Gran Habano is introducing a new product to their lineup, the G.A.R. American Standard, with an expected release in September 2023. Responding to a market demand for cost-effective options, the company is aiming to provide a balance between affordability and quality with this new release.
The G.A.R. American Standard is a Nicaraguan puro with a medium to full body. The flavor profile features dark chocolate with black pepper notes in the finish, a characteristic attributed to the brand’s creator, George Rico. It represents the company’s attempt to deliver a nuanced cigar experience at a more accessible price point.
The company’s production target for the G.A.R. American Standard is roughly 750,000 cigars annually, equating to about 15,000 boxes of 50. The cigar will be a regular production item.
The G.A.R. American Standard will be offered in multiple sizes:
Robusto 5 x 50 (MSRP $5.50)
Gran Robusto 6 x 54 (MSRP $6.00)
Imperial 6 x 60 (MSRP $6.40)
Czar 6 x 66 (MSRP $6.80)
Grandioso 7 x 70 (MSRP $7.00)
Gran Habano is presenting the G.A.R. American Standard at the 2023 PCA trade show in Las Vegas this week.
For further information about Gran Habano, their website is www.ghcigars.com and they can be reached directly at (305) 436-5960.
In a recent Facebook post, cigar maker Steve Saka announced his latest creation, Polpetta, will be open for stock order at the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, which kicks off tomorrow in Las Vegas.
Polpetta presents an innovative approach to cigar crafting, utilizing what Saka refers to as ‘chaveta cuts’ – the trimmings typically produced during the crafting of high-end Broadleaf ligas. Traditionally, factories collect these trimmings from the production of various long-filler, handmade cigars and then create less expensive, constantly varying short-fill, or sandwich cigars. This common practice helps factory owners recover some material costs while also minimizing waste.
However, Polpetta diverges from this norm, representing a non-traditional approach to the ‘waste not, want not’ philosophy of cigar manufacturing. Saka has transformed what is typically considered waste into an innovative, high-quality product.
“For Polpetta, we carefully save only the very best table trimmings from the making of our premium Broadleaf ligas such as Mi Querida, including the Triqui Traca and Black variations, Umbagog, and Red Meat Lovers,” Saka stated in his announcement. The process involves diligent sorting of cuts for specific tobaccos, pairing those with two long leaf tripas to maintain a consistent filler recipe. The meticulously prepared bunch is then secured with a first-rate San Andreas Negro binder and wrapped with the outer cuts from premium Broadleaf capa.
In Saka’s hands, the Polpetta represents a unique elevation of the sandwich-style cigar, executed with precision and using only the finest ingredients. The petite robustos burn cool and hold an ash, offering a properly balanced draw and a rich, robust smoking experience.
Despite being made from ‘cortes medianos’ or ‘middle cuts’, Polpetta stands up to many long-filler handmade cigars that come at a higher price. As Saka noted, “If we didn’t disclose that these toothy, petite robustos were ‘cortes medianos’, the smoker would likely never know.”
Polpetta is ideal for the seasoned cigar smoker looking for top-notch flavor at a minimal cost. The PCA 2023 attendees will have the first opportunity to stock up on these exceptional cigars, reinforcing the event’s status as a must-attend for cigar enthusiasts and retailers.
Davidoff Cigars has launched a unique gran toro cigar and an exquisite cutter to mark the 10th anniversary of its popular Nicaragua line. The celebration highlights the brand’s trailblazing path since the launch of this line, which laid the foundation for its innovative Black Band Collection, widely beloved by cigar aficionados worldwide.
In 2013, Davidoff ventured into fresh terrain, introducing the Nicaragua line with the first Davidoff cigar to carry a black band. The line diversifies Davidoff’s portfolio, adding a fiery intensity drawn from Nicaragua’s volcanic soil to their existing offerings, traditionally known for their milder Dominican blends. Edward Simon, CMO at Oettinger Davidoff, said, “We wanted to please those looking for a more intense palate stimulation. For our Nicaragua 10th Anniversary Limited Edition, our experts took on a new challenge to create yet more depth for our loyal aficionados.”
