THE GHOST WITH THE MOST RETURNS: ALEC BRADLEY FILTHY GHOOLIGAN

Alec Bradley is resurrecting a spectral classic for spooky season. Black Market Filthy Ghooligan, an annual limited-edition from the brand, is set to return to shelves (and haunt humidors) this September.

The Halloween-themed cousin to the popular Black Market Filthy Hooligan, Filthy Ghooligan is a barber pole featuring seven different tobaccos. Its wrappers are Ecuadorian Habano and US Broadleaf; its binder is Indonesian Besuki; and its fillers are Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega from Nicaragua alongside Dominican Piloto. It was produced in Honduras.

Like previous Filthy Ghooligan releases, it will be available in a single size: a 6 X 50 Toro.

Bradley Rubin, Alec Bradley Brand Ambassador, said, “Filthy Ghooligan has become one of the many beloved Alec Bradley traditions. Not only is it innovative and eye-catching, but it’s a cigar of excellent quality and construction. Consider this a treat — instead of a trick — for your Halloween festivities.”

Production of Filthy Ghooligan is capped at 1,950 boxes, each containing 24 cigars. SRP per cigar is $14.49. It will begin shipping in September 2026.

DON EMMANUEL CIGARS CONTINUES INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION WITH ENTRY INTO PARAGUAY

Don Emmanuel Cigars announces its expansion into Paraguay, continuing the brand's growing international presence and marking another important step in its development throughout Latin America.

Don Emmanuel Cigars will be represented in Paraguay by Amilkar Pérez, with the brand currently available at Exclusive Cigars. The expansion introduces Paraguayan cigar enthusiasts to Don Emmanuel's distinctive approach to premium cigars, which combines the perspective of a Master Cigar Sommelier with the blending expertise of legendary Master Blender Eladio Díaz.

"Latin America is an important part of our continued international growth, and we are very excited to bring Don Emmanuel Cigars to Paraguay," said Emmanuel, Co-Founder and Creator. "For us, entering a new market is much more than simply making our cigars available. It is about finding the right people who understand our philosophy, can tell our story, and share our passion for cigar culture. We look forward to building that connection with cigar enthusiasts in Paraguay."

The Paraguay expansion follows Don Emmanuel Cigars' continued growth across Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, as the brand steadily expands its international footprint through carefully selected partners and premium cigar destinations.

At the center of the Don Emmanuel portfolio are Anunnaki and the limited-edition Sun & Moon, both co-blended by Don Emmanuel and Master Blender Eladio Díaz at Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in the Dominican Republic. Both projects reflect Emmanuel's distinctive sommelier perspective, combining exceptional tobacco, balance and complexity with the mythology and cosmic inspiration that define the Don Emmanuel brand.

Altadis U.S.A. Introduces Exclusive ‘Golden Four Event-Only Cigar Assortment’

Altadis U.S.A., the maker of some of the world’s most legendary cigar brands, proudly introduces the Golden Four Event-Only Cigar Assortment, a limited-edition collection that will be available exclusively at select premier events nationwide.

Each Golden Four Tin features four unreleased cigars with exclusive tobaccos carefully chosen from one of Altadis’ renowned cedar rooms. Inside the Golden Four tin, aficionados will discover one cigar from Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, H. Upmann, and Aging Room—four iconic brands brought together in a rare collector’s format.

This debut assortment represents the first batch in an ongoing series that will showcase new, unreleased blends, offering aficionados the opportunity to try special blends only available if they attend select events nationwide. The Golden Four will not be available for retail purchase or individual sale, reinforcing its position as a true event-only exclusive.

“The Golden Four assortment is for the true cigar lover—for the ones who chase what’s rare and undiscovered,” said Gabe Diaz, brand manager for Altadis U.S.A. “We’ve opened the doors to our cedar rooms and pulled unreleased cigars from four of our most iconic brands, giving aficionados a taste of something they can’t find anywhere else.”

The Golden Four Event Only Cigar Assortment will be presented at events across the country starting in September, marking the launch of a collectible series destined to become a coveted keepsake for cigar lovers worldwide.

M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum™ (5 x 50)

 

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Macanudo is expanding its M by Macanudo lineup with M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum™, a flavor-infused cigar made in partnership with the iconic Jamaican rum brand of the same name.

