Aging Room is one of the brands featured by Altadis U.S.A. at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. What sets Aging Room apart from the others is that it was founded and is owned by Rafael Nodal, who also holds the position of Vice President of Product Capability at Altadis, the distributor of Aging Room cigars. Over the past five years, the standout offering from Aging Room has been the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua, a box-pressed line crafted by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. This ye...
May 17, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2433
Aging Room is one of the brands featured by Altadis U.S.A. at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. What sets Aging Room apart from the others is that it was founded and is owned by Rafael Nodal, who also holds the position of Vice President of Product Capability at Altadis, the distributor of Aging Room cigars. Over the past five years, the standout offering from Aging Room has been the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua, a box-pressed line crafted by AJ Fernandez in Nicaragua. This ye...
May 17, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2432
After missing the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Selected Tobacco returned to the 2025 Trade Show. It allowed the Cigar Coop Coalition team to award owner Nelson Alfonso and his family the #2 Cigar of the Year award for 2023 for the Alfonso Extra Añejo No. 2. As always, visiting the Selected Tobacco booth offers an experience akin to that of a luxury car showroom. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wz8
May 17, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2431
After missing the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Selected Tobacco returned to the 2025 Trade Show. It allowed the Cigar Coop Coalition team to award owner Nelson Alfonso and his family the #2 Cigar of the Year award for 2023 for the Alfonso Extra Añejo No. 2. As always, visiting the Selected Tobacco booth offers an experience akin to that of a luxury car showroom. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wz8
May 17, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2430
Room101 was one of several brands featured by Forged Cigar Company at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. For as long as Cigar Coop has been coming to the PCA/IPCPR Trade Show, Matt Booth and his Room101 brand have been present. This year was a year where Booth and the Room101 brand could reflect on some accomplishments. First, Room101 is celebrating 15 years in the cigar industry, and second, Room101 is celebrating ten years of one of its popular brands - Johnny Tobacconaut. Fu...
May 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2429
Room101 was one of several brands featured by Forged Cigar Company at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. For as long as Cigar Coop has been coming to the PCA/IPCPR Trade Show, Matt Booth and his Room101 brand have been present. This year was a year where Booth and the Room101 brand could reflect on some accomplishments. First, Room101 is celebrating 15 years in the cigar industry, and second, Room101 is celebrating ten years of one of its popular brands - Johnny Tobacconaut. Fu...
May 16, 2025•13 min•Ep. 2428
Espinosa Premium Cigars was once again center-stage at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. The company had a large lineup of products it was introducing. This year, two brands were highlighted by Espinosa - 601 La Bomba Warhead and, of course, Guy Fieri's Knuckle Sandwich line. This was a big year for Warhead; not only were there four Warhead releases, but Espinosa also debuted a new packaging design for three of the four. Speaking of Guy Fieri, he was again in attendance at the...
May 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2427
Espinosa Premium Cigars was once again center-stage at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. The company had a large lineup of products it was introducing. This year, two brands were highlighted by Espinosa - 601 La Bomba Warhead and, of course, Guy Fieri's Knuckle Sandwich line. This was a big year for Warhead; not only were there four Warhead releases, but Espinosa also debuted a new packaging design for three of the four. Speaking of Guy Fieri, he was again in attendance at the...
May 16, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2426
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was the first for Bentley Tobacco. Bentley Tobacco traces its roots back to 1878, when it started out as a pipe manufacturer. After nearly a century in business, the company broadened its mission to include premium tobacco products, with a particular focus on high-end cigars. Martin Schuster, representing the Schuster family, leads Bentley Tobacco. Until recently, the company primarily centered its efforts in Europe. However, late last year saw...
May 15, 2025•19 min•Ep. 2425
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was the first for Bentley Tobacco. Bentley Tobacco traces its roots back to 1878, when it started out as a pipe manufacturer. After nearly a century in business, the company broadened its mission to include premium tobacco products, with a particular focus on high-end cigars. Martin Schuster, representing the Schuster family, leads Bentley Tobacco. Until recently, the company primarily centered its efforts in Europe. However, late last year saw...