The limited-edition gran toro cigar captures the spirit of the Nicaragua blend while elevating it to a new sensory level. It underscores Davidoff’s commitment to creating unprecedented tastes, with a special emphasis on ageing of the tobaccos. The combined age of the wrapper, binder, and filler tobaccos used in this cigar is a remarkable 45 years. A unique feature of this offering is the Estelí seco filler tobacco aged in rum casks for six months, a pioneering move for Davidoff. This lends the cigar a depth and complexity that is sure to delight enthusiasts.
Davidoff describes the taste experience of the gran toro as a journey to peak Nicaragua. Initially, it entices with complex nutty flavours, gradually evolving to reveal notes of fresh spice, leather, oak wood, and intriguing hints of eucalyptus. As the cigar comes to its close, the intensity crescendos, with flavours morphing from milk coffee to black coffee, punctuated by fresh herbs and persistent toasting notes.
The 10th Anniversary Limited Edition package includes 12 gran toro cigars housed in a wooden box with a varnished Nicaragua pattern. The box is accentuated with a striking frame and a 10th anniversary sticker on the lid, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Complementing the limited edition cigar is the Double Blade Cutter Limited Edition. Made in Germany of brushed stainless steel in matte black with silver blades, this cutter embodies the Davidoff Nicaragua aesthetic. It features elegant engravings, including the Davidoff logo and a unique serial number, making it a statement piece and collector’s item.
Starting July 6, 2023*, the Nicaragua 10th Anniversary Limited Edition cigars and Double Blade Cutter will be available at select Davidoff Appointed Merchants, premium cigar retailers, and Davidoff flagship stores.
As Davidoff continues to explore and elevate the world of cigars, aficionados can look forward to a time beautifully filled with these new releases.
*Launch dates and availability may vary depending on country. For more details, visit davidoff.com.
Joya de Nicaragua, the first cigar factory in Nicaragua and a long-standing pillar of the cigar industry, has announced the release of “Cinco de Cinco,” a new addition to its ultra-premium Obras Maestras line. The cigar celebrates the company’s 55th anniversary, serving as a testament to its longevity, expertise, and deep roots in the Nicaraguan tobacco community.
Juan Ignacio Martínez, Executive President of Joya de Nicaragua, says, “This cigar was made with the people, by the people, and for the people. Our past is all about tobacco. Our bright future is all about tobacco. We are here, stronger than ever, thanks to our wonderful community of amigos.”
The name “Cinco de Cinco” translates to “Five out of Five” and is reflective of the exceptional craftsmanship poured into this special release. This perfect scoring recipe is the product of the countless cigar blending sessions held at Joya de Nicaragua’s factory in Estelí, during which the company’s master blenders pored over hundreds of blending records.
The Cinco de Cinco cigar boasts ultra-vintage tobaccos, including a Mexican San Andres wrapper and Nicaraguan fillers and binders, presented in a soft-pressed format. The blend has been described as a five out of five in profile and complexity: full-bodied and medium strength, offering deep, rich, earthy flavors complemented by hints of cocoa and dark chocolate. The cigar comes wrapped in an eye-catching emerald green. Martínez explains, “An emerald symbolizes love, wisdom, growth, and prosperity—values very much embodied in this blend. It is indeed a rare and mystical jewel.”
The Cinco de Cinco will make its grand debut at the PCA Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas this July and will be made available to all retailers at the event. The cigar will also be featured at InterTabac in Dortmund in September 2023. It will hit US shelves starting in September, with a global release following in October.
Cigar enthusiasts can anticipate five distinct, semi-box pressed vitolas, with three available in the USA and two exclusive for international markets. The cigars will come in 10-count boxes, providing ample opportunity for aficionados worldwide to experience this celebratory release.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. and the LeRoy Neiman and the Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation have announced a new collaboration: the LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition cigars. Unveiled at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show in Las Vegas, this luxury, handcrafted cigar brings together America’s oldest family-owned premium cigar maker with the foundation of the iconic cigar-loving artist, LeRoy Neiman. Significantly, all profits from this collaboration will be channeled towards arts education in public schools.
Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman, spoke on the synergy between art and the cigar industry, emphasizing Neiman’s signature fusion of creativity and fine cigars. Tara Zabor, Executive Director of the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, also echoed this sentiment, remarking on how cigars were a ritualistic part of Neiman’s creative process.
The Collector’s Edition cigars are handmade at J.C. Newman’s El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida. The 2023 release is a 6” x 52 toro crafted with a Havana Rosado wrapper, Florida Sun Grown binder, and a blend of aged Latin American filler tobaccos. Limited to 10,000 cigars, the product is presented in 500 cabinets, each containing 20 cigars. The cost per cigar is set at a suggested retail price of $20.
Each cabinet holds an authentic lithograph of Neiman’s 1978 painting, “Irish-American Bar.” The image is wrapped around each cigar, and the cabinet’s bottom features a print of Neiman’s paint-splattered New York City studio floor.
The Foundation’s profits from the collaboration will be used to support arts education in Tampa’s public schools, including those surrounding the El Reloj cigar factory.
J.C. Newman plans to release the LeRoy Neiman 2023 Collector’s Edition cigars to the top U.S. cigar retailers in November.
Klaas Kelner, a third-generation member of the Kelner family, has opened the doors of a new venture, Kelner Cigars, S.A.S., situated in the heart of the Dominican Republic. Situated in the Víctor Manuel Espaillat Mera industrial park, the company aims to uphold the family’s long-standing tradition of blending premium cigars with meticulous attention to detail.
“It is with great excitement that we bring this new project to life. I was born and raised in the industry, surrounded by tobacco experts, retailers, and cigar aficionados; and it is through their teachings that I came to love every facet of cigar making,” Klaas Kelner stated. “It has always been a dream to blend beautiful cigars bearing the Kelner name for my family and friends, and now I get to do just that with some of the best tobaccos in the world.”
The newly established factory will initially concentrate on producing small-batch private labels, utilizing the expertise of artisans who align with the Kelner philosophy. These craftspeople will operate in a supportive environment that fosters both personal and professional growth.
Kelner shared his vision, saying, “It is my vision to grow organically, creating a close-knit team that believes in the Kelner Family’s passion and commitment to quality control. Maintaining a process where I can personally inspect the tobacco that we use, sort, and roll into well balanced blends. I invite you all to enjoy our cigars made with our signature family craftmanship.”
The Kelner family’s legacy in the tobacco industry traces back to the 1920s when Klaas Pieter Kelner Sr. and his siblings relocated from the Netherlands to the Dominican Republic and Brazil to engage in raw leaf tobacco cultivation. Their efforts resulted in independent companies that continue to supply many global cigar factories today.
Under the guidance of Hendrik Kelner Sr., the second generation enhanced the family’s craftsmanship by specializing in the production of handmade premium cigars and leading the charge in seed hybridization and organoleptic mapping of cultivation zones in the Dominican Republic.
The third generation, represented by Klaas Kelner, continues this tradition by growing rare tobaccos and crafting refined cigars to satisfy the taste buds of cigar aficionados worldwide.
In his concluding remarks, Kelner expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in launching this new venture: “I would like to thank everyone that has helped us in this new adventure. Our suppliers, for allowing me to examine and taste each tobacco. Our clients, for believing in our blends and starting this journey together. And my family and friends for all the emotional support and love. Without you, this wouldn’t be possible!”
Plasencia 1865 Cigars has confirmed that the Plasencia Alma Del Fuego Cortez cigar, which was made exclusively for the Tobacconist Association of America (TAA) convention, is now being distributed to retailers across the country. The Alma Del Fuego blend, which secured the #13 spot on Aficionado’s Top 25 Cigars of 2019, was used to craft the Cortez, a limited production 5.7” x 56 Figurado.
