DIESEL RELEASES NEW KNOCKOUT BLEND, UNCAGED

Diesel Cigars has unveiled its newest full-time blend, Diesel Uncaged. Uncaged is crafted to be bold enough to best the competition while remaining balanced enough to become your new everyday smoke.

Uncaged is rolled with premium Nicaraguan filler tobaccos and a Nicaraguan binder, all wrapped in a rich Habano Criollo wrapper. The result is a medium-full-bodied blend that delivers notes of leather, toast, and dark chocolate with every draw.

Joe Krzyston, Brand Manager for Diesel Cigars, says, "Diesel Uncaged is all of the best of Diesel in one cigar: unapologetic, unexpected, and simply bold by design. It's aggressive enough to shake things up and balanced enough to be your everyday smoke."

Produced by AJ Fernandez, Diesel Uncaged is a full-bodied Nicaraguan powerhouse available in 20-count boxes in three frontmarks: Robusto (5.5 x 52), Toro (6 x 52), and Gigante (6 x 60). Diesel Uncaged begins shipping on August 1, 2026.

Available vitolas:

Robusto (5.5 X 52): SRP per cigar $6.29

Toro (6 X 52): SRP per cigar $6.89

Gigante (6 X 60): SRP per cigar $7.39

ATL Cigar Co. La Carrousel-1960 Gran Toro (6 1/2 x 56)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

ATL Cigar Co. is adding a new, full-strength cigar to its lineup, called La Carrousel-1960.

The blend features an Ecuadorian habano oscuro wrapper, a binder from Nicaragua’s Jalapa region, and fillers from Jalapa and Estelí. The company says that the result is “a bold, layered profile marked by dark chocolate, charred molasses, oak, and earth, with a strength that builds steadily and finishes long.”

Peter Gross, commercial director of ATL Cigar Co., called it “full and immersive — a 4.8 out of 5 in strength — with a smoke texture that feels almost tactile, like you want to ‘chew’ it. We think it’s what ATL fans have been asking us for: a super-strong cigar in a large ring gauge. It’s a hard combination, because large ring gauge cigars can struggle to deliver full-bodied flavor: but La Carrousel-1960 achieves that.”

The cigars are made at Casa Y Hernandez in Estelí, Nicaragua and offered in two sizes:

ATL Cigar Co. La Carrousel-1960 Robusto Extra (5 1/2 x 50) — $13.20 (Box of 20, $264)

ATL Cigar Co. La Carrousel-1960 Gran Toro (6 1/2 x 56) — $14.80 (Box of 20, $296) (REVIEWED TODAY)

“This cigar wasn’t originally intended to carry this name,” said Leroy Lamar, president of ATL Cigar Co. in a press release. “But as we continued refining the blend, it became clear the story had chosen itself. The depth. The weight. The late-night character of the smoke — it felt like jazz. And in Atlanta, that meant La Carrousel.”

La Carrousel was a famed jazz venue located in Paschal’s Motor Hotel in Atlanta, Ga., that became a gathering place during the Civil Rights era. It opened in 1960 and was one of the few integrated nightclubs in the city, welcoming artists, activists and patrons across racial and cultural lines. It operated until 1996, with some of its notable performers including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, Dizzy Gillespie and Herbie Hancock.

“La Carrousel wasn’t just a venue,” Lamar added. “It was a room where people listened closely enough to get lost in something bigger than themselves. That’s what jazz does. And that’s what we wanted this cigar to evoke.”

The cigar is well made and has a nice 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 pear, earthiness, orange citrus syrup, and leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (26 minutes) the lead flavors are now a lemony citrus with a pear kicker. There's a lot of earthiness, and by earthiness I mean smoke. There is a lot of earthy smoke in this cigar. There is light leather. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is a creamy leather. Very odd but that's what it tasted like. It's as if the leather was modified into a cream. Odd. But not a bad flavor. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (56 minutes) the only thing that changed was the strength. It's now full bodied. I had the same notes, same finish, same strength. I rated the second third 94.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 28 minutes. As with the second third, nothing much changed in this third. Not enough to change the score. I held the score of 94. I had the same flavor notes and the cigar is quite full bodied. Go slow as you will lose the flavors going too fast. This is a good cigar from ATL Cigar Co. Interesting notes and full bodied. 

