DISSIDENT Cigars announces Limited Release MOLOTOV 2024

The MOLOTOV is a mild/medium limited edition cigar originally released, to much fanfare, over two years ago! Dissident's most popular & most requested release of all time, the MOLOTOV is available to ship immediately and offered on a first-come, first-served basis to Oveja Negra Brands retailers. 

About the MOLOTOV, owner/blender Cynn Coburn says "The Limited Edition MOLOTOV sold out quickly upon its original release and has since been requested constantly from fans & retailers alike. We kept everyone waiting long enough, it’s time to set the world on fire once again with this badass cigar that’s full of flavor and attitude!”

MOLOTOV

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper(s): Ecuadorian Rojiso

Binder: Ecuador

Filler: Nicaragua, Dominican

Size: 5x50 Robusto (20 count box) MSRP $12.50

Coffin Nails by BLTC (5 x 40 Petite Corona)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Black Label Trading Co.)

Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the shipment of Coffin Nails to select retailers. Coffin Nails is hand crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

“The concept was to create a big cigar in a small package. Coffin Nails is just that. These cigars are bold with flavors of dark fruit, earth and a complex blend of spice. The flip top box packaging makes it convenient to take these cigars anywhere,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

COFFIN NAILS will be available as a core-line product at select retailers.

Blend and Origin:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano Maduro

Binder: Honduran

Filler: Nicaragua, Honduras

Petite Corona – 5x40 (10 count) MSRP $7.50

The cigar is dark and well made. It has a light feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was a little tight so I used the PerfecDraw tool to open the draw. The initial flavors at light up were a very sweet lime/pear combination with a lot of brown sugar, cinnamon, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. A very sweet/dark start. Very nice.

At the first third (16 minutes) I had the same notes.Pear is your primary flavor with lime secondary, a lot of brown sugar, sprinklings of cinnamon,, and a lot of black coffee. The cigar is very sweet and very dark. There are adequate amounts of both. The cigar is medium bodied and leaning toward medium to full. The finish is black coffee and light pear with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 95.

Moving through the second third (33 minutes) there is a little earthiness and the black coffee is slightly elevated. The pear, lime, and brown sugar still come through but the are a little muffled. The cigar is medium to full bodied. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 47 minutes. A short burn time but what a nice cigar. The earthiness went away and the black coffee fell back in line. The nice lime/pear/brown sugar notes went back to their first third amounts with a little cinnamon. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish now is pear with very good lingering black pepper. This is an excellent short cigar. I rated the final third 95. Put these on your must try list.

Overall Score: 94.67

EL REY DEL MUNDO LAUNCHES LIMITED-EDITION KING OF THE WORLD

For the first time, an El Rey del Mundo cigar will feature Habano and Corojo tobacco. The new, limited-edition release — King of the World — is the product of a collaboration with Justo Eiroa of JRE Tobacco, a name famous in the industry for growing the finest Honduran-grown tobaccos.  

Rolled at Fabrica de Puros Aladino S.A. factory, King of the World delivers a timeless smoking experience filled with notes of citrus, cedar, light spice, and cream. King of the World features a Habano wrapper, Corojo binder, and Habano filler that delivers a medium strength smoke.  

"It was an honor to work with Justo Eiroa to create this Limited-Edition for El Rey," said Cory Beardsley, Brand Manager for El Rey del Mundo. "El Rey del Mundo is a legendary name in the cigar industry, and this King of the World Limited-Edition offers a nuanced smoking experience that will captivate enthusiasts and newcomers alike." 

Production of El Rey del Mundo King of the World is limited to 2,000 boxes and is available in one size — a 6 X 50 Toro. Boxes include 16 cigars and showcase classic El Rey del Mundo branding. SRP per cigar is $9.99.  

This is the first time El Rey del Mundo has collaborated with JRE Tobacco Co. — makers of Aladino Cigars (among others).  

King of the World will begin shipping to retailers in early September. 

El Rey del Mundo King of the World  

Toro (6 X 50); SRP per cigar $9.99 

 

JR CIGAR TO RELEASE JR Revival 70s ‘Revive the Vibe’

To pay homage to its 50-year heritage as an industry creator and innovator, JR Cigar is releasing its first edition in a new series of cigars called JR Revival.

As a pioneer in the premium cigar industry, JR Cigar has experienced an historic evolution and witnessed  immense changes in every aspect of the business – from production to marketing, and even to cigar enthusiasts’ blend preferences.

