THE HUMIDOR PROJECT TO DISTRIBUTE ARTESANO DEL TOBACCO GLOBALLY

The distribution of Artesano Del Tobacco to the Global market by The Humidor Project is a significant move for cigar aficionados. Viva La Vida cigars, known for their 100% Nicaraguan puros, and the new EL Pulpo cigars showcase a blend of Mexican San Andreas Wrapper and Nicaraguan filler and binder. Produced in Nicaragua with expertise from AJ Fernandez, these high rated offerings promise a delightful smoking experience for enthusiasts looking for a medium to full-bodied cigar option.

The Humidor Project aims to establish partnerships for distributing Artesano Del tobacco products Globally, outside United States & Canada. Their goal is to introduce a unique range of premium tobacco blends to cater to the discerning tastes of Global consumers, aiming to elevate the smoking experience with quality and sophistication. By expanding their distribution network, The Humidor Project seeks to make Artesano Del a recognizable and sought-after brand in the Global tobacco industry.

 “I wanted to take a moment to share an inspiring experience from my journey through the world of cigars that I believe will resonate with you. During this exploration, I had the pleasure of meeting Billy and Geson Fakih, the passionate owners of Artesano del Tobacco. They generously shared the rich history and profound knowledge behind their brands, particularly the ultra-premium Viva La Vida and El Pulpo cigars.

Their enthusiasm and dedication made a lasting impression on me, and after savoring the flavors of the El Pulpo blend and the Viva La Vida cigars, I felt a deep connection to their story. It was a pivotal moment that inspired me to want to become a part of their journey in the premium tobacco world.

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the trust placed in me to participate in the global distribution of their esteemed brands. It is truly an honor to be a part of this journey, and I am excited about the opportunity to help both current and aspiring cigar enthusiasts access quality cigars.

I look forward to collaborating with you and the team to ensure that we uphold the brand's reputation while expanding its reach. Together, we can create a memorable experience for cigar lovers around the world..”

Ivan & Christian of THE HUMIDOR PROJECT.

“The distribution of Artesano Del Tobacco Globally by The Humidor Project is a significant step forward, showcasing premium cigars like Viva La Vida and EL Pulpo Cigars. Ivan and Christian of The Humidor Project have demonstrated their commitment to quality and passion for these cigars, making them an ideal partner for bringing these exceptional smokes to enthusiasts in the Global Market . This collaboration signifies a promising union that values the integrity and excellence of these Nicaraguan and Mexican blend cigars. It was clear from our conversation that you both have a genuine love for the Viva La Vida and EL Pulpo cigars. We have been actively seeking a partner who shares our passion for quality products, rather than just looking to add another item to their inventory”

Billy & Gus Fakih of Artesano Del Tobacco.

“With a rich history dating back 30 years, Artesano Del Tobacco is a boutique cigar company that brings together art, passion, and flavor to elevate the cigar smoking experience. Founded by Billy and Gus Fakih, they embarked on a journey that led them to collaborate with AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. The success and recognition of their premium cigars like Viva La Vida and EL Pulpo Cigars have now expanded to the European market through The Humidor Project, led by Ivan and Christian. Powered by dedication and strong relationships, the partnerships forged in the world of cigars continue to thrive, bringing exceptional blends to aficionados worldwide.”

Artesano Del Tobacco Team

Both Viva La Vida cigars and El Pulpo cigars showcase premium craftsmanship with unique flavor profiles. Viva La Vida features a silky Habano Oscuro 2000 wrapper, supported by a Corojo 99 binder and Criollo 98 filler tobaccos sourced from AJ's farms in Nicaragua. Contrasting this, El Pulpo boasts a Mexican San Andres wrapper, offering a chocolatey appearance and a robust flavor profile blending coffee, leather, caramel, dark chocolate, a hint of red pepper, and a smooth mocha finish - all showcasing the skillful blending of tobaccos from AJ's Nicaraguan farms.

J.C. Newman and the LeRoy Neiman Foundation Release LeRoy Neiman 2024 Collectors Edition Cigars

This week, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is shipping the first release of LeRoy Neiman 2024 Collector’s Edition cigars to 150 premium cigar retailers across the United States. This is the second year that America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker and the LeRoy Neiman and the Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation have collaborated to create a luxury, handcrafted cigar honoring the late, iconic, cigar-smoking American artist, LeRoy Neiman.  Continuing the tradition from last year, all profits will be donated to support arts education in public schools.