Overall Score: 94

JC Newman introduces Yagua Robusto

We are proud to introduce the newest addition to the Yagua family: the Yagua Robusto (5" x 56). Crafted with the same rich character, old-world tradition and unmistakable craftsmanship as the original, the new Robusto size delivers the full Yagua experience in a shorter, broader format.

The Yagua cigar was inspired by the unique cigars that Lazaro Lopez, general manager of our PENSA factory in Nicaragua, remembers his grandfather crafting on his family's tobacco farm in 1940s Cuba. Rolled without molds or presses, each cigar is uniquely shaped and bundled together while still wet using a Yagua palmiche palm leaf, just as it was done generations ago. No two cigars are exactly alike, and that's precisely what makes Yagua so special.

“Yagua is a difficult cigar to roll because we use an underfermented Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, blend the filler tobaccos differently, and do not use the usual tools and techniques of a cigar factory,” said fourth-generation J.C. Newman Cigar Co. owner, Drew Newman. “As the wrapper is not fully fermented, we have to age the cigars for a full year after they are rolled.”

J.C. Newman will begin shipping Yagua Robusto to premium cigar retailers nationwide next week, with a suggested retail price of $10.50. From its roots on a Cuban family farm to the skilled hands of artisans at our PENSA factory in Nicaragua, every Yagua cigar honors the centuries-old tradition of cigar making. Experience the newest addition to the Yagua family and enjoy a cigar unlike any other.

Black Label Trading Co. (BLTC) introduces Fresh Pack 4-count of its popular 6x50 Toro cigars

Black Label Trading Co. (BLTC) is introducing a new packaging option for its popular 6x50 Toro cigars—a Fresh Pack 4-count zipper bag with a Boveda humidity sachet. Shipping to select retailers will begin next week.

The BLTC Toro Fresh Pack includes one each of Royalty, Porcelain, Lawless, and Last Rites in the 6x50 Toro vitola, packaged in a custom-made resealable zipper bag designed to keep cigars fresh and ready to enjoy.

This new offering gives consumers the opportunity to experience four of BLTC’s best-selling Toro cigars in one convenient package.

BLTC Toro Fresh Pack 6x50 (4 count) – MSRP $40.00

Black Label Trading Co. cigars are an expression of art, showcasing the talent, technique, and tobacco of Fábrica Oveja Negra. Every cigar is handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, with an uncompromising commitment to quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. BLTC cigars are distributed by Oveja Negra Brands. For more information visit OvejaNegraCigars.com.

FOUR CENTURIES, FOUR MASTERPIECES, ONE HISTORIC COLLECTION

To commemorate the 175th Anniversary of Byron, Selected Tobacco is releasing the Byron 175 Tribute Set, a collector's presentation celebrating one of the most historically significant names in premium cigars. Produced in extremely limited quantities, the Tribute Set embodies the artistry and timeless philosophy that has made Nelson Alfonso and Selected Tobacco internationally recognized among the world's most discerning cigar enthusiasts.

Presented in an elegant display package, the collection features four cosmetic-grade aluminum tubes, each housing a different Byron expression representing the evolution of the brand across generations. Every cigar has undergone a minimum of four years of post-roll aging using Selected Tobacco's proprietary maturation process developed by Selected Tobacco, where carefully controlled humidity cycles and multiple cedar varietals slowly refine each cigar into its intended character.

The Byron 175 Tribute Set includes:

• Byron 19th Century Grand Poemas – 6 x 56

• Byron 20th Century Habaneros – 6 x 54

• Byron 21st Century Elegantes – 6⅛ x 55

• Byron 1850 No. 3 – 6 x 52

Each blend is rolled in Costa Rica with an Ecuadorian wrapper surrounding carefully selected Dominican, Peruvian, and Nicaraguan tobaccos, allowing every cigar to express its own distinctive personality while remaining unmistakably Byron.

The Byron name traces its roots back more than a century, with documented references appearing in California newspapers during the early 1850’s, where the brand established itself among cigar connoisseurs. Today, the Alfonso family has preserved that remarkable heritage while redefining luxury cigar aging through techniques that have become the hallmark of Selected Tobacco.

"Byron has always represented respect for history," said Alfonso. "We continue the journey with patience. Every cigar teaches us that time is the greatest ingredient, and this collection is our humble tribute to those who appreciated Byron before us and to those who will enjoy it for generations to come."