JR Revival’s forthcoming series of releases will showcase the evolution of the industry one decade at a time. Starting with the 1970s – when JR Cigar was founded – each cigar will be based on blends that were popular during that time. To ensure authenticity, the cigars from each decade will be handmade by a factory that was active during that era. For this first in the series highlighting the 1970s, JR looks to the Dominican Republic.

JR Revival 70s takes its inspiration from the smooth Dominican blends that came to prominence in the decade. It is a smooth and creamy cigar blended at the legendary Quesada factory in the heart of Santiago, Dominican Republic. It was crafted using aged Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos for the filler and a flavorful Sumatran binder, along with a golden-brown Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper. After being rolled, the cigars were stored in the aging room for an additional year for the flavors to truly come together. It has notes of creamy coffee, a hint of nuts and leather, and a clean finish.

“Our goal was to find a way to bring back these vintage blends, but with a modern flair in terms of presentation and design,” says Nick Libretti, Exclusive Brand Manager for JR Cigar. “We want to take our customers on a journey through time so they can appreciate both where the industry is today and, more importantly, where it all began.”

JR Revival 70s comes packaged in an eye-catching, custom box of 10. The design and artwork on the box were inspired by popular racing car stripes from the decade. The cigar is a 6x52 Toro with an MSRP of $139.99 for a box of 10, or $13.99 per cigar. 

This cigar will be available beginning September 10 exclusively at www.jrcigars.com.

Two International Exclusive Sizes of Supreme Leaf Coming to InterTabac in Dortmund, Germany

Aganorsa Leaf is proud to announce the release of two new vitolas of Supreme Leaf—one of our most exciting and sought-after cigars Aganorsa has ever produced—for the International Market. Using the same blend of entirely Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos grown on our farms in Nicaragua but packed in a slightly altered colored scheme from the USA edition, Supreme Leaf’s international release will appear in two sizes: a Euro Toro 6 x 50 and Inter Robusto 5.25 x 54.

“Demand for Supreme Leaf continues to grow.” states Terence Reilly, who serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Fabien Ziegler, who is our Director of Business Development and has overseen our rapid international growth, worked with our distribution partners at Kopp Tobaccos GmbH & Co to craft these unique sizes and look for the international market. We are excited to provide one of our most exclusive blends for our international partners throughout the world albeit only in limited quantities.”

Packaged in boxes of 10, Aganorsa Leaf Supreme Leaf Euro Toro and Inter Robusto will each consist of 2024 numbered boxes and will debut at InterTabac in Dortmund, Germany this September. MSRP will vary by country.

DIESEL LAUNCHES THE FINAL CIGAR IN FOOL’S ERRAND TRILOGY

Diesel Cigars completes the Fool’s Errand line with the third and final iteration, Diesel Worthy Fool.  

Blended by A.J. Fernandez and Justin Andrews, Diesel Worthy Fool is a powerhouse Perfecto, comprised of a Nicaraguan Habano binder and filler that are housed inside a dark Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Upon lighting, you’ll immediately notice rich notes of leather, earth, and subtle sweetness. 

However, the bold blend isn’t the only noteworthy aspect of Diesel’s new release.  

Diesel is giving fans the chance to win exclusive prizes by solving the riddles on the brand’s website. After completing the Fool’s Errand, fans will enter their names into a random drawing, and winners will be contacted in January. 

“When we started this project, our goal was for fans to enjoy not just the cigars but the interactive experience as well. Justin and A.J. delivered another masterpiece to complete the trilogy. You’d be a fool to miss out on this one,” said Joe Krzyston, Assistant Brand Manager for Diesel Cigars.  

Diesel Worthy Fool is the last cigar in the Fool’s Errand lineup, following the success of Stubborn Fool and Simple Fool. The cigar is hand-crafted at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua. The cigars will be sold in 10-count boxes and will ship to retailers on September 1. 

Diesel Worthy Fool (5 X 58); SRP per cigar $9.99 

PLASENCIA CIGARS AND BILLBOARD CHART-TOPPING R&B SENSATION OCTOBER LONDON TEAM UP FOR SELECT DATES ON THE “SIP AND SMOKE” NATIONAL CIGAR LOUNGE TOUR!

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower, established in 1865, teams up on select dates and locations with acclaimed Billboard chart-topping R&B singer October London, for a first of its kind national “Sip & Smoke” Cigar Lounge Series. October London, an avid cigar enthusiast will host the events, which will feature a luxurious and soulful experience via his signature “Old Soul” musical style, cocktails, and of course Plasencia’s finest blends. The “Sip & Smoke” tour will serve as the official after party to October London’s national concert tour dates.

