Montecristo Espada Conquistador Guard (6 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description taken from Halfwheel.com website)

The newest installment in Altadis U.S.A.’s Montecristo Espada line has begun shipping.

The line is described as a medium to full-bodied, all-Nicaraguan blend, with a wrapper from Jalapa, a binder from the volcanic island of Ometepe, and fillers from Condega and Estelí. Plasencia is making the cigars at its factory in Estelí, with the line offered in four sizes:

Montecristo Espada Conquistador Ricasso (5 x 54) — $19.95 (Box of 10, $199.50)

Montecristo Espada Conquistador Guard (6 x 50) — $20.95 (Box of 10, $209.50) REVIEWED TODAY

Montecristo Espada Conquistador Quillon (7 x 56) — $21.95 (Box of 10, $219.50)

Montecristo Espada Conquistador Magnum Especial (6 x 60) — $22.50 (Box of 10, $225)

Plasencia has made the previous releases in the Espada by Montecristo line, which includes the original line that debuted in 2014 and was notable for being the first all-Nicaraguan Montecristo release. It was followed by the Estoque from 2015, the Oscuro from 2019, and the Signature from 2021.

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus with apricot, brown sugar, and a lot of leather and black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2 to 8. Nice start.

At the first third (24 minutes) the leather and black coffee are up and there's a little earthiness. The sweet notes are there but they can't quite keep up with the elevated leather and black coffee. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is leather with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is nice but there's a little too much leather and black coffee. I rated the first third 93.

Moving through the second third (52 minutes) the cigar kept going at a slow roll with a little more leather, black coffee, and earthiness. The cigar is quite full bodied. The finish is a syrupy citrus with light black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. You must go slow with this cigar. If you go fast you'll get nothing but leather and black coffee. The sweet notes can't keep up with a fast burn. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 20 minutes. It is the best it's been at this point. There is a defined orange citrus note with a lot of brown sugar. The leather and black coffee pulled back. The cigar is still full bodied. The finish is citrus with a lot of brown sugar with just a touch of black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the final third 94. I wish the whole cigar was like the final third.

Overall Score: 93

Bishops Blend Robusto (2026) (5 x 48)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Black Label Trading Co.)

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.

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 REVIEWED TODAY

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

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

The test draw after cutting the cap was good. But you have to cut the entire cap off to get a draw. The initial flavors at light up were orange citrus and lemon, brown sugar, and leathery black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Nice start.

At the first third (18 minutes) there's a lot of black coffee in this cigar. Now there is also dark chocolate. The leather is gone. The sweet notes are not as intense as they could be. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. I rated the first third 93.

As I moved through the second third (33 minutes) the black coffee is pretty intense and has risen some. The dark chocolate is still there and the sweet notes have decreased. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is dark chocolate and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar has gotten darker with a little loss of sweetness. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 52 minutes. It stayed about the same through the final third. The cigar reached full bodied. The finish was unchanged. The dark notes are very nice but there needs to be more of the sweeter notes. I rated the final third 92.

Overall Score: 92.33

NESTOR MIRANDA PRIVATE RESERVE LANCERO NOW SHIPPING TO RETAILERS NATIONWIDE

Miami Cigar & Co. announces that the Nestor Miranda Private Reserve Lancero is now shipping to premium cigar retailers nationwide.

Originally reintroduced at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show in New Orleans, the Nestor Miranda Private Reserve Lancero is now making its way to tobacconists across the country. Following a strong reception from retailers and industry professionals at PCA 2026, the limited-production release offers cigar enthusiasts an opportunity to experience one of Nestor Miranda’s most beloved vitolas.

The reintroduction of the Lancero format continues that approach, bringing back a vitola long favored by experienced smokers. Often regarded as one of the purest expressions of a blend, the lancero demands precision in both construction and composition.

This release features a Dominican Corojo wrapper, Nicaraguan Criollo ‘98 binder, and a blend of Dominican, Nicaraguan, and Brazilian fillers, and is produced at La Aurora in the Dominican Republic, resulting in a smoking experience defined by nuance and balance.

Produced in limited quantities of 500 boxes, the Private Reserve Lancero remains true to its original concept, selective, measured, and rooted in personal preference.