More than a commemorative release, the Byron 175 Tribute Set represents the culmination of decades of refinement. The precision-machined aluminum tubes preserve each cigar while creating a presentation worthy of one of the industry's most celebrated luxury brands. It is this marriage of innovation and uncompromising attention to detail that has earned Nelson Alfonso international recognition as one of the foremost visionaries in premium cigars.

Available only through appointed Byron merchants, the Byron 175 Tribute Set will be offered in strictly limited quantities. Once allocated, no additional production is planned, making this release one of the year's most desirable acquisitions for both collectors and enthusiasts alike.

For those who appreciate history, and the luxury of time, the Byron 175 Tribute Set is more than a collection, it is a legacy preserved. Shipping in August, the set will have a retail of $205.

Casa 1910 AG Secures Strategic Investment and Retail Alliance with Smoker Friendly, Marking a New Chapter for Mexican Cigars in the US

Casa 1910 AG, the Swiss-incorporated Mexican premium cigar house built on 100% tobacco from the San Andrés valley, today announced a strategic investment and equity partnership with Smoker Friendly, the largest brick-and-mortar tobacco retailer in the United States with more than 1000 points of sale nationwide. The deal marks Smoker Friendly's entry as a strategic industry partner in Casa 1910, and stands as one of the most significant alliances the Mexican cigar category has seen to date.

Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed. What has been made clear is the scope of ambition behind it: the two companies describe the partnership as a shared commitment to growing the market share of Mexican cigars in the US.

A Five-Year Foundation

Casa 1910 has spent the past five years building a reputation as one of the category's more authentic entrants — a brand rooted in provenance. Its tobacco is grown and processed in the San Andrés valley of Veracruz, its cigars are handrolled, and its identity draws directly on the legacy of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. In an era where Mexican-themed cigar releases, and the rise in popularity of Mexican San Andres tobacco have multiplied rapidly, Casa 1910's claim to the category rests on something harder to replicate: a genuine supply chain and a authentic story.

That distinction has not gone unnoticed. Since inception, the company has raised over $3 million USD from a renowned group of European and American family offices. During this time period, Casa 1910 has assembled a global distribution footprint spanning 39 countries and more than 55 airports across Europe, Asia, and North America, with Heinemann Group and Avolta — two of the largest players in global travel retail.

Weight Behind the Deal

The Smoker Friendly investment marks a significant milestone for Casa 1910. Terry Gallagher, CEO and owner of Smoker Friendly, currently serves as chairman of the Cigar Association of America (CAA), the leading trade association in the world's largest cigar market. His involvement, alongside President and owner Dan Gallagher, reflects a long term partnership and industry validation from one of the most established retailers, at a moment when the Mexican cigar category is ripe for expansion.

The strategic investment by Smoker Friendly also builds on Casa 1910's alliance with Proximo Spirits, the distribution arm of José Cuervo (the largest tequila producer in the world), holding roughly 25% of the US tequila market. This partnership pairs Casa 1910 cigars with Proximo's crown jewel of the portfolio, Reserva de la Familia. Together, the two brands hosted more than 200 in-person events across the world last year. Going forward, they will continue to bring this unique tasting experience to retailers and lounges across the US and beyond.

For Smoker Friendly, this investment is a way to get ahead of a trend already reshaping premium cigar sales. Mexican tobacco — and Negro San Andrés in particular — has grown steadily in popularity over recent years. Yet few national retailers carry an authentic Mexican brand. Fewer still have taken an ownership stake in one. By moving early, Smoker Friendly secures a differentiated, fast-growing brand ahead of broader market recognition.

At the same time, it addresses a consumer base that has long been underserved. Hispanics represent roughly one in five people in the US, with more than 40 million Mexican Americans nationwide — a community with strong cultural identity that has never had an authentic Mexican cigar brand at national retail scale.

Smoker Friendly's reach makes that opportunity actionable. Converting even a meaningful share of Mexican American consumers into regular cigar smokers remains almost entirely untapped — and both companies now share the ambition, and the infrastructure, to pursue it.

The Smoker Friendly partnership is part of a broader trajectory — not a single milestone and is the clearest sign yet that Casa 1910 has moved from an emerging name to one commanding attention across the cigar industry.

