corona Gorda, Box-Pressed Robusto, and Toro.  

Hallowed Hands honors the tireless efforts of the individuals and families that have perfected the craft of cigar making over centuries. To celebrate the profound impact a single set of unique fingerprints can achieve over a lifetime, each humidor-inspired box displays 15 unique bands. 

This release marks several firsts for Avowed: the company's first use of Ecuadorian Corojo as a wrapper leaf, its first box-pressed shape, and its first line to debut with three vitolas. Additional Pennsylvania Broadleaf was added to the filler composition of the Box-Pressed Robusto to give it a unique stance in the lineup. Production of Hallowed Hands concluded in 2024 for the Corona Gorda and Toro expressions with the Box-Pressed Robusto followingly shortly after. 

Each vitola was exclusively crafted by a single pair of dedicated rollers at Kelner Cigars in the Dominican Republic from start to finish. Hallowed Hands is expected to begin shipping to Retail Partners next week with deliveries scheduled for February 13th nationwide. Avowed Cigars celebrates its first anniversary this Valentine's Day. 

Blend:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Corojo 

Binder: Ecuadorian Habano 

Filler: Corojo 99, San Vicente, Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, Pennsylvania Broadleaf 

Box Count: 15 

Available vitolas:

(5.75 x 46) Corona Gorda MSRP: $17/each  

(5.75 x 50) Box-Pressed Robusto MSRP: $18/each  

(6 x 52) Toro MSRP: $19/each  

Production: Ongoing 

(Medium-Full) Tasting Notes: Cherry, Dark Chocolate, Pepper, Earth, Candied Citrus, Espresso 

Fermin Perez Classic Connecticut (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Fermin Perez)

True sophistication doesn’t need to be loud.

The Classic Connecticut was crafted for those who appreciate nuance, balance, and a smooth, polished smoking experience. It is one of the original blends that helped define Fermin Perez Premium Cigars, designed to showcase finesse without sacrificing flavor.

Blend Composition and Construction

Wrapped in a silky Connecticut wrapper, this cigar offers a refined introduction that invites the smoker in rather than overwhelming the palate. An Indonesian binder supports a carefully composed blend of Nicaraguan fillers from Jalapa, Estelí, and Pueblo Nuevo, providing depth and structure beneath its smooth exterior.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were lemon, brown sugar, light cream, and earthy, leathery black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (27 minutes) not much has changed. The earthy, leathery black coffee may have risen just a bit. The cream notes are quite light. The overall feel of the cigar is light. The lemon and brown sugar make a very nice note. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leathery black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (54 minutes) I had more black coffee. It's primarily black coffee that has risen. The earthiness and leather notes did not move up. The sweet notes dipped. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. The black coffee pulled back and the sweet notes moved up. The cigar got better but not quite to where it was in the first third. It's medium bodied and the finish is unchanged in flavors but the lingering black pepper improved. I rated the final third 92. This is a nice Connecticut cigar. If you like Connecticut's you might want to give these a try. They are available at smallbatchcigar.com and use code tinytim for 10% off.

Overall Score: 92

J.C. Newman’s Cigar Float Parades Through Tampa

Tampa has two century-old traditions: The first cigars were rolled here in 1886.  Beginning in 1904, pirates have invaded Tampa in an annual celebration called Gasparilla.  The Gasparilla Parade of Pirates is reportedly the third largest parade in the USA. Last Saturday, hundreds of floats paraded down Bayshore Boulevard before 300,000 spectators. 

J.C. Newman’s parade float is a replica of its historic, El Reloj cigar factory, which is the last traditional cigar factory still operating in the United States. While the float paraded through Tampa, spectators were able to watch a cigar roller on board hand roll José Gaspar cigars. In addition to longtime J.C. Newman employees, the float also carried the official 2025 Miss Tampa, Alexandra de Roos.     

“Cigars and Gasparilla have been essential parts of Tampa’s identity for more than 100 years,” said Drew Newman, fourth generation owner. “We wanted to bring them together by rolling José Gaspar cigars as well as being featured in the Gasparilla parade.”

Although pirates have always smoked cigars along the parade route, cigar floats have been absent from the parade for many decades. The most recent photos of a cigar float in Gasparilla are from the 1960s.

“We hand rolled cigars on our float because we wanted to show all of the paradegoers the art and tradition of premium cigars.”

“My hope is that our J.C. Newman cigar float can participate in lots of parades in the years ahead, and perhaps event attend the Premium Cigar Association trade show in Las Vegas,” said Newman.

