Bolivar Expands Cofradia Line With New Gigante Size

Bolivar Cigars is bolstering the classic Cofradia line with a popular new size. The new Bolivar Cofradia Gigante (6 X 60) will begin shipping to retailers the first week of February. It marks the fifth regular production frontmark in the Cofradia portfolio.  

Bolivar Cofradia is a traditional and nuanced blend crafted with an elegant Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a hearty Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and Nicaraguan and Honduran fillers. It has consistently received high marks from critics and fans, and it represents one of the best cigars for money on the market. Tasting notes include earth and spice within a complex and rewarding flavor profile.  

Joe Krzyston, assistant brand manager for Bolivar said, “Bolivar Cofradia offers cigar lovers a refined smoking experience at a budget-friendly price point. With the release of the new Gigante size, we’re pleased to offer our fans the same Bolivar Cofradia quality in a bold and popular size.”   

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

Bolivar Cofradia Gigante is available in 25-count boxes. Bolivar Cofradia is also offered as a Churchill, Torpedo, Toro, and Robusto.  

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

MIAMI CIGAR & CO. ANNOUNCES THAT THE TATIANA TOROS ARE NOW SHIPPING

Miami Cigar & Co. announces that the Tatiana Toros are on the way to shops. The Tatiana Groovy Blue, Chocolate and Vanilla will now come in a 6 X 54 Toro size.

VP of Miami Cigar & Co. Jason Wood stated: “We offered the Tatiana in Toro size in limited quantaties on two consecutive years. Due to an overwehelming response from the retialers and consumers we knew it was time to roll out the Tatiana Toros as a regular production offering. We thank the consumers for offering their feedack and we look forward to working together with smoking public to offer the products that they want.”

The Tatiana brand holds special meaning to Nestor Miranda (Founder and Director of Miami Cigar & Co.) as he named it after his daugher, Tatiana. The brand sky-rocketed to success after it was launched and it is still a leading cigar in the marketplace.

The Tatiana Toros are available in three blends and come in a Toro 6X 54 sized and housed in 20 count boxes.

The Groovy Blue, Chocolate, and Vanilla Toros each carry an MSRP of $9 per cigar and $180 per box.

Tobacco Queen Robusto (4.88 x 50)

Video review HERE.

I am respectively calling this an introduction review. The only sample I had needed more rest. Sadly, the only way to know that is to try one and since I only had one sample I am reporting the notes I got. The other sizes will have more time in the humidor and should yield better results.

(Description provided by Cigar Ambassador)

Cigar Ambassador recently announced their introductory brand, “Tobacco Queen.” Cigar Ambassador has a two-decade history, as a grower of premium tobacco, international cigar magazine publisher, cigar distributor and operator of high-end cigar lounges.

The Tobacco Queen brand is unique as each vitola has a slightly different blend. The blends were created at the Cigar Ambassador cigar factory in Tamboril, Santiago, Dominican Republic.

Tobacco Queen Robusto

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Rosado

Binder: Dominican Criollo 98

Filler: Nicaraguan Jalapa, Dominican Corojo

4.88 x 50

MSRP: $14.04

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good with a touch of firmness. The initial flavors at light up were citrus, pear, and a type of red berry, brown sugar, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Not a bad start.

At the first third (27 minutes) the cigar is not drawing very well. It's tightening up quite a bit. I also had to touch up the burn. The ash was still intact, however. The notes have boiled down into citrus, cherry, brown sugar, and earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish had hints of cherry with black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. The pepper on the front end is up to around 8. The cigar has nice notes but it's not combusting and drawing as it should. With only one sample I did not know this before I started. But, as it is I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (52 minutes) the notes were about the same. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is more cherry and less black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. There were still some burn issues and the cigar need some relights. But as I said before the cigar needed more time in the humidor. I held the score of 93 due to the flavors. I believe they will be better with some rest. 

The cigar lasted 1 hour 12 minutes. The black coffee rose a little in the final third. Other than that the notes were about the same. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the final third 92. If you get these cigars let them rest for a few weeks. I believe you'll get the best notes that way.

Overall Score: 92.67

FOURTH OF JULY GOING BLACK

United Cigars can finally reveal the long awaited 2025 Firecracker: Micallef Black Firecracker. With limited quantities produced, this is a fiery tribute to the spirit of independence. This limited-edition cigar is a powerful collaboration, offering aficionados a truly unique experience that captures the essence of freedom and celebration.