October London stated: “The “Sip & Smoke” partnership with Plasencia Cigars gives me the opportunity to share the same space with those who share my love of premium cigars and passion for music. I look forward to creating a unique experience with event-goers alongside the Plasencia Cigar team.”

The October London “Sip & Smoke Cigar Lounge Series” kicks off in Miami, Florida, at City Cigar Lounge on Friday, September 13.,

Doors open for VIP at 7PM and 8 to 10PM for general admission.

City Cigar Lounge is located at 41 NW 2nd St, Miami, FL 33128

Ticket Information

• VIP Tickets: Offers exclusive one-on-one experience with October London, including a signed cigar box of the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto Hexagon, photo opportunity, and personalized time with the artist.
• General Admission Tickets: Provide a more casual "meet and greet" atmosphere, allowing fans to interact with October London while enjoying an intimate listening session.

Official dates and locations Presented by Plasencia

• Miami, FL at City Cigar Lounge – Kick-off Party. 9/13 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Atlanta, GA at Fellaship Cigar Lounge. 9/27 from 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Dallas, TX at Cigars on 35. 10/20 from 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Two additional event dates to be announced.

Stay tuned to October London's Instagram and your local radio station for updates on additional dates and locations where you can catch the music artist. Don't miss out on the chance to experience this unique 'sip & smoke' cigar lounge series in a city near you!

FDA Issues Final Rule for Tobacco 21

At long last, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has released its Final Rule for implementing T-21, including requirements for age verification of patrons appearing to be under the age of 30 and removal of tobacco vending machines from locations where patrons are permitted to enter under the age of 21.  

 

Since Congress mandated T-21 in December 2019, the PCA has pressured the CTP to complete this regulatory process to prevent the ensuing compliance limbo.  Over the nearly five-year interim, the FDA shifted its T-21 focus towards conducting over 1.5 million enforcement actions despite never completing the regulatory requirements.  Rather than completing the regulation, the FDA diverted its regulatory resources towards more politically expedient efforts aimed at limiting consumer choice.

 

"The government's data has continued to support the reality that the premium cigar industry is not an issue related to youth access or overall public health," says Joshua Habursky, Executive Director of PCA. "This rule is long overdue and will hopefully return CTP's focus to specific issues in its statutory mandate."

 

The PCA worked aggressively after the passage of T-21 to get CTP to acknowledge that premium cigars and pipe tobacco were not a priority, given their lack of youth appeal nor evidence of addiction.  In addition to succeeding in making these products the lowest priority in FDA's enforcement guidance, many of the undisputed data points were included in legal arguments that led to the vacatur of the FDA's deeming rule concerning premium cigars.

 

PCA continues to ask CTP to work with the industry to update their compliance resources, such as the "This is our Watch" program.  CTP has yet to do so, but Director Brian King did agree to engage with retailers and manufacturers at the PCA 2025 trade show in New Orleans.  Last updated in 2023, "This is our Watch" has yet to incorporate the current T-21 regulations. Still, a statement on the CTP website promises to do so.

To read the original press release from the FDA on its Tobacco 21 Final Rule, click here. 

Ceniza Fina Expands Line with New Box Pressed Robusto Gordo and Announces Price Adjustment

Ceniza Fina Cigars is thrilled to announce the addition of a new vitola to its cigar line—a Box Pressed Robusto Gordo. With a suggested retail price of $12.50, this new offering combines the rich flavors and craftsmanship that have made Ceniza Fina a favorite among cigar enthusiasts. The Box Pressed Robusto Gordo is now in the United States and available for immediate shipping through Pospiech Distribution.

Available in 20 count boxes. The first round of production has 300 boxes made totaling 6,000 cigars.

 

Blend info:

Wrapper: Corojo

Binder: Mexican

Fillers: Pilto Cubano, Criollo 98, Nicaraguan Jalapa & HVA

Origin: Dominican Republic

Factory: Tabacalera La Isla

Strength: Medium

Tasting Notes: Toasted marshmallow, Graham crackers, and a hint of Pepper

In response to rising production costs in the Dominican Republic, Ceniza Fina Cigars will also be implementing a price adjustment across the entire product line. This increase is necessary to maintain the high standards of quality that our customers have come to expect.