“The lancero has always been my favorite, it’s an elegant cigar, simple as that,” said Nestor Miranda. “At the end of the day, I smoke what I enjoy, and this is exactly that.”

To mark the arrival of the Nestor Miranda Private Reserve Lancero, Nestor Miranda will host a private, invitation-only event at Sabor Havana Cigars & Cocktail Lounge in Doral, Florida, in conjunction with Long Ashes Cigar Club.

The packaging, defined by deep blue tones and a classic tile-inspired pattern, subtly reflects the intersection of Cuban heritage and Miami’s refined, coastal aesthetic.

Subtle in presentation yet grounded in tradition, the Private Reserve Lancero reflects that same duality, honoring heritage while embracing the spirit and evolution of Miami.

The Nestor Miranda Private Reserve Lancero is now shipping to premium cigar retailers nationwide.

Product Details:

Vitola: 6 3/4 x 40 Lancero

Wrapper: Dominican Corojo

Binder: Nicaraguan Criollo ‘98

Filler: Dominican, Nicaraguan & Brazilian

Factory: La Aurora, Dominican Republic

Packaging: 10 cigars per box

Production: 500 boxes

MSRP: $18 per cigar, $180 per box

Havana Q Double Toro 3-Pack Bags now available

Earlier this year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. introduced the new Havana Q Double Toro 3-Pack at the Total Product Expo (TPE) in Las Vegas. This week, we will begin shipping these all-new 3-pack bags of cigars to retailers.

This new package is ideal for customers discovering Havana Q for the first time, as well as longtime fans seeking a convenient, grab-and-go option. The 3-pack has a suggested retail price of $9.95.

Handmade at J.C. Newman’s PENSA factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, Havana Q features a genuine Havana-seed wrapper grown by the Oliva family on the alluvial plains at the base of the Cotuguay Mountains in Ecuador’s renowned Guayas tobacco region. The unique soil and climate mirror those of Cuba’s famed Viñales Valley in the Pinar del Río province, contributing to the cigar’s distinctive character. Havana Q has earned a loyal following for its smooth, flavorful profile and exceptional value.

J.C. Newman Ships New Diamond Crown MAXIMUS

Today, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. begins shipping the reimagined Diamond Crown MAXIMUS cigars. The new Diamond Crown MAXIMUS will feature elegant new packaging and a bolder, yet still refined, blend of hearty tobaccos. Diamond Crown MAXIMUS will remain in boxes of 20 cigars and the suggested retail price will not change.

“Diamond Crown MAXIMUS is the final cigar that my grandfather Stanford J. Newman created,” said fourth-generation owner Drew Newman. “MAXIMUS is a collaboration between the three remaining cigar families in the ‘Cigar City’ of Tampa, Florida: Arturo Fuente, J.C. Newman and John Oliva. They came together in 2002 to create MAXIMUS to celebrate J.C. Newman’s 105th anniversary.”

The Fuente, Newman and Oliva families have been friends for more than 60 years. These three families represent half of the inaugural 1997 class of Cigar Aficionado’s Cigar Hall of Fame. To create Diamond Crown MAXIMUS, Carlos Fuente Jr. blended this special cigar with Stanford J. Newman using an exclusive El Bajo Sungrown wrapper grown by John Oliva Sr., in Ecuador.

El Bajo is a pristine valley in Ecuador where a mountain’s natural minerals and nutrients, washed down by centuries of rain, have made the soil exceptionally rich and perfect for growing tobacco. Only the richest, heartiest and darkest tobacco from the top priming ‘corona’ of the plant is used in Diamond Crown MAXIMUS. Its rich body allows the wrapper leaves to be refermented, further contributing to its full flavor and dark color. Matched with this incredible wrapper are the finest filler tobaccos grown in the Caribbean Basin, creating a complex and full-flavored blend.

For more than two decades, Diamond Crown MAXIMUS has been known for its distinctive box design. In 2002, Drew Newman created the unique royal blue “M” box with shoulders and feet. A decade ago, J.C. Newman removed the “M” and deepened the box’s color. Diamond Crown MAXIMUS will now be presented in a stunning handmade box that stands on columns and has capitals on the lid and top and bottom of the column feet.

This past weekend, third-generation owner Eric Newman officially relaunched Diamond Crown MAXIMUS on The Cigar Authority Podcast with 2 Guys Cigars.