The Micallef Black Firecracker stands out with the distinctive United Firecracker fuse design crafted from Mexican San Andres Maduro wrapper leaf, a visual representation of its namesake. Measuring a compact, yet powerful 3 1/2 x 50, this full-bodied cigar delivers an explosion of flavor in every puff. Keeping in the tradition of the Firecracker, Micallef has added a bit of additional punch to this vitola.

Wrapped in a rich Mexican San Andrés leaf, with an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers, the Micallef Black Firecracker is a powerful representation of the line. Rolled with precision at the Micallef Cigars S.A. factory in Nicaragua, this collaboration could set a new standard for strength and body when it comes to Firecracker limited releases.

"Joining the ranks of legendary cigar makers to craft the Firecracker is both an honor and a testament to our commitment to excellence.” said Al Micallef, Founder of Micallef Cigars. "This creation embodies the Micallef spirit of pushing boundaries while honoring our rich heritage."

Scheduled for release in June 2025, the Micallef Black Firecracker will be available exclusively through United Firecracker retailers across the United States. With a limited production run, this commemorative cigar is expected to ignite excitement among collectors and enthusiasts alike. As of today, the cigars have been resting for 10 months, making them perfect for savoring. Get ready for a truly exceptional experience!

The suggested retail price is $9 per cigar, packaged in boxes of 20, making it the perfect addition to your Fourth of July celebrations. Whether you’re lighting up to toast freedom or savoring a moment of camaraderie, the Micallef Black Firecracker promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss your chance to celebrate Independence Day with a bang! Visit your nearest United Firecracker retailer to secure your box before they’re gone.

Light up your independence with the Micallef Black Firecracker!

Henry Clay War Hawk Rebellious (6 x 54 Toro)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from cigaraficionado.com website)

The Henry Clay War Hawk Rebellious is coming back. This limited-edition cigar first appeared in 2020, but according to owner and distributor Altadis U.S.A., it’s returning due to popular demand. Unlike the core Henry Clay War Hawk line, which is produced in Honduras, Rebellious is made in Nicaragua by A.J. Fernandez. It’s expected to start shipping next week. 

A few things have changed for this year’s release, but a few things remain the same. The cigar comes in the same size as before, a toro measuring 6 inches by 54 ring gauge. It’s still a limited edition and it’s still composed of all Nicaraguan tobaccos, including the same Habano-seed wrapper. But Altadis decided to make more boxes this time around—more than twice as many. While production is limited, the company went from only 1,200 boxes in 2020 to 3,000 for 2024. The cigar is also more expensive, with a suggested retail price of $14, compared to $9.60 per cigar four years ago. 

Rebellious is intended to be a medium-to-full-bodied cigar, and comes in 20-count boxes. 

“The War Hawk Rebellious is a blend that truly resonated with enthusiasts,” says Rafael Nodal, vice president of product capability for Tabacalera USA (Altadis U.S.A.’s parent company). “Bringing it back was a priority, and this limited production highlights the depth of Nicaraguan tobacco with a bold yet balanced profile.”

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

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

At the first third (35 minutes) I had the same notes. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. The notes are working well together. They are pleasing. The black coffee is in the perfect amount. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 1 minute) not much has changed. There seems to be a little richness in the sweet notes, possibly due to some caramel influence. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. Even with the slight richness I would not raise the score. I held the score of 94 for the second third.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 43 minutes. Again, not much changed. In fact, I'd say nothing has changed. Same notes, same strength, same finish. I held 94 for the final third. This is the picture of consistency. AJ has made another great cigar. Smallbatchcigar.com has these in 4 packs for $56 but you can take 10% off with code tinytim.

Overall Score: 94

E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary Cigar (6 1/2 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from cigaraficionado.com website)

It’s been 15 years since veteran cigarmaker Ernesto Perez-Carrillo created a new cigar company, and to mark the occasion he and his family are poised to release the E.P. Carrillo 15 Year Anniversary Cigar, a one-size smoke made with extra-old tobaccos. One leaf in the blend is as old as the company.

The cigars measure 6 1/2 inches long by 54 ring gauge, and the size is known as a Gran Toro. It’s being limited to 5,000 boxes (3,500 for the U.S. market, 1,500 for international shops), each containing 15 cigars, and will have a suggested retail price of $20 per cigar.

