Final Days: Experience the Cigars! Exhibit Before It Closes July 19

Just over one week remains to visit the "Cigars! Photography, Industry, and Identity" exhibit at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts in historic Ybor City.

Proudly sponsored by J.C. Newman Cigar Co., this special exhibition commemorates the 140th anniversary of the first cigar rolled in Ybor City in 1886 through a remarkable collection of historic and contemporary photography. Rare nineteenth and early twentieth-century images from The Burns Collection & Archive are paired with striking photographs by documentary photographer Zack Wittman, showcasing the 25 cigar factories still standing in Tampa today.

The Burns Collection, home to more than one million historic photographs, also published the companion book, Cigars: From Seed to Smoke, A Photographic History, featuring 250 vintage images documenting the early days of the cigar industry. J.C. Newman commissioned Wittman, an award-winning documentary photographer, to photograph Tampa's remaining cigar factories, resulting in over 12,000 images and a book by Wittman and Drew Newman titled Cigar City: A Legacy of Tampa's Founding Industry.

Experience this one-of-a-kind exhibition before it comes to a close!

"Cigars! Photography, Industry and Identity" honors Ybor City’s enduring legacy as the cigar capital of the world through the powerful lens of photography, bridging the golden age of cigar making with its vibrant present while celebrating the deep roots that shaped the city’s cultural and economic foundation.

 Presented in collaboration with The Burns Collection & Archive in New York and Tampa’s own J.C. Newman Cigar Co., the exhibition offers a rare visual dialogue across centuries. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century original vintage photographs from The Burns Collection transport visitors to a time when immigrants were at the heart of Ybor City’s rise, bringing with them cigar-making expertise, revolutionary ideals, and a rich cultural heritage that transformed Tampa into a global hub of industry and identity.

 These historical images of factory life, skilled cigar rollers, and moments of everyday community are placed in conversation with compelling contemporary photographs by Zack Wittman, who documents the 25 remaining cigar factory buildings in present-day Tampa and the people who carry forward this legacy. Wittman’s work, created in partnership with the J.C. Newman Cigar Company, offers an intimate look at how Cuban, Spanish, and Italian traditions, labor practices, and pride remain embedded in Ybor City’s living culture.

 The exhibit reveals how photography has long served as a tool to preserve and reimagine the Ybor City story, as well as American history—one of migration, resistance, artistry, and community. "Cigars! Photography, Industry and Identity" celebrates not only the history of an industry but also the lasting contributions of the people whose spirit continues to define Ybor City’s past, present, and future.

Black Label Trading Company announces shipment of Bishops Blend to select retailers

Black Label Trading Company is pleased to announce the shipment of Bishops Blend to select retailers beginning this week. Bishops Blend is handcrafted in Esteli, Nicaragua at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BISHOPS BLEND is a limited release that was first released in 2016.

“It’s been ten years since we introduced Bishops Blend, and it has grown into one of our most sought-after releases. To celebrate this milestone, this year’s edition features a double-wrapper presentation, pairing the original Ecuadorian Maduro with Connecticut Broadleaf. The addition of Broadleaf in both the filler and wrapper further enhances the cigar’s rich, elegant, and complex character, taking it to an entirely new level. Smokers can expect the same bold profile that has defined Bishops Blend, highlighted by notes of anise, pepper, raisins, and a lingering sweet earthiness on the finish,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Co. and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra.

BISHOPS BLEND

Blend and Origin:

Country of Origin: Nicaragua

Wrapper: Ecuador Maduro and Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Ecuador Habano

Filler: Nicaragua, Connecticut & PA Broadleaf

Available vitolas:

Corona Larga – 6.25 x 46 (20 count) MSRP $13.50

Robusto – 5 x 48 (20 count) MSRP $13.00

Lancero – 7 x 42 (12 count) MSRP $14.00

Fox & Friends Visits J.C. Newman to Celebrate America250

 

Fox & Friends showcased J.C. Newman’s iconic El Reloj cigar factory as part of its America250 celebration last weekend. Anchor Charlie Hurt toured El Reloj and learned how to hand roll his own cigars, which he shared with his co-hosts.

