PUBLISHER'S NOTE: This is a guest article by Rob McKeon of CigarZen, manufacturer of the Blüme family of products. CW makes no product endoresements as a matter of policy.

It’s tough out here for us cigar smokers!

As we all know, tobacco has been highly regulated and the level of those regulations seems to keep climbing, almost by the day. For cigar lovers, it seems unfair that the products we use--to relax, to de-compress, to celebrate--are becoming more and more difficult to acquire.

While we can all appreciate the government’s desire to keep tobacco far away from kids, it’s hard to see the justification behind including cigars in its recent rigorous FDA rulings which were originally intended for smokeless tobacco only. The act of cigar smoking is almost artistic in its nature, viewed as a sign of sophistication, hard work and appreciation for the craftsmanship behind each stick. While it’s easy for a teenager to get their hands on a cheap pack of cigarettes, they’re likely not going to get too far in an artisanal cigar store.

MIAMI – June 5, 2019 – Plasencia Cigars, one of the world’s leading premium tobacco growers, announces the launch of Alma del Fuego, the third of five cigars that make up its signature Alma Series. The official debut will take place at this year’s International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) trade show, from June 28 – July 2 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nev.

“We are beyond grateful and excited for the opportunity to launch the third cigar of our already popular Alma Series collection at IPCPR, amongst our fellow cigar aficionados,” announced Nestor Andrés Plasencia, CEO of Plasencia Cigars. “Alma del Fuego is a manifestation of our ongoing commitment to offer top-quality cigars to both our retailers and consumers, and to continue building on our family’s over 150-year tobacco legacy.”

Alma del Fuego, which translates to “Soul of the Fire,” is a representation of the volcanic soils that stem from the iconic Ometepe Island in Nicaragua, the land where the majority of the filler tobacco leaves for this cigar were harvested. A 100 percent Nicaraguan blend, Alma del Fuego radiates passion and amplifies Plasencia Cigars’ efforts to provide the industry with a high-quality and innovative smoke.

The new cigar offers a hint of spice, complemented by savoring notes of tangerine, roasted cashews, and guava wood. Plasencia Cigars has carefully selected sun-grown wrappers from its fields in Jalapa Valley to further enhance the cigar’s strength and sweetness. In comparison to traditional wrappers, the leaves used to craft the Alma del Fuego receive a higher amount of sunlight exposure, highlighting the cigar’s bold and complex notes.

The Alma del Fuego will be available in three sizes: the Candente, a 5 inches by 50 ring gauge robusto; the Flama, a 6 ½ inches by 38 panatela; and Concepción, a 6 inches by 54 toro. The newest cigar of the Alma Series will be available to consumers mid-July in a ten-count box that doubles as an ashtray.

For more information, visit www.plasenciacigars.com, and follow @PlasenciaCigars on social media.

About Plasencia Cigars

Plasencia Cigars is one of the world’s leading growers of first-class tobacco. The Plasencia family has been pioneering the industry since 1865 when Don Eduardo Plasencia began growing tobacco in Cuba, and five generations of the Plasencia family have continued the legacy. Today, Plasencia Cigars produces more than 35 million handmade cigars per year, and harvests tobacco on more than 3,000 acres across several countries in Central America, including Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and Panama.

I am cnp'ing this raw from my PM inbox. I'm not quite sure what to do with it yet, but it is relevant and could easily be cleaned up for publication.

I smoke cigars to Celebrate. A wedding, a birth, a promotion. A Life.

Springfield, VA (June 3, 2019) – Omar de Frias is proud to announce the Space Fresh Pack. Fratello is releasing four cigars in this fresh pack two of which are new blends for the company. Sorella and Arlequin.

The Space Fresh Pack will have two existing blends. Fratello Classico in its new format 6 x 50 and the existing Fratello Bianco II. Sorella features an Habano Ecuador wrapper, Indonesian Binder and Nicaragua and Dominican filler. Arlequin is featured in a Mexican wrapper, Ecuador Binder and Peruvian and Nicaragua filler. All cigars in the four pack will be produced in a 6 x 50 toro format.