The blend is a combination of tobacco from three countries. Its wrapper is 10 years old, according to E.P. Carrillo, grown in Mexico’s San Andrés Valley. The filler is from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua, some of it several years old, but the real old-timer in the mix is the binder, a 15-year-old leaf from Nicaragua’s Jalapa region.

“This cigar represents our journey over the last 15 years,” says Ernesto Perez-Carrillo, a member of Cigar Aficionado’s Hall of Fame and the maker of two cigars to be named Cigar of the Year. “It reflects the challenges we've overcome, the progress we’ve made, and the passion we bring to every cigar we create. We wanted to craft something truly special to commemorate this milestone.”

The 15 Year Anniversary Cigar was rolled at E.P. Carrillo’s Casa Carrillo factory in the Dominican Republic.

The cigar is dark 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 chocolate, raisin, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice notes to begin.

At the first third (29 minutes) the ash was still intact. Now there was a lot of chocolate and black coffee with a little raisin. It's a nice amount of sweetness but not enough. The raisin note needs to be more pronounced. The finish is a subtle raisin note with good lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium bodied. As it is, the cigar is nice but it needs more sweetness. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (56 minutes) the black coffee is rising rapidly. The chocolate is now more of an unsweetened dark chocolate. There is very little sweetness. Just hints of a raisin type note. The cigar is medium bodied, leaning toward medium to full. The finish is a lot of black coffee which could be described as espresso with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the second third 91.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 23 minutes. There was a lot of black coffee and a lot of dark chocolate. The only sweetness comes from a tobacco sweetness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is a lot of dark notes with little sweetness. I expected a lot more from this cigar but it just didn't deliver. I rated the final third 86. These are available at smallbatchcigar.com but no discounts will apply. They come in 3 packs for $60.

Overall Score: 90

ALEC BRADLEY RELEASES NEW UNCUT PAIRING WITH GREEN RIVER DISTILLERY

Alec Bradley is teaming up with Green River Distillery and Justins’ House of Bourbon for a one-of-a-kind release in the Uncut Series. For the first time, Alec Bradley will feature a private-label cigar — Alligator Char — (made exclusively for Justins’ House of Bourbon) in the Uncut Series.  

The Alligator Char Cigars will pair with Green River Single Barrel Bourbon. The new Uncut pairing will go on sale on January 17, 2025, for $79.99 and will include three cigars and one 750 ML bottle of Green River Single Barrel Bourbon. Only 180 packages of this Uncut Series pairing will be available for sale, and it can only be purchased through Bourbon Outfitter.  

Alec Rubin, Brand Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Scandinavian Tobacco Group, said, “It was an easy decision to pair Alligator Char Cigars with Green River Single Barrel Bourbon because we blended Alligator Char specifically to enjoy with high-proof whiskey. We’re excited to do something different with this Uncut Series release, and we think our fans will love this combo as much as we do.” 

Alligator Char White Label is an exclusive blend crafted by Alec Bradley for Justins’ House of Bourbon. It features Honduran, Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Indonesian tobacco, and it delivers a medium-plus smoke. Alligator Char White Label is a bold cigar with notes of spice and sweetness. It was produced at the AB Plasencia Factory. Alligator Char White Label comes in a single size, a Toro (6 X 50).  

Green River Single Barrel Bourbon is a six-year-old whiskey with a proof of 131.6. Green River is one of the oldest and most respected distilleries in Kentucky. The Single Barrel Bourbon boasts a rich, auburn appearance and contains tasting notes of orange peel, graham cracker, rye spice, and oak (among others).

Ron Miles, Sales Operations Manager for Green River Distilling Co., said, “This Green River Single Barrel Bourbon, selected by Alec Bradley, is a beautiful addition to the Uncut Series. We’re grateful for our continued partnership with the team at Bourbon Outfitter and excited to bring an exceptional pairing to whiskey and cigar enthusiasts.” 

Ryan Alves, General Manager of Justins' House of Bourbon and Bourbon Outfitter, said, "I couldn't think of a better way to make the latest offering in the Uncut Series even more special than taking it back to where it all started. When I first met Alec and Bradley back in 2021, we quickly bonded over our shared love for whiskey. And it didn't take long before we decided to curate a custom cigar blend together, offered only at our stores. Alligator Char has been a daily smoke ever since, and I'm confident folks will love it. I think this pairing is what the Uncut Series is really all about. Passionate people joining forces with other passionate people…doing what they love and loving what they do." 