J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding. Therefore, it is only fitting that to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with cigars handmade in the United States, including The American, Angel Cuesta, LeRoy Neiman, and Tampa Smokers.

Zino Honduras Half Corona (4 x 44)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

For the next release in its Zino brand, Davidoff is once again turning to Honduran tobacco.

The new Zino Honduras can be seen as a follow-up line to the Zino Nicaragua. However, it’s also a return to Zino’s roots, which are deeply tied to Honduran tobaccos. The new Zino Honduras uses an Ecuadorian wrapper over a blend of Honduran tobaccos from Copán and the Jamastran Valley. It is made at Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A., best known as the Camacho factory.

It is debuting in three vitolas, all of which are also offered in the Zino Nicaragua line

Zino Honduras Half Corona (4 x 44) — $6.70 (Pack of 5, $33.50/Box of 25, $167.50) REVIEWED TODAY

Zino Honduras Robusto (5 x 54) — $7.50 (Pack of 4, $30/Pack of 5, $37.50/Box of 25, $187.50)

Zino Honduras Toro (6 x 50) — $8 (Pack of 4, $32/Pack of 5, $40/box of 25, $200)

As is the case with the Zino Nicaragua line, each vitola is offered in boxes of 25 cigars as well as five-packs. The Robusto and Toro vitolas are also sold in four-count bags. Notably, the Half Corona five-pack and four-count bags of the other two sizes have cigars that are pre-cut.

While the Half Corona will be offered in the above pictured five-pack, this five-pack will not be sold in the U.S. According to Davidoff of Geneva USA, for the Half Corona, only the five-count metal tin and 25-count box will be offered to American stores.

“We are delighted to be launching Zino Honduras to meet the rising demand for more intense cigars,” said Javier González, svp head global marketing & innovation at Oettinger Davidoff AG, in a press release. “The high quality of these handmade cigars, combined with the enhanced flexibility and spontaneity offered through innovative packaging and cut options, truly sets this line apart and reflects what Zino Cigars stands for as a brand.” In line with Zino Cigars’ price positioning, Zino Honduras also stands out for its attractive value-for-money proposition, making premium cigar enjoyment accessible to a broader audience.”

The cigar is golden brown and has an average feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were an earthy peach, brown sugar, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7. Pretty good start.

At the first third (15 minutes) the peach notes are coming out better. The cigar is not quite as earthy. There is light nougat in the mix. The cigar is better now than it was at the light up. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is sort of a peach/nougat but there's not a lot of either with average lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (25 minutes) the cigar got very earthy. There is a minor amount of peach and brown sugar. There seems to be some sort of wood aspect. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a little peach with earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 90.

The cigar lasted 37 minutes. A short smoke. The cigar reverted back to the way it was in the first third; nice peach with brown sugar, light nougat, and black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is peach with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 93. This is a pretty good short smoke and we can always have one of those on hand.

Overall Score: 92

Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary Toro (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Altadis USA)

Altadis U.S.A. is introducing the Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30thAnniversary, an exciting collaboration between Saint Luis Rey and master blender Christian Eiroa to celebrate a historic partnership that shaped the brand three decades ago.

The story begins in 1996, when Christian Eiroa blended the original Saint Luis Rey cigar using renowned Corojo tobaccos. The project was highlighted as Eiroa’s first major endeavor in the cigar industry. Thirty years later, the Saint Luis Rey brand reunites with Eiroa to honor that original blend with a new cigar.

Handmade at the C.L.E. factory in Danli, Honduras, the Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary captures the authentic essence of Saint Luis Rey, while incorporating the signature craftsmanship and tobacco expertise that has defined Christian Eiroa’s work for decades. The blend, featuring Pinareno and Corojo tobacco, delivers a rich medium-to-full smoking experience designed to evoke the original Saint Luis Rey profile but refined for today’s market.