May 15, 2025•19 min•Ep. 2424
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Drew Estate showcased a blend of traditional and innovative elements. On the conventional front, their brands were on display, and sales orders were being processed as usual. However, the real highlight was the non-traditional aspect: Drew Estate introduced its Tour de Liga event to the PCA. This immersive experience, which had previously taken place in Arizona, takes participants through the intricate cigar-making process and includes toba...
May 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 2423
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Drew Estate showcased a blend of traditional and innovative elements. On the conventional front, their brands were on display, and sales orders were being processed as usual. However, the real highlight was the non-traditional aspect: Drew Estate introduced its Tour de Liga event to the PCA. This immersive experience, which had previously taken place in Arizona, takes participants through the intricate cigar-making process and includes toba...
May 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 2422
Much the same as in 2024, De Los Reyes Cigars focused on its Don Julio brand at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . If you look at De Los Reyes' portfolio, you will see two key brands: Saga and Don Julio. The Don Julio line pays tribute to Don Julio Samuel Reyes Fermin, a third-generation member of the Reyes family, who was renowned as one of the industry's legendary growers. Notably, Don Julio is De Los Reyes Cigars' most premium line. This year, the company is releasing the s...
May 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2421
Much the same as in 2024, De Los Reyes Cigars focused on its Don Julio brand at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . If you look at De Los Reyes' portfolio, you will see two key brands: Saga and Don Julio. The Don Julio line pays tribute to Don Julio Samuel Reyes Fermin, a third-generation member of the Reyes family, who was renowned as one of the industry's legendary growers. Notably, Don Julio is De Los Reyes Cigars' most premium line. This year, the company is releasing the s...
May 14, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2420
H. Upmann was one of several new brands showcased by Altadis U.S.A. at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . In recent years, the partnership between AJ Fernandez and Altadis U.S.A. has proven to be highly successful. One notable outcome of this collaboration is the introduction of H. Upmann-branded cigars made by AJ Fernandez. This partnership has enabled Altadis U.S.A. to continue innovating within the H. Upmann brand and connect with new consumers. In 2025, Altadis U.S.A. intr...
May 14, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2419
H. Upmann was one of several new brands showcased by Altadis U.S.A. at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . In recent years, the partnership between AJ Fernandez and Altadis U.S.A. has proven to be highly successful. One notable outcome of this collaboration is the introduction of H. Upmann-branded cigars made by AJ Fernandez. This partnership has enabled Altadis U.S.A. to continue innovating within the H. Upmann brand and connect with new consumers. In 2025, Altadis U.S.A. intr...
May 14, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2418
On Prime Time Special Edition 175, Bear and Coop welcome Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars to the SE side of the house. On Saturday May 17, the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes will be run. Stolen Throne Cigars was commissioned to make a cigar commemorating this milestone edition of the race. We will talk about the story behind this cigar, plus give some insights into the race. Plus we will catch up on all of the happenings at Stolen Throne Cigars. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco ...
May 14, 2025•3 hr 35 min•Ep. 2417
On Prime Time Special Edition 175, Bear and Coop welcome Lee Marsh of Stolen Throne Cigars to the SE side of the house. On Saturday May 17, the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes will be run. Stolen Throne Cigars was commissioned to make a cigar commemorating this milestone edition of the race. We will talk about the story behind this cigar, plus give some insights into the race. Plus we will catch up on all of the happenings at Stolen Throne Cigars. Plus we will have our Artesano de Tobacco ...
May 14, 2025•3 hr 35 min•Ep. 2416
Artesano Del Tobacco came into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show with some newer offerings. The company works closely with AJ Fernandez Cigars to handle its production. While the recent fire affected many of AJ's clients, Artesano Del Tobacco was able to introduce its new products into the market. This year, the big news for Artesano Del Tobacco is the company's first Connecticut Shade offering, which falls under the Viva La Vida line. This follows up on a recent lancero line e...
May 13, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2415
Artesano Del Tobacco came into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show with some newer offerings. The company works closely with AJ Fernandez Cigars to handle its production. While the recent fire affected many of AJ's clients, Artesano Del Tobacco was able to introduce its new products into the market. This year, the big news for Artesano Del Tobacco is the company's first Connecticut Shade offering, which falls under the Viva La Vida line. This follows up on a recent lancero line e...
