Sarzedas Toro (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by JC Newman cigars)

U.S. Patent Office records show that J.C. Newman first rolled Sarzedas cigars in 1900. A century ago, Sarzedas was widely known as “The Aromatic Cigar.” One hundred and twenty-five years later, J.C. Newman will reintroduce Sarzedas cigars at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in New Orleans this weekend. The new Sarzedas cigars are handmade at J.C. Newman’s PENSA cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

“I have loved the Sarzedas name and the brand’s history as ‘The Aromatic Cigar’ for years,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “I have been wanting to bring this historic brand back, but had to wait until we could create a blend that lives up to the brand’s legacy. Sarzedas is the most flavorful cigar we have ever made.”

Sarzedas cigars are rolled in four sizes, a 6” x 50 toro, a 4.75” x 52 robusto, a 7” x 48 Churchill, and a 5.5” x 43 corona. They were blended by Rich Dolak, J.C. Newman’s longtime Vice President of Operations who has blending the cigars with the Newmans for 29 years. Sarzedas features a silky smooth Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, and binder and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua. J.C. Newman will set the suggested retail price when Sarzedas is ready to ship this summer but expects it to be between $8 and $10 per cigar.

“Sarzedas is a fun, flavorful cigar that everyone can enjoy,” said Newman. 

The Sarzedas display at J.C. Newman’s booth will feature a vintage Sarzeda cigar box, a 100-year-old Sarzedas ashtrays, and Sarzedas newspaper ads from the early 1900s.

This is the third of five new products that J.C. Newman introduced at the PCA Trade Show.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus, brown sugar, cinnamon, whipping cream, and light black coffee. The whipping cream is very sweet and you can't miss it. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. A very sweet start and a nice start.

At the first third (17 minutes) the notes are about the same in the same percentages. The cigar is very sweet from the citrus, brown sugar, and whipping cream. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is whipping cream, a little brown sugar that is thick and almost chunky, with very good lingering black pepper. The flavors are very nice and very sweet. I rated the first third 95.

Moving through the second third (41 minutes) the same notes were there but now there is much more black coffee. Of course, this takes away some of the sweet notes but the cigar is still quite good. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is black coffee, brown sugar, hints of whipping cream, and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar has gotten a little darker. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 6 minutes. All the notes are there, as they have been throughout, but now the cigar is what you would call balanced. The black coffee pulled back and the sweet notes came out. The brown sugar is now the lead sweet flavor followed closely by the citrus and whipping cream. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is a hint of whipping cream with a lot of brown sugar with very good lingering black pepper. This is not your typical cigar but if you're looking for something sweet this is it. I rated the final third 94. Priced at around $9 or $10 they are a must-try.

Overall Score: 94

Manifatture Sigaro Toscano Joins Cigar Association of America

The Cigar Association of America (CAA) today announced that Manifatture Sigaro Toscano S.r.l. has joined the trade association.

Manifatture Sigaro Toscano S.r.l. is the maker of the iconic Toscano cigar, born in 1818, a distinctive Italian cigar crafted from fire-cured Kentucky tobacco. Known for their bold flavor and signature shape, Toscano brands include Antico Toscano, Toscano Classico, Garibaldi, the Toscanello line and the Toscano Master Aged Series

“CAA is proud to welcome Manifatture Sigaro Toscano to the association,” said CAA President Scott Pearce. “With more than two centuries of fire-cured cigar-making tradition, Toscano brings a unique voice to our membership. Their participation strengthens CAA as we continue advocating on behalf of the entire cigar industry.

Manifatture Sigaro Toscano CEO Stefano Mariotti said the company looks forward to working with CAA as it continues to grow its presence in the United States. “The U.S. market is a key priority for our international strategy. Joining CAA allows us to further engage with the industry while bringing greater visibility to Toscano’s distinctive fire-cured tobacco tradition and the heritage of Italian cigar making,” Mariotti said.

CAA is the leading national trade association representing manufacturers, distributors, importers, suppliers, and supporting services in the cigar industry and traces its roots back to the 1890s.

BOLIVAR UNVEILS LIMITED-EDITION ANIVERSARIO

To celebrate over 130 years in the industry, Bolivar Cigars is releasing a new, limited-edition cigar. Bolivar Aniversario represents both the innovative spirit of the brand and its commitment to tradition.