“Saint Luis Rey has always held a special place in my career,” said Christian Eiroa. “Returning to collaborate on this project 30 years later is incredibly meaningful. This cigar is about honoring the legacy of the original blend while creating something that today’s smokers can truly appreciate.”

Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary will be offered in four vitolas with an MSRP ranging from $12.00 to $13.50 and will be available exclusively through brick-and-mortar retailers. Presentation plays a key role in telling the story of this collaboration and bringing the partnership to life. The cigars are packaged in 25-count authentic cabinet-style boxes reminiscent of the classic Eiroa appearance. Each cigar is wrapped in signature, co-branded Saint Luis Rey Eiroa tissue paper and finished with the traditional Saint Luis Rey red band.

With a blend rooted in history and crafted by one of the industry's most respected tobacco families, the Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary celebrates tradition, partnership and the enduring legacy of premium cigars.

Saint Luis Rey Eiroa 30th Anniversary

Origin                                Honduras

Wrapper:                           Pinareno

Binder:                              Corojo

Filler:                                Pinareno & Corojo

Strength:                           Medium to Full

Sizes and Pricing:

Vitola                    Size            MSRP

Rothchilde            50 x 5        $12.00

Torpedo                52 x 6        $12.50

Toro                      54 x 6        $13.00 REVIEWED TODAY

Titan                     60 x 6        $13.50

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were apricot, brown sugar, nougat, tanned leather, and a touch of cinnamon. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (17 minutes) I had the same exact notes with the addition of some earthiness. It's not hurting the cigar too much at this point but I'll have to keep an eye on it. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is apricot with good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (38 minutes) the cigar made a major change. It is extremely earthy and black coffee is now in the mix. The apricot and brown sugar are very faint. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is an earthy apricot with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is quite different from the way it started and was in the first third. I rated the second third 89.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 4 minutes. The sweetness got a little better. I could detect the apricot and brown sugar in a nice amount. The black coffee and earthiness are still there but not as intrusive. There is no nougat or tanned leather. It actually went away after the first third. The cigar starts pretty good but loses a lot in the middle section but recovers about midway in the final third. I rated the final third 91.

 Overall Score: 91

Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with an America250 Cigar!

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. invites cigar enthusiasts to celebrate with an America250 cigar. This year, J.C. Newman is releasing limited-edition cigars hand rolled at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, to commemorate this anniversary. The American, Angel Cuesta, LeRoy Neiman and Tampa Smokers cigars 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. Benjamin Franklin even pledged 5 million pounds of tobacco to help secure France's support for the Revolutionary War.

In 1895, Julius Caeser (J.C.) Newman founded the J.C. Newman Cigar Company. Of the 40,000 licensed cigar manufacturers in the United States at that time, J.C. Newman is the only one left. J.C. Newman’s iconic El Reloj factory in the “Cigar City” of Tampa, Florida, is the last traditional cigar factory still operating in the United States. Inside El Reloj, J.C. Newman keeps America's historic cigar tradition alive by handcrafting premium cigars the same way it did a century ago.

“As part of our participation in America250, we released The American Story, a 20-minute documentary chronicling the centuries-old tradition of American cigar making,” said Newman. “The film showcases the farmers, cigar rollers, box makers and craftspeople who create The American, our 100% all-American 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. J.C. Newman’s limited-edition The American, Angel Cuesta, Tampa Smokers and El Reloj Collection boxes and cigars all bear the America250 seal.

In his 1958 autobiography Smoke Dreams, company founder Julius C. Newman wrote, “I could not help but realize more than ever what a great country this is. I am filled more than ever with deep pride to be an American.”

Ceniza Fina Goes Dark: Third Blend in Three Years

Ceniza Fina Cigars is shipping its third blend to retailers nationwide.

Ceniza Fina CT Broadleaf is the brand’s richest, darkest cigar to date, a notable contrast to the mellow Connecticut lineit introduced last year.

