A Giant and a Wrecking Ball

Living in Spain, it’s hard to find different cigars to smoke. The stores mostly just sell the same few brands, like Macanudo, CAO, and Vega Fina. I can get all the Cuban cigars, but they’re expensive and, honestly, sometimes they all taste the same. The only time I really get to try new and unique cigars is when I’m on the Meet in the Middle Cigar Show.

It’s obvious that Hyacinth and I pretty much stopped smoking Cuban cigars. The new prices are scary high, and I think the USA is heading toward a market where non-Cuban cigars are just unaffordable luxury items.

Only the giant companies will be able to survive, and they’ll just keep raising their prices. Regular folks like us will suffer, smoking fewer cigars each week while paying the same, or even more, money.

Collabs, Collabs, Collabs

I can’t say this enough: companies need to team up. There’s real power in combining their audiences. For example, many of you found Privada Cigar Club through LeeMack912, which shows how much a good collaboration matters.

We need to help each other. Think of it like a row of restaurants on a beach, if one restaurant is bad, word gets out. That bad restautrant makes people think all the other restaurants on that strip are bad, too. The other restaurants by helping each other do well, everyone wins.

Let’s get into the releases and news of the week.

EP Carrillo Battleborn

This limited edition release comes in a hefty “Warrior” vitola measuring 6 x 56, priced at $22.00 per cigar. The blend features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over a combination of Mexican and Nicaraguan binders, with all-Nicaraguan fillers. Expect these cigars to begin shipping to retailers in mid-October. I’m excited about this one.

Davidoff Chefs Edition 2025

The latest installment in this ultra-premium series is a Toro sized at 6.25 x 52, carrying a significant MSRP of $55.00. It is constructed with an Ecuadorian wrapper, a Mexican binder, and Dominican fillers. This highly anticipated limited edition is arriving at appointed merchants now. That’s a steep price, but I’m very curious to see the reviews.

Warped Isla Del Cocodrilo Int’l

This release is an international exclusive, packaged in a 6.5 x 54 Toro Grande with an $18.00 price point. The blend consists of an Ecuador Habano wrapper, binders from Ecuador and Brazil, and a filler mix from Nicaragua and Peru. Enthusiasts outside the US can look for this cigar to begin shipping this fall. I wish this was coming to the US, that blend sounds fantastic.

La Aurora Especiales

Offered in two popular sizes, a Robusto (5×50) and a Toro (5.75×54), this line is priced between $13.50 and $15.00. This special cigar is a limited fundraiser for the PCA, featuring an Ecuadorian wrapper grown from Cameroon seed, a Dominican binder, and fillers from Pennsylvania and the Dominican Republic. It is arriving at participating retailers now. I’ll definitely be trying to pick one of these up to support the cause.

J.C. Newman Bricktoberfest 2025

J.C. Newman is preparing its annual “Bricktoberfest” release, which is traditionally tied to a special October promotion. While the specific vitola, blend details, and MSRP have not yet been announced, this will be a limited edition release. Further details are expected as the promotion approaches. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with it this year.

Natura Petit Altura

Debuting at the InterTabac trade show, this new cigar is a 4 x 39 Petit Corona priced at an accessible $9.49. It is a notable Dominican Puro, meaning all of its tobacco (wrapper, binder, and filler) is sourced from high-altitude farms in the Dominican Republic. Availability following its debut is yet to be detailed. That small size and price point make it rather expensive when you think about it. Yikes for a Domican cigar? Uh Oh.

Micallef Green

I spoke about this last week, Micallef continues its popular Color Series with the introduction of “Green,” the fifth cigar in the collection. Details regarding its vitola, price, and blend composition are still to be determined. This new release is scheduled to begin arriving at retailers now. I’ve been waiting for this one and can’t wait to smoke it.

Ashton La Aroma de Cuba Habano Reserve

Ashton is releasing a new limited-edition version of its La Aroma de Cuba Habano Reserve line. Specifics on the vitola, blend, and pricing have not yet been disclosed by the company. Fans of the brand can look for this limited release as it is shipping to stores now. I’m an old sckool fan of this line, so I’m definitely grabbing one when if see it.

See you next Sunday on the show! – Mark