"Among the handful of things I enjoyed most with this cigar was its simplicity. From the first puff to the last the flavors remained fairly one-dimensional but undeniably delightful and balanced while the smoke was nothing but buttery smooth throughout. My palate was never inundated with too many notes to keep tabs on nor was it left guessing with transition after transition which I found to be a pleasant change of pace. The only negative thing I can say about this cigar is that the draw was subpar from start to finish. Way too much effort was required to get a decent mouthful of smoke. Not only did the extra effort steal away from my relaxation, I'm sure the flavor profiles were muted as well which only leaves me wondering... What if??? I can say with certainty that a perfect draw would land this smoke smack dab in the middle of my regular rotation and I can't wait to give it another go." -Noah S. (Noah)
During Drew Estate’s latest “Freestyle Live: Special Edition” broadcast on April 27 the company announced that every Barn Smoker VIP attendee will receive a 12-count box of Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo Flying Pig (100mm x 60) as part of their VIP ticket package. Additionally, Drew Diplomat Program retailers who register and attend any Barn Smoker, will be able to purchase as many as five 12-count H99 Flying Pig boxes to sell in their stores with a suggested retail price of $246 per box. This opportunity for Drew Diplomat Program retailers is limited to as many as 50 per Barn Smoker event.
"Overall, I feel this was an excellent cigar, although on the mild side, the flavor combinations which stayed the same, but transitioned in dominance from third to third, made for an interesting cigar. The silky smooth texture and cool temperature allowed me to take this all the way down to a nub. Although it was a long smoke due to the size, I would definitely consider putting this in my rotation, and I am curious to see what this turns out to be." -Angel M. (Angel)
Powstanie has announced a new Connecticut Blend cigar available in four vitolas for PCA.
Oettinger Davidoff has announced a new version of their Zino Nicaragua line: The Zino Nicaragua Half Corona with a pre-cut cap. Since launch, the line has seen the addition of a Gordo vitola in 2022, now Davidoff is adding this pre-cut half corona to the Short Torpedo, Robusto, Toro and Gordo cigars.
"This was one of the easiest cigars I’ve ever smoked. It was perfectly constructed, had a perfect draw, and had no burn issues! Mild in profile for the most part, wonderful notes of leather, cream, honey, and cashew spotlighted the main flavors given by this fine stick. Burning on the faster side, this cigar gave off brilliant white ash and huge clouds of smoke when sampled. While it did burn on the fast side, this would be an easy cigar to recommend for a stable flavor profile that was enjoyable and relaxing without the worry of a poorly built stick; smoke it slowly though!" -John A. (Bostoneo)
"When it comes to short cigars, I really never expect there to be a ton of complexity, and this one is no different, but it definitely did not lack in flavor, with a constant barrage of cayenne and unsweetened cocoa. This really hit the spot as a post dinner cigar for me and would work well with a bit of time constraint necessary." -Doug S. (Unpossible_1)
Founders Cigar Co. has announced a shift in manufacturing and complete update to blend branding with new coloring, deeper historical references, and clear and concise imagery for each blend. The company will debut the new blends and packaging at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) tradeshow later this week.
Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) will be showcasing a new release at this year’s PCA in Las Vegas; POISON DART. Like all other Black Works Studio cigars, it is rolled at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Esteli, Nicaragua.