The collaboration reflects the shared Jamaican heritage of both brands. Macanudo’s early cigars were crafted in Kingston, Jamaica, while Myers’s Rum built its legacy on the island’s rich rum-making tradition. This connection makes the partnership a natural fit, bringing together two brands with roots in Jamaica to create a cigar that captures the spirit of the island.

"Myers’s Rum is one of the most recognizable names associated with Jamaica, and its rich flavor profile made it a natural inspiration for this release,” said Matt Wilson, Senior Brand Manager for Macanudo. “With M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum, we wanted to create a cigar that celebrates the shared heritage of both brands while delivering a smooth and flavorful smoking experience.”

This marks the seventh cigar in the M by Macanudo lineup, which was created to elevate the flavored cigar category by combining premium tobacco blends with carefully crafted flavor infusions. The series offers a range of flavor-forward cigars designed to appeal to both seasoned cigar enthusiasts and those exploring infused cigars for the first time.

Handcrafted at General Cigar Dominicana, M by Macanudo Myers’s Rum™ features an Indonesian wrapper along with a Dominican binder and filler blend.

The cigar is available in a Robusto (5 x 50) format and will begin shipping to retailers in late April. Suggested retail price is $9.89 per cigar.

The cigar looks nice and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up, which take about 4 to 4 1/2 minutes to settle down, were cocoa, whipping cream, and black cherry. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (18 minutes) I got a lot of the black cherry note. It's tangy and sweet. There's also whipping cream and black coffee. I didn't have the cocoa any longer. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black cherry with good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (40 minutes) nothing changed. I had the same notes, same strength, same finish. This cigar seems to be very consistent. I held the score of 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 2 minutes. Again, I think nothing changed. This cigar, once it settles down, stays consistent with the primary black cherry notes, cream, and black coffee. I held the score of 93. If you like black cherry like I do you might give this one a try.

Overall Score: 93

Big Payback Extra Fuerte 70s (7 x 70)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

Room101 Cigars is adding a new chapter to The Big Payback with the introduction of Big Payback Extra Fuerte 70s, a full-bodied release built for smokers who prefer their cigars with a little more diameter and a little more attitude.

A new offering in the highly popular 70 ring gauge format, Big Payback Extra Fuerte 70s delivers the scale the line is known for with a bolder profile to match. Handcrafted in Honduras, the blend features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan Estelí binder, and a mix of Honduran, Nicaraguan, and Dominican fillers. The result is a premium cigar at an accessible price point, staying true to the Payback mission of delivering more cigar for the money.

Matt Booth, Founder and Creative Director of Room101 Cigars, eloquently said: “SO. MUCH. GIRTH. So much circumference. So much delight.”

Big Payback Extra Fuerte 70s will begin shipping to retailers in April 2026. It will be available in a 7 x 70 size, packed in 20-count boxes, with an SRP of $9.79 per cigar.

The cigar is huge and dark. It has a hefty feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were dried apricot, light brown sugar, tanned leather, and black coffee. The cigar is tangy. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (40 minutes) I had the same notes but the black coffee is making a move. You get the sweet notes and then, as if it was hiding in the bushes, the black coffee takes over. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish has a little residue of apricot and light to average lingering black pepper. The notes in the cigar are ok but the black coffee jumping in trying to take over is concerning. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 26 minutes) the apricot notes are quite light and there's bitterness. The black coffee is up. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The light sweet notes of apricot combined with the added bitterness and elevated black coffee made for a disappointing second third. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 2 hour 36 minutes. The burn really slowed down in the final third. The cigar burned very evenly until the final third. I thought the cigar was the best in the final third. The apricot notes were pronounced and the black coffee pulled back to a nice amount. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is apricot with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 92. You get a tremendous burn time with this cigar and the notes are pretty nice for the most part.

Overall Score: 90

Powstanie Cigars Begins Shipping the Limited-Edition SBC 26

Powstanie Cigars is pleased to announce that the highly anticipated Powstanie SBC 26 is now shipping to authorized retailers.

The SBC 26 is the latest release in Powstanie’s Small Batch Collection and represents Brother Gregg’s passion project—a carefully developed cigar featuring an intricate blend of tobaccos sourced from Ecuador, Mexico, Brazil, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.