PANGEA CIGARS ANNOUNCES INAUGURAL CIGAR RELEASES

Pangea Cigars today announced the release of its inaugural cigar offerings, marking the brand’s first product launch following the introduction of the company last week.

Pangea Cigars is introduced through a direct-to-consumer model, allowing the brand to maintain full control over presentation, pacing, and experience. The inaugural collection is available exclusively at www.pangeacigars.com and will not be offered through retail stores or third-party platforms. This approach reflects Pangea’s belief that premium products should be encountered with intention, not urgency.

THE INAUGURAL PANGEA COLLECTION

Blend No. 8

6 x 50 | Box of 12

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Natural

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Blend No. 8 presents a smooth, structured profile with layered nuance and elegant balance. Adaptable yet composed, it complements a wide range of moments without losing its identity.

Blend No. 12

6 x 50 | Box of 12

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

Blend No. 12 delivers a richer, more expressive profile with depth and steady progression. Designed to stand on its own, it offers complexity without excess and a composed, lasting finish.

Blend No. 12 Shorts

4 x 50 | Box of 5

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano

Binder & Filler: Nicaragua

This shorter format captures the essence of Blend No. 12 in a more concentrated experience, preserving its character and refinement in a compact form.

Dual-Cigar Sleeve

Featuring Blend No. 8 and Blend No. 12, presented as an introduction to Pangea’s range and philosophy.

Each cigar is presented in a custom tube, reinforcing both protection and presentation—an extension of Pangea’s belief that craftsmanship and design are inseparable parts of the experience.

The inaugural blends express the brand’s philosophy of balance, restraint, and clarity.

ALEC BRADLEY CONTINUES UNCUT SERIES WITH BATCH 9 BARREL PROOF PAIRING FEATURING JACK DANIEL’S

Alec Bradley is continuing its Uncut Series with the release of Batch 9, a bold new pairing featuring Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey and the 2025 edition of Alec Bradley Fine & Rare.

This latest Uncut release brings together two expressions defined by intensity and craftsmanship. Each package includes one 750 ml bottle of Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey, bottled at 132.6 proof, alongside two Fine & Rare cigars from the 2025 release. Only 185 packages of Uncut Series Batch 9 will be made available for sale. Pricing is set at $99 per package, with a release date of February 9th. The package will be sold exclusively through Bourbon Outfitter.

“Fine & Rare has always been about pushing boundaries and showcasing the art of blending at the highest level,” said Alec Rubin, Brand Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Scandinavian Tobacco Group. “Pairing it with a barrel proof expression from Jack Daniel’s felt like a natural fit. Both are unapologetically bold, complex, and meant to be savored.”

The 2025 Fine & Rare cigar continues the brand’s tradition of meticulous construction, bringing together ten distinct tobaccos to deliver a layered, refined smoking experience. Produced in extremely limited quantities each year, Fine & Rare remains one of the most anticipated releases in Alec Bradley’s portfolio.

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof Tennessee Whiskey represents the distillery’s whiskey in its purest form, bottled straight from the barrel without dilution. Each barrel is hand-selected for its depth and character, delivering a powerful yet nuanced profile that stands up beautifully alongside the complexity of Fine & Rare.

The Alec Bradley Uncut Series was created to celebrate thoughtfully curated pairings between premium cigars and exceptional spirits, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience both exactly as intended — uncut and unfiltered.

ALEC BRADLEY ROLLS OUT NEW “FAT PACK”

Alec Bradley announced the release of its new Fat Pack, a five-cigar bundle crafted for smokers seeking a superior smoking experience in a shorter vitola.

The Fat Pack includes a mix of current offerings and upcoming releases, all in a 4 x 60 size: Chunk Maduro, Chunk Shade, a pre-release of Chunk Sumatra, Double Broadleaf, and the pack-exclusive Project 40 Maduro.

“Sometimes, our Alec Bradley fans are looking for a shorter cigar that still delivers a great smoking experience,” said Ed Lahmann, Sr. Brand Manager for Alec Bradley. “The new Fat Pack was created specifically for those times, with cigars that offer complexity and character, approachable pricing, and a size that fits comfortably into a shorter window of time.”

The Fat Pack is packaged in a fresh pack and contains five 4 x 60 cigars. The suggested retail price is $29.99. Shipments begin in January, and the Fat Pack will be available at cigar retailers nationwide, with the exception of California due to pack-exclusive sizing regulations.

