Each year at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Gurkha introduces several new releases, and 2025 was no exception. A few years ago, Gurkha decided to emphasize its capabilities as a cigar maker, which led to a more simplified packaging approach. However, in the past couple of years, Gurkha has returned to its roots with more ornate and elaborate packaging while continuing to enhance its cigar-making skills. Additionally, the 2025 PCA Trade Show featured the unveiling of a new brand,...
May 24, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2463
Each year at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, Gurkha introduces several new releases, and 2025 was no exception. A few years ago, Gurkha decided to emphasize its capabilities as a cigar maker, which led to a more simplified packaging approach. However, in the past couple of years, Gurkha has returned to its roots with more ornate and elaborate packaging while continuing to enhance its cigar-making skills. Additionally, the 2025 PCA Trade Show featured the unveiling of a new brand,...
May 24, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2462
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 159, we present Down the Rabbit Hole #9– our 9th installment of this series. This time we are joined by a very special guest, co-founder and President of Crowned Heads, Jon Huber The concept works as follows: Jon, Dave and Coop start with a familiar song and then go down the path of selecting a song inspired by that song. Each will go through multiple iterations of this exercise and choose a song from the inspired previous song selected. Ultimately, we will see wher...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 2461
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 159, we present Down the Rabbit Hole #9– our 9th installment of this series. This time we are joined by a very special guest, co-founder and President of Crowned Heads, Jon Huber The concept works as follows: Jon, Dave and Coop start with a familiar song and then go down the path of selecting a song inspired by that song. Each will go through multiple iterations of this exercise and choose a song from the inspired previous song selected. Ultimately, we will see wher...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 2460
For Artista Cigars, the story of the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show continues to be around its portfolio restructuring, and in particular, the company's eponymous Artista brand. The most notable change is the introduction of a new blend in the Artista brand called the Artista Colorado. With the addition of the Colorado, along with the recent announcements of Puro Ambar and Cimarron joining the Artista lineup, there are now six different lines under the Artista brand. Full PCA Re...
May 23, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2459
For Artista Cigars, the story of the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show continues to be around its portfolio restructuring, and in particular, the company's eponymous Artista brand. The most notable change is the introduction of a new blend in the Artista brand called the Artista Colorado. With the addition of the Colorado, along with the recent announcements of Puro Ambar and Cimarron joining the Artista lineup, there are now six different lines under the Artista brand. Full PCA Re...
May 23, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2458
My Father Cigars would mark two big milestones at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . First up, the company is launching its first Honduran made cigar, the My Father Blue. Not only is My Father Blue being made at the Garcia's new Honduran factory, but it features tobacco grown on the Garcia family farms in Honduras. Second up, the Don Pepin Garcia brand is marking another milestone. This one celebrates 20 years of one of the company's oldest. As always the products were on disp...
May 23, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2457
My Father Cigars would mark two big milestones at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . First up, the company is launching its first Honduran made cigar, the My Father Blue. Not only is My Father Blue being made at the Garcia's new Honduran factory, but it features tobacco grown on the Garcia family farms in Honduras. Second up, the Don Pepin Garcia brand is marking another milestone. This one celebrates 20 years of one of the company's oldest. As always the products were on disp...
May 23, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2456
For Prime Time Episode 341, we are honored to welcome back Omar de Frias of Fratello Cigars as our special guest. We know one thing, Omar will bring a lot of excitement and energy to the show tonight. It’s been 12 years since we first took the journey with Omar down #FratlelloRoad, and things just don’t seem to slow down. We’ll catch up with Omar and he some of the stories from #FratelloRoad. References The Cigar Authority Dance Off Pants Off 5 Boutique Cigar Pointers | Cigar Advisor...
May 23, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 2455
For Prime Time Episode 341, we are honored to welcome back Omar de Frias of Fratello Cigars as our special guest. We know one thing, Omar will bring a lot of excitement and energy to the show tonight. It’s been 12 years since we first took the journey with Omar down #FratlelloRoad, and things just don’t seem to slow down. We’ll catch up with Omar and he some of the stories from #FratelloRoad. References The Cigar Authority Dance Off Pants Off 5 Boutique Cigar Pointers | Cigar Advisor...