Produced at Fábrica de Tabacos NicaSueño S.A., the Nicaraguan factory responsible for manufacturing Powstanie Cigars, the SBC 26 was developed with extensive attention to tobacco selection and balance.

The cigar features a distinctive barber-pole wrapper combining Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed tobacco with Mexican San Andrés tobacco. Beneath the wrapper is a Brazilian Mata Fina binder.

The filler consists of four carefully selected tobaccos. A Dominican Piloto Mejorado ligero is joined by three Nicaraguan components: Condega tobacco, Estelí viso and Pueblo Nuevo ligero from the 2021 crop.

“Every SBC release gives us the opportunity to do something special, but the SBC 26 is particularly meaningful because it is Brother Gregg’s passion project,” said Mike Palmer, National Sales Manager for Powstanie Cigars. “The amount of thought, detail and tobacco knowledge that went into this blend is incredible. We’re excited to finally begin shipping it and put it into the hands of retailers and cigar smokers.”

Powstanie co-founder Mike Szczepankiewicz added his own expectations for the release, along with a good-natured message for halfwheel co-founder Charlie Minato:

“Gregg put everything he had into developing the SBC 26, and the cigar speaks for itself. Charlie Minato, I know you have your rating system, but this one had better score higher than an 81. No pressure, Charlie—but we’ll be watching.”

Powstanie SBC 26 Blend

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra-seed and Mexican San Andrés

Binder: Brazilian Mata Fina

Filler: Dominican Piloto Mejorado Ligero and Nicaraguan tobaccos from Condega, Estelí and Pueblo Nuevo

Size: 5 1/2 x 46

MSRP: $18 per cigar

Packaging: Boxes of 20

Box MSRP: $360

Production: 500 boxes

Total Production: 10,000 cigars

The Powstanie SBC 26 is a limited-production release and is shipping now to authorized Powstanie retailers across the United States.

DON EMMANUEL CIGARS CONTINUES GLOBAL EXPANSION WITH ENTRY INTO OMAN

On the heels of Anunnaki Anu being named to Robb Report’s prestigious 2026 Best of the Best and Anunnaki being selected as a finalist for Best Dominican Cigar of 2026 at the Cigar Journal Cigar Trophy Awards, Don Emmanuel Cigars announces its expansion into Oman, marking another important step in the brand’s rapidly growing international presence and continued development in the Middle East.

Don Emmanuel Cigars will be represented in Oman by Ashish Chaturvedi, with the brand available at Puro Cigar Lounge. The expansion introduces cigar enthusiasts in Oman to Don Emmanuel's distinctive approach to premium cigars, which combines the perspective of a Master Cigar Sommelier with the blending expertise of legendary Master Blender Eladio Díaz.

"The Middle East has a sophisticated and passionate cigar culture, and we are very excited to bring Don Emmanuel Cigars to Oman," said Emmanuel, Co-Founder and Creator. "As we continue to grow internationally, it is important for us to work with people who understand our philosophy, believe in what we are creating and can share our story with cigar enthusiasts in their market. We are very excited to begin this new chapter in Oman."

The Oman expansion follows Don Emmanuel Cigars' continued growth across Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, further strengthening the brand's international footprint as it enters strategic cigar markets around the world.

At the center of the Don Emmanuel portfolio are Anunnaki and the limited-edition Sun & Moon, both co-blended by Don Emmanuel and Master Blender Eladio Díaz at Tabacalera Díaz Cabrera in the Dominican Republic. Both projects reflect Emmanuel's distinctive sommelier perspective, combining exceptional tobaccos, balance and complexity with the mythology and cosmic inspiration that define the Don Emmanuel brand.

The expansion into Oman represents another step in Don Emmanuel Cigars' broader strategy of entering new markets while maintaining a strong emphasis on relationships, education and support for the retailers and partners representing the brand.

LA Cigar Collective releases “Le Flambeaux”

LA Cigar Collective’s third exclusive blend pairs New Orleans tradition with an unexpected full-bodied expression from Kelner Cigars.

METAIRIE, LA -Some cigars tell stories. Some are born from tradition. Others from innovation.

Le Flambeaux began with a challenge.