Justins’ House of Bourbon is home to one of the largest collections of rare and vintage bourbon in the world. It opened in 2018, and its flagship store is in Lexington, Kentucky.  

Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 available at Scandinavian Tobacco Group in a limited quantity

Since partnering in 2021 Scandinavian Tobacco Group and Sazerac & Co have launched 11 cigar releases. The most recent release, Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2, will be available January 15 exclusively through Scandinavian Tobacco Group. This release is limited to 750 individually numbered boxes available online at Cigora as well by special invitation from Meier and Dutch as the exclusive distributor.   

The Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 cigars offer 5 unique blends and launches in conjunction with Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series 2 liquid. The team at Sazerac Company is thrilled to continue their partnership with Scandinavian Tobacco Group given their on-going commitment to the industry and exceptional craftsmanship of premium cigars. This exclusive release further elevates the partnership and creates a unique smoking experience designed for enjoyment alongside its spirit counterpart. 

“A glass of whiskey and a fine cigar form a timeless pairing, embodying craftsmanship and the joy of savoring life’s finest moments,” said Andrew Duncan, Global Brand Director, Buffalo Trace Distillery. “Our Prohibition Collection commemorates brands produced at Buffalo Trace over a century ago that were once lost to time but have now returned with some of our best whiskies to delight the modern palate. Forward-looking, partnering with the Scandinavian Tobacco Group, who share our passion for innovation, allows us to continue creating exceptional experiences for connoisseurs to enjoy for centuries.” 

With only 750 individually numbered boxes available, each blend provides a unique flavor profile from a variety of regions. Ed Hall, Sr. Brand Manager states that “Customers can expect a variety of flavor profiles across the blends ranging from medium-to medium-full cigars with hints of dry fruit, allspice, and leather. This balanced smoking experience coats the palate with silky light smoke and has a long finish. This collection showcases our expertise by developing a set of distinctive profiles for even the most expert cigar enthusiast.” 

Cigar Name: Buffalo Trace Distillery Prohibition Collection Series #2 

Blends:  

Old Fashioned Mountain Corn – Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Honduran binder and Nicaraguan filler

Anderson’s Belle – Sumatra wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and filler 

Silver Wedding –Honduran Corojo wrapper, Honduran binder and filler 

V.O.P – Ecuadorian Sun Grown wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and Nicaraguan & Dominican filler 

Mirror Brook -  Corojo & Maduro wrapper, Honduran binder and Nicaraguan & Panama filler 

Size: Toro, 6.5” x 52 (25 cigars per box) 

MSRP: $500.00 

Release Date: January 15, 2025 

Availability: Limited to 750 boxes; available exclusively at Cigora and Meier & Dutch Wholesale Cigar Distributors.

Villiger TAA Exclusive 2024 (6 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

Villiger Cigars North America has begun shipping its 2024 exclusive for the retailers that are members of the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA).

Unlike most brands that make TAA exclusive cigars on a regular basis, Villiger takes a unique approach by picking a different factory to make a cigar each year. This year, it selected the relatively new Fábrica de Puros Maya Selva Cigars in Danlí, Honduras to make its release.

The Villiger TAA Exclusive 2024 is a 6 x 52 toro that is made entirely of Honduran tobacco. The MSRP is set at $15 per cigar and production is limited to 500 boxes of 20 cigars.

The TAA is a membership group made up of approximately 80 retailers and roughly 40 manufacturers that gather annually to discuss issues facing the industry and retailers, as well as to have its annual trade show, a unique event that works on a group buying format in order to secure exclusive deals for these generally high-volume merchants.

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 citrus peel, brown sugar, earthiness, and tanned leather. There's not a lot of sweetness at the outset. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Not a great start.

At the first third (25 minutes) the flavors are the same and now there's also black coffee. The notes come across as dry. They are not popping. There's not enough sweetness. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. At this point I would rate the cigar 90.

As I moved through the second third (47 minutes) the cigar is not moving in the right direction. Now I had primarily citrus peel with very little sweetness and a lot of earthy black coffee with leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is losing appeal. I rated the second third 86.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 11 minutes. The sweetness is down to almost zero. But there's a ton of earthy black coffee and leather. There's also some bitterness. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. This cigar just didn't do it for me. I rated the final third 82. I've had much better Villiger TAA Exclusives.

Overall Score: 86