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Continuing a Legacy: Klaas Kelner Opens New Cigar Factory in the Dominican Republic

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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!”

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Plasencia Announces Nationwide Release of Exclusive Alma Del Fuego Cortez Cigar

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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.

Joya de Nicaragua Announces the Return of Clásico Original to The USA

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In 1968, Joya de Nicaragua made its debut and significantly contributed to the transformation of the town of Estelí in Northern Nicaragua into a cigar-making hub. The brand’s hand-rolled Nicaraguan cigars gained immense popularity in the U.S, becoming the country’s top choice for premium cigars within just 50 years.

To celebrate their 55th anniversary, Joya de Nicaragua announced the U.S return of the Joya de Nicaragua Clásico Original, the first Nicaraguan cigar to be exported and even the chosen cigar at the White House. According to the company’s Executive President, Juan Martinez, the Clásico is a perfect introduction to the world of cigars, with a delicate taste that appeals to beginners.

In terms of production, the Clásico Original, will only be available to Club de Amigos of JDN members, a community created for Joya de Nicaragua’s top retailers. The Clásico Original features an Ecuadorian Connecticut shade wrapper and rich Nicaraguan fillers and binders, resulting in a smooth, woody, and subtle smoke with hints of creaminess and pepper.

Available in four formats, each in 25-count boxes, the cigars are priced as follows: Robusto 5 X 50 ($8), Toro 6 X 50 ($9), Churchill 6 7/8 X 48 ($9), and Torpedo 6 X 52 ($9).

The Clásico Original will be showcased at the PCA Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas this July, and at Intertabac in Dortmund, Germany, in September 2023.

Noble Cigars Act One Toro

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Noble Cigars seems to be a new outifit in the boutique cigar market that is headquartered in Lakeland, FL. Production appears to be out of the Domincian Republic. I heard a rumor the cigars are manufactured out of La Auroras’ factory, however, their web presence doesnt really verify that grape vine. Noble Cigars, also seems to be a partnership between three cigar entusiatsts: Elizabeth Santos, Eddy M. Santos, and Jon Gjebrea. The cigar company is obviously in their budding stages, from their tiny SEO impression, but after being ever-so-slightly impressed by the Noble Cigars Act One Toro, I’d say they’re worth checking out.

Blend Specifics

  • Cigar Reviewed: Noble Cigars Act One Toro
  • Wrapper: Broadleaf Claro
  • Binder: Dominican
  • Filler: Dominican
  • Size: 6×52

Blind Review Notes: Noble Cigars Act One Toro

Appearance & Construction

The cigar is a sturdily packed habano toro with a triple cap.  It dons a very rustic striated wrapper that not only looks like a weathered leather jacket but feels like one too.

Flavor & Smoke Characteristics

The cigars wrapper leaf smells of hay and straw bales with lots of sweet chocolate on the foot. The cold draw has some resistance with lots of dank cedar and pepper on the breath. The cigar toasts very nicely, but needs a good fire to combust.

First puff is leather, cocoa and pepper steak. A little microwave popcorn.  Tongue tingling Pepper.  Woody back notes.  The tobacco really wets the palate. There’s something very earthy and planty about the taste on the front end. There is a lot going on here.  Trying to find some harmony.  The pepper really gets in the way. The thickness of the wrapper leaf doesn’t add to he straightest burn line but the cigar self corrects with ease. First third ends with a lot more leather and a nice peanut note that compliments it quite nicely. 

Second third opens ups with the pepper falling out of the flavor profile completely.  I don’t know if that’s a good or bad thing yet.  Lots of leather cocoa, nuts, some baking spices, and this planty backbone I want to compare to moist coffee grounds that were left in their drip filters.  The ash build up is solid.  I have to monitor the heat a little bit. I might be enjoying the smoke a little too much.  I’m really just trying to make sense of the cigar. The cigar is a slow burner and should be treated with respect.  I’m still in awe of the wrapper leaf.  It feels like it just came off a pilon. Leather retro with chocolate aroma. Smooth body.

On the last third the beautiful ash build-up breaks off in my lap.  Not the best impression I want to make in front of a tough crowd at a nice cigar lounge I’m a guest at for the day. The flavor profile mellows out more.  The baking spices, mainly cinnamon, and the leather lead the pack.  Black coffee on the backend. A nice hot cocoa note has been coming in and out throughout the smoking experience.  Sweet chocolate aroma.  Leathery retrohale. The tobacco goes through phases of drying out my palate and resetting it. A very woody finish.

Conclusion

In conclusion I found smoking the Noble Cigars Act One Toro to be a little boring.  If you know me by now, you know I’m bias to shorter smokes.  However, I found nothing really wrong with the Noble Cigars Act One Toro.  The cigar does what’s it’s supposed to do.  It smoked beautifully and offered some minor complexity and nuances, but not much. Perhaps it just needs more time in the aging room? However, the wrapper leaf is truly something to behold. It’s like a suit of armor! The Noble Cigars Act One Toro may not be for me, but it’s definitely for some one else. My American palate would of course enjoyed a little sweetness to add into the mix, or even a little bit more body to the smoke. It was smooth and woody like a small camp fire, with nothing loud outside of the first third.  Enjoy!

Final Score: 87

Curivari Launches Buenaventura Maduro

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Curivari, known for the creation of the Buenaventura cigar line a decade ago, is now expanding its portfolio with the introduction of Buenaventura Maduro. The original Buenaventura blend quickly garnered attention, securing the #7 position in Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 cigars of the Year in 2013.

Since then, Curivari has introduced several successful variants, including the Buenaventura Cremas, Pralines, and Dimensiones, all of which received accolades and mentions in Best Buy Cigars of the Year and Top 25 lists.

The new Buenaventura Maduro, developed using selected Nicaraguan tobaccos and a San Andres Maduro wrapper, presents an evolved sensory experience. The cigar is expected to offer natural sweetness with notes of cocoa, dried fruit, spices, and coffee.

Available in five sizes, the Buenaventura Maduro will be showcased at the upcoming PCA Trade Show and will be available for shipping from August 2023. The MSRP ranges from $5.50 to $9.00. This latest addition marks a significant development in the Buenaventura line.

BRAND SIZEDIMENSIONSMSRPBOX COUNT
      
BUENAVENTURA–BV 500 MAD5 1/4 x 50$75.0010
MADURO BV 560 MAD5 1/2 x 56$80.0010
 BV 600 MAD6 x 60$90.0010
 MINI BV MAD3 1/2 X 50$110.0020
 PETIT BV MAD  4 1/4 X 54$130.0020

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  • Full Cigar Name: Buenaventura Maduro
  • Wrapper (Country of Origin): Mexico
  • Binder (Country of Origin): Nicaragua
  • Filler (Country of Origin): Nicaragua
  • Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
  • FACTORY : TABACALERA DE NICARAGUA S.A.
  • Country of Manufacture: Nicaragua
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