 “This year’s edition features LeRoy’s 1987 painting, ‘Left Bank Café,’” a beautiful image depicting a lively gathering at a Parisian café,” said Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman. “We chose to feature this image because LeRoy was the official painter of the Olympic Games for decades and this year’s Summer Olympics are in Paris. We are releasing these special cigars early this year so that they will arrive ahead of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris games.”

 "LeRoy Neiman embodied a richly textured blend of creativity, passion, and exuberance, which found expression in his iconic artwork and a signature appreciation for fine cigars,” said Tara Zabor, LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation Executive Director. “He was the quintessential artist who understood the intricate dance between culture, taste, and craftsmanship. His fondness for cigars was more than just a habit; it was an intrinsic part of his persona, a ritual that paralleled his artistic process—taking time to savor, to contemplate, and to create.”

LeRoy Neiman Collector’s Edition cigars are handcrafted at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. The 2024 release is a 7” x 50 Churchill rolled with a Havana Rosado wrapper, a Florida Sun Grown binder, and a blend of aged filler tobaccos from Latin America.  This year’s edition is limited to 12,000 cigars, packed in 600 cabinets of 20 cigars with a suggested retail price of $22 per cigar. J.C. Newman is shipping the first 400 boxes this week. The remaining 200 boxes are scheduled to ship in early November.

Inside each cabinet is an authentic lithograph of “Left Bank Café.” The image is also wrapped around each cigar. The bottom of each cabinet includes a surprise print of Neiman’s paint-splattered New York City studio floor. All of the packaging was printed by Vrijdag Premium Printing in Holland.

J.C. Newman and the LeRoy Neiman Foundation will be donating all profits from this collaboration to support arts education in Tampa’s public schools, including those surrounding the El Reloj cigar factory.

"Every cigar from the LeRoy Neiman 2024 Collector’s Edition directly supports our ongoing mission at the Foundation," notes Tara Zabor. "The profits help us improve arts education in local public schools, keeping LeRoy's passion for nurturing creativity alive and thriving among the next generation of artists.”

Alec Bradley Project 40 Maduro 05.50 (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from alecbradley.com)

We contend that a cigar with a proper blend and value proposition, is the key to taking control of your happiness. The calming effects of the dark and rich Project 40 Maduro are rewarding to enthusiasts, leading to relaxation and the feeling of being in control.  The Project 40 Maduro is the next chapter of the Experimental Series story. Take control of your happiness, again!

Blend:

Wrapper: San Andreas

Binder: Habano Brazil

Filler: All Nicaraguan

Available vitolas:

05.50; 5 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY

06.52; 6 x 52

06.60; 6 x 60

07.70' 7 x 70

The cigar is quite 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 citrus peel, faint brown sugar, bakers chocolate, and musky leather. There was black pepper rated at 7. I hope the cigar improves!

At the first third (23 minutes) the cigar has improved. I did not have as much of the musky leather. There's quite a bit of the bakers chocolate and the citrus peel is a little sweeter with more brown sugar and a little actual citrus influence. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is bakers chocolate with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is much better than it was at light up. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) the bakers chocolate is taking center stage. There's a little scratch citrus peel. I call it that because the black pepper has risen and seems to be in the citrus peel. There's a little brown sugar but not as much as the first third. I don't notice the leather any more. The finish is bakers chocolate with some of the musky leather and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar slipped a little. I rated the second third 88.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 7 minutes. The cigar improved again. There's more of a citrus note, plenty of bakers chocolate, a little brown sugar, light citrus peel, and I don't notice the leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 91. Give one a try.

Overall Score: 90

LA GLORIA CUBANA RELEASES THE FIRST CIGAR HONORING THE ARTISANS WHO CRAFTED IT

Crafted exclusively by a select group of La Gloria Cubana’s most experienced rollers and bunchers at the renowned El Credito Cigar Factory in Santiago, D.R., Gran Legado embodies passion and dedication to the brand.  

Only artisans with 15+ years of experience have contributed to the release, and the limited edition vitola honors their legacy and experience. For the first time in La Gloria Cubana history, each cigar bears the signature of the team member who created it. 

“La Gloria Cubana Gran Legado confirms that our people matter as much as our tobacco. These artisans are family, and we work together to make each high-quality cigar with pride and passion,” said Corey Beardsley, Brand Manager for La Gloria Cubana. 

