"This complex cigar featured some interesting flavor transitions which I highly enjoyed. The notes were all well defined and the transitions between the differing notes all made sense. I would recommend this stogie to both newcomers and seasoned cigar smokers alike." -Matt Ca. (Cade)
"Overall I really enjoyed this cigar. It was not very complex but was a tasty treat regardless. I'd smoke this one again but wouldn't seek it out. " -James H. (Keikan Jim)
"I wouldn't write this cigar off without trying at least another one in hopes that the construction issues were a fluke. When this was functioning properly there was a nice soft leather and sugary sweetness that I typically would have enjoyed in a mild-medium bodied cigar. " -John I. (John I.)
Today, the four largest cigar companies in America announced that they will not be attending the PCA (formerly IPCPR) trade show this year. Altadis, General, Davidoff, and Drew Estate each released separate press releases but the general consensus is that they are unhappy with the declining attendance, lack of cooperation with members to make changes to the organization, and rising costs. The linchpin for this action new seems to have been the general unrest around last year's poorly executed announcement of Consumer Day, which has since been cancelled.
"This was a fairly straightforward flavored cigar. Smack dab in the middle of body, it provided a basic set of typical flavors you’d normally find with a normal affordably priced cigar. The appearance was a bit underwhelming as well which spoiled the experience a bit. Overall, okay smoke, not unique, plenty of these out there in the world. " -John A. (Bostoneo)
Carlito Fuente announced today in a press release that Arturo Fuente would offer two sets of previously unreleased cigars to retailers that attend the 2020 PCA trade show. This is a move meant to support the PCA and a response to the recent exodus of large cigar makers.
A.C.E. Price introduced the M.X.S. line at last years IPCPR trade show. It included two blends, one made by Dominique Wilkins and the other made by Tiago Splitter. Now, to celebrate his 60th birthday, Dominique Wilkins is releasing a special Diamond Edition Box individually signed by the man himself. It also has a 3D printed image of the NBA superstar in flight and contains the reserved, aged first batch of the M.X.S. Dominique Wilkins cigars.
Yesterday, the big four cigar manufacturers (Davidoff, Drew Estate, Altadis, General) announced that they were pulling out of the PCA trade show for 2020. Read more about that here. Since that announcement several companies have released official statements, including PCA itself. Below are those statements.
Alec & Bradley Rubin released the Blind Faith at the 2018 IPCPR trade show, their first release as an offshoot of the Alec Bradley brand. Today, they have announced that they will be expanding the distribution of this cigar, starting at Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) in Las Vegas, NV- January 29-31.
"Really enjoyable lighter bodied cigar. I typically prefer full bodied smokes, but this cigar really displayed some typical mild flavors, cream, nuts, herbs and floral notes, but still had enough potency to make it a good experience for fuller cigar fans. This would be accessible for a newcomer to the leaf and still enjoyable for a grizzled vet." -John I. (John I.)