A couple weeks back, we reported that as part of their “Carrillo Cares” initiative, E.P. Carillo Cigar Company had been donating $0.98 from every 5 x 50 Pledge Prequel to the Els for Autism Foundation. The program began on December 15th and concluded at the end of January. In total, the campaign raised over $45,000 for the foundation! Head over to the program’s information page to learn more about the Foundation – started by Liezl Els, Ernie Els, and Marvin R. Shanken – and the work being done to improve the lives of individuals and families all over the world.
The second of three planned releases in the Fool’s Errand series from Diesel has been given on official launch date. AJ Fernandez and Justin Andrews blended The Simple Fool, which features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper. Within lies a blend of proprietary Nicaraguan Habano tobaccos. Each release in the series is accompanied by a tarot card that can only be acquired as part of each drop. This year, 10 winners will be selected from all those who follow the project’s QR code to a series of interactive tasks. This 5 x 58 offering has a suggested retail price of $9.99 and will be available to the cigar smoking public on March 6th.
Andrews, of Scandinavian Tobacco Group, shared in a press release that “there is nothing foolish about simplicity and this cigar echoes what AJ and I believe to be true about life in general: that less can often be more. Think about the aroma you smell when you first open a box of cigars. Or a relaxing place to unwind with a great smoke. These are simple things that mean a lot. Simple Fool is no different. This cigar exercises restraint beautifully with proprietary, full-bodied tobaccos blended to perfection. Nothing more, nothing less.” He also suggests that those who obtain one of the 10 count boxes keep their tarot in a safe place, making it sound as though it could be important at a later date.
Fratello Cigars has just launched the next installment of their State Exclusive Series. Following last year’s release of the Fratello Florida, the new project celebrates the state of Louisiana. The Pelican showcases an HVA Ecuadorian wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and a combination of Dominican, Pennsylvania, and Andullo filler tobaccos. If you think La Aurora when you hear “andullo” – you’re not alone. Made at the renowned Dominican factory, the 5.5 x 54 Pelican is being distributed by PF Imports. PF is owned by NBA Hall-of-Famer Karl Malone.
“The Pelican was conceived in a meeting we at Fratello had with Karl Malone and his team in the Dominican Republic. We were trying to tell the story of how Andullo tobacco and its fermentation technique had so much in common with perique tobacco and The Pelican was born” Said Fratello founder Omar de Frias. “We are proud to partner with Fratello to produce this offering that embodies the Louisiana culture,” shared Tim Basham, PF Importers co-owner.
With the countdown clock currently reading 11 days remaining, this year’s Procigar Festival is just over a week away from kicking off in the Dominican Republic. Registration – which you can learn more about here – is not inexpensive, but remains reasonable considering everything that is scheduled. Attendees will have access to 5 days of field and factory tours, industry luminaries, new and future cigar releases, educational workshops, and everything else you’d hope to be able to take part in while in the Dominican Republic experiencing all things premium tobacco. Will you be attending this year’s festival? Let everyone know in the comments!
The Aganorsa Leaf Corojo Gran Corona is a an exclusive project that will be launching ahead of the big sports event this Sunday. The 6 x 46 expression was made to recognize last year’s 25th Anniversary of Twins Smoke Shops in New Hampshire. Limited to just 250 boxes of 10 cigars, singles will go for $11 while complete boxes are priced at $100 each. Hosted at their 7-20-4 lounge, guests will be able enjoy the game and this special cigar.
In a piece published earlier today on Cigar Aficianado, it was confirmed that Alec Bradley will again be releasing its popular St. Patrick’s Day themed blends this year. Crafted by the Plasencia tobacco family at their Tabacos De Oriente, the eagerly anticipated barber poles are the Black Market Filthy Hooligan and the Filthy Hooligan Shamrock.
These cigars share an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, filler tobaccos sourced from Panama and Honduras, and their 6 x 50 format. The tobaccos used for the Black Market’s wrapper are Nicaraguan – Candela and Habano. A total of three tobaccos are used for the Shamrock’s wrapper – Nicaraguan Habano, Honduran candela and a Nicaraguan Habano maduro. Suggested retail for the Black Market blend is $11.50, with the Shamrock debuting at a suggested $13.65. Slainte!
Wishing you all another great week full of your favorite cigars and your favorite people. Keep on sending in your favorite cigar related news stories, posts and video. If anything from this roundup catches your attention, let everyone know in the comments below!