“I’m incredibly excited to release this four pack as it attacks a new segment of the market for Fratello. These new blends will serve as market research for our company as we look into expending our product offering in the future” Said de Frias.

The space Fresh pack will retail at 25.00 per pack and will be available immediately after the IPCPR trade show.

Pennsylvania (Friday June 14, 2019) —

Cubariqueño Cigar Co. announces the release of the Protocol Official Misconduct Corona Gorda as a new size & regular production release for the 2019 IPCPR trade show in Las Vegas. The Official Misconduct will continue to be produced at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona Factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This second size in the line - Corona Gorda - will be available in a 5 5/8 X 46 format in boxes of 10. MSRP has been set at $99.40 per box. The blend incorporates an Ecuadorian habano wrapper covering a Nicaraguan binder as well as filler tobaccos hailing from both the Estelí and Jalapa growing regions of Nicaragua. Cubariqueño Cigar Co. offered a select amount of boxes at our 4 Year Anniversary Party on June 1st to our loyal supporters attending the event. The cigar will become available nationally at the 2019 IPCPR located in Las Vegas. Cubariqueño Cigar Co. will again be partnered inside the Espinosa booth at the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Doral, Florida, May 31, 2019 – Gran Habano announces the addition of the 6 x 44 Corona size to the Blue in Green line.

This size will join the 7 x 48 Churchill, 5 x 52 Robusto, and the 6 x 54 Gran Robusto sizes. The 6 x 44 Corona is a limited production release with only 1,000 boxes to be manufactured in this size. This size will be available for shipping in August 2019.

Country of Origin: Honduras

Factory: G.R. Tabacaleras Unidas, S.A.

Distributor: Gran Habano

Wrapper: Connecticut

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Size: 6 x 44 Corona

Box Count: 20

MSRP: $9.00

Release Date: August 2019

Miami, Flor.--Crux Cigars, an established name in cigar manufacturing announces a refreshed brand image with a new logo, packaging, and messaging. The comprehensive rebrand elevates the focus on Crux’s constant commitment to quality cigars and desire to connect to their consumers in new and innovative ways. The rebrand includes a new logo, refreshed blend specific branding, all new packaging design, and a comprehensive communication plan. Crux Cigars made the decision to rebrand after years of introducing unique cigars in the U.S. market with great success. The company manufactures cigars that appeal to all levels of cigar smokers by providing an extensive variety of strengths and vitolas.

May 23, 2019 – Austin, Texas
Southern Draw Cigars and Cigars International today announces the release of two private blends, Fraternal Order White and Fraternal Order Black, both of which are being produced in Esteli, Nicaragua. The Fraternal Order blends are distributed exclusively through all CI retail locations, and will be available for purchase Friday, May 23rd in limited quantities.

“Cigars International is a great partner for Southern Draw Cigars and these retail exclusive releases exemplify their dedication to our growing partnership with their retail stores, hard-working staff and loyal consumers. Private label products are becoming increasingly popular among cigar smokers and allow Southern Draw Cigars to fulfill the high-demand retail consumers “needs and wants” for new and innovative products outside of our regularly scheduled releases. We offer a BIG thanks to the retail staff and managers for the months of blind tasting and their feedback that led to selecting the two blends we are offering today,” said Robert Holt – Founder of Southern Draw Cigars.

Jeff Kocher, VP of Merchandising added “Cigars International is proud to collaborate once again with Southern Draw Cigars on these two new exciting projects for CI Nation. Both Fraternal Order blends are crafted at AJ Fernandez’s factory and are must-tries for fans of Robert Holt’s previous releases. We believe they’ll be a great addition to the CI retail stores, and to the humidors of those who love complex, Nicaraguan blends.”

General Information:
Fraternal Order White – Barber Pole
• Wrapper: Ecuador & Nicaragua
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua & Dominican Republic
Fraternal Order Black – San Andres Maduro
• Wrapper: Mexico
• Binder: Ecuador
• Filler: Nicaragua & Honduras
Initial sizes for both NEW blends
• Fraternal Order White – Toro (6.0 x 52)
• Fraternal Order Black – Gran Gordo (7.0 x 60)

Packaging Info:
Cigars are packaged in 10 count dress mazos or bundles with embossed stickers and matching bands.