Aniversario features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Brazilian Arapiraca binder, and filler tobacco from Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, and Brazil. This combination of rare tobaccos and exceptional craftsmanship delivers a uniquely indulgent smoking experience that fans new and old will appreciate. It is worth noting that this limited-edition cigar also has a Suggested Retail Price (SRP) under $10.

Aniversario was produced in Honduras at HATSA. It is available in a single size — a 6 X 52 Toro — and will begin shipping in March 2026.

Joe Krzyston, Brand Manager of Bolivar Cigars, said, “Not only is Bolivar Aniversario a remarkable cigar filled with rare Argentine and Paraguayan tobacco, but it also offers incredible value for the discerning smoker. This is a fantastic blend that produces a wonderful smoke, perfect for any occasion.”

SRP of Bolivar Aniversario is $9.99 per cigar. Aniversario is available in convenient ten-count boxes.

Bolivar Aniversario (6 X 52); SRP per cigar $9.99

Plasencia Cigars Introduces the Colección Explorador - A Journey Through Craftsmanship, Legacy, and Flavor

Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and creator of award-winning cigars with a legacy dating back to 1865 proudly announces the debut of the Colección Explorador — translated as “Explorer Collection.” This masterfully curated selection is designed for the cigar lover who values discovery, depth, and distinction.

An homage to the spirit of exploration, the Colección Explorador invites aficionados to traverse the rich landscapes of Plasencia’s artistry — from organic purity to volcanic intensity, from elegant refinement to bold innovation. Each vitola has been hand-selected to showcase the versatility and mastery that define the Plasencia legacy.

The 2025 Plasencia Colección Explorador includes:

• Reserva Original Robusto — The world’s first and only certified 100% organic cigar — pure, smooth, and timeless, honoring the Plasencia family’s devotion to the earth and sustainable excellence.

• Cosecha 151 San Diego – Corona Gorda — A tribute to the family’s 151st harvest, celebrated for its depth, harmony, and complexity. Awarded Cigar of the Year 2024 by Cigar Journal and rated 92 points, this exceptional cigar exemplifies balance and refined strength.

• Alma del Campo Sendero – Toro Gordo — A full-bodied yet graceful composition, praised for its creamy texture and sophisticated equilibrium; rated 90 points by Cigar Aficionado.

• Alma del Fuego Concepción – Toro — Born from the volcanic soils of Ometepe, this 93-rated blend reveals a fiery intensity balanced by natural sweetness; ranked #13 in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2019.

• Alma Fuerte Sixto I – Hexágono — The brand’s pioneering six-sided cigar, acclaimed for its impeccable draw, structural harmony, and architectural balance of flavor.

• Alma Fuerte Generación V – Salomón — A commanding, sculpted Salomón vitola celebrated for its complex evolution and layered richness — a signature of Plasencia excellence.

Encased in an artisan-crafted wooden box wrapped in an elegant sleeve, the Colección Explorador embodies the refined aesthetic synonymous with Plasencia Cigars. With six distinct vitolas, it offers a journey in every shape — a sensory exploration through generations of passion and precision.

With an MSRP of $119.99, the Colección Explorador presents exceptional value for those seeking a luxurious and comprehensive tasting experience. Shipping to retailers begins Tuesday March 10, perfectly timed for the season of celebration and gifting.

“The Colección Explorador was created for those who see cigar smoking as an act of discovery,” said Néstor Andrés Plasencia, fifth-generation member of the Plasencia cigar family “Each cigar offers a new perspective on our craft — an exploration of flavor, form, and family heritage.”

CIGARZ ON THE AVE CELEBRATES 30TH WITH SELECTED TOBACCO

Selected Tobacco Announces Cigarz on the Ave 30th Anniversary Alfonso Humidor exclusive release. Nelson Alfonso, owner of Selected Tobacco, has created a stunning, limited edition 10- count humidor celebrating the 30th anniversary of Cigarz on the Ave, the well-known premium cigar retailer located in Winter Park, Florida, owned by Don Patel.

The release will consist of 200 individually numbered humidors, each containing ten extra-aged cigars from the Alfonso portfolio. The cigars were aged for five years post-roll in Madrid, Spain, a process that has become a defining characteristic of Selected Tobacco’s production philosophy.