 First shown at the 2026 PCA Convention & Trade Show in the Powstanie booth, the CT Broadleaf completes a three year arc for owners Sam and Rosie Lopez, who launched the brand in 2024 alongside their Glendale retail store, Fine Ash Cigars. Where the debut Corojo landed in the medium range and the 2025 Connecticut leaned light and creamy, the CT Broadleaf is built for smokers who want depth: a darker, sweeter, more full bodied profile anchored by a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper.

 Like every Ceniza Fina blend before it, the CT Broadleaf is produced by Hostos Fernández Quesada at TABACALERA LA iSLA in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.

THE BLEND

Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf

Binder: Mexican

Filler: Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, Nicaraguan Jalapa & HVA

Strength: Medium to Full

Flavor: Cocoa, dark chocolate, sweet molasses, espresso, and black pepper undertones.

 

All four vitolas are box pressed.

Corona    5.5 x 48    $13.00    $260.00

Robusto    5 x 52      $13.50    $270.00

Toro    6 x 52      $14.00   $280.00

Robusto Gordo    5.5 x 56    $15.00    $300.00

Distribution is handled by Pospiech Cigars.

“We’ve spent years learning what our smokers reach for, and a lot of them kept asking us to go bolder. The CT Broadleaf is our answer, it’s the boldest we’ve put our name on. There’s now a Ceniza Fina for everyone’s taste.”Sam & Rosie Lopez, owners of Ceniza Fina and Fine Ash Cigars.

Micallef Goes Green, White, and Blue For Exclusive Gordo Line At Two Guys

Two Guys Cigars is thrilled to announce the next expansion of the exclusive Micallef Gordo selection, adding three more standout blends from Micallef’s celebrated Color Series: Micallef Green, Micallef White, and Micallef Blue. After launching the 6" x 60 Gordo format in January with Micallef Black and Micallef Red, Two Guys Cigars is once again expanding this exclusive offering with three new additions built for fans of big-ring premium cigars and unbeatable value.

The latest additions to the exclusive Micallef Gordo line include:

Micallef Green Gordo – Featuring a Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper over a Mexican San Andrés Negro binder and Nicaraguan fillers, Micallef Green delivers a medium-to-full-bodied profile with rich notes of cocoa, coffee, leather, dried fruit, and subtle spice.

Micallef White Gordo – The smoothest and mildest addition to The Color Series, Micallef White features a Connecticut wrapper over a Broadleaf binder with Nicaraguan and Dominican fillers, offering mellow notes of cream, subtle sweetness, and refined complexity.

Micallef Blue Gordo – Crafted with a San Andrés Sumatra wrapper, Ecuadorian Habano binder, and Nicaraguan/Dominican fillers, Micallef Blue offers a creamy smoking experience with the balance, flavor, and value.

“When I looked at their lineup,” said David Garofalo, owner and founder of Two Guys Cigars, “I saw they offered Robustos and Toros, but the best value in cigars today is in the Gordo. Micallef didn’t have one… so I told them!” That conversation led to the January launch of Micallef Black and Micallef Red in the exclusive 6" x 60 format at Two Guys Cigars. “Now we’re taking the next step adding Green, White, and Blue give smokers even more choices in blends they love”

True to Micallef’s reputation for value, the new Green, White, and Blue Gordos will carry the same MSRP as the previously released Micallef Black and Red Gordos: $10.29 per cigar or $179.99 per box of 20.

The new Micallef Green, White, and Blue Gordos will go on sale Thursday, July 9 at 10AM EST exclusively at Two Guys Cigars and 2GuysCigars.com.

Altadis U.S.A. Introduces Limited-Edition Jogo Bonito World Cup 2026 Sampler

Altadis U.S.A. is proud to announce the release of its limited-edition Jogo Bonito World Cup 2026 Sampler, a special collection of premium cigars created to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across 16 cities throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The phrase Jogo Bonito, Portuguese for "The Beautiful Game," embodies the passion, artistry, and global unity that have made soccer the world's most beloved sport. Inspired by that spirit, Altadis U.S.A. has assembled an exclusive collection of some of its most celebrated cigars into a commemorative sampler designed for fans of both premium cigars and the world's largest sporting event.