The new MSRP for the original vitolas is as follows:

Corona $10.00

Robusto $10.50

Toro $11.00

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro Robusto (5” x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Forged Cigar Co.)

The Bolivar portfolio has expanded to include a three-cigar collection called Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro.

Joe Krzyston, assistant brand manager for Bolivar said, “Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro brings a new dimension to Bolivar by introducing a US-grown Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper to the portfolio. The blend is rich and rewarding and it’s priced in line with the existing Bolivar offerings, making it among the best values in any humidor. This new line is yet another reason for cigar smokers to explore this legendary brand, and we expect that the blend will be very well received.”

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro is a complex, five-country blend. It is made with an aged Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and Dominican, Nicaraguan and Honduran filler. This is a bold and meaty smoke that juxtaposes peppery notes with hints of coffee and chocolate and delivers lingering notes of earth and spice on the finish.

Handcrafted at HATSA in Honduras and presented in old-world-style wooden packaging, Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro is distributed by Forged Cigar Company.

Each of the three Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro frontmarks comes in 25-count boxes.

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro Robusto (5” x 54); SRP per cigar $5.99 REVIEWED TODAY

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro Toro (6” x 54); SRP per cigar $7.29

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro Gigante (6” x 60); SRP per cigar $7.89

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a citrus/apple combination, a little brown sugar, and a leathery black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start.

At the first third (25 minutes) there's more of a citrus peel note with light apple, and dark chocolate. The leathery black coffee has morphed into dark chocolate. The finish is dark chocolate with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar is not bad but it's not grabbing me. I rated the first third 91.

As I moved through the second third (44 minutes) not much has changed. I do think the dark note is dark chocolate but now there is black coffee with it. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. I held the score of 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 3 minutes. Again, not much changed. The black pepper is up to around 8. The sweetness is not quite as prominent. It's more of a citrus peel with a little apple and brown sugar but not a lot. The finish is leather and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium to full bodied. For me, this cigar is in the category of "not that bad". It's ok but not great. I held the score of 91. At this price point it's worth trying and if you like dark noted cigars you definitely should give it a try.

Overall Score: 91

H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Churchill (7 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

On Monday, July 29, Altadis U.S.A. released two cigars that celebrate the 180th anniversary of the founding of one of the most influential cigar brands in history: H. Upmann.

The H. Upmann 180th Anniversary is offered in two sizes, though most will only see a 7 x 50 Churchill. It is made by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua and uses only Nicaraguan tobacco, including a medio tiempo wrapper. Medio tiempo is a priming of tobacco—the way a plant is divided into sections vertically—that is found above the ligero priming, typically the highest priming. It’s only found on certain plans and only some growers go through the effort of classifying it separately from ligero. Given its position on the plant, if a plant has medio tiempo tobacco growing on it, that tobacco should be the strongest tobacco from that plant. In recent years, a variety of manufacturers have marketed their cigars as explicitly containing medio tiempo tobacco. Oftentimes that tobacco was typically classified as ligero.

It has an MSRP of $22.50 per cigar and is limited to 5,000 boxes of 10 cigars.

There’s a more limited—and expensive—H. Upmann 180th Anniversary Toro (6 x 50) that is only sold in humidors. Each humidor will come with 50 toros and carries a price tag of $1,500. There were just 180 numbered humidors made.

At 23, Herman Upmann left his native Germany to work at an import/export company in the New World, eventually landing in Cuba. In 1844, he purchased a cigar factory in Havana, which not only grew to be one of the largest in the world but also was credited with being the first factory to affix labels to individual cigars, or what we now call cigar bands.

Habanos S.A., which sells the Cuban H. Upmann in non-American markets, has not announced an explicitly 180th anniversary cigar for H. Upmann, though the 2024 Edición Limitada class includes the new Magnum Finite. AJ Fernandez also produced the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary, which also used medio tiempo tobacco for the wrapper. According to Altadis U.S.A, the two blends are different.

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

 The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial notes at light up were lime, orange citrus, brown sugar, earthiness, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.

At the first third (37 minutes) the notes are the same. The lime and brown sugar are working very well together with light orange citrus. There is also leather with light earthiness. The finish is a little lime with leather and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is full bodied. The ligero is sneaky. The cigar does not taste full bodied but you can feel the ligero. The notes are working well together. I rated the first third 96.

