The Joya de Nicaragua Número Uno was originally only given out to world leaders by Nicaraguan ambassadors on official missions. In 2018 it was turned into an even-only cigar, then in was released to the public as a limited edition in 2019. Finally, in 2021 it was released as an annual cigar with more sizes being added in the time following.
Two of Drew Estate’s best-selling cigars, ACID Kuba Kuba and ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro are getting a brand new gift set. Each give set includes 10 total cigars, five of each one in the Fat Robusto (5 x 54) size. In addition to the five ACID Kuba Kuba cigars and five ACID Kuba Kuba Maduro cigars comes a collectible ACID-branded four-bay melamine ashtray.
"Until that last third I would have said that this was a fairly linear cigar with minimal transition. The last third saved it a little bit but I’m not sure most people would have stuck around for it. I would have been one of them. If you are a fan of a light, liner cigar this will be for you. I’ll be interested to see what this cigar is so I can give it another shot." -Estevan Z. (TheRealBanzi)
Aganorsa Leaf has announced a new addition to their Aniversario Series, the Aniversario Connecticut will debut this summer at the PCA Tradeshow in Las Vegas. The blend uses thes same Aganorsa Leaf tobaccos grown in Jalapa and Esteli as the corojo and maduro versions, but this will be wrapped in an Ecuadorian Connecticut leaf. The Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario Connecticut will comes in two sizes: a 5 x 54 box-pressed Gran Robusto and a 6 1⁄4 x 52 boxed pressed Toro. Both comes in 10-count boxes. The new cigar will be a regular production cigar, although exclusive to PCA attendees and Aganorsa Select Accounts for 2023.
Selected Tobacco has announced the Alfonso Gran Selección for PCA 2023 in Las Vegas. The Alfonso Gran Selección is the followup to the Alfonso Añejo that debuted at last year’s trade show. Alfonso Gran Selección blend uses an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, with Pervian binder, and Dominican and Nicarguan fillers. The Alfonso Gran Selección will be available in five sizes; Exclusivos (6 x 54 Torpedo), Preciosos (7 1/2 x 40), Estelares (5 1/2 x 54), Enormes (6 1/2 x 60), and Grandiosos (8 x 50).
Pure Aroma Cigars has announced the Flor de D’Crossier Seleccion Escogida Lumina, the latest cigar from Isaias Santana Diaz. This new brand will come in four vitolas and is packaged in 25-count boxes. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Habano claro wrapper, Domincian binder, and fillers from Jalapa, Nicaragua and Dominican Republic.
Epic Cigars has announced a brand new cigar, A Bronx Tale, by Chazz Palminteri. In addition to Palminteri, the cigar is a collaboration with Paul DiSilvio of La Casa Grande Tobacco Company.
The flavor profile on this blend was great with a solid bitter dark chocolate flavor later mixed with some nice baking spices and smokiness. A sneaky black pepper kick made me want to retrohale often to spice up the blend even more. There was just a slight construction or leaf problem causing a major central tunnel in the first couple of inches that weighed this stick down. I'd want to try it again in hopes of getting the full start-to-finish experience." -Lauren S. (Lauren S.)
"This was a very good cigar. It started out with quite a bit of earthy tones with wood and walnuts, as the cigar progressed it produced more sweet tobacco notes as well as some creaminess. The cigar ended up with the sweetness, cream, and then a bit more wood flavors to finish the cigar. I would definitely smoke this again. I would say this is at least worth a fiver purchase. " -Mickey T. (irratebass)
"A well constructed cigar made for a light that we dream of. I needed only one short match for an even light. As the smoke hit my palate, I could easily identify the subtle bitterness of dark chocolate surrounded by silky nuances. After about ten minutes, the flavor began to change, introducing mint to the party on the palate. Unfortunately, it was a little much, as it muted the other flavors that had been present. As I continued to smoke, the mint settled down and the other flavors returned for a merry blend that pair well with a morning cup of joe, or a nightcap with some Irish cream." -Jai P. (Jai)