CLUB MACANUDO COMES TO PUERTO RICO

Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) and Entre Humos LLC have officially partnered to bring Club Macanudo to the Caribbean, marking the brand’s first location in the region. The newly rechristened Club Macanudo Puerto Rico, located at the Palmas del Mar Yacht Club in Humacao, offers a sophisticated retreat for cigar enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Nestled within the luxurious Palmas del Mar resort community, Club Macanudo Puerto Rico delivers a relaxed, scenic atmosphere combined with the premium quality and service the brand is known for. Guests can enjoy a curated cocktail bar, a temperature-controlled humidor wall, and an outdoor terrace with stunning marina views—creating an unmatched cigar experience for the island’s many visitors.

Beyond serving visiting cigar enthusiasts, Club Macanudo Puerto Rico was conceived with deep respect for the Palmas del Mar community and its residents, who have helped shape the resort into one of the island’s most complete lifestyle destinations—home to two hotels, two championship golf courses, a world-class marina, and a vibrant residential community. The lounge is designed to complement Palmas del Mar’s standards of quality and hospitality, offering a refined gathering place that feels native to the resort.

Club Macanudo Puerto Rico’s retail selection has been curated to feature a collection of Macanudo cigars including the popular Inspirado line, a global best-seller. The Club also stocks a selection of Scandinavian Tobacco Group’s most popular brands including CAO, Cohiba, and Alec Bradley.

“Puerto Rico sees a constant flow of travelers who already understand premium cigars,” said Cándido Alfonso, CEO of Entre Humos LLC. “Club Macanudo Puerto Rico is designed to serve those customers properly—people who expect a serious humidor, knowledgeable service, and a setting that respects tradition.”

“We are thrilled to introduce Club Macanudo to Puerto Rico, a destination that shares our passion for quality and hospitality,” said Chris Tarr, Vice President of Marketing Global HMC at Scandinavian Tobacco Group. “This new location embodies the spirit of the island while delivering the elevated experience that defines Club Macanudo worldwide.”

Club Macanudo Puerto Rico is currently in its soft opening phase, with expanded programming planned throughout 2026, including curated tastings, private events, and experiences aligned with the region’s vibrant golf and yachting communities.

More information on Club Macanudo Puerto Rico can be found here: https://linktr.ee/clubmacanudopr

ATABEY BLACK 2026 EDITION BEGINS SHIPPING TO SELECT RETAILERS

United Cigars announces that the Atabey Black 2026 Edition, created by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco, has officially begun shipping to a highly select group of premium cigar retailers across the United States. The 6 1/8 x 55 Atabey Black features a dark, Ecuadorian wrapper cradling an aged blend of Nicaraguan and Peruvian tobaccos with a Dominican binder. Currently available in a single vitola, this medium-bodied expression delivers layered elegance, a hallmark of the Atabey name.

Production is limited to 15,000 cigars aged post roll for a minimum of five years in multi cedar lined rooms with the addition of French Oak. Every cigar undergoes extended post-roll aging in cedar-lined rooms incorporating multiple cedar varietals and French oak, imparting a complexity that can only be achieved through time. The Atabey Black 2026 Edition represents the continued evolution of one of the most exclusive cigars in the modern luxury cigar landscape. Each release is defined not by calendar year, but by readiness, shaped by time and Selected Tobacco’s uncompromising aging philosophy.

Presented in striking black lacquered boxes of 25 cigars, the Atabey Black 2026 Edition maintains its reputation as a connoisseur’s cigar, reserved for enthusiasts who understand rarity as a virtue, not a marketing term. Suggested retail for this collectible production will land at $60 per cigar.

Distribution of the Atabey Black 2026 Edition will be limited to approved accounts only.

Atabey Black Retailers 2026:

Ambassador Fine Cigars, Phoenix, AZ - Atabey Lounge

B & G Cigar Lounge, Dayton, OH - Red Anchor Lounge

Blend Bar, Indianapolis, IN - Atabey Lounge 

Byron Cigar Lounge, Schaumburg, IL - Byron Lounge 

Cigarz on the Ave, Winter Park, FL - NFT Holder

Corona Cigar Co., Orlando, FL - NFT Holder

Industrial Cigar Co., Frisco, TX - Atabey Lounge 

Maxamar Ultimate Cigars, Orange, CA - NFT Holder 

Red Beard Cigar Co., Cottonwood, AZ - NFT Holder 

The Ariston, Nashville, TN - Byron Lounge

Tobacco Junction, Tyler, TX - Red Anchor Lounge

Tobacco Leaf, Robbinsville, NJ - NFT Holder

Two Guys Smoke Shop, Nashua, NH - Red Anchor Lounge

J.C. Newman Celebrates NHL’s Stadium Series Game

In near freezing weather last night, the Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the Boston Bruins 6-5 at Raymond James Stadium as part of the NHL’s Stadium Series.  At the request of the Lightning, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. created a custom Stadium Series Diamond Crown Humidor that the Lightning presented to the NHL Commissioner to welcome him to Tampa.  The humidor was filled with 100 Diamond Crown Classic cigars.

