Cubariqueño Cigar Company Expands its Offerings
Cubariqueño Cigar Company has announced that it is releasing its second blend, Protocol Probable Cause, at the 2016 International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailer trade show in Las Vegas.
“We are super excited to announce the Protocol Probable Cause,” stated Juan Cancel, co-founder of Cubariqueño Cigar Company. “These cigars will launch at the 2016 IPCPR trade show.”
The name, Probable Cause, stays true to the company's law enforcement motif, with co-founders Bill Ives and Cancel both law enforcement officers. Production will be at Erik Espinosa's La Zona factory in Estelí, Nicaragua as with their original line.
Probable Cause will be available in two vitolas, a round 5 x 52 Robusto with a closed foot and a 6 ½ X 48 Churchill semi-box-pressed, also with a closed foot.
Probable Cause is wrapped in a Mexican San Andreas Maduro leaf with a smooth, oily appearance. Its all-Nicaraguan filler is covered by a Nicaraguan binder.
“We are classifying Probable Cause as a medium-strength cigar with full flavor,” explained Cancel. The robusto will retail for $9.69 and the Churchill will have an MSRP of $9.89. Both vitolas will be available in boxes of 10.
Also being introduced at this year's trade show will be a line extension to the original Protocol release. The highly anticipated Protocol Lancero will make its official debut this summer in Las Vegas.
The Protocol Lancero will stand in at 7 ½ x 38. The blends of all Lancero offerings must be tweaked slightly to maintain intended flavor notes and proper draw. The Protocol Lancero will undergo those modifications while continuing to use the Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper, Nicaraguan binder and all-Nicaraguan filler. It will be available in 10-count boxes. The price of the lancero has yet to be determined.
“The Protocol Lancero is being introduced as a small-batch production depending on its success with possible increased production in the future,” said Ives.
Cubariqueño Cigar Co. will be celebrating its one-year anniversary with a special event at Berkeley Humidor on May 21. “The Protocol Lancero and Probable Cause will be made available for purchase for our loyal customers at this event prior to the 2016 IPCPR trade show,” stated Bill Agathis, co-owner of Cubariqueño Cigar Co. and owner of Berkeley Wine and Humidor.
IPCPR Note
Cubariqueño Cigar Company will have its own distinct booth this year alongside the other La Zona brands made by Espinosa. This is a first, as last year the Protocol cigar was displayed with the Espinosa brand.