Diamond Crown MAXIMUS cigars are flavorful with flawless construction and superb quality. Cigar Aficionado has recently rated Diamond Crown MAXIMUS a 92 and named it the No. 4 Cigar of 2009. Read more about the reimagined Diamond Crown MAXIMUS via Cigar Aficionado's "Stronger Blend And Bold New Look For Diamond Crown Maximus".

Don Emmanuel Moon (6 1/2 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Don Emmanuel Cigars)

Following a successful debut at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, where the release generated strong interest from retailers and media alike, Don Emmanuel Cigars is now shipping its Sun & Moon Limited Edition to retailers nationwide.

Created through a collaboration between Don Emmanuel and legendary master blender Eladio Díaz, Sun & Moon brings together Emmanuel's vision and philosophy with Díaz's world-renowned blending expertise in a unique dual-blend concept presented within a single box.

Inspired by the natural relationship between light and time, energy and reflection, Sun & Moon was created to offer smokers two complementary interpretations of the same philosophy. The Sun blend captures brightness, vitality, and balance intended for daytime enjoyment, while the Moon blend reveals a deeper, richer, and more contemplative character suited for the evening.

Both cigars are crafted in a 6½ x 50 format and feature a blend of tobaccos aged up to 10 years, including select tobaccos aged in rum barrels, a rare process that contributes additional layers of aroma, complexity, and depth to the smoking experience.

Blend Details

Moon

Wrapper: Ecuador Habano

Binder: Mexico

Filler: Dominican Republic

Production is limited to 777 numbered boxes, each containing 14 cigars — seven Sun and seven Moon — allowing smokers to experience both interpretations of the concept within a single presentation.

The suggested retail price is $350 per box, with individual cigars priced at $25 each.

The cigar is dark and well made. It 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 apricot, brown sugar, a touch of cinnamon, a little nougat, and earthy black coffee. There was black pepper rated at 7 1/2. Pretty good start.

At the first third (29 minutes) I'm noticing there is a substantial amount of black coffee in this blend. I still had the apricot, brown sugar, some of the nougat, very light cinnamon, and quite a bit of earthy black coffee. The cigar is medium bodied. The finish is apricot with light black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar is nice. I rated the first third 94.

Moving through the second third (1 hour) the black coffee is elevated and there is some bitterness. The apricot is there but it has some bitterness. The black coffee is up and there is more earthiness. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is a lot of black coffee with minor hints of apricot and very good lingering black pepper. The black coffee is getting in the way and bitterness is never a good thing. I rated the second third 92.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 27 minutes. The bitterness subsided and the black coffee seemed to pull back a little. The cigar is full bodied. The finish has a little apricot and black coffee with very good lingering black pepper. The cigar seemed to move between the first and second thirds so I rated the final third 93. This cigar is good but has some issues with bitterness and elevated black coffee.

Overall Score: 93

Don Emmanuel Sun (6 1/2 x 50)

Video review HERE.

(Description provided by Don Emmanuel Cigars)

Following a successful debut at the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, where the release generated strong interest from retailers and media alike, Don Emmanuel Cigars is now shipping its Sun & Moon Limited Edition to retailers nationwide.

Created through a collaboration between Don Emmanuel and legendary master blender Eladio Díaz, Sun & Moon brings together Emmanuel's vision and philosophy with Díaz's world-renowned blending expertise in a unique dual-blend concept presented within a single box.

Inspired by the natural relationship between light and time, energy and reflection, Sun & Moon was created to offer smokers two complementary interpretations of the same philosophy. The Sun blend captures brightness, vitality, and balance intended for daytime enjoyment, while the Moon blend reveals a deeper, richer, and more contemplative character suited for the evening.

Both cigars are crafted in a 6½ x 50 format and feature a blend of tobaccos aged up to 10 years, including select tobaccos aged in rum barrels, a rare process that contributes additional layers of aroma, complexity, and depth to the smoking experience.

Blend Details

Sun

Wrapper: Ecuador Connecticut

Binder: Dominican Republic

Filler: Dominican Republic

Production is limited to 777 numbered boxes, each containing 14 cigars — seven Sun and seven Moon — allowing smokers to experience both interpretations of the concept within a single presentation.

The suggested retail price is $350 per box, with individual cigars priced at $25 each.