May 13, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2414
Cavalier Genève has focused on expanding its portfolio to include new brands such as Inner Circle and Tres Delincuentes for the past few years. Still, at PCA 2025, the focus turned back to the eponymous gold diamond line. This year, Cavalier Genève introduced a new blend featuring a Broadleaf wrapper. In addition, this line features a different concept for how it is being released. In addition, once again, Cavalier Genève has its signature limited edition release. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 2413
Cavalier Genève has focused on expanding its portfolio to include new brands such as Inner Circle and Tres Delincuentes for the past few years. Still, at PCA 2025, the focus turned back to the eponymous gold diamond line. This year, Cavalier Genève introduced a new blend featuring a Broadleaf wrapper. In addition, this line features a different concept for how it is being released. In addition, once again, Cavalier Genève has its signature limited edition release. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/...
May 13, 2025•14 min•Ep. 2412
El Rey Del Mundo was one of the many brands Forged Cigar Company showcased at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . El Rey del Mundo is a Cuban heritage brand where Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) sells a non-Cuban version. When STG spun off Forged Cigar Company in 2021, one of the first things it did was to take the El Rey del Mundo line and put it under the Forged umbrella. Previously, El Rey del Mundo was sold through JR Cigar and distributed through Santa Clara Cigars. This ...
May 12, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2411
El Rey Del Mundo was one of the many brands Forged Cigar Company showcased at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . El Rey del Mundo is a Cuban heritage brand where Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG) sells a non-Cuban version. When STG spun off Forged Cigar Company in 2021, one of the first things it did was to take the El Rey del Mundo line and put it under the Forged umbrella. Previously, El Rey del Mundo was sold through JR Cigar and distributed through Santa Clara Cigars. This ...
May 12, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2410
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show saw Altadis U.S.A.'s Romeo y Julieta take center stage. Having covered the PCA Trade Show for 15 years, I can honestly say that I have never seen an exhibit quite like the one for Romeo y Julieta. Although Altadis U.S.A. was my "company" going into the Trade Show, I didn't expect to witness something at the level of Romeo y Julieta. Their exhibit was essentially a booth within a booth, showcasing the rich history of this iconic brand. The highl...
May 10, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2409
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show saw Altadis U.S.A.'s Romeo y Julieta take center stage. Having covered the PCA Trade Show for 15 years, I can honestly say that I have never seen an exhibit quite like the one for Romeo y Julieta. Although Altadis U.S.A. was my "company" going into the Trade Show, I didn't expect to witness something at the level of Romeo y Julieta. Their exhibit was essentially a booth within a booth, showcasing the rich history of this iconic brand. The highl...
May 10, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2408
Toscano Cigars is always one of our favorite booths to visit at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. It's not just about seeing what's new, but with Toscano, you get a piece of Italy and, in particular, Italian cigar making. Brand Ambassador Michael Cappellini has a wealth of information, and he reminded us that Toscano has been around for a long time. In fact, Toscano produced cigars through two World Wars - an amazing feat in itself. As in the past, Toscan...
May 10, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2407
Toscano Cigars is always one of our favorite booths to visit at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. It's not just about seeing what's new, but with Toscano, you get a piece of Italy and, in particular, Italian cigar making. Brand Ambassador Michael Cappellini has a wealth of information, and he reminded us that Toscano has been around for a long time. In fact, Toscano produced cigars through two World Wars - an amazing feat in itself. As in the past, Toscan...
May 10, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2406
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Miami Cigar & Company introduced a new brand in its portfolio called Outcast Cigars. Miami Cigar currently has the Nestor Miranda, Tatiana, and Don Lino brands. While Miami Cigar is no stranger to contemporary branding, Outcast takes things to a different level with this release. It's a distinct look and a different type of blend. Consequently, Outcast fits with Miami Cigar's mantra of "taking their own route." Company founder Nestor Mi...
May 09, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2405
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Miami Cigar & Company introduced a new brand in its portfolio called Outcast Cigars. Miami Cigar currently has the Nestor Miranda, Tatiana, and Don Lino brands. While Miami Cigar is no stranger to contemporary branding, Outcast takes things to a different level with this release. It's a distinct look and a different type of blend. Consequently, Outcast fits with Miami Cigar's mantra of "taking their own route." Company founder Nestor Mi...
May 09, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2404
