The Premium Cigar Industry had a huge victory in the area of cigar regulation. In perhaps the biggest news since the deeming regulations were announced in 2016, those rules have now been completely vacated by the FDA. The ruling means that the deeming regulations introduced by the agency in 2016 do not apply to any cigar that meets the court’s definition of “premium cigar,” meaning that those cigars are unregulated in the U.S.
"Overall, this was an okay cigar for me. I’m not sure if I’d reach for a second given the issues I had with the burn, wavy and prone to going out, and draw, a bit tight but not unsmokable. The first third was the best with tasty oak, vanilla, and leather notes; however, it was a downward slope from there as the body & strength kicked up a few times throughout this session. Ultimately, this cigar ended with a muddled profile of sweetness and black pepper and eventually went out no matter how much it was stoked. " -John A. (Bostoneo)
E.P. Carrillo has started shipping their latest cigar, the E.P. Carrillo Short Run 2023. This annual limited edition release is the first time it's being made in another factory outside of the Dominican Republic.
"With the single exception of the first few puffs being ever so slightly harsh, I haven't a negative remark to make about this cigar as it truly blew me away in just about every regard. Not only were the flavors incredibly robust, the mix was well-balanced and was suited almost perfectly for my palate. A perfect draw, flawless burn, and impeccable construction checked off the remaining boxes for me which rounded out an immensely enjoyable smoking experience from start to finish. I imagine this cigar would pair well with just about anything which is also a high mark in and of itself. Assuming the price point isn't outrageous, this stick has already landed in my regular rotation. If it is then I will gladly splurge for a special occasion as I am quite certain that a stick this would never disappoint. " -Noah S. (Noah
Rick Rodriguez of CAO fame and Luciano Meirelles of Luciano cigars are collaborating on a new project, The Maker. The new cigar will be released at the "My Old Kentucky Herf" event, The limited-edition cigar is available nationwide and distributed by “My Old Kentucky Herf” (Fatash Cigar cigars and lounge).
"With a gambit of robust flavors that complimented one another exceptionally as well as a smoke that was creamy, smooth and mouthwatering, the first two thirds is certainly where this cigar shined! Even though the smoke remained incredibly smooth, the flavors flatlined entering the final third which made for a lackluster ending to an otherwise great cigar. Had the pleasant mix of flavors been consistent from start to finish my remarks would certainly have been a bit higher. I have a feeling that a loose roll is the most likely culprit for the sudden downturn as the temperature of the smoke quickly rose and the flavors almost immediately became acrid. I'd gladly give this smoke another shot as I'm sure the loose roll is just a fluke." -Noah S. (Noah)
STG has announced the return of one of their more popular releases in recent years, the CAO Arcana Mortal Coil. That cigar got a 95 in our blind tasting during it's first release. The blend is a limited-edition cigar that features "Andullo" tobacco, which uses one of the oldest tobacco fermentation methods of the Dominican Republic.
The Eiroa CBT 51 made its debut at Christian Eiroa's birthday event which took place during the 2023 PCA trade show. Now that cigar will be released to the public in limited form.
"Even though the draw was tighter than ideal for the first third and the lineup of flavors doesn't match what I typically reach for when choosing what to smoke, this cigar was immensely enjoyable! I am quite fond of this particular vitola as the change in ring gauge and proportions of binder, filler, and wrapper all but guarantees an interesting progression or transition of flavors that I tend to think of as a story the blender is telling through the leaves. Not only did the profile of flavors build upon one another from start to finish but so did the strength which is always a plus in my book. After a bit of a slow start, this cigar truly shined in the latter two-thirds when the flavors were most balanced, complex, and robust. The smoke was incredibly smooth throughout and the flavors were clearly defined which always makes for a nice experience as I don't have to think too much about what I am smoking. This is exactly the kind of smoke I like when I am deep in a great conversation amongst great friends." -Noah S. (Noah)
E.P. Carrillo has announced their latest cigar, E.P. Carrillo 2023 TAA Exclusive, is now shipping. E.P. Carrillo's TAA series is an exclusive blend produced and distributed to the Tobacconist's Association of America retail members. The blend for this years version includes an Ecuadoran Connecticut wrapper, USA binder, and fillers from both the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua.