Ace Prime has announced a new PCA exclusive cigar “Maria Lucia” for the 2022 Las Vegas PCA Trade-show. The cigar is inspired by the story of behind Ace Prime founder and co-owner Luciano Meirelles‘ mother, Maria Lucia Meirelles.
“It took me many years before I dared to blend something inspired by my mother. She passed away when I was only twelve years old, and it was only recently that I was able to fully understand and know her complicated life’s story.
Luciano Meirelles
A press release states: “The late Maria Lucia was as valiant as she was brilliant, as kind as she was unashamedly bold. She was the flower that rises from cracked pavement, the beauty that survives brokenness, the redemption that overcomes tragedy. This cigar echoes the life of a complex woman who reminds us that even when all odds are against us, we nevertheless have the capacity to hold onto the light.”
The artwork for the cigar box and band were created by Meirelles’ oldest daughter, Deborah, a Paris-based artist and fashion designer. Without ever seeing a photograph of her grandmother as a teenager, she drew the portrait of a woman she dreamed of. “When I saw the drawing next to old photographs of my mother, I saw the similarity immediately”. Luciano Meirelles said. “It was almost supernatural the way things happened. It’s hard to believe it was only a coincidence… And now years later, when I decided to finally create this cigar, naturally, in a full-circle kind of way, we thought there would be no better idea than to use my daughter’s drawing for the box.” Luciano said.
Not only is Maria Lucia spectacular, but we’re honored Luciano chose this year’s trade show to release a cigar that carries such personal and significant meaning to Ace Prime and him.
Scott Pearce, Director of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA)
The cigar is described as medium-full strength with a box-press construction. The blend uses a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, and Ecuadorian Sumatra binder as well as a HBN 92 Ecuador binder, and fillers from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, and Peru. It comes in one size, a 5 1/4 x 54 robusto. Ace Prime Maria Lucia is packaged in boxes of 12 and each cigar has an MSRP of $12.80.
I believe this blend with its bold complexity and natural sweetness will appeal to experienced and novice smokers alike. I’m excited to sharing Maria’s story at PCA 2022.
Miguel Schoedel, Crowned Heads