According to Jose Luis Plasencia, Vice President of Plasencia 1865 Cigars, the company chose to feature Ometepe tobacco in this new vitola to highlight its distinct flavor, which is enriched by the volcanic soil it grows in.
As with all its products since the company’s establishment in 1865, Plasencia sourced only the finest tobacco for the Alma del Fuego Cortez. The result is a full-bodied smoke with “bold and fiery notes”.
The Plasencia Alma Del Fuego Cortez cigar is now being shipped to TAA member retailers. The cigar is available in 10 count boxes with a recommended retail price of $21 per cigar. According to Plasencia 1865 CEO, Nestor Andrés Plasencia, this cigar symbolizes the company’s passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence.
Cherubs by Room 101 and Luxury Cigar Club is the first Limited Edition offering available in Luxury Cigar Clubs Exclusives product line. Produced at Joya De Nicaragua, these Cherubs are limited Edition Cigars which are associated with the Johnny Tobacconaut Story line. The Cherubs will be available at Luxury Cigar Club and its Preferred retail partners. Shipping nationwide at the end of May 2022. The Cherubs are a head to head set of cigars available in 5 packs. The wrapper and filler on all of these cigars is the same, but the filler blend has adjusted ratios between the two cigar to create similar, but unique experiences.
Pre Orders Start May 6th at www.luxurycigarclub.com
Cherub 1: Scarlett Hog
Wrapper: Nicaraguan
Binder: Indonesian
Filler: Nicaraguan (Jalapa, Condega, Esteli)
Size: Toro 6×52
MSRP: $12.69
Production size: 1,000 packs of 5
On Thursday, April 28th, Agape Lifestyle Inc. launched Freud Cigar Co. and its debut blend, SuperEgo, at the world famous Carnegie Club in Midtown Manhattan. The company spared no expense, renting out Carnegie Club and providing a slew of special activations, all with a packed crowd full of aficionados of every kind. Amongst the din of chatter and background jazz music, one strikingly rare noise rises above: a live cigar rolling station featuring a torcedor from the famed Tabacalera William Ventura. On another side of the room, Wiber Ventura, the son of William Ventura and the head of Production for Freud Cigar Co, made his presence known by greeting every guest and explaining in detail the new product.
Under the umbrella of Agape Lifestyle Inc., Freud Cigar Co. was founded by two industry giants, Luis Torres and David Stadnyk. Luis Torres spent over ten years as a senior executive with Davidoff of Geneva and was the CEO of the Casa de Montecristo retail chain. David Stadnyk is a philanthropist and also the founder of Agape Lifestyle inc. The company was inspired by Dr. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis and a cigar enthusiast.
Wiber Ventura of Tabacalera William Ventura
The party itself featured an open bar with high-end wine, spirits, cocktails, decadent hors d’oeuvres, a world-famous portrait photographer (The Collective You) specializing in sophisticated black and white portraits, and interactions with Freud Cigar Co. owners Luis Torres & David Stadnyk. The decadent party attracted cigar aficionados from various states outside of the Tri-State area, influencers, and industry ambassadors such as Henderson from Adventura Cigar, Miguel Montanez A.K.A Mike la Chaveta, Jimmy G from Black Lion Luxury Cigar, and more.
With respect to the debut cigar itself, the SuperEgo comes wrapped in an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper, Sumatra binder, and filler tobaccos from Dominican and Nicaraguan. It launched with four vitolas: Robusto Extra (5″x54), Toro (6″x52), Magnum (6″x60), and Lonsdale (6 1/2″x42). The majority of the attendees received the magnum size, while a few lucky aficionados experienced the SuperEgo in Lonsdale.
The Freud SuperEgo is currently slated for blind review in the second half of 2022, so check back to see its official rating.
We congratulate Freud Cigar Co. on a successful launch, and thank them for bringing back the celebratory feeling which was so common at launch events of years past.
For more information about Freud Cigar Co. and their latest announcements, please visit their website.
The new-to-market cigar brand unites the experience and talents of proven cigar industry luminaries.
