Even when the headlines don’t remind you, the Premium Cigar Association is always fighting many battles on many fronts. This week alone, the PCA is hard at work on California’s potential generational smoking ban, the threat of increased cigar taxes in New York and Tennessee, supporting cigar tax caps in Illinois and Virginia, and pushing for cigar bar legalization in Connecticut. While there are those that don’t find policy as sexy as all the new cigars dropping next week at TPE, it remains vital that it be given the spotlight. If nobody pays attention, we may all find ourselves without such easy access to these premium products we enjoy so much. Silence favors the opposition, so go to CigarAction.org today and follow the prompts for any active local, state, and federal issues. It takes just moments to make a big impact and requires nothing more than filling out a form that sends a letter to your elected representatives.
In the wake of the devastation in Turkey and Syria, Oz Family Cigars has pledged a portion of the profits from their Bosphorus line of cigars to Turkish Philanthropy Funds as a way to help those impacted by the massive earthquake. Turkish Philanthropy Funds (TPF) describes itself as “the leading U.S. community foundation for high-impact social investments dedicated to Turkish and Turkish-American communities. Since 2007, TPF has mobilized over $55M and has invested over $28M in grants with partners focused on addressing economic, social, and environmental needs in Turkey and around the world.” To date, TPF has funded over 300 projects. To learn more about TPF, visit their website. Garrett Rutledge at Cigar Aficianado broke the story, with Ozgener later confirming that reporting in the post below:
HVC Cigars has announced the Selección No. 1 Natural, a new line that is scheduled to begin shipping out to retailers in early March. The striking yellow box continues the trend started by HVC’s Selección No. 1 Maduro and it’s distinctive green packaging. While the blend is entirely its own, the three vitolas available at launch will be the same as the Maduro line: Esenciales, Short Robusto, and Poderosos. MSRP ranges from $8.40 to $10.40 depending on the format. HVC continues to produce their cigars at their own Fabrica de Tabacos HVC S.A. facilities in Esteli, Nicaragua.
First introduced in 2018, the Hors d’Age line from La Aurora has not been made available since 2020. During next week’s Total Product Expo in Las Vegas, the Hors d’Age 2021 LE will make its debut. “The New Dawn of La Aurora has arrived, and to mark the beginning of this new dawn and our 120th Anniversary, we’re proud to bring you the limited release La Aurora Preferidos Hors d’Age 2021 LE” shared Ed McKenna, CEO of La Aurora USA, LLC. This 6×54 Toro features an Ecuadorian wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, and filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, and Nicaragua.
The Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Sonata – a collaboration between Rafael Nodal and AJ Fernandez – will also have it’s first showing at TPE. Produced at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua, the new line will have 6 sizes when it ships out to retailers next month. Crafted entirely of Nicaraguan tobaccos, this extension of the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua brand has an MSRP of between $13.02 and $14.98 depending on the format.
Main sponsor of TPE, Drew Estate, will also be dropping something special at the expo – the Kubariety three pack. Kubariety is a humidified pack with 2 ACID Kuba Kuba cigars as well as a bonus Undercrown Shade. all 5 x 54 Robustos. The package, which includes Boveda, is resealable. Jonathan Drew, DE’s Founder and President, shares that “we wanted to rock something super generous for consumers to celebrate Kuba Kuba, while at the same time introducing this important audience to our Undercrown brand. Kuba Kuba is the best-selling premium cigar in the United States, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t know it’s made by Drew Estate. This is a great opportunity for us to expand our horizons together …!” Kubariety packs will be made available following the expo for a suggested retail price of just under $22 each.
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!