Topper Cigar Company is a regular stop for the Cigar Coop Coalition team at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. Last year, Topper Cigar Company made a significant release with the Topper 1894 line, a cigar celebrating its 130th anniversary. This release came just three years after the company launched its 125th-anniversary cigar. The reason for this accelerated timeline is that Topper has historically traced its company's founding back to 1896. However, Chr...
May 30, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2495
Topper Cigar Company is a regular stop for the Cigar Coop Coalition team at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no exception. Last year, Topper Cigar Company made a significant release with the Topper 1894 line, a cigar celebrating its 130th anniversary. This release came just three years after the company launched its 125th-anniversary cigar. The reason for this accelerated timeline is that Topper has historically traced its company's founding back to 1896. However, Chr...
May 30, 2025•7 min•Ep. 2494
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show saw Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. go back to its roots with its two new releases. Over the past decade, Oscar Valladares has built a significant factory and farming operation in Honduras. One of the first people Valladares started working with was Jim Robinson, a Pittsburgh retailer. That project would be the Leaf by Oscar. Subsequently, Valladares would then produce the line synonymous with Robinson, Island Jim. Today Robinson's lines are...
May 30, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2493
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show saw Oscar Valladares Tobacco & Co. go back to its roots with its two new releases. Over the past decade, Oscar Valladares has built a significant factory and farming operation in Honduras. One of the first people Valladares started working with was Jim Robinson, a Pittsburgh retailer. That project would be the Leaf by Oscar. Subsequently, Valladares would then produce the line synonymous with Robinson, Island Jim. Today Robinson's lines are...
May 30, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2492
For Prime Time Episode 342, we are honored to welcome back the Artesano Del Tobacco guys, Billy and Gus Fakih. Billy and Gus are the folks behind the brands of Artesano Del Tobacco. This includes Viva La Vida and El Pulpo. It’s been a little while since we last had them for a full show, and tonight we will get updates on the latest on what’s happening. Plus we will have our special “Under the Sea” segment, FSG Beef, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Dunbarton Tobac...
May 30, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 2491
For Prime Time Episode 342, we are honored to welcome back the Artesano Del Tobacco guys, Billy and Gus Fakih. Billy and Gus are the folks behind the brands of Artesano Del Tobacco. This includes Viva La Vida and El Pulpo. It’s been a little while since we last had them for a full show, and tonight we will get updates on the latest on what’s happening. Plus we will have our special “Under the Sea” segment, FSG Beef, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Dunbarton Tobac...
May 30, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 2490
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA Trade Show marked the third consecutive one for Serafin de Cuba. This year, Serafin de Cuba introduced a new limited-edition cigar. Unfortunately, before the Trade Show, they had to swiftly rebrand this product to Reserva 2506 to avoid a potential trademark issue. Fortunately, Serafin de Cuba completed the rebranding and was able to highlight this new release at the 2025 Trade Show. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wPa...
May 29, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2489
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA Trade Show marked the third consecutive one for Serafin de Cuba. This year, Serafin de Cuba introduced a new limited-edition cigar. Unfortunately, before the Trade Show, they had to swiftly rebrand this product to Reserva 2506 to avoid a potential trademark issue. Fortunately, Serafin de Cuba completed the rebranding and was able to highlight this new release at the 2025 Trade Show. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wPa...
May 29, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2488
Aganorsa Leaf consistently brings fresh surprises to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no different. This year, they unveiled two exciting releases centered around two of their most prominent brands: JFR and Supreme Leaf. The JFR brand is marking its 20th Anniversary, and to celebrate this significant milestone, a new regular production line has been launched. Meanwhile, Supreme Leaf is a limited production line, and this year, not only did a new size make its debut, b...
May 29, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2487
Aganorsa Leaf consistently brings fresh surprises to the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and 2025 was no different. This year, they unveiled two exciting releases centered around two of their most prominent brands: JFR and Supreme Leaf. The JFR brand is marking its 20th Anniversary, and to celebrate this significant milestone, a new regular production line has been launched. Meanwhile, Supreme Leaf is a limited production line, and this year, not only did a new size make its debut, b...