Each humidor will include the following cigars:

• 5 Alfonso Añejo No. 3 (6 x 54)

• 5 Alfonso Gran Selección Exclusivo (6 x 54)

The humidor itself features a high-gloss piano lacquer finish with gold accents, hidden hinges, and a numbered plaque. It also includes an internal humidification chamber with a fixed hygrometer designed to maintain proper storage conditions for the cigars.

“This anniversary humidor represents something very special for our store,” said Don Patel, owner of Cigarz on the Ave. “For 30 years we’ve focused on building a destination in Winter Park. Partnering with Nelson Alfonso and Selected Tobacco to create a release like this is a great way to celebrate that milestone with our customers.”

The Cigarz on the Ave 30th Anniversary Alfonso Humidor will be released at a private event on March 19th with Nelson Alfonso in attendance. The exclusive release will have a retail price of $600.

Tradecraft is proud to share our first PCA Cigars.

Rolled originally as private Vitolas for Rob Blumenthal-Tradecraft will be offering at this years PCA Show The Gladius Belicoso (5.5x52) & The Azorian Corona Gorda (5.5x46).  

These are a couple of my all time favorite vitolas and I specifically chose them as they highlight the nuances of the blends in a very lovely way and offer a different smoke experience when compared to the Robusto & Toro.  

Both Vitolas were produced 14+ months ago in extremely limited quantity, with only 150 (12 count) boxes produced for each line. 

The Gladius Belicoso will retail for $14.60 & The Azorian Corona Gorda $14.40.

Sanchez y Haya restoration aims to enshrine an early chapter of Tampa’s cigar history

The 115-year-old building, across Columbus Drive from the J.C. Newman factory in Ybor City, was once a gathering place for cigar workers. An $18.7 million renovation is underway. 

Tampa was once considered the cigar capital of the world.

Cigar rolling peaked in the city in the 1920s. In the '70s and '80s, the industry largely moved to Latin America, where labor was cheaper.

Lea esta historia en español

As tides changed, hundreds of cigar factories, businesses and other buildings were left vacant in West Tampa and Ybor City.

Some fell into disrepair.

One of them — the Sanchez y Haya building, in the Ybor City Historic District — is being restored to its former glory.

Historic gathering place for cigar workers

The 115-year-old building, at Columbus Drive and 16th Street, is entering the final phase of an $18.7 million restoration project.

It’s expected to be completed by October.

Spearheading the effort are the owners of the J.C. Newman Cigar Co., whose El Reloj factory sits directly across Columbus Avenue. El Reloj, or "The Clock" in Spanish, is widely considered the country's last traditional cigar factory still in operation.

Drew Newman, the fourth-generation owner of the 130-year-old company, said the buildings have a shared history.

"Our El Reloj cigar factory opened on March 31, 1910, and the Sanchez y Haya building opened a few months later. The buildings were built independently, but ... they were designed to work together,” he said.

The Sanchez y Haya building — once a 15-room hotel, cigar lounge and cafe — was a popular gathering spot for cigar workers more than a century ago.

It was built by Ignacio Haya — the first man to roll cigars in Tampa — and his business partner, Serafin Sanchez.

Since then, it’s taken many forms — a grocery store, a coffee mill, a knitting store and even a Prohibition-era speakeasy — before falling into decline, according to the city.

In 2020, the Newman family bought the adjacent building for $650,000 with the intention of restoring it to its original purpose.

Local, state and federal partners are investing in the vision, too.

The project recently received a $5 million grant from the East Tampa Community Redevelopment Agency, a $600,000 historic preservation grant from Hillsborough County and a $2.3 million federal tax credit from the National Park Service, according to the budget summary.

Once complete, Newman hopes the building will enshrine an important chapter in Tampa’s history — one that earned it the nickname of “Cigar City.”

How Tampa became Cigar City

During the heyday of the cigar industry in Tampa, there were about 200 factories, like El Reloj, producing more than 700 million cigars a year.

“Cigars are to Tampa, just like cars are to Detroit and wine is to Napa Valley. Cigars are so important to the history of our community because it was the cigar industry that fueled Tampa's economy and its growth from a tiny village into the city that it is today,” Newman said.

Between 1880 and 1930, the population jumped from about 700 to more than 100,000.

Many of them were immigrants from Cuba, Spain, Italy and Germany who came to work in Tampa’s burgeoning cigar industry.

"When Mr. Ybor decided to come to Tampa in 1885 the rest of the cigar industry followed, and Tampa was filled with waves of immigrants from all around the world,” Newman said.