Jamie Baer – Co-Founder of Casa 1910 AG. Jamie@casa1910.com

Serge Bollag – Co-Founder of Casa 1910 AG. Serge@casa1910.com

“We built Casa 1910 to bring something real to a category that has too often settled for imitation. Partnering with Smoker Friendly is a milestone we're incredibly proud to announce — and a reflection of the trust the Gallagher family has placed in this brand. Terry and Dan have long been ahead of where this industry is heading, and we're grateful to welcome on board such respected partners."

— Jamie Baer and Serge Bollag, Co-Founders, Casa 1910 AG

“Smoker Friendly is thrilled to make a strategic investment in Casa 1910 and excited to be a part of the vision Jamie and Serge have to grow the brand in the US and globally.” - Terry and Dan Gallagher, Co-owners of Smoker Friendly

AVO Expresivo Robusto (5 x 52)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

June 25 was the launch of the new AVO Expresivo, which is said to mark a new chapter for the brand. Blend-wise, it uses an Ecuadorian wrapper over a Honduran binder and fillers from Honduras as well as Jalapa, Nicaragua. The use of Honduran tobacco is not normal for the AVO brand, but an even larger change is that the cigar is made at Diadema Cigars de Honduras S.A., Davidoff’s Honduran factory, best known as the home of Camacho. Every other AVO is made in the Dominican Republic. Davidoff has described this cigar as stronger than a typical AVO.

Expresivo is offered in three vitolas:

AVO Expresivo Robusto (5 x 52) — $16 (Box of 20, $320) REVIEWED TODAY

AVO Expresivo Toro (6 x 54) — $17.80 (Box of 20, $356)

AVO Expresivo Churchill (7 x 48) — $17.30 (Box of 20, $346)

It’s not just the blend and where it’s made that are quite different. The packaging is different than the rest of the AVO portfolio. Previously, representatives from Davidoff told halfwheel that the AVO brand will undergo a makeover, with many of the elements found on the Expresivo packaging coming to other lines in the coming years.

This is the first new regular production AVO line since the Syncro Caribe launched in 2021.

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

A little background:

AVO sent me 3 cigars to review but only 1 of each size. So I decided to review the Robusto before having either the Churchill or Toro. After a mock review of those the Churchill scored 93.33. It's also the smallest ring size. The Toro scored the worst; 86.67. It's also the largest ring size.

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

At the first third (22 minutes) the flavors are nice. The lime/apple and brown sugar are very good and the notes seem to be starting to morph into another flavor but it's not there yet. There is some earthiness and quite a bit of leathery black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is an earthy lime/apple and it's rather light with very good lingering black pepper. The front end flavors are nice and there is not much earthiness at this point. I rated the first third 94.

As I moved through the second third (44 minutes) the earthiness has increased. The sweet notes are suffering due to the increased earthiness. The leather is light and the black coffee is still in play. The sweet notes have not transitioned like I thought they might. The Churchill had the transition by this point. The cigar is medium to full bodied. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 10 minutes. The cigar kept getting a little more earthy. The transition I thought might happen never did. The lime/apple is light while the earthiness is up. The cigar is full bodied. The earthiness is getting in the way. The finish is unchanged in notes but more prominent. It's actually the best part of the cigar because the finish is fairly bold and lingers. I rated the final third 90. The Churchill is definitely the best of the 3.

Overall Score: 92

Villiger 1888 San Andres Toro (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

The Villiger 1888 San Andres uses a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over an Ecuadorian habano binder and fillers from Nicaragua. The cigars are made at the Villiger Cigars de Nicaragua factory in Estelí.

It is offered in three vitolas:

Villiger 1888 San Andres Robusto (5 x 50) — $12 (Box of 20, $240)

Villiger 1888 San Andres Toro (6 x 50) — $12.50 (Box of 20,  $250) REVIEWED TODAY

Villiger 1888 San Andres Churchill (7 x 47) — $13 (Box of 20, $260)

The company describes the blend as medium-full, saying it offers flavors of “espresso and black pepper, finishing with an elegant nuttiness.”

The cigar is dark and box pressed. It has a nice feel in the hand.