La Gloria Cubana’s blenders hand-selected higher primings of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobacco, then wrapped it in a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro to create the unique Gran Legado. The resulting 7.25 x 63 figurado offers a rich smoking experience with notes of toffee, leather, cocoa, and sweet tobacco. 

La Gloria Cubana Gran Legado is presented in ten-count boxes. Only 1,900 boxes were produced, and they’re available now at retailers nationwide; cigars started shipping July 8th. 

La Gloria Cubana Gran Legado (7.25 X 63); SRP per cigar $14.99 

Crowned Heads Coroneta Duke (5 1/2 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from cigaraficionado.com website)

One brand, two countries. That’s the idea behind Coroneta, the newest line from Nashville-based cigarmaker Crowned Heads. The Habano version is made in Nicaragua at the NACSA factory while the Maduro is produced by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo at his Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic.

“The concept of simultaneously introducing one brand in two expressions from two different houses is something entirely first-time for us,” Crowned Heads co-founder Jon Huber said. “The Habano version from NACSA was actually final and production-ready back in the Spring of 2022, but we decided to hold it back. Ultimately, we felt so strongly about the Coroneta brand that we tapped the ‘Godfather of Boutique Cigars,’ aka Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, to partner with us on developing the maduro version.” 

Today we look at the Habano.

The Habano line consists of an Ecuador Habano wrapper, a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan fillers grown in Estelí, Condega and Jalapa.

Inspired by a simple, small style of crown called a coronet, both blends will come in the same three sizes, all of which were named after the various crowns of British heraldry worn by the lower ranks of nobility in the 16th century: Earl, measuring 5 inches by 52 ring gauge ($12.95); Duke, 5 1/2 by 54 ($13.95) REVIEWED TODAY; and Baron, 6 by 56 ($14.95). 

The cigar is dark brown 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 apple, citrus peel, and musky leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a great start with that musky leather. I'm hoping that goes away.

At the first third (26 minutes) the ash was still intact. The cigar has improved. The lead not is more apricot with some citrus peel, a little brown sugar, and the leather is not as musky. The finish has some apricot and leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied but I think it will move up. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (57 minutes) the musky notes are pretty much gone. The notes are apricot, touch of citrus peel, brown sugar, earthiness, black coffee, and leather. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar held ground. It had nice apricot notes but the earthy black pepper sort of took away any additional enjoyment. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 22 minutes. The earthy black coffee rose quite a bit taking away the sweet notes. The leather actually decreased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar has gone through several traditions. The light up was not that good but it improved in the first and second thirds but dropped back in the final third. I rated the final third 91.

Overall Score: 92.33

Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 (6 1/8 x 52 Torpedo)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Miami Cigar)

Miami Cigar & Co. announces that the limited-edition Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 has shipped. Miami Cigar & Co. previously released prior editions of the brand in 2011 and 2012. It was felt that it was the right moment to revive the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve, in time for the company’s 35-year anniversary.

Miami Cigar & Co. kicked off their 35-year anniversary by bringing back Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve. This 2024 version is a brand-new blend and complete with updated packaging. Nestor Miranda worked closely with the My Father Cigar Factory in Nicaragua, to create a blend that was worthy of such a milestone.

Nestor Miranda, Founder and President of Miami Cigar & Co. stated: “The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 was a special one for us. 35-year anniversary is a big one! My wife and co-founder of Miami Cigar, Mariana Miranda, and I are still in awe by how far we have come. I really wanted to create a blend that was worthy of such an anniversary. I thank the team at the My Father Cigar Factory, for being patient with me throughout this process, as I wanted this blend to reach the highest possible standard.”

The Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve is a Nicaraguan puro, which is an elegant medium-bodied, full-flavored blend. The cigar boats flavors of spice, earthiness, and cedar, with a hint of sweetness.

Only 1500 10 count boxes of the Nestor Miranda Grand Reserve 2024 were created.

Vitola: 61/8 X 52

MSRP: $18

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

The test draw after cutting was good. I had the PerfecDraw ready but didn't need it. Many times torpedos have tight draws when you clip a small amount from the cap. The initial flavors at light up were citrus peel, brown sugar, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. The cigar needs more sweetness and the leather is high at the start.