For its third exclusive cigar, LA Cigar Collective (LACC) turned to Klaas Kelner of Kelner Family Cigars with a specific request: create a cigar that pushes beyond the strength profile smokers might traditionally associate with a Kelner blend while preserving the complexity, balance, and refinement that have defined his work.

The challenge from LACC was simple:

“Build us a cigar that’s full-bodied. Push beyond the strength profile people expect from a Kelner blend without sacrificing the complexity and balance that define your work.”

The objective was never strength for strength’s sake. Instead, LACC wanted to explore another dimension of one of the cigar industry's respected blending talents.

The result is Le Flambeaux.

Carrying the Torch

The name draws its inspiration directly from New Orleans and the historic flambeaux carriers of Mardi Gras.

Before modern street lighting transformed nighttime parades, flambeaux carriers walked the routes bearing flaming torches, illuminating the procession for those gathered along the streets. Derived from the French word for “torch,” flambeau has become an enduring symbol of New Orleans tradition.

For LACC, that history became an appropriate metaphor for the project.

Le Flambeaux is about shining a light on a side of Klaas Kelner’s blending talent that many cigar smokers may not have experienced.

Rather than abandoning the characteristics associated with Kelner's blending, Le Flambeaux expresses them through a richer, bolder, and more commanding profile.

At the heart of the blend is a filler composition containing 60% ligero, providing the strength and intensity LACC challenged Kelner to achieve.

A Mexican San Andrés wrapper surrounds an Ecuadorian Habano binder and Dominican filler tobaccos. The cigar is produced in the Dominican Republic at Kelner Family Cigars.

Throughout the smoking experience, Le Flambeaux delivers transitions of dark brownie chocolate—particularly the rich, caramelized character of the brownie’s outer edge—leather, raisins, and underlying sweetness.

Despite its considerable strength, the intention remains balance and complexity rather than sheer power.

A Collaboration Built on Creative Trust

Le Flambeaux represents more than LACC's third exclusive release. The project demonstrates what can happen when retailer and manufacturer are willing to challenge one another creatively.

LACC presented Kelner with an opportunity to step outside expectations. Kelner answered by creating a cigar that maintains his blending identity while exploring a decidedly more powerful expression.

For LA Cigar Collective, that willingness to experiment is precisely what an exclusive cigar should represent.

“This project stands as a testament to creative trust—when a retailer challenges someone at the top of their game, and they answer with something extraordinary.”

LA Cigar Collective invites cigar smokers to experience the result of that experiment and extends its appreciation to Klaas Kelner and Kelner Family Cigars for accepting the challenge—and carrying the torch. Production of 10,000. Available on LACigarCollective.com and SmallBatchCigar.com as well as select Brick and Mortar stores.

LE FLAMBEAUX — BLEND INFORMATION

Vitola: Gran Toro 

Dimensions: 6 1/2 x 55 

Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés 

Binder: Ecuadorian Habano

Filler: Dominican Republic — 60% Ligero 

Country of Origin: Dominican Republic 

Factory: Kelner Family Cigars 

Packaging: 15-count boxes

Release: LA Cigar Collective

Brick House The Commodore Maduro 5-Pack Bags now shipping

This week, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. begins shipping the all-new Brick House The Commodore Maduro 5-pack bags to retailers. Packaged in a convenient, resealable humidor bag of five cigars, this new format makes it easier than ever for Brick House enthusiasts to experience a taste of this bold new offering.

“Brick House is known around the world for its outstanding taste, flawless construction, and excellent value,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “Our most popular Brick House size is the 6.25” x 60 Mighty Mighty. This year, we will hand roll 1.1 million cigars in that vitola alone. The Commodore is Mighty Mighty’s big brother. It recognizes the popularity of larger ring gauge cigars, but its standard 5.5” length makes it more approachable than the typical 7” x 70.”

Like all Brick House Maduro cigars, The Commodore is handcrafted at the J.C. Newman PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, and features a Brazilian Arapiraca Maduro wrapper complemented by a rich selection of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos.

Cigar Aficionado has rated Brick House a 93 and included it in its Top 25 Cigars of the Year four times, including as the No. 10 Cigar of 2024.