Limited to just 1,000 samplers, the release features 11 premium cigars from across the Altadis

U.S.A. portfolio, with every cigar earning a rating of 90 points or higher from Cigar Aficionado. Collectively, the cigars included in the sampler boast an average rating exceeding 92 points, representing some of the most acclaimed blends in the company's portfolio. Included among them is the Montecristo 1935 Nicaragua Toro, one of the most celebrated cigars of the modern era and a blend that has appeared in Cigar Aficionado's Top Cigars of the Year rankings in multiple sizes.

The World Cup 2026 Sampler Includes:

● 2 Montecristo 1935 Nicaragua Toro - Rated 95

● 2 Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua Toro - Rated 90

● 2 H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Toro - Rated 92

● 2 Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata Vibrato - Rated 93

● 2 Trinidad Espíritu Series No. 2 Toro - Rated 92

● 1 Saint Luis Rey Tabacales Toro - Rated 91

"The World Cup is one of the world's great celebrations, bringing together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and traditions through a shared passion," said Chadwick Gobar, Trade Marketing Manager for Altadis U.S.A. "This sampler reflects that same spirit by uniting some of the highest-rated and most beloved cigars from across our portfolio into a single collection designed for celebration, camaraderie, and memorable moments."

Packaged in a custom-designed presentation box inspired by the energy and atmosphere of a packed fútbol stadium on match day, the sampler captures the excitement and pageantry of the tournament. The collection highlights a wide range of flavor profiles and blending styles while showcasing tobaccos crafted in some of the world's most respected cigar-producing regions, mirroring the international diversity that defines the World Cup itself.

The Jogo Bonito World Cup 2026 Sampler carries an MSRP of $180 and is scheduled to begin shipping to participating retailers on June 12, 2026. The sampler will also be featured at select Altadis U.S.A. World Cup watch-party events throughout the tournament.

THE PUNCH-EST CIGAR EVER: MR. PUNCH BY PUNCH CIGARS

Punch Cigars is honoring its iconic (and “devastatingly handsome”) mascot, Mr. Punch, with a new cigar that bears his name. Mr. Punch by Punch Cigars is a full-time blend that delivers a signature Punch smoking experience with a flavor profile tailored to the modern smoker.  

Mr. Punch by Punch features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Nicaraguan Jalapa Seco binder, and fillers from Nicaragua. The cigar was produced at the Scandinavian Tobacco Group Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, and it offers tasting notes of wood, cream, and spice. 

Mr. Punch by Punch is available in three sizes: Toro (6 X 54), Gigante (6 X 60), and the largest Punch Cigar ever released, The Big Slapper (7 X 70). SRPs (suggested retail price) for the respective cigars are $7.89, $8.99, and $10.09. Each size is packaged in boxes of 20. 

Scott Abney, Brand Manager for Punch Cigars, said, “Mr. Punch is a true icon not just in the cigar industry, but in pop culture. So it only made sense to create a cigar that captures his spirit. This new blend delivers a classic Punch smoking experience with a flavor profile tailored to the modern consumer. We know it’s going to be a hit.” 

Mr. Punch by Punch is a full-time release. It will begin shipping to retailers in July 2026. 

 

Drew Estate Announces the Passing of CEO Glenn Wolfson.

It is with profound sadness that Drew Estate announces the passing of Chief Executive Officer Glenn Wolfson.

Wolfson joined Drew Estate as CEO in 2016 following a distinguished 34-year career in management consulting. During his tenure at Drew Estate, Glenn led one of the most important eras of transformation in the company’s history. Under his leadership, Drew Estate transformed its operations, dedicated itself to serving as a most trusted provider to its trade partners and consumers, and established itself as leader in supporting and protecting the premium cigar industry. Importantly, Glenn helped guide that change while staying true to Drew Estate’s mission, core ideology, and iconic culture. ​

Today, Drew Estate is the one of the largest and most admired premium cigar manufacturing companies in the world, renowned for its ability to disrupt, innovate and raise the prominence of the entire premium cigar sector. He had a genuine love for premium cigars and, above all, a profound appreciation for the people he worked with, both at Drew Estate and throughout the industry, and that profound appreciation was reciprocated.