At the first third (26 minutes) the notes were the same. The cigar is very heavy in leather and the sweet notes could be much better. Citrus peel is not sweet and the brown sugar that is in the cigar is not enough. The finish is leather with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied but feels like it will move up. Apparently Mr. Miranda is a fan of leathery cigars. I rated the first third 88.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 13 minutes) the cigar had heavy leather, black coffee, minute amounts of citrus peel, and faint brown sugar. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium to full bodied. I rated the second third 86.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 37 minutes. The brown sugar increased a little in the final third. Even with the heavy leather and black coffee the cigar is smooth. The cigar is medium to full bodied and the finish is unchanged. This isn't my type of cigar with the heavy leather and minimal sweetness but it may be yours. There are a lot of people who like heavy leather cigars. I rated the final third 87.

Overall Score: 87

PUNCH CIGARS EXTENDS GOLDEN ERA LINE WITH LANCERO

Punch Cigars is delighted to announce a classy new vitola in the Golden Era line. The new size is a 7 X 38 Lancero, and it features the same spectacular Corojo-heavy blend as previous Golden Era releases.  

Punch Cigars created Golden Era to honor the legacy of Corojo tobacco and deliver a taste of the “golden age” (or, in this case, “golden era”) of Corojo cigars to a modern audience. Corojo was the wrapper of choice in the cigar industry until diseases and mold brought the tobacco to the brink of extinction.  

By working with the acclaimed Eiroa family, cultivating their famous Cuban seeds on their 650-acre farm in Honduras, Punch has successfully restored authentic Corojo to its former glory with the 90-rated (Cigar Aficionado) Punch Golden Era.  

Punch Golden Era Lancero has a Honduran-grown, Cuban-seed Corojo wrapper and binder. Its filler includes Honduran-grown Habano and Honduran-grown, Cuban-seed Corojo tobacco. To date, it is the only Lancero in the Punch portfolio.  

Punch's brand manager, John Hakim, said, “We’re excited to add a classic Lancero to the Golden Era line. The rich, silky Corojo tobacco of Golden Era is a throwback to when Corojo was king in the cigar world, and the new Lancero delivers a uniquely creamy and spicy smoking experience that connoisseurs will love.” 

Punch Golden Era Lancero is an elegant, mellow-to-medium-bodied smoke. Tasting notes for Golden Era Lancero include earth, cream, and nuts.  

Punch Golden Era Lancero is handmade at Fabrica de Puros Aladino SA in Honduras. The cigars will be presented in 20-count boxes and shipped to retailers on July 1.  

Punch Golden Era Lancero (7 X 38); SRP per cigar $10.99 

Punch Golden Era is also available in the following sizes: 

Robusto (5 x 50); SRP per cigar $9.99 

Toro (6 x 52); SRP per cigar $10.49 

Churchill (7 x 48); SRP per cigar $10.99 

C.L.E. CIGAR COMPANY ANNOUNCES THE ASYLUM 12 2024 IS NOW SHIPPING

C.L.E. Cigar Company announces that the Asylum 12 2024 is now shipping. The Asylum 12 cigar brand is released yearly, and this 2024 version is housed in new sleekly designed packaging. 

The Asylum 12 2024 blend will be different from years past as the binder and filler is composed of tobacco from C.L.E. Cigar Company’s new farm in South America. The wrapper and type of tobacco in the binder and filler will remain undisclosed.

Tom Lazuka Co-Founder of Asylum Cigars stated: “We felt that we could better improve on the presentation of the Asylum 12. The Asylum 12 2024 will be housed in cigar tubes. Cigar tubes provide an upgrade aesthetically, while also better protecting the cigars.”

Christian Eiroa founder and President of C.L.E. Cigar Company stated:” I have always considered the Asylum brand as an almost experimental project in where I can play with all kinds of off-the-wall blends, vitola sizes, and unique packaging. I strongly believe that we have hit the mark with the Asylum 12 2024.”

The Asylum 12 2024 Exclusive is offered in two vitolas and comes in twenty count boxes. Each individual cigar is housed in cigar tubes.

Vitola - MSRP

11X18 $21.60

70X7  $26.60

Alec Bradley Project 40 05.50 (5 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from alecbradley.com website)

Project 40 is the search to find a deeper understanding as to why cigars have a positive cognitive impact on the mind and body. Similar to music, cigars have a calming effect that allows us to feel in control as well as feel rewarded. A proper blend, price, and experience has been developed for your enjoyment. Take control of your happiness.