May 23, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 2454
One company that debuted at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was ChiMolly Cigars. Each year at the PCA Trade Show, Erron Nielsen scopes out new companies each year, hoping to find a new gem. Very early at the 2025 PCA Trade Show, Erron was immediately impressed by the ChiMolly cigars. While unfamiliar with this brand, we quickly got on board with it after Erron's discovery. ChiMolly is a company that incorporates Chinese culture into the premium cigar line. Zhuofeng Weng blend...
May 22, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2453
One company that debuted at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was ChiMolly Cigars. Each year at the PCA Trade Show, Erron Nielsen scopes out new companies each year, hoping to find a new gem. Very early at the 2025 PCA Trade Show, Erron was immediately impressed by the ChiMolly cigars. While unfamiliar with this brand, we quickly got on board with it after Erron's discovery. ChiMolly is a company that incorporates Chinese culture into the premium cigar line. Zhuofeng Weng blend...
May 22, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2452
Rocky Patel Premium Cigars consistently ranks among the busiest booths at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. On Day Three, the Coalition Team dropped by the booth, which was still alive with energy. A key highlight was the celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary, a milestone that owner Rocky Patel takes immense pride in. However, this year’s show marked a departure from past events. A decade ago, it was typical for Rocky Patel to unveil multiple new ...
May 22, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2451
Rocky Patel Premium Cigars consistently ranks among the busiest booths at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. On Day Three, the Coalition Team dropped by the booth, which was still alive with energy. A key highlight was the celebration of the company’s 30th anniversary, a milestone that owner Rocky Patel takes immense pride in. However, this year’s show marked a departure from past events. A decade ago, it was typical for Rocky Patel to unveil multiple new ...
May 22, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2450
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show , Matilde Cigars paid homage to its late founder, José Seijas. Before founding Matilde Cigars, José Seijas was best known for his tenure at Tabacalera de Garcia, where he served as Master Blender and Vice President of Operations. Seijas passed away in November 2024 from Parkinson's disease. He was 74 years old. This year, José's son Enrique released a cigar with his father's name on it. The cigar not only pays tribute to Seijas, but Matilde ...
May 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2449
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show , Matilde Cigars paid homage to its late founder, José Seijas. Before founding Matilde Cigars, José Seijas was best known for his tenure at Tabacalera de Garcia, where he served as Master Blender and Vice President of Operations. Seijas passed away in November 2024 from Parkinson's disease. He was 74 years old. This year, José's son Enrique released a cigar with his father's name on it. The cigar not only pays tribute to Seijas, but Matilde ...
May 21, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2448
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show marked the fourth appearance for West Tampa Tobacco Co, which was established by Rick Rodriguez and Gus Martinez. This year, the booth centered around the theme of limited editions. The first highlight is a new "Chef Rick" cigar that pays tribute to West Tampa’s culinary specialty, the Devil Crab. Following that is West Tampa's most exclusive release yet, a cigar named Dark Time, known for its ultra-premium quality. Full PCA Report: https://wp....
May 21, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2447
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show marked the fourth appearance for West Tampa Tobacco Co, which was established by Rick Rodriguez and Gus Martinez. This year, the booth centered around the theme of limited editions. The first highlight is a new "Chef Rick" cigar that pays tribute to West Tampa’s culinary specialty, the Devil Crab. Following that is West Tampa's most exclusive release yet, a cigar named Dark Time, known for its ultra-premium quality. Full PCA Report: https://wp....
May 21, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2446
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, United Cigars embraced a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue. This year, the company launched a new regular production line, introduced several new Firecracker variants, and showcased its Humibag offerings, all centered around an American theme. In a surprising twist, United also decided to cut prices on its signature line, particularly noteworthy given that many cigar companies are raising their prices in response to new tariffs impact...
May 20, 2025•10 min•Ep. 2445
At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, United Cigars embraced a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue. This year, the company launched a new regular production line, introduced several new Firecracker variants, and showcased its Humibag offerings, all centered around an American theme. In a surprising twist, United also decided to cut prices on its signature line, particularly noteworthy given that many cigar companies are raising their prices in response to new tariffs impact...