Moving through the second third (1 hour 5 minutes) I had the same notes, just more earthiness. The cigar is full bodied and the finish is unchanged. The earthiness cut into the sweet notes just a tad. I rated the second third 95.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 38 minutes. I had the same notes in the same percentages in the final third. The cigar is very full bodied. I would suggest you have something on your stomach before smoking this cigar. The finish is unchanged. AJ did a great job with this cigar, as did he on the 175th Anniversary version. I held the score of 95 for the final third. While pricey, this is a cigar well worth trying.

Overall Score: 95.33

SANTIAGO VALLADARES IS NOW AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT CIGORA.COM FOR A LIMITED TIME BEFORE HEADING TO RETAIL DISTRIBUTORS

Originally launched exclusively in the European market, the Santiago Valladares line was recently introduced at PCA by Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. As a limited edition, only 2,000 boxes have been produced and will be coming to America exclusively by way of Cigora prior to retail distributors.

Oscar Valladares is well-known for its tobacco-leaf wrapped Leaf by Oscar line but developed the Santiago Valladares line to honor his son and leave a legacy in his name.

Santiago Valladares uses Honduran-grown tobacco for the wrapper and filler, though varietals have not been disclosed, while the binder comes from Nicaragua. The line is produced at the company’s factory in Danlí, Honduras and is available in a 6 x 52 Toro size. Each box of 10 cigars contains individual coffins and has an MSRP of $25 per cigar. Santiago Valladares has been announced to launch for a limited time exclusively on Cigora, a digital platform, owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group, that curates special premium cigar offerings for discerning smokers. Although this will be a limited edition, he stated “I am excited to bring this unique blend to the boutique community of Cigora prior to launching to the full US market.”

Drew Estate Surprises Industry with Deadwood Cigar Co. Freestyle Live Pack and Harley Davidson Fatboy

The Deadwood Freestyle Live Packs, launched last night on FSL are highly anticipated and set to cause a frenzy among cigar aficionados and retailer stores alike.

For the first time ever, Drew Estate is giving fans a sneak peek of the brand behind the pack - the wildly popular Deadwood cigars. But here’s the twist: while we reveal the brand, you’ll have to guess which beloved Deadwood girl is making her debut and which family she emerges from.

“Let’s face it, Freestyle Live (FSL) is a brand within itself at this point. People love it,” says Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate. “They have fun, come together in fellowship, and trap with their Drew Estate family. My all time favorite sweepstakes was the $50,000 Bitcoin a few years ago, but this one takes second place. I can’t wait to see someone’s face when they win a Harley Davidson Fatboy. I want to personally deliver it to their house. That would be so cool.”

The FSL pack is priced at an irresistible MSRP of $40 for a tantalizing pre-launch experience. Each pack includes three (3) mystery premium cigars, a chic Freestyle Live torch lighter, a cigar cutter, and an ashtray — perfect for enhancing your cigar rituals. And the fun doesn’t stop there!!

Each Event Pack comes with a QR code for entry into a sweepstakes featuring jaw-dropping prizes. The grand prize? A Harley Davidson Fat Boy 11. Second place scores a custom Humidor worth $4,500, and ten lucky winners will snag a custom Subculture Studios Ashtray.

Retailers, we haven’t forgotten about you. Purchase a Freestyle Live Event Kit (10 Event Packs) and you’re automatically entered into an exclusive retailer sweepstakes. Win up to $5,000 in Drew Estate credit, with additional prizes of $3,000 and $1,000. Plus, all participating retailers will shine bright on our special Freestyle Live Event Pack Retailer web page.

Get ready to join the hottest cigar event of the year with Drew Estate. The countdown to October 2024 begins now!

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings Robusto (5” x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Alec Bradley Cigars)

Alec Bradley announces the launch of Safe Keepings, a new brand that will feature blends made according to recipes recorded in the Alec Bradley founder’s blend book.

Alec Bradley brand ambassador Bradley Rubin explained, “When we felt the time was right, we opened the blend book and started to do a deep dive on the blend recipes inside. Together with the team, we selected the first blend we wanted to roll out. Alec Bradley Safe Keepings honors the blend legacy of the Alec Bradley cigar brand while giving us the opportunity to move forward with resources we never would have been able to access before. Alec and I are extremely proud of what Safe Keepings represents, and that’s a nod to the past and a glance into the future of the brand.”

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings is a Nicaraguan puro, crafted by Oliva at Tabolisa, featuring tobaccos from pristine fields in Esteli, Condega and Jalapa. The blend is built on a foundation of Jalapa, Condega and Esteli Criollo 98 tobaccos, and both its wrapper and binder are Nicaraguan Habano. The experience is medium-to-full-bodied with notes of pepper, spice and cocoa.