“Glenn loved Drew Estate, its people, its brands, its culture and the broader premium cigar community,” said the Drew Estate Executive Team. “He was a transformational leader, a trusted partner and a deeply valued friend. He challenged all of us to think bigger, lead with discipline, protect what makes Drew Estate special and build this company to last. We are heartbroken by his passing, and we are committed to honoring Glenn through the way we care for one another, serve the trade and continue carrying Drew Estate forward.”

From Sag Harbor New York, Jonathan Drew, Founder and President of Drew Estate writes: “In 2016 Glenn Wolfson confidently and passionately planted his roots at Drew Estate … and like a hearty oak tree had a disproportionately large impact on our unique ecosystem, culture, and community. ​

While Glenn’s talents in business, operations, and general commercial practices drove the company to new heights, his influence as a people person was his separate-amongst-equals … his superpower! ​ Our Drew Estate Wolfy was a natural born leader who instinctively knew how to climb into each of our individual psyches and drive our strengths while mentoring us on how to course-correct our personal weaknesses. Most importantly, he accomplished this with love … really, really deep love. ​

Like the hearty oak tree, Wolfy ALWAYS gave more than he took, with a longevity focused principle of being built to last. On many occasions, more than I can remember, I would say to him “dude, it’s been months since you’ve taken a day off, you need to take a break.” His response was always the same … that the person needed him for the meeting, the workshop, the counseling, the reporting … the whatever. ​ If you’re reading this right now, there’s a good chance that on various occasions this person was you … from our US and Nica staff to our retailers, distributors, suppliers, and even our competitors. Glenn left nothing on the field of life. ​

A mature oak tree does far more than simply occupy space … it creates and supports a community of life, shapes entire ecosystems and influences evolution with impacts that often last for centuries. Soil, water, climate … everything … Wolfy, we will miss you profoundly.”

Drew Estate will continue to be led by its Executive Team until a new CEO is formally announced. ​

PLASENCIA CIGARS APPOINTS EDDY GUERRA AS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL MARKETING

Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and maker of award-winning cigars with a tobacco tradition since 1865, proudly announces the appointment of Eddy Guerra as Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, effective June 29, 2026.

In this role, Eddy will oversee the company's global marketing strategy, brand development, product positioning, consumer engagement initiatives, and international marketing efforts as Plasencia continues to strengthen its position as one of the world's most respected premium cigar brands. He will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Ed Bello.

Eddy brings more than 15 years of premium cigar and lifestyle marketing experience to the role. His journey into the cigar industry began through the development of high-end cigar lounges across Southeast Asia, where he discovered a passion for premium tobacco, consumer engagement, and brand building. Over the course of his career, he has held senior marketing leadership positions with respected organizations including Altadis U.S.A., Davidoff, and La Flor Dominicana.

Eddy Guerra said “It is both a privilege and an honor to join the Plasencia family and lead global marketing for a company whose legacy spans more than five generations and over 160 years. I believe the world is only beginning to appreciate the depth of what this family has built. To help shape the next chapter of that story is an extraordinary opportunity and one of the proudest moments of my career. I look forward to bringing every lesson and every experience from my journey to a brand with limitless potential and a legacy worthy of the global stage.”

“Plasencia has spent generations building one of the most respected names in premium tobacco,” said Ed Bello, Chief Executive Officer of Plasencia Cigars. “As we continue to expand our global presence, we are making strategic investments in the future of the brand. Eddy's experience, leadership, and understanding of premium consumers make him the ideal person to help guide our marketing efforts and strengthen the connection between our story, our products, and our consumers around the world.”