May 20, 2025•10 min•Ep. 2444
The story at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show at JRE Tobacco Co was Julio R. Eiroa. While Julio was not at the show, his presence was felt from the day the show opened. That is because the Trade Show opened with a preview of the upcoming docudrama Hand Rolled: Julio R. Eiroa. As the name indicates, this installment tells the story of legendary grower and cigar maker, Julio R. Eiroa . Julio is the father of Christian and Justo Eiroa , who are also featured in the movie. However...
May 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2443
The story at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show at JRE Tobacco Co was Julio R. Eiroa. While Julio was not at the show, his presence was felt from the day the show opened. That is because the Trade Show opened with a preview of the upcoming docudrama Hand Rolled: Julio R. Eiroa. As the name indicates, this installment tells the story of legendary grower and cigar maker, Julio R. Eiroa . Julio is the father of Christian and Justo Eiroa , who are also featured in the movie. However...
May 20, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2442
Crowned Heads had a lot of big news at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. One piece of big news is the retirement of co-owner Mike Condor after 45 years in the cigar business. Tim Ozgener is the new CEO, and longtime partner Jon Huber is the company President. Huber remains the creative force of Crowned Heads, and he spearheaded one of Crowned Heads' most significant endeavors to date - the portfolio rebranding. As usual, Crowned Heads has a new line: a Connecticut Broadleaf of...
May 19, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2441
Crowned Heads had a lot of big news at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. One piece of big news is the retirement of co-owner Mike Condor after 45 years in the cigar business. Tim Ozgener is the new CEO, and longtime partner Jon Huber is the company President. Huber remains the creative force of Crowned Heads, and he spearheaded one of Crowned Heads' most significant endeavors to date - the portfolio rebranding. As usual, Crowned Heads has a new line: a Connecticut Broadleaf of...
May 19, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2440
After a one-year absence, 2025 marked a return of Alec Bradley to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Alec Bradley was not at the 2024 Trade Show because partner company STG decided to alternate between the brands of General and Forged, and 2024 was a year for General. It was odd not seeing Alec Bradley at the Trade Show, as they had been a staple of PCA/IPCPR Trade Shows for as long as I can remember. Therefore, seeing Alec Bradley back at the Trade Show was great. Overall, this was...
May 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2439
After a one-year absence, 2025 marked a return of Alec Bradley to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Alec Bradley was not at the 2024 Trade Show because partner company STG decided to alternate between the brands of General and Forged, and 2024 was a year for General. It was odd not seeing Alec Bradley at the Trade Show, as they had been a staple of PCA/IPCPR Trade Shows for as long as I can remember. Therefore, seeing Alec Bradley back at the Trade Show was great. Overall, this was...
May 19, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2438
One of the bigger announcements heading into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Luciano Cigars entering into a joint partnership with Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT) to form Constella Group. While both Luciano and EMT will be integrating operations, each will also keep their own identities. Co-Owner Luciano Meirelles has said Constella Group is like an umbrella company for various Luciano Cigars and EMT brands, much like Altadis and STG, which are holding companies fo...
May 18, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2437
One of the bigger announcements heading into the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Luciano Cigars entering into a joint partnership with Empresa Madeirense de Tabacos SA (EMT) to form Constella Group. While both Luciano and EMT will be integrating operations, each will also keep their own identities. Co-Owner Luciano Meirelles has said Constella Group is like an umbrella company for various Luciano Cigars and EMT brands, much like Altadis and STG, which are holding companies fo...
May 18, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2436
Our visit to the La Flor Dominicana booth at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show continues an annual tradition for the Cigar Coop Coalition team. This year, the difference is that the LFD sales team has a new Vice President in Litto Gomez Jr, and a new branding and marketing Vice President in Eddy Guerra. Since sales is a primary activity at the Trade Show, this was Litto Jr's show. Watching Litto Jr, he handled his responsibilities with poise and confidence. We were thrilled to ...
May 18, 2025•20 min•Ep. 2435
Our visit to the La Flor Dominicana booth at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show continues an annual tradition for the Cigar Coop Coalition team. This year, the difference is that the LFD sales team has a new Vice President in Litto Gomez Jr, and a new branding and marketing Vice President in Eddy Guerra. Since sales is a primary activity at the Trade Show, this was Litto Jr's show. Watching Litto Jr, he handled his responsibilities with poise and confidence. We were thrilled to ...
May 18, 2025•20 min•Ep. 2434