Production – Limited Production for 2019

The Fraternal Order blends will only be available through Cigars International’s retail locations including Bethlehem, Bethlehem (Downtown) and Hamburg, Pennsylvania and The Colony, Texas.

For general information about Southern Draw Cigars, a list of retail partners, cigar blends and reviews, please visit us at our new website: www.southerndrawcigars.com. Please LIKE us, FOLLOW us & TWEET us - Facebook/Southern Draw, Instagram/SDCIGARS and Twitter/@SDCIGARS.

Soli Deo Gloria!

CELEBRATING AN ICONIC BRAND: A.J. Fernandez uses the rare medio tiempo wrapper

for limited edition H. Upmann 175^th Anniversary

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Altadis U.S.A. is celebrating a special milestone as the H. Upmann cigar brand turns 175 years old. The limited-edition H. Upmann 175th Anniversary will commemorate one of the oldest and most renowned cigars brands. This limited edition will only be expressed in the iconic Churchill size, in 10 count boxes that will number to 14,750. Fifty special-edition humidors containing 50 cigars will also be offered. The story of H. Upmann cigars is one of adventure, family, and passion for tobacco.

It all began in 1843, when German banker Herman Upmann took a leap of faith and moved to Havana, Cuba, to open a branch for his family bank. He created a small batch of cigars for his best clients, but quickly became impassioned with tobacco. A passion that led him to found his own cigar brand in 1844, joined by his younger brother August. The brothers purchased a small cigar factory and diligently learned to combine tobacco artistry and German ingenuity. 175 years later, H. Upmann is still known the world over.

Springfield, VA (May 16, 2019) – Omar de Frias has announced the launch of a new YouTube Channel, Imperfect Pairings. “I have been working on this concept for years. I have been looking to pair my cigars with uncommon food or drinks such as oysters, tomato sauce, kombucha and tea amongst other things. Our viewers will have incredible content and learn what to pair or not pair with our cigars.” Said de Frias.

Imperfect pairings will be an entertaining show featuring short pairing videos from Omar’s travel worldwide. The show will air every Thursday.

Link to Channel

Miami, Florida) June 12, 2019— Casa Cuevas Cigars, makers of handmade premium cigars to release the Cuevas Reserva Natural and Cuevas Reserva Maduro at the 2019 IPCPR in Las Vegas. The patriarch of the four-generation tobacco family, Luis Cuevas Sr. originally introduced the Cuevas Reserva brand in the early 2000’s and was limited in availability until now.

Luis Cuevas Sr. introduced the Casa Reserva brand in the early 2000’s but was faced with a huge dilemma. At that point, it was either take a chance and put forth efforts (and capital) to introduce his own brand, or concentrate on his newly thriving factory, which was blending and rolling quality private label cigars for other companies.

[Washington, DC, May 21, 2019] The International Premium Cigar & Pipe Retailers Association (IPCPR) is pleased to announce new dates for the 2020 trade show. The 88th Annual Convention and International Trade Show will take place Friday, July 10 – Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Educational sessions and Opening Party will take place Friday, July 10.

This date change moves the trade show back to the second week of July, as it has historically been held for the past several years.

“We are very happy we’ve been able to negotiate new dates with the Sands,” said Scott Pearce, IPCPR executive director. “While it was necessary for us to hold the event earlier this year in order to get the show back to the Sands, we heard loud and clear that the timing was not the best for our attendees. We are fortunate we have such a great partner in the Sands to allow us to make this change.”

Scott Regina, chair of the IPCPR Trade Show Committee, remarked that this continuity with the Sands and the dates will hopefully build more excitement around the annual show. “Our goal is to continuously work on building a better show experience and we believe that being able to move the dates will translate into a more successful event for everyone,” Regina said.

Here is a quick breakdown for the 2020 show:

July 7 - 10 Move In

July 10 Education and Opening Party

July 11 Trade Show

July 14 - 15 Breakdown, Move Out

Springfield, VA (June 11, 2019) - Omar de Frias is proud to announce the company’s latest blend, the Navetta Inverso Boxer. The Inverso Boxer will be making its official debut at this year’s IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas. “Similar to the other Boxer blends, we modified the filler blend in the Inverso Boxer to increase in strength and highlight a different flavor profile from its Father the Navetta Inverso.” Said de Frias.