“We are very proud to be a partner and exclusive cigar maker of the Tampa Bay Lightning,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman.  “As a Tampa is ‘Cigar City,’ it is only fitting for the Lightning to welcome Commissioner Bettman to Tampa with a beautiful Diamond Crown Humidor and Diamond Crown cigars.”

Lightning Head Coach Jon Cooper and his assistant coaches wore outfits that paid homage to Tampa’s Ybor City historic cigar district.  After defeating the Bruins, the coaches lit victory cigars and smoked them as they exited the stadium. 

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

This is a one-of-a-kind custom humidor and is not commercially available. 

Fermin Perez Classic Habano (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Fermin Perez Cigars)

The Classic Habano is the cornerstone of Fermin Perez Premium Cigars, a blend rooted in tradition, built for consistency, and refined through experience. This was one of the original blends created to introduce the brand to the market, and it remains a true expression of balance and craftsmanship.

Blend Composition and Construction

Clad in a silky Habano wrapper, the Classic Habano showcases the natural character of the leaf without overpowering the smoker. An Indonesian binder and a harmonious selection of Nicaraguan fillers from Jalapa, Estelí, and Pueblo Nuevo form the backbone of the blend, delivering structure, complexity, and a smooth, even burn.

The cigar is well made and looks nice. It 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 a lemony citrus, brown sugar, light toffee, light leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (21 minutes) the lemon notes are prominent with brown sugar, nougat, and leathery black coffee. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar has nice notes and they're working fairly well together. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (45 minutes) the flavors have not changed but they are a little more pronounced and working better together. The lemon and brown sugar have come out a little better. The leather is light and the black coffee has also come out but it makes a nice base and is not out of line. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning a little toward medium to full. The finish is leather with a touch of nougat and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar improved. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 6 minutes. The black coffee, which had previously been in the background decided to make a move up. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The black coffee held down the lemon and brown sugar. I rated the final third 92. This is a pretty good cigar and well worth trying. You can purchase them at Smallbatchcigar.com and use code tinytim for 10% off.

Overall Score: 93

Anunnaki Ki (5 × 50 Robusto)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Don Emmanuel Cigars)

The Anunnaki line is a study in balance and evolution. Each cigar begins with refined sweetness and soft floral tones, unfolding into layers of cedar, toasted nuts, cocoa, coffee, and mineral spice. The Mexican binder adds depth and earthiness, while the Dominican filler provides a creamy texture and steady progression from medium to medium-full intensity. According to Don Emmanuel,

“It’s a journey that starts gentle and ends triumphant — never harsh, always harmonious. The Anunnaki is designed to accompany moments of reflection and celebration alike.

Origin and blend:

Factory: Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera (Dominican Republic)

Wrapper: Dominican Republic

Binder: Mexican San Andrés Negro

Filler: Dominican Republic (five-region blend)

Tobaccos: Seven distinct varietals

Vitolas & MSRP:

Anunnaki Anu (6 × 52 Toro) – MSRP $18.00 per cigar / $180.00 per box of 1

Anunnaki Ki (5 × 50 Robusto) – MSRP $17.00 per cigar / $170.00 per box of 10 REVIEWED TODAY

Anunnaki Corona Fina (4 × 38, Tin of 5) – MSRP $34.99 per tin

I was sent one sample of each size. I decided to review the robusto as I thought it would give the best review flavors.

The cigar is nicely 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 peach, light citrus peel, light brown sugar, a dough note, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (22 minutes) the cigar is burning pretty evenly. I had the same basic notes. The sweetness is very good. The peach is quite prominent. There is a little underlying citrus peel. The brown sugar may have edged up a little. The dough note is still there between the sweet notes and the black coffee. It's a little subtle but you can get it. And the earthy black coffee is still there. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is peach with some earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (41 minutes) the earthiness and black coffee made a move up. The sweet notes took a hit. The sweet notes are muffled due to the increase in earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 11 minutes. The cigar made a nice bounce back. The peach and brown sugar notes came back and the earthy black coffee pulled back to a nice amount. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is peach with some earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. I do not think it got back to the first third score but it's close. I rated the final third 93. This is a nice offering from Don Emmanuel.

Overall Score: 92.67