Vincente Martinez Ybor, for whom Ybor City is named, is revered as the godfather of the cigar industry in Tampa. However, Haya and Sanchez opened the first cigar factory, Sanchez y Haya Co., at Seventh Avenue and 15th Street, and began production in 1886. 

In 1910, they opened the hotel and cafe.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D–Tampa, walks toward the podium during a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony for the restoration of the Sanchez y Haya building on Nov. 25, 2025.

Keeping the legacy alive

More than a century later, the building is getting new life.

Last week, local leaders, cigar workers and other community members gathered for a groundbreaking ceremony at the historic site.

Christian Klein, a descendant of Sanchez, was there to witness the big moment in his family’s history.

“We’re standing … in the shadow of a building from 1910 that my great-great-grandfather built to support the cigar workers … and now the Newman family is continuing and restoring it, which is great,” he said.

Klein said it feels like a full-circle moment to witness the owners of the last traditional operational cigar factory in the country restore his family’s building.

Newman said it’s been a long process to get to this point. 

This has included purchasing the building, securing financing, reinforcing the integrity of the concrete-and-rebar structure and even rehoming 5,000 fruit bats.

“It would have been far easier and cheaper and faster to knock the Sanchez y Haya building down and build a replica of it in its place, but I was afraid doing so would cause us to lose the building's character and spirit and history,” he said.

Like the cigar-rolling process, Newman said doing things right takes time.

Learn more.

H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise Ushers in a New Dawn for the Family

Altadis U.S.A. is launching H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise, the third expression in the highly-rated and best-selling H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez line. Crafted for those who crave refinement without compromise, the Sunrise delivers a smooth yet flavorful experience.

Developed as a medium-bodied cigar, H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise is not your typical “Connecticut” cigar. It offers balance, flavor and consistency for premium cigar smokers looking for depth without overpowering strength. Wrapped in a silky Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper and supported by a rich Nicaraguan binder and fillers from AJ Fernandez’s renowned fincas, the blend delivers creamy notes of cedar, subtle spice, coffee, hints of nuts and a sweet vanilla aroma.

“The Sunrise is our take on a Connecticut done right,” said Gabe Diaz, Brand Manager at Altadis U.S.A. “It’s smooth and easy to enjoy, but it still has flavor and character. To kick off 2026, we wanted to give H. Upmann fans something balanced, high quality and priced right.”

Master blenders Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez collaborated to create a cigar that rounds out the family with a Connecticut that complements the existing offerings. The Sunrise, Original, and Heritage deliver distinct experiences that reflect the depth of this remarkable collaboration. Together, they form a collection designed to be savored from day to night.

“We were looking to craft a cigar designed for a smooth experience,” said Rafael Nodal, VP of Product Capability for Tabacalera USA. “The Sunrise release rounds out the H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez line and provides consumers with a smooth, flavorful cigar that consumers can come back to again and again.”

The cigars are presented in 20 count boxes featuring a bright orange hue – a design that reflects the orange and gold that fill the sky in a sunrise.

The H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise will be unveiled this April at the upcoming Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans and will begin shipping to retailers immediately afterwards.

To support the launch, Altadis U.S.A will feature a “Summer of H. Upmann” campaign with various Trade and Consumer activations that will run June through September 2026.

Blend Details

· Wrapper: Ecuadorian Connecticut

· Binder: Nicaraguan

· Filler: Nicaraguan

· Strength: Medium

H. Upmann Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez Sunrise - Vitolas & Pricing

· Robusto (52 x 5) – Box of 20 – $12.99 per cigar

· Toro (54 x 6) – Box of 20 – $13.75per cigar

· Churchill (50 x 7) – Box of 20 –$14.25 per cigar

· Magnum (60 x 6) – Box of 20 – $14.50 per cigar

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Ships America250 Cigars

Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. began shipping cigars to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Two hundred and fifty premium cigar retailers will each receive a special set of 250 cigars handmade in America’s last large cigar factory. These limited-edition cigars and boxes bear the official America250 seal.

 “J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” said fourth-generation cigar maker Drew Newman. “Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding. Therefore, it is only fitting that we celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country with American-made cigars.”

First harvested in the Virginia Colony in 1612, tobacco fueled the growth of the early Americas. At the time of the American Revolution, tobacco was cultivated in all 13 Colonies and many founders, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were tobacco farmers.