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

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

At the first third (29 minutes) the lime and brown sugar are working very well together. And now there is some nougat entering the mix which only helps the sweetness. The earthiness is very low and there is light leather. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is lime with some leather and very good lingering black pepper. This is a very tasty cigar. I rated the first third 95.

As I moved through the second third (57 minutes) I noticed the burn line is almost perfect. There was some black coffee that entered the mix in this section. The leather is quite low. It's almost like the leather was swapped out for black coffee. The swap did not hurt the cigar. The cigar is medium to full bodied. The finish is light lime with a little black coffee and very good lingering black pepper. The cigar continues to be very tasty. I held the score of 95.

The cigar lasted 1 hour 23 minutes. The earthiness that was so light before made a big jump. The black coffee rose slightly. The sweet notes suffered a little. The cigar is full bodied. The finish is light lime, brown sugar, nougat, and very good lingering black pepper. The finish is very good right now. The earthiness and elevated black coffee detracted a little from the amazing sweet notes seen in the first and second thirds. I rated the final third 94 as it is still quite good but lost a little. This cigar, although pricey, is very good and well worth a try. Impressive cigar.

Overall Score: 94.67

Tradecraft Cigars to release Gladius Box Press

Tradecraft Cigars is releasing their Gladius blend in a box pressed belicoso. The cigar is 5 1/2 x 52 and finished with a 109 belicoso cap-more ovalized than a traditional belicoso that sits perfectly in the mouth.

Rob Blumenthal, owner of Tradecraft  Cigars says "This cigar has more body, more spice, more chocolate than the parejos.  It smokes effortlessly.  This cigar, in this vitola takes on an identity all of its own."

Individual cigars will retail for $12.65 and the 10-Count pack msrp is $126.50. There are custom laser engraved wood crates produced for retail display.  

They will officially be released on August 22nd at the Wooden Indian, Tinder Box Haverford and our respective websites before rolling out to Tradecraft's retail partners at the end of September-beginning of October.

Blend:

San Andres Maduro wrapper

Ecuadorian Sumatran Binder

Pennsylvania Broadleaf, PA, Ecuadorian Puntiao and Corojo filler

Previous releases sizes: 5x50 Robusto and 6 x 54 Toro.

ROOM101 CIGARS UNVEILS LIMITED-EDITION 17TH ANNIVERSARY CIGAR

Room101 Cigars is marking another milestone with the release of Room101 17th Anniversary, the latest installment in the brand's evolving annual Anniversary series.

Crafted in collaboration with AJ Fernandez, the limited-edition 17th Anniversary continues Room101's tradition of marking each milestone with an entirely new blend. Rather than revisiting the same cigar year after year, every Anniversary release is designed as its own expression, reflecting where the brand is at that moment in time.

The 17th Anniversary is a full-bodied Nicaraguan puro that opens with notes of pepper and spice before settling into layers of dark chocolate, roasted espresso, and rich earth. Powerful yet balanced, the cigar delivers the depth and complexity that have become hallmarks of the Anniversary series.

Matt Booth, Founder and Creative Director of Room101 Cigars, said, "Every Anniversary cigar is a snapshot of where we are at that moment. They aren't meant to repeat themselves because neither do we. That's the whole point. Seventeen years in, we're still finding new places to go."

Room101 17th Anniversary will begin shipping to retailers in August 2026. Produced in a single 6 x 52 Toro, the limited-edition release is packaged in 20-count boxes and has an SRP of $15.89 per cigar.

Davidoff releasing Davidoff Boutique Selection September 1st

The Davidoff Boutique Selection is a cigar proposition available exclusively at the Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 flagship stores in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York Madison. Three individual blends, each composed to reflect the taste preferences of its respective location, mark a new chapter in Davidoff's commitment to personalised excellence.

THREE FLAGSHIP STORES, THREE DISTINCT BLENDS 

Developed in close collaboration with Davidoff's flagship store consultants, each blend is as individual as the retail location it was created for. Each selection is produced in recurring limited batches, ensuring availability for the most discerning aficionados while preserving the exclusivity that defines the proposition.

The Davidoff Boutique Selection Editions will be available exclusively at the Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 flagship stores in Geneva, Hong Kong and New York Madison as of 1 September 2026.*

*Launch dates and availability may vary depending on country. 

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