May 29, 2025•4 min•Ep. 2486
One company that was not a cigar company we visited at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Abbina Craft Sipping Soda. Abbina (Italian for “to match” or “to combine”) Craft Sipping Soda was created by Charlie Albanetti, who sought a more interesting non-alcoholic beverage pairing for cigars than other commercially available sodas. The company emphasizes that Abbina’s unique flavors, including earthy notes reminiscent of beet and leathery undertones infused with saffron and pat...
May 28, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2485
One company that was not a cigar company we visited at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was Abbina Craft Sipping Soda. Abbina (Italian for “to match” or “to combine”) Craft Sipping Soda was created by Charlie Albanetti, who sought a more interesting non-alcoholic beverage pairing for cigars than other commercially available sodas. The company emphasizes that Abbina’s unique flavors, including earthy notes reminiscent of beet and leathery undertones infused with saffron and pat...
May 28, 2025•5 min•Ep. 2484
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show marked a unique year for AJ Fernandez Cigar Company. Naturally, everyone's thoughts were with the company following the recent factory fire that occurred a few weeks prior. Despite this challenge, the company had several intriguing releases to showcase. First, they celebrated the tenth anniversary of the New World brand with a special commemorative cigar. Additionally, there was a collaboration with Dominican cigar legend Eladio Diaz. Lastly, a...
May 28, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2483
The 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show marked a unique year for AJ Fernandez Cigar Company. Naturally, everyone's thoughts were with the company following the recent factory fire that occurred a few weeks prior. Despite this challenge, the company had several intriguing releases to showcase. First, they celebrated the tenth anniversary of the New World brand with a special commemorative cigar. Additionally, there was a collaboration with Dominican cigar legend Eladio Diaz. Lastly, a...
May 28, 2025•9 min•Ep. 2482
While not a new exhibitor at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, JM Tobacco was a first-time visit for the Cigar Coop Coalition team. Last year, Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop warmly introduced JM's President, Anto Mahourkian, to our team. JM Tobacco is a company that has achieved success in the value-priced cigar market, but more recently, they have been expanding their premium brand, Española. For 2025, a new blend is being introduced to Española: the Corojo. Full PCA Report: http...
May 27, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2481
While not a new exhibitor at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, JM Tobacco was a first-time visit for the Cigar Coop Coalition team. Last year, Kevin Shahan of Cigar Prop warmly introduced JM's President, Anto Mahourkian, to our team. JM Tobacco is a company that has achieved success in the value-priced cigar market, but more recently, they have been expanding their premium brand, Española. For 2025, a new blend is being introduced to Española: the Corojo. Full PCA Report: http...
May 27, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2480
The Oveja Negra Brands booth at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was bustling with activity in 2025, as always. While our interview couldn't capture all the excitement happening there, it was anything but slow. A major highlight is that Black Works Studio is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a series of special releases. Additionally, Black Label Trading Company and Emilio are introducing new offerings as well. Another significant development that occurred after the Trade Show...
May 27, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2479
The Oveja Negra Brands booth at the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was bustling with activity in 2025, as always. While our interview couldn't capture all the excitement happening there, it was anything but slow. A major highlight is that Black Works Studio is celebrating its tenth anniversary with a series of special releases. Additionally, Black Label Trading Company and Emilio are introducing new offerings as well. Another significant development that occurred after the Trade Show...
May 27, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2478
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 160, we look at the Last 25 Years in Music. Basically the year 2025 starts the second quarter of this century. In this episode, we look back at the first quarter of this century – 2000 to 2024 (the last 25 years) and we look at the trends, artists, and innovations from the world of music that shaped that first quarter century. Plus, we’ve got music news, cigar news, New Music 45 and the music pairing of the week. In this episode, Dave smokes the Knuckle Sandwich 57,...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 2477
On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 160, we look at the Last 25 Years in Music. Basically the year 2025 starts the second quarter of this century. In this episode, we look back at the first quarter of this century – 2000 to 2024 (the last 25 years) and we look at the trends, artists, and innovations from the world of music that shaped that first quarter century. Plus, we’ve got music news, cigar news, New Music 45 and the music pairing of the week. In this episode, Dave smokes the Knuckle Sandwich 57,...