“When my great-grandfather founded our family business in 1895, there were 40,000 cigar factories in the United States,” said Newman. “Today, El Reloj is the last large cigar factory still rolling cigars in the country. It is our privilege to keep America’s historic cigar-making tradition alive by handcrafting exquisite cigars in the United States.”

This release includes The American and Angel Cuesta cigars along with the El Reloj Collection sampler. The American is the first 100% all-American cigar. It is rolled in El Reloj entirely from heirloom American tobaccos, and all of its packaging is made in America as well. First rolled for Spain’s King Alfonso XIII a century ago, Angel Cuesta is a smooth and refined cigar with an Ecuador Havana or Nicaraguan Shade wrapper. This set includes the first release of the new Angel Cuesta Shade Double Robusto cigar.

In 2016, Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission to plan and coordinate the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026. America250, the bipartisan organization charged by Congress to lead the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, aims to engage all Americans in celebrating this historic milestone—including through licensing its America250 branding for unique, made-in-America products.

The Newman family invites cigar enthusiasts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by lighting an America250 cigar and by visiting El Reloj. Walking through the factory is like stepping back in time. Visitors can explore J.C. Newman's museum, take a guided factory tour, learn how to hand roll cigars, or attend a private event. El Reloj is the highest rated museum in Tampa on TripAdvisor.

Continue the celebration with "The American Story", a docuseries that follows the journey of The American, the first 100% all-American cigar. Explore how tobacco has woven itself into 400 years of American history, while shaping communities, culture and the nation’s identity along the way. This four-part series is a love letter to American craftmanship, resilience and tradition.

Watch The American Story

AN EVENING OF SPOKEN WORD, POETRY AND LOCAL HISTORY

Join us on Monday, March 30 for an evening of spoken word, poetry and local history, as we commemorate the anniversary of the historic El Reloj Factory by J.C. Newman Cigar Co., which first opened its doors on March 31, 1910.

Monday, March 30 | 6:00PM - 7:30PM

Cigar Workers Park at J.C. Newman Cigar Co.

1530 E Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33605

Complimentary admission | All ages welcome

Held in Cigar Workers Park across the street from the historic factory, this free, all-ages event will feature local artists and poets reading original works inspired by Tampa, its cigar industry, El Reloj, and the tradition of the lectores—the voices that once filled cigar factories with literature and ideas. Cupcakes and refreshments will be provided as we gather together in honor of 116 years of culture, labor and community.

RSVP

CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano V654 Crankshaft (6.5 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by General Cigar)

CAO is revving the engine on its best-selling franchise with the release of Flathead Speed Shop Habano, a new expression built for cigar lovers who appreciate a more refined ride while staying true to the bold attitude that defines Flathead. Shipping February 2nd, 2026, Speed Shop introduces a fresh take on performance within the Flathead world.

Born in the garage where craftsmanship meets character, Flathead Speed Shop Habano is crafted for those who want balance, control and a medium-bodied profile with purpose. An Ecuador Habano wrapper delivers a smooth yet complex character. Under the hood, a San Andrés binder adds subtle sweetness, while Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers fire up notes of white pepper, leather and earth, providing some of the power for which the Flathead line is known.

The line debuts in three sizes, including an all-new 6.5 x 54 frontmark, alongside the franchise’s most popular sizes. All cigars are handcrafted in Honduras and packed in red-and-white Speed Shop boxes inspired by vintage garage culture.

CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano includes:

● V654 Crankshaft (6.5 x 54) REVIEWED TODAY

● V660 Carb (6 x 60)

● V770 Big Block (7 x 70)

“As the #1-selling brand in CAO, Flathead has earned its reputation through bold character and unmistakable style,” said Cory Beardsley, Brand Manager for CAO. “Speed Shop gives us a new lane to explore, a cigar with the same spirit but a different feel. It’s crafted for smokers who appreciate performance with purpose and a profile you can drive every day.”

CAO Flathead Speed Shop Habano comes in 24-count boxes at an SRP between $8.99 and $10.99 per cigar (depending on size).

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was a little firm. I used the PerfecDraw Tool to open the draw a little. The initial flavors at light up were citrus, brown sugar, citrus peel, light nougat, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.