The test draw after cutting the cap was very tight. I used the PerfecDraw tool to open the draw. The initial flavors at light up were dried apricot, brown sugar, light leather, black coffee, and chocolate. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (25 minutes) the apricot, brown sugar, and chocolate are working very well together. The Black coffee makes a nice base and the leather seems to be drifting away. The cigar is medium bodied but it feels like it will move up. The finish is apricot with light black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (1 hour 4 minutes) not much changed. There was an increase in black coffee with a slight decrease in the sweet notes. The chocolate notes are a little light. The leather is gone. The cigar is a low grade medium to full bodied. The finish is unchanged. The cigar is still good but I lowered the second third score to 94 due to the elevated black coffee.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 36 minutes. The apricot notes came back nicely with the brown sugar and chocolate. The black coffee pulled back to a nice amount. The cigar is medium to full bodied, very close to full bodied. The finish is apricot and black coffee and they're in equal amounts with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 95. This is a very good cigar from Villiger and well worth trying.

Overall Score: 94.67

J.C. Newman Ships Brick House The Commodore Maduro

Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. begins shipping Brick House The Commodore Maduro. This bold new cigar is 5.5” x 70 and packed in both boxes of 25 and humidor bags of 5 cigars. The Commodore Maduro has a suggested retail price of $11.50.

“Brick House is known around the world for its outstanding taste, flawless construction, and excellent value,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “Our most popular Brick House size is the 6.25” x 60 Mighty Mighty. This year, we will hand roll 1.1 million cigars in that vitola alone. The Commodore is Mighty Mighty’s big brother. It recognizes the popularity of larger ring gauge cigars, but its standard 5.5” length makes it more approachable than the typical 7” x 70.”

In 1875, Julius C. Newman was born in the only brick house in his village in Austria-Hungary. The first floor was a tavern and general store, and J.C. and his family lived on the second floor. Locals and visitors would gather at the home nightly to eat, drink, smoke, and enjoy each other’s company. After he came to America and founded his cigar company, J.C. designed the Brick House brand to honor his family’s home.

A century ago, Brick House was a true Cuban puro. Today, J.C. Newman proudly rolls Brick House at its J.C. Newman PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. Like all Brick House Maduro cigars, The Commodore features a Brazilian Arapiraca maduro wrapper and a rich selection of the finest Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos. 

“When you light The Commodore, you take command,” said Newman. “As captain of your ship, prepare to set sail on a bold three-hour cigar journey.” 

Brick House cigars are flavorful with flawless construction and superb quality. Cigar Aficionado has rated Brick House a 93 and included it in its Top 25 Cigars of the Year four times, including as the No. 10 Cigar of 2024.

Bariay 1492 Black Toro (6 x 54)

 

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Bariay Cigars)

Named in honor of the place where Columbus first encountered the sacred smoke of the Taino people, Bariay 1492 pays homage to the island where the cigar was born. Every cigar we craft by hand is part of that lineage. It’s not only a ritual but a reconnection to this lost art. 

Our story begins with César Ramirez, a master blender born in Havana with fire in his blood. In the cigar industry, he is world famous. Known as the "Crazy Cuban", he is respected and loved by all.

And then came Alan Kirchhoff, a cigar lover residing in Texas with a love for tradition and a heart tuned to legacy. Alan had long dreamed of building something that honored not just the craft of cigars, but the people and heritage behind them.

Together, Alan and César began to shape what would become Bariay 1492: a brand forged from two paths that were always meant to intersect.

Today, Bariay 1492 stands out as the only fully integrated, handcrafted cigar brand — rooted in Cuban heritage, rolled in Nicaragua, and headquartered in the heart of Texas.

Black

From César:
"The Black Label is where a medium strength meets soul. I blended it to be bold, yes—but layered, too. Each draw brings waves of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, black pepper, and aged wood, shifting and unfolding as you smoke. It’s a deep, complex cigar with a rhythm of its own—never rushed, or a single note. For those who crave richness in their draw without the burn, this is for you."

Blend:

Wrapper: Mexican San Andres Maduro
Filler & Binder: Esteli, Condega, Ometepe

Available vitolas:

Robusto 5.25x54

Toro 6 x 54 REVIEWED TODAY

Gordo 6 x 56

The cigar is nicely made and 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, and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 to 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (19 minutes) the flavors are just like they started. Nice apricot and brown sugar with a black coffee base. The flavors are mixing well. There's about 55% sweet notes and 45% black coffee. Nice mix. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is a weak apricot with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is very good. I rated the first third 94.