May 27, 2025•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 2474
One of the more interesting stories behind a cigar release at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show came from Black Star Line Cigars. The cigar is called Meadowood, MLK, and it's a cigar that pays homage to Martin Luther King. Meadowood was a tobacco farm located in Simsbury, Connecticut, owned by the Cullman Brothers. Before attending college, King worked at this farm, where he found inspiration to become a pastor by delivering small sermons to his fellow employees. This is a stor...
May 26, 2025•12 min•Ep. 2476
One of the more interesting stories behind a cigar release at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show came from Black Star Line Cigars. The cigar is called Meadowood, MLK, and it's a cigar that pays homage to Martin Luther King. Meadowood was a tobacco farm located in Simsbury, Connecticut, owned by the Cullman Brothers. Before attending college, King worked at this farm, where he found inspiration to become a pastor by delivering small sermons to his fellow employees. This is a stor...
May 26, 2025•6 min•Ep. 2472
When thinking about C.L.E. Cigar Company's theme for the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show , one word came to mind - smorgasbord. There was a little bit of everything going on at C.L.E. across the company's three brands: C.L.E., Asylum, and Eiroa. There were new lines, reblends, rebrands, innovative packaging, and a flavored cigar. However, all these releases dwarfed Asylum's 134 x 13 release - the Megalophobia. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wLo...
May 26, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2471
When thinking about C.L.E. Cigar Company's theme for the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show , one word came to mind - smorgasbord. There was a little bit of everything going on at C.L.E. across the company's three brands: C.L.E., Asylum, and Eiroa. There were new lines, reblends, rebrands, innovative packaging, and a flavored cigar. However, all these releases dwarfed Asylum's 134 x 13 release - the Megalophobia. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wLo...
May 26, 2025•16 min•Ep. 2470
Didier Cigars is a newcomer to the U.S. market and the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Founded by Didier Lazare Benitah, born in France and now residing in Miami, the brand draws inspiration from the fashion industry, where Didier worked for several decades. He brings the concept of Haute Couture to the cigar industry. Haute Couture refers to exclusive, custom-fitted clothing found in high-end fashion. Similarly, Didier applies this concept to the packaging and manufacturing of ...
May 25, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2469
Didier Cigars is a newcomer to the U.S. market and the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. Founded by Didier Lazare Benitah, born in France and now residing in Miami, the brand draws inspiration from the fashion industry, where Didier worked for several decades. He brings the concept of Haute Couture to the cigar industry. Haute Couture refers to exclusive, custom-fitted clothing found in high-end fashion. Similarly, Didier applies this concept to the packaging and manufacturing of ...
May 25, 2025•11 min•Ep. 2468
For the accessories fan, Quality Importers Trading Company always provides a lot of new and fun things, and the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was no exception. Quality Importers has a wide range of accessories under various brands. If you look at things from a high level, this year Quality Importers focused on travel humidors, a new electronic humidor, and a new electronic humidification device. In addition, the Xikar brand now has a new soft-flame lighter and an extension to i...
May 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 2467
For the accessories fan, Quality Importers Trading Company always provides a lot of new and fun things, and the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was no exception. Quality Importers has a wide range of accessories under various brands. If you look at things from a high level, this year Quality Importers focused on travel humidors, a new electronic humidor, and a new electronic humidification device. In addition, the Xikar brand now has a new soft-flame lighter and an extension to i...
May 25, 2025•10 min•Ep. 2466
Casa 1910 had a busy few weeks leading up to the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . The Mexican-based company hired Rob Maneson, an industry veteran, as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Additionally, Jeremy Fondi was appointed the new U.S. National Sales Manager. Finally, Casa 1910 is launching a major new product line called Mexigars. This line was previewed at the 2024 PCA Trade Show and is officially being introduced to the market this year. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1...
May 24, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2465
Casa 1910 had a busy few weeks leading up to the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show . The Mexican-based company hired Rob Maneson, an industry veteran, as its new Chief Commercial Officer. Additionally, Jeremy Fondi was appointed the new U.S. National Sales Manager. Finally, Casa 1910 is launching a major new product line called Mexigars. This line was previewed at the 2024 PCA Trade Show and is officially being introduced to the market this year. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1...
May 24, 2025•3 min•Ep. 2464