The line is being launched with four sizes that ship in June and will become a permanent addition to the Alec Bradley cigar brand portfolio. Each of the frontmarks comes in 24-count boxes.

Available vitolas:

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings Corona (5.37 x 46); SRP per cigar $10.49

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings Robusto (5” x 52): SPR per cigar $12.29 REVIEWED TODAY

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings Toro (6” x 52); SRP per cigar $13.89

Alec Bradley Safe Keepings Gordo (6” x 60); SRP per cigar $15.19

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were a lime citrus, brown sugar, and earthy leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. 

At the first third (21 minutes) that ash was still intact. There were light lime and brown sugar notes, earthiness, light leather, and black coffee. There is also a roasted nut element; something like almond. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The mix is dark and not overly sweet but it's working at the moment. I rated the first third 92.

As I moved through the second third (40 minutes) there is plenty of leather and black coffee and the black pepper is mixing well with those two. But the sweeter notes are light. The cigar is medium bodied but leaning toward medium to full. The finish is unchanged. The increased dark notes have hurt the cigar. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 2 minutes. The sweetness elevated. Now the predominant sweet notes is more of an apricot with brown sugar. The nuttiness is gone. There's still plenty of leather, earthiness, and black coffee but not as dominant. There's a lot of black pepper mixing well with the notes. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar got pretty nice again. I rated the final third 92.

Overall Score: 91.33

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 LC48 (6 x 48)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

The first of two new Las Calaveras blends for 2024 has been released.

Crowned Heads is shipping the Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024. Like the last half dozen or so Las Caleveras releases, it follows a pretty standard format: the blend is made by My Father Cigars S.A. in four sizes, three of which are sold in 24-count boxes and one of which is only offered in a sampler. Blend-wise, this year’s release is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco, capped off by a habano wrapper.

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 LC48 (6 x 48) — $13.95 (Box of 24, $334.80) — 1,500 Boxes of 24 Cigars + 3,000 Samplers of 1 Cigar (39,000 Total Cigars) REVIEWED TODAY

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 LC52 (5 x 52) — $14.95 (Box of 24, $358.80) — 1,500 Boxes of 24 Cigars + 3,000 Samplers of 1 Cigar (39,000 Total Cigars)

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 LC54 (6 x 54) — $15.95 (Box of 24, $382.80) — 1,500 Boxes of 24 Cigars + 3,000 Samplers of 1 Cigar (39,000 Total Cigars)

Las Calaveras Edición Limitada 2024 Belicoso Fino (5 1/2 x 52) — 3,000 Samplers of 1 Cigar (3,000 Total Cigars)

The samplers are priced at $56.95.

“When I smoked the final blend for this year’s Las Calaveras, it immediately took me back to the 2015 Las Calaveras profile, which happens to be one of my favorite blends in the series,” said Jon Huber, co-founder of Crowned Heads, in a press release when the cigar was announced last month.

Las Calaveras is an annual limited edition for the company that pays tribute to those close to the company’s personnel who have lost their lives. Each year has been a different blend, offered in either three or four sizes. The name comes from La Calavera Catrina, a zinc etching by José Guadalupe Posada. This year’s release is dedicated to four people who have passed, each of whom is identified by their initials included on the band.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the first release of Las Calaveras and Crowned Heads is marking the occasion with a one-off release. In the next month or so, the company expects to ship the Las Calaveras Décimo Aniversario, a 6 x 52 toro that uses an Ecuadorian habano oscuro wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan fillers, grown by the García family, owners of My Father. It has an MSRP of $18.95 and is limited to 2,500 boxes of 10 cigars.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apricot, brown sugar, earthiness, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (22 minutes) there was light apricot and brown sugar, a lot of earthiness, and leather with some coffee aspects. The finish is leather with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The cigar is pretty good at this point. I rated the first third 92.

Moving through the second third (45 minutes) the earthiness is in overdrive. There is a lot of earthiness, light brown sugar, no apricot, and leather. The cigar is still medium bodied and the finish is unchanged. The increased earthiness really hurts the cigar. I rated the second third 88.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 9 minutes. The apricot returned in a light version. brown sugar, subsided earthiness, and leather with black coffee aspects. The cigar is medium bodied and the finish is unchanged. The cigar improved a little so I rated the final third 90. I found this to be a fairly good cigar that needs more sweetness and less earthiness.

Overall Score: 90