Emilio Cigars shipping new Limited-Edition SUAVE SUMATRA

Emilio Cigars is now shipping the new Limited-Edition SUAVE SUMATRA.

Emilio Cigars, a distinguished name in the world of premium cigars, is proud to announce the release of the Limited-Edition SUAVE SUMATRA. Expertly crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at the renowned Fabrica Oveja Negra, SUAVE SUMATRA represents a pinnacle of artistry and flavor.

Master blender and owner of BLTC and Fabrica Oveja Negra, James Brown, lent his expertise to the creation of Suave Sumatra’s unique blend and artwork. Reflecting on this release, Mr. Brown stated, “Suave has been the cigar line that really put Emilio on the map. It's not only a great introduction to the brand but also a great introduction to smoking cigars in general. Featuring a Sumatra wrapper highlights the balance of spice, flavor, and complexity. The finish is long with the signature subtle sweetness Suave is known for."

SUAVE SUMATRA

Origin and Blend:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Sumatra

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua

Available vitolas:

Robusto – 5x50 (20 count) MSRP $10.00

Toro – 6x50 (20 count) MSRP $10.50

Emilio Cigars is a brand with old school roots and new school attitude. With an eclectic portfolio, Emilio is sure to have something for everyone.

TATIANA CAPPUCCINO AND AMARETTO CLASSIC SIZE AND TIN FORMATS NOW SHIPPING TO RETAILERS

Tatiana Cigars announces that the new 6 x 44 Classic size and 10-count tins for two of its most recognizable aromatic profiles, Cappuccino and Amaretto, are now shipping to retailers nationwide. First showcased at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans, the new formats expand the Tatiana portfolio while giving consumers additional ways to enjoy two of the brand’s most popular aromatic profiles.

Known for its smooth and inviting aromatic offerings, Tatiana continues to build on what it does best, creating cigars designed around enjoyment, accessibility, and everyday moments. The addition of a 6 x 44 Classic format introduces a more traditional smoking experience for both Cappuccino and Amaretto, while the new tins provide a convenient, ready-to-enjoy option for those on the go.

Inspired by familiar indulgences, Cappuccino delivers a warm, coffee-forward aromatic profile, while Amaretto offers a smooth, slightly sweet experience reminiscent of the classic Italian liqueur. Together, they reflect the kind of approachable enjoyment that has defined Tatiana for decades.

“Tatiana has always been about creating an enjoyable, approachable smoking experience,” said Jason Wood, Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Miami Cigar & Co. “With Cappuccino and Amaretto now available in the Classic size and tins, we’re giving consumers more ways to enjoy these aromatic profiles, while also making it easier for retailers to merchandise and grow the brand.”

The Classic size is available in 25-count boxes (6 x 44) with an MSRP of $5.25 per cigar, and the 10-count tins have an MSRP of $18.50. The new formats create greater flexibility for consumers while also offering retailers a streamlined, easy-to-merchandise addition to the Tatiana lineup.

Tatiana Cappuccino and Amaretto in Classic and Tin formats are now shipping to retailers nationwide through Miami Cigar & Co.

NECM Liberty or Death (LOD) (6 x 51 Double Perfecto)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Kevin Parow)

The cigar was made to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States.

* Vitola: Double Perfecto

* Size: 6 x 51

* Wrapper: Habano

* Binder: Ecuadorian Sumatra

* Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic

* Collaboration: LNV × Rockefeller Cigars

The cigar is well made and has a very nice band. The cigar has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apple, pear, brown sugar, roasted almonds, and a lot of earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (22 minutes) the notes are about the same and they are fairly equal in amounts. The sweet notes and dark notes are fairly equal. There are still some almond notes floating around. The brown sugar is almost candy like; chewable. The cigar is medium body and starting to lean toward medium to full. The finish is apple with brown sugar and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 94.

Moving through the second third (47 minutes) the black coffee continues it's march upward. The sweet notes are about the same but they are decreased due to the elevated black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is a little apple and quite a bit of black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 16 minutes. It rebounded back to almost exactly the way it was in the first third except the almond notes were hit and miss; mostly miss. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The first and final thirds are very good with the middle section having a little too much black coffee. I rated the final third 94. This is another good cigar from Kevin Parow.

Overall Score: 93.33