At the first third (26 minutes) the notes were citrus/cedar, brown sugar, touch of citrus peel, a little nougat, decreased earthiness, and a light black coffee base. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish has hints of citrus with a little earthiness, light black coffee, and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is very surprising. I did not expect it to be this good based on previous reviews of the Flathead series. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 3 minutes) there was a decrease in the citrus notes but the brown sugar is holding in there. There is more citrus peel. The nougat note has greatly decreased. There is some earthiness and quite a bit of black coffee. The brown sugar is keeping the cigar interesting. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar lost a little but the brown sugar is saving it. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 41 minutes. The citrus notes came back and there is a little cedar mixed in. There is quite a bit of brown sugar. There is some nougat, a little earthiness, and a nice amount of black coffee. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is citrus with a touch of earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar got back to very good. I rated the final third 95. Look for these. They have a very good price point too, at around $9 per cigar.

Overall Score: 94.33

The American Story: Chapter Two Now Live

Chapter Two of The American Story showcases the farmers who make possible The American, the first 100% all-American cigar. It profiles the men and women who dedicate their lives to growing cigar tobacco here in the United States.

In Chapter One, we explored the origins of an American craft and the roots of the last operating cigar factory in the United States.

In Chapter Two, we delve into fertile American fields - from the Connecticut River Valley to the rolling farmland of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania - where generations of families continue a centuries-old tradition.

This chapter illustrates the hard work, faith, and resilience behind every leaf. Before it reaches our factory floor in Tampa, it begins with American soil, American hands, and a commitment to preserving an agricultural legacy.

We hope you enjoy the continuation of The American Story.

Watch Chapter Two

Black Works Studio releases BOONDOCK

Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is pleased to announce the release of BOONDOCK; hand crafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.

BOONDOCK is a Limited Edition that will begin shipping to select retailers this week.

“The Boondock is one of our most asked about Limited Releases from Black Works Studio. This will be the first full release since 2019, and I think we have kept people waiting long enough. It was part of the Boombox collection last year and that amped up the excitement. To celebrate its return, we added a new Lancero vitola. This vitola gives Boondock fans a completely new experience.

The Boondock is a bold, rich and balanced cigar. The raisin and dark fruit notes pair perfectly with the intense pepper spice creating a very complex and unique smoking experience," says James Brown, creator of BLTC and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BOONDOCK

Blend and Origin:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf

Binder: Nicaraguan Habano

Filler: Nicaragua/Pennsylvania/Connecticut

Available vitolas:

Corona Larga – 6.25x46 (20 count) MSRP $12.50

Robusto – 5.25x50 (20 count) MSRP $12.50

Lancero – 7x42 (20 count) MSRP $13.50

These cigars are an expression of art showcasing the talent, technique and tobacco of our boutique cigar factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra. For more information and retailer map visit OvejaNegraCigars.com.

SANDRA COBAS AND GISELLE HERRERA OPEN A NEW ERA FOR EL TITAN DE BRONZE WITH NICARAGUA DEBUT

El Titan de Bronze announces El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua, marking the first time in the company’s history that a cigar is produced outside of the United States — a defining milestone for the Miami-based boutique manufacturer.

Founder Sandra Cobas remains actively involved in preserving the brand’s tradition and uncompromising quality standards, while President Giselle Herrera leads the company’s strategic expansion into new markets. Together, they represent the strength of legacy and the vision of the next generation. This release also marks the first cigar in the company’s portfolio to receive broad national distribution, reinforcing El Titan de Bronze’s growing presence across the country.

Manufactured at Nicaraguan American Cigars S.A. (NACSA), El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua features a Broadleaf wrapper, Mexican binder, and Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a rich, bold smoking experience rooted in premium tobacco and meticulous craftsmanship.

“This moment reflects both our heritage and our future,” said Cobas and Herrera. “Producing our first cigar outside the United States allows us to expand thoughtfully while maintaining the high standards that define El Titan de Bronze. For over thirty years, we've produced some of the finest small-batch cigars in the industry, and we are delighted to bring the El Titan experience to cigar lovers everywhere.”

El Titan de Bronze Nicaragua is available in four sizes — Corona (6.25 x 48), Robusto (5 x 54), Toro (6 x 52), and Gigante (6 x 60). Suggested retail price ranges from $7.99 to $9.49 per cigar. Each box contains 20 cigars. Shipping to retailers begins March 2026.