Moving through the second third (38 minutes) I was left asking "where did the apricot go?" It has greatly decreased. The black coffee is up. There is just enough apricot to keep the cigar from being just coffee and brown sugar. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. I rated the second third 91. On another note, the burn times for this cigar are much shorter than the Red. In the first third the Red got 24 minutes. The Black got 19. In the second third the Red was at 51 minutes and the Black is at 38 minutes. Big difference. I can't explain that but those are the times.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 3 minutes. The Red had a total burn time of 1 hour 20 minutes. The only difference in the second third and the final third is the cigar is now medium to full bodied. Same flavor notes. I held the score of 91. The cigar is not bad but I wish it had held the first third notes throughout.

Overall Score: 92

Bariay 1492 Red Toro (6 x 54)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Bariay Cigars)

Named in honor of the place where Columbus first encountered the sacred smoke of the Taino people, Bariay 1492 pays homage to the island where the cigar was born. Every cigar we craft by hand is part of that lineage. It’s not only a ritual but a reconnection to this lost art. 

Our story begins with César Ramirez, a master blender born in Havana with fire in his blood. In the cigar industry, he is world famous. Known as the "Crazy Cuban", he is respected and loved by all.

And then came Alan Kirchhoff, a cigar lover residing in Texas with a love for tradition and a heart tuned to legacy. Alan had long dreamed of building something that honored not just the craft of cigars, but the people and heritage behind them.

Together, Alan and César began to shape what would become Bariay 1492: a brand forged from two paths that were always meant to intersect.

Today, Bariay 1492 stands out as the only fully integrated, handcrafted cigar brand — rooted in Cuban heritage, rolled in Nicaragua, and headquartered in the heart of Texas.

Red

From César:

"The Red Label is for those who appreciate a cigar that speaks gently but lingers deeply. It’s hand-rolled feel is firm yet easy to draw, smoke experience is cool, clean, and smooth. You’ll taste notes of honey, warm spice, and vanilla. There is no bite, just a cigar meant to bring peace, not punch. Many have told me this is the best cigar they've ever had."

Blend:

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habana​

Binder & Filler:  Esteli, Condega, Jalapa

Available vitolas:

Robusto 5.25x54

Toro 6 x 54 REVIEWED TODAY

Gordo 6 x 56

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was a bit firm but workable. The initial flavors at light up were strawberry preserves (but not rich), brown sugar, and tanned leather. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Interesting start.

At the first third (24 minutes) there was still the strawberry-type note and now a little nougat attached to it. There's also black coffee now to go along with the tanned leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 92.

As I moved through the second third (51 minutes) the strawberry notes got extremely light and there are some unripened type notes. The brown sugar is rather light. The black coffee has risen and close behind is the tanned leather. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is unchanged. The unripened notes have a bitterness to them. While the light strawberry still has some sweetness the bitterness is quite detracting. Plus, the elevated black coffee and tanned leather did not help. I rated the second third 87.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. The only difference in the final third and the second third is the bitterness subsided. That's a big deal to me. I do not like bitterness. But the remaining notes were such that the cigar improved only one point to an 88. The finish is unchanged. The cigar is medium bodied. This cigar started out with some promise but lost it in the second third and did not recover.

Overall Score: 89

BOLIVAR ROLLS OUT TWO BIGGER SIZES OF FAN-FAVORITE BLEND

Bolivar today announced the release of the new Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770s, offering the same well-respected blends in a larger, 7x70 format.   

The introduction of the 770s gives fans of larger ring gauges a new way to enjoy two of Bolivar’s classic blends. Combining the familiar character and affordability smokers have come to expect in the new size, the Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770s deliver a bigger smoking experience while remaining among the most accessible cigars in the category. 

“Both Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro have long been among the best buys in humidors,” said Joe Krzyston, Brand Manager of Bolivar Cigars. “Now those same cigars are available in a bold new size. These 770s are for lovers of big ring gauges and uncompromising Bolivar blends.” 

Both Bolivar Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770 are crafted in Honduras at HATSA and come in a 20-count box at a 7x70 size. The SRP for each blend is $10.09 per cigar.  

Bolivar Cofradia and Cofradia Oscuro 770 began shipping to retailers in July 2026. 

Bolivar Cofradia (7 X 70); SRP per cigar $10.09 

Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro (7 X 70); SRP per cigar $10.09