Heaven's Enforcer by NECM (6 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Kevin Parow)

The latest cigar from Kevin Parow and New England Cigar Militia. It sold out almost immediately but Kevin says he plans on re-releasing it at some point.

Blend:

* Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

* Binder: Nicaraguan Condega

* Fillers: Dominican and Nicaraguan tobaccos

It comes in one size; 6x52

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was a little firm but workable. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus, brown sugar, tanned leather, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at  7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (26 minutes) not much has changed. I still had the citrus, brown sugar, and black coffee. The only thing different is the tanned leather is quite decreased. There is a decent amount of black coffee but it's not earthy at this point. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a citrus-type note with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is quite nice at this point. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (50 minutes) earthiness is starting to move in. The sweet notes are still there but a little muffled. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 93.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 18 minutes. The earthiness kept floating upward. It's having an affect on the sweet notes. They are a little more muffled. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is black coffee with some remnants of citrus and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 92. When these return give them a try. 

Overall Score: 93

Powstanie Sumatra Gran Toro (6 1/4 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Powstanie Cigars)

Pospiech Cigars Inc. is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated launch of the Powstanie Sumatra, a powerful new addition to the Powstanie family that is set to ignite the premium cigar market. O!cially debuting at the PCA Trade Show, the Powstanie Sumatra joins the brand's core lineup with a complex, full-Ravored blend built for the serious cigar enthusiast.

"We've been working toward a Sumatra expression for some time, and we couldn't be more excited to share what we've created," said Mike Szczepankiewicz, Owner of Powstanie Cigars. "The combination of tobaccos in this blend is something truly special — every component was chosen to elevate the others. This is a cigar built to make a statement."

T H E  B L E N D  

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Sumatra 

Binder: Dual — Mexico & Pennsylvania

Filler: Dominican Republic and Nicaragua

At the heart of the Powstanie Sumatra is a silky Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper prized for its rich, earthy complexity and natural sweetness. Beneath it, a unique dual binder pairing — Mexican and Pennsylvania leaf — creates a structural backbone that delivers a nuanced combustion and layered depth. The 1ller blend, sourced from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, brings a perfectly balanced interplay of creaminess and spice that de1nes the smoking experience from 1rst light to the 1nal inch. The Powstanie Sumatra is proudly crafted at the legendary Nica Sueño factory in Nicaragua — the same storied house responsible for producing RoMa Craft Tobac cigars. It is a facility renowned for its exacting standards, masterful blending, and unwavering commitment to quality construction, and the perfect home for this exciting new chapter in the Powstanie story.

Vitolas and Pricing:

Vitola                     Size            Boxcount        MSRP

Grand Toro            6¼ × 54           21         $16.00    REVIEWED TODAY

Churchill                7 × 48        21 $15.50

Grand Robusto      5½ × 52           21              $14.00

Petite Robusto       4¾ × 50        21          $13.50

The first production wave will encompass approximately 20,000 units across all four vitolas

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was very good. The initial flavors at light up were tanned leather, lime, brown sugar, a lot of "scratchy" earthiness, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Very nice start.

At the first third (29 minutes) there's still a lot of the scratchy earthiness. There is a lot of a sweet notes coming through similar to a caramel or toffee. It's a little hard to pinpoint due to the scratchy earthiness. The lime is still there but it has pulled back. There's a little tanned leather and a black coffee base. The finish is caramel with some earthiness and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied but it seems to be moving up. I rated the first third 95.

Moving through the second  third (57 minutes) the earthiness has increased a little. Now the lime is coming through better. There were brown sugar notes with modest caramel notes following. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The scratchy earthiness continues to muffle the notes somewhat. But they have a nice overall effect. The cigar continues to be quite good. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 21 minutes. The lime came back to the lead flavor along with brown sugar, caramel, earthiness, and black coffee. I didn't have the leather any more. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is caramel, black coffee with earthiness, and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 95. This is a very good offering from Powstanie.

Overall Score: 94.67