JM Tobacco has recently announced the rebranding of Espanola Cigars, marking a new chapter for the brand with updated packaging. The relaunch is set to be accompanied by a series of unspecified events and promotions.
Anto Mahroukian, President at JM Tobacco, expressed enthusiasm about reintroducing Espanola Cigars to both loyal customers and the broader global cigar community. Mahroukian emphasized the company’s continued commitment to the craft of cigar-making and a steadfast focus on quality.
The initiative behind the new packaging is to enhance the Espanola Cigars experience, aiming to make it more distinctive and memorable for consumers. Details on the specific changes in packaging or the nature of upcoming events and promotions were not disclosed in the press release.
As JM Tobacco repositions Espanola Cigars in the market, it reflects the company’s adaptability and responsiveness to evolving consumer preferences while maintaining its core values of craftsmanship and quality in the cigar industry.
Quality Importers has expanded its product lineup with the launch of two new Humidor Supreme electronic cabinet humidors designed to accommodate the needs of growing cigar collections. The new offerings include the HS-9000, a double-door model, and the HS-9100, a more compact single-door version.
Cigar Humidor Comparison
Model
Dimensions (inches)
Storage Capacity
Price
HS-9000
75.6 x 24.4 x 27
2,000-2,500 cigars
$3,799.99
HS-9100
49.6 x 24.2 x 22.8
1,000-1,500 cigars
$2,999.99
The HS-9000 stands at 75.6 x 24.4 x 27 inches, providing a substantial storage capacity that ranges between 2,000-2,500 cigars. This larger model is available at a retail price of $3,799.99. For those requiring a smaller solution, the HS-9100 measures 49.6 x 24.2 x 22.8 inches and can hold between 1,000-1,500 cigars, with a price tag of $2,999.99.
Key to both models is their advanced humidification system, which is regulated via a digital panel. This system is connected to a large water reservoir and a self-regulating air-cooling circulation system, ensuring optimal conditions for cigar preservation with minimal maintenance. The company advises that the water tank requires simple cleaning every two months and refills with distilled water.
Storage in these humidors is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Spanish cedar pull-out drawers are designed for single cigars, while boxes can be accommodated on pull-out shelves. Further enhancing the user experience are features such as double-pane, UV-protected glass doors, interior LED lighting, a lock-and-key set, recessed handles, and adjustable leveling feet.
Jimmy Miudo, executive vice president of product design, sourcing, and business intelligence at Quality Importers, emphasized the convenience of these units, noting that they allow cigar enthusiasts to spend more time enjoying their cigars with an easy-to-maintain system.
Both the HS-9000 and HS-9100 models are currently available for purchase through Quality Importers Trading Co., offering sophisticated solutions for serious cigar collectors looking to preserve their investments in optimal conditions.
Villiger Cigars is preparing to launch its second Villiger de Nicaragua Edición Limitada, with the 2023 edition expected to hit American stores next month. This release follows the brand’s previous edition in 2022.
Cigar Details The Villiger de Nicaragua Edición Limitada 2023 is a 6 x 58 perfecto. It features an Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, paired with a Mexican binder and a blend of fillers from Nicaragua and Pennsylvania. Notably, this blend mirrors that of the 2022 release, which was available in toro and torpedo sizes.
Limited Production and Pricing In line with its limited edition status, production is capped at 500 boxes, each containing 10 cigars. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is set at $17 per cigar.
Manufacturing and Distribution The cigar is produced at Villiger de Nicaragua, the company’s facility in Estelí, Nicaragua. This factory represents a joint endeavor with Joya de Nicaragua. Villiger Cigars North America anticipates shipping the cigar by January 15th.
Availability The upcoming release of the Villiger de Nicaragua Edición Limitada 2023 marks another addition to Villiger’s line of premium cigars, offering a consistent blend that was appreciated in its previous year’s model.
Vlada Stojanov’s Somm Cigars has introduced a new cigar blend named “Somm Rioja”. Currently in its soft launch phase, this product is being distributed to a select group of consumers ahead of its national debut at the Tobacco Plus Expo (TPE) 2024, scheduled for January 31 to February 2 in Las Vegas.
Craftsmanship and Blend Details Somm Rioja is crafted using a three-year-old Dominican corojo wrapper, a three-year-old Sumatra binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic, aged between three and four years. This blend is a collaborative effort between Stojanov and Eladio Diaz’s Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera, based in the Dominican Republic.
Stojanov’s inspiration for this blend comes from the Rioja region of Spain, known for its Gran Reserva wines. The cigars are produced in two sizes:
Somm Rioja Robusto: Measuring 5 x 54, priced at $13.50 per cigar or $135 for a box of 10.
Somm Rioja Toro: Measuring 6 x 52, available at $14 per cigar or $140 for a box of 10.
Availability and Distribution Luxury Cigar Club, an online retailer and cigar subscription service, has already received a shipment of the Rioja blend. These cigars are being distributed to its subscription members.
Stojanov acknowledges the support he has received from Ben and Chris of Luxury Cigar Club, highlighting their contribution to his projects and their friendship.
Upcoming National Release The national release of Somm Rioja is highly anticipated at TPE 2024, offering a broader audience the opportunity to experience this new offering from Somm Cigars.
J.C. Newman Cigar Co., a notable name in the cigar industry, has unveiled its latest offering, The American All-Star Humidor. This product, set to be distributed to select cigar retailers in the United States, stands out for its unique construction: it’s made entirely from the wood of the 2011 NBA All-Star Game’s court.
The humidor, officially licensed and part of the NBA Reclaimed program, aims to give new life to game-used NBA courts. Each of these limited-edition humidors comes with 30 The American All-Star cigars, each representing an NBA team. Additionally, purchasers will receive a signed certificate of authenticity and a Boveda starter kit.
According to Drew Newman, fourth-generation owner of J.C. Newman, this initiative is a nod to both the American origins of basketball and the company’s longstanding history in the American cigar industry. Newman highlights the connection between the company’s founding and the inception of basketball.
Due to the limited availability of the authentic court wood, only 40 humidors have been produced. Each piece boasts a unique pattern, with parts of the blue three-point line incorporated into the design. The humidors are designed to hold up to 90 cigars and are lined with Spanish cedar. Handcrafted by Jason LeGear in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, each humidor is priced at $3,000.
The American All-Star cigars, exclusive to this humidor, are a new variant of J.C. Newman’s The American cigar brand. These cigars are rolled at the company’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, using a blend of 100% heirloom American tobaccos.
Of the 40 humidors created, 37 are destined for premium cigar retailers in the U.S. The company is reserving one for the NBA, adding one to its El Reloj cigar museum collection, and holding another in anticipation of interest from basketball legend Michael Jordan.
The 2011 NBA All-Star Game, the source of the wood for these humidors, was a notable event held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The game saw the Western Conference defeating the Eastern Conference, with Kobe Bryant named as the Most Valuable Player. The halftime show featured performances by Rihanna, Kanye West, and Drake.
This launch represents a unique intersection of sports history and the cigar industry, encapsulating a blend of American heritage, craftsmanship, and basketball culture.