Blend:

Wrapper: Nicaragua

Binder: Habano Brazil

Filler: All Nicaraguan

Available sizes:

05.50 - 5 x 50 REVIEWED TODAY

06.52 - 6 x 52 

07.52-  7 x 52

06.60 - 6 x 60 

07.70 - 7 x 70

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was firm but workable. The initial flavors at light up were light notes of peach and lime with a lot of a musky leather with some earthiness. There was black pepper rated at 7. The sweet notes must improve a lot to counteract the musky leather.

At the first third (21 minutes) the cigar improved a little but it's not grabbing me because of the musky leather. The peach is faint and there is even fainter lime. The cigar is mild to medium bodied. The finish is leather with average lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 88.

Moving through the second third (45 minutes) the cigar made more modest improvements. The peach notes are a little more defined. The musky leather pulled back a tad and the earthiness is still in the mix. The cigar is medium bodied and the finish is unchanged. The cigar is still not grabbing me but it improved enough to rate 89.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 5 minutes. The cigar reached it's best in the final third. The peach notes are nice. There is a little earthiness. There is now leather with some muskiness. There's a difference. Not musky leather but leather with some earthiness. It's a lighter version. The cigar is medium bodied and the finish is leather with light muskiness and very good lingering black pepper. So, for me the cigar is the best it's been. I rated the final third 91. These are available at Smallbatchcigar.com for $36 a 6-pack and use code tinytim for 10% off. 

Overall Score: 89.33

PCA Hires Shannon Marie as its New Director of Trade Show & Events

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has announced the hiring of Shannon Marie as its new Director of Trade Show and Events. Shannon's first day with the PCA was July 15, 2024. With over a decade of experience in the events industry, she has spent her professional career helping trade associations grow their event offerings. Shannon will work with Lisa Cox, the organization's Senior Director of Trade Shows and events, effective immediately.

“I am excited to see the PCA's team expand in a critical area so that we can provide additional program offerings for the trade show and events. I know that Shannon will be able to support Lisa in maintaining a best-in-class trade show and add other experiential elements to our marquee event and beyond," says Joshua Habursky, PCA's Executive Director.

“Shannon is a valuable addition to the team, and her expertise will benefit the PCA trade show in every facet of the experience. We are delighted to have her on the team,” added Lisa Cox.

“I am grateful for this new and exciting opportunity to serve premium cigar members and thrilled to join the PCA team,” Shannon commented.

Before joining the PCA, Shannon held several positions within the National Association of Federally Insured Credit Unions (NAFCU), including event producer (2015-2017), associate director of events (2017-2019), senior associate director of events (2019-2022), and director of events (2022-2023). In addition to managing and directing NAFCU's conferences and events, Shannon built relationships with vendors essential to the organization's events, helped organize the budget, and dealt with contract needs and other tasks. From 2023-2024, Shannon worked as a consultant with the PCA. She assisted in the logistics, contracts, and planning of the annual trade show.

Mike Palmer Promoted to National Sales Manager for Pospiech Distribution

Pospiech Distribution is proud to announce the promotion of Mike Palmer to the position of National Sales Manager. In his new role, Mike will oversee the national sales operations, driving growth and expanding the reach of Pospiech’s exceptional cigar offerings.

 Mike Palmer brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for the cigar industry to his new position. With over five years of involvement in podcasting, particularly as a co-host of the Cigar Hustlers Podcast, Mike has become a well-known figure in the cigar community. His extensive knowledge, combined with his dedication to fostering relationships within the industry, makes him the ideal candidate for this pivotal role.

 Throughout his tenure at Pospiech Distribution, Mike has demonstrated exceptional leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His innovative approach to sales and marketing has been instrumental in increasing brand visibility and driving significant sales growth.

"We are thrilled to promote Mike Palmer to National Sales Manager," said Mike Szczepankiewicz, President of Pospiech Distribution. "We’ve been trying to find the right piece for our organization. After looking elsewhere, investing time, energy, and money in people we thought would be a fit, we realized the answer we were looking for was right in front of us. Palmer will start right at the top and with him we will continue to build our organization. He embodies everything any company could want. Not only are we lucky to have him as our colleague, we are extremely lucky to have him as our friend.”

 In his new role, Mike Palmer will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sales plans, managing the sales team, and identifying new market opportunities. He will work closely with retailers and distributors across the country to ensure that Pospiech Distribution's high-quality cigars reach a broader audience.