Delray Beach, FL– Agape Lifestyle Inc., an emerging corporation specializing in luxury goods, specifically a portfolio of cigars and spirits, today announces the launch of Freud Cigar Co., a new-to-market luxury cigar house built by a group of the industry’s leading executives and master blenders. Taking inspiration from Dr. Sigmund Freud, one of the most prominent cigar enthusiasts and public intellectuals in world history, founders David Stadnyk and Luis Torres conceived of Freud Cigar Co. from a shared passion for premium tobacco and elevated experiences. The result is expert-crafted, innovative, small-batch blends, the first of which will be available in May.
Freud Cigar Co. launches with its debut collection, SuperEgo, blended by Wiber Ventura, blending prodigy and son of William Ventura, the renowned grandmaster blender and currently Freud’s Head of Production, Quality Control and Chief of Factory. The name SuperEgo is inspired by one of the three agents in Freud’s model for psychoanalytic theory, namely, the moral standards by which the ego operates. Crafted at the Dominican Republic’s industry-leading Tabacalera William Ventura, the debut SuperEgo Collection features a blend that is a combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan filler, with a Sumatran binder and Ecuadorian wrapper that add to the complexity during the smoking experience. All tobacco has been aged for at least 3 and a half years or more. SuperEgo will launch in four sizes: Toro (6 x 52), Robusto Extra (5 x 54), Lonsdale (6.5 x 42) and Magnum (6 x 60). Cigars will be available for purchase nationally beginning in May, and will be distributed by Illusione Cigars out of Reno, Nevada, under the direction of Founder and industry icon Dion Giolito.
“I have been elated to blend and develop the SuperEgo collection for Freud Cigars,” says Wiber Ventura, Master Blender, Freud Cigar Co. “The opportunity to work with my peers across the industry on this bold new project has been an incredible experience, and I’m really looking forward to sharing what we’ve created with the cigar community.”
A seasoned luxury sales, retail and marketing executive with a decade of experience in the cigar space, Torres has led architecture, national operations, and growth strategy for some of the most prominent luxury cigar brands, spanning roles such as General Manager of Davidoff of Geneva’s US flagship store in New York, National Director of Retail for Davidoff of Geneva, and CEO of the largest luxury cigar retail chain, Casa de Montecristo. Torres brings a wealth of connections and knowledge that will support the future of the Freud brand, drawing upon additional sought-after talents in the industry who have experience crafting some of the world’s finest and rarest cigars.
“It has been an unbelievable journey to build this new and innovative brand with old friends and new friends, who are some of the most talented and respected leaders in the industry. I am thrilled for this first step, and for what is to come,” says Luis Torres, Co-Founder, Freud Cigar Co.
Under the umbrella of Agape Lifestyle Inc., Freud Cigar Co. has a strategic growth model with sales projections and product innovation into 2024 that will establish its status well beyond entry to the category and position it for sustained growth over the next 24 months.
The brand will expand with its next release to come later this year. For more information, please visit freudcigars.com.
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ABOUT FREUD CIGAR CO.
Owned by Agape Lifestyle Inc., Freud Cigar Co. was founded by Luis Torres and David Stadnyk, born from a shared passion for premium tobacco and elevated experiences. Uniting cigar industry talent, Freud Cigar Co. provides a rare opportunity for cigar industry luminaries to collaborate on their own collection for the luxury market. The result: innovative small-batch blends for discerning cigar consumers, rooted in the namesake of one of the most prominent cigars enthusiasts and public intellectuals of all time, Dr. Sigmund Freud. For more information, please visit freudcigars.com.
ABOUT AGAPE LIFESTYLE INC.
Agape Lifestyle Inc. is an emerging corporation with a growing collection of unique brands created for – and by – global tastemakers. Founded by leading financier and philanthropist David Stadnyk, Agape aims to serve as a global leader in luxury lifestyle products for discerning patrons. Curating products and experiences that are bold, sumptuous, and truly original, Agape Lifestyle Inc. launches its portfolio with the introduction of new-to-market luxury cigar house, Freud Cigar Co.