The Inverso boxer will debut at a 6 ¼ x 52 Box Press Torpedo with an MSRP of 13.00 per cigar.

Navetta Inverso features an Habano Nicaragua Wrapper, Habano Ecuador Oscuro Binder and Dominican and Nicaragua Filler tobacco aged for 3 years before being rolled.

Navetta Inverso was introduced at last year’s IPCPR Trade Show. “Its incredible how our consumers saw clearly how the cigars were different from our original release and helped us brand all our cigars box press cigars as The Boxer” Said de Frias.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (5/21/19)

Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced today Vice President of Sales, George Sosa has resigned.

“I would like to thank George for his many years of service,” Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin said. “Over the last 12 plus years, George has been an integral part of the brand; increasing both domestic and international sales. The wind down plan was in place over the last few months. On behalf of the Alec Bradley family, I would like to wish George the best of luck in his future endeavors!”

About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1996, Alec Bradley has been acknowledged as one of the world's leading producers of fine, handmade premium cigars. Alec Bradley has received the cigar industry's highest critical acclaim for its Prensado, Tempus, MAXX and Black Market premium cigars, to name a few. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity and the highest quality standards.

Contact: Jonathan Lipson. Director of Sales & Marketing. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ALEC BRADLEY
phone: 954.321.5991 - 888.426.4397 / fax: 954.321.9968 - 800.648.8876
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | www.alecbradley.com

June 2, 2019
Hiram & Solomon Cigars is pleased to announce, the availability of our latest creation to fill out
the company’s portfolio of fine premium cigars - The Grand Architect.

The Grand Architect gets its name from one of the founding principles of Freemasons. "It is appropriate that a society founded on the principles of architecture, which symbolizes the terms of that science to moral purposes, and whose members profess to be architects of a spiritual temple should view the Divine Being, under whose holy law they are constructing that edifice, as their Master Builder or Great Architect. Sometimes, but less correctly, the title 'Grand Architect of the Universe' is found."

(Miami, Fla.) - Crux Cigars has added to their new Short Salomone Series of limited edition cigars with the release of the Guild and Limitada Short Salomones. The cigars are the second and third in the Series, which includes the previously released Epicure Short Salomone.

Because this vitola is produced by only the most skilled of rollers, each are produced in short run fashion. Like the previously released Epicure in the Series, initial production of each blend are 10-count boxes of 500 or less. The Short Salomone is a 6 x 54 vitola. The Limitada is finished with a Cuban box press.

The cigars are rolled by a single pair at the La Catedral de Tabaco factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

Guild Short Salomone $11.99 MSRP/Cigar
Limitada Short Salomone $13.99 MSRP/Cigar

Initial Production: 500 boxes each

For questions or additional details, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (June 8 ,2019)

Coming off of the success of their initial release, Alec & Bradley Blind Faith, Alec and Bradley Rubin, the namesakes of father Alan Rubin’s Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced today the release of their second cigar line- Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper.

The Rubin brothers searched out E.P. Carrillo (EPC) cigar maker Ernesto Perez-Carrillo for the project. An inspiration to Alec and Bradley, Ernesto is praised by many in the business as the “Godfather” of cigars.

“We are a part of the next generation of the premium cigar business and Ernesto is a legend,” Bradley said. “As Alec and I began learning the processes, we started to appreciate all facets of the business. Though we are under the Alec Bradley Cigar Co. umbrella, my brother and I want to provide enthusiasts with an experience different from the Alec Bradley portfolio- the opportunity to work with Ernesto and Dominican tobaccos is something completely different from anything coming out of Alec Bradley.”

Alec Bradley Announces the Global Release of Project 40 Take Control of Your Happiness

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (April 25, 2019)

Alec Bradley Cigar Co. today announced the Global Release of the Alec Bradley Project 40. The brainchild of Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin- Project 40 is not just a line, but a concept representative of the search to find a deeper understanding as to why cigars have a positive cognitive impact on the mind and body.