 "I am honored and excited to take on this new role at Pospiech Distribution," said Mike Palmer. "This seems like something we have all been working towards without really knowing it.  I look forward to working with our talented team to build on our successes and drive the growth of our brands nationwide."

 Pospiech Distribution is dedicated to providing premium cigars that cater to the discerning tastes of cigar enthusiasts. With Mike Palmer at the helm of the national sales team, the company is poised for continued growth and success.

Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta Announces 2024 Annual Release at the New Jersey Cigar Festival

The pre-sale starts on July 15th, and the box price is $149.99 / $14.99 per cigar. This exclusive release continues a tradition of excellence cherished by cigar aficionados.

Initially launched as a highly sought-after exclusive, the Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta is available only through Wooden Indian Tobacco Shop in Havertown, PA, and Barrister Cigars in Union, NJ. This limited edition has become a staple for collectors and enthusiasts seeking unique and complex smoking experiences.

Highlighting this year's release, Drew Estate is excited to introduce the Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta in a new 10-count box, offering a refined packaging choice that enhances the cigar's prestigious presentation.

"We are thrilled to bring the Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta back to our dedicated patrons at Wooden Indian and Barrister Cigars," said a spokesperson from Drew Estate. "This cigar is renowned for its richness and impeccable craftsmanship. ​ The shift to a 10-count box for the Liga Privada Unico Pancetta is fantastic because it means this high-quality cigar is now more accessible. Drew Estate has done a wonderful job with this update, and we’re excited to see our customers' reactions to this new packaging."

The New Jersey Cigar Festival presents the perfect backdrop for unveiling this year's Liga Privada Unico Serie Pancetta, aligning with Drew Estate's vision of bringing together a community that appreciates the art of cigar making. Attendees will have the first opportunity to experience this exceptional cigar, marking another notable chapter in the legacy of the Liga Privada series.

Pre-Order starts July 15th. Official release is July 27th.

Marun by Black Star Line (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Black Star Line Cigars is celebrating its fifth anniversary with a new cigar called Marun, which gets its name from the word for five in the Yoruba language spoken by an indigenous tribe in Nigeria.

The cigar, which uses an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler, was created with the Espinosa Premium Cigars team and produced at the La Zona Cigars Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Aric Bey, owner of Black Star Line Cigars, says that the opportunity for the two companies to work together came together through Richie “Riot” Otero, who works with Espinosa’s key accounts and other projects.

“It was great working with Hector Alfonso, the master blender at La Zona,” Bey said in a press release. “He is a wealth of knowledge and taught me and my team some new things.”

The cigar is being released in two sizes, one of which will be available to all of Black Star Line Cigars’ accounts, while the other is an exclusive for Oak Glen Tobacconist in Yucaipa, Calif. The size getting a wider release is a 6 x 50 toro that is priced at $12.99 and offered in both boxes and bundles of 20 cigars. Bey is producing 5,000 cigars for the first run of Marun, with 125 boxes and 125 bundles of 20 cigars each, though he said that the line is a regular production and  not a limited edition.

The size going to Oak Glen Tobacconist is a 6 1/2 x 48 corona extra that gets both a box press and a closed foot, which the toro size does not have. Production for this version is limited to 1,400 cigars, with Bey saying he expects it to have an MSRP of around $12.99.

“Oak Glen Tobacconist is one of my favorite retail partners, and I felt like honoring our relationship by giving them a special size of Marun,” Bey said.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was tight so I used the Perfecdraw tool to open the draw. The initial flavors at light up were peach, touch of citrus peel, brown sugar, light cinnamon, and earthy leather. There was black pepper rated at 7. Not a bad start but the earthiness concerns me.

At the first third (30 minutes) the earthiness is making it's presence known. All the notes are still there but the earthiness has increased. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with good lingering black pepper. The cigar isn't bad but I want to keep an eye on the earthiness. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 3 minutes) the earthiness really took off. The sweet notes of peach and brown sugar cannot keep up. They are much lighter due to the increased earthiness. The cigar is still medium bodied and the finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 28 minutes. It improved a little in the final third with the earthiness pulling back a little and the sweet notes coming out more. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is still leather but now the lingering black pepper is very good. I rated the final third 91. I wanted the cigar to be good for their 5th anniversary celebration but it fell short. It's not bad but not what I hoped it would be.

Overall Score: 91.33