Cigar Coop Prime Time Show

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 quite an exciting year for Alec Bradley as they have a new line coming out of a different factory for the brand. At the same time, they announced expansions to one of their most successful lines, Black Market. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wCZ

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 for their brands. In addition, baseball great Adrian Gonzalez is coming in as a full partner in the Constella Group operation. Gonzalez also has a new cigar brand of his own called The Resilient. This is one of four new releases Constella brought into PCA 2025. We apologize in advance for some of the audio issues. We recommend you turn up your volume here to enjoy this great interview. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wAI  

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 have the opportunity to sit down with Litto Jr. for our annual interview. There is plenty to look forward to this year, as La Flor Dominicana has revamped the Suave and introduced new packaging for the Oro line. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wAx

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 year, they've introduced a new variant called the Aging Room Quattro Nicaragua Concerto. Additionally, Aging Room has recently revived an earlier brand from Nodal's portfolio known as La Boheme. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wzs

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

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. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wwU  

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 PCA Trade Show, marking the fourth consecutive year he has been there. Knuckle Sandwich also has a new core line joining Fieri's lineup. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wwJ

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 the launch of a U.S. division, Bentley Tobacco | USA, with Jonathan Carney, the former Vice President of La Flor Dominicana, stepping in as CEO and co-owner. Although Bentley began its U.S. rollout last year, the 2025 PCA Trade Show marked a significant debut for Bentley Tobacco | USA. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wwf  

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 tobacco tastings paired with various selections. Retailers enjoyed this hands-on experience while also placing their orders. The invitation extended to cigar media was an exciting addition, a chance our team eagerly seized. Not only did we gain valuable insights along the way, but we also got a firsthand feel for the experience retailers had, which truly captured the unique atmosphere of the Drew Estate booth. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-ww1

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 second installment of its Chinese Zodiac series, called the Don Julio Year of the Snake. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wuG

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. introduced the H. Upmann by AJ Fernandez Heritage Finca Providencia, a limited edition cigar that pays homage to one of Fernandez's many farms in Nicaragua. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wuy  

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 Under the Sea, Espinosa This Day in Sports History, and Altadis USA Great Things are Happening segments.

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 extension for El Pulpo. Both new offerings, the company says, are the direct result of consumer engagement. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wtS  

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/p6h1n1-wtM

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 highlight of the event was the celebration of Romeo y Julieta's 150th anniversary, marked by a special cigar crafted for this significant milestone. This cigar features a unique blend of tobaccos from Altadis and its partners that has never been seen before. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wrt

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, Toscano took a cigar roller to the show. This allowed visitors to see the unique process of making a Toscano cigar, which differs from other companies. Cappellini said this is a snapshot of what occurs in their Lucca, Italy, factory. Of course, Toscano had something new to show - the fifth installment of the Master Aged series. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wro

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 Miranda has always done things his way, and Outcast is another example. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wqb  

For PCA 2025, La Gloria Cubana turned to an old friend for its signature release. For the past couple of years, we have seen La Gloria Cubana work with some experimental tobaccos and a crowd-sourced project. At the same time, La Gloria Cubana has been a brand looking to reconnect with its roots. First, there was the La Gloria Cubana Eighth Street, which saw La Gloria Cubana return to making a cigar in Little Havana for the first time since Ernesto Perez-Carrillo owned the brand. La Gloria Cubana now turns to Ernesto for an all-new regular production line called Los Gloriosos. This cigar was shown off at the Forged Cigar Company booth at PCA 2025. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wq0

Stolen Throne Cigars'  theme at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show was quite simple - Baltimore. Owner Lee Marsh is from the Baltimore area, and his affection for the city is well known. First, Marsh has created a cigar for the 150th edition of the Preakness Stakes. The race is the second leg of thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown. The race is held at Pimlico Park, located in Baltimore, Maryland. Second, there is the new Castle 919 cigar that pays homage to the place where Marsh grew up in the Baltimore metro area. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-wpk

Although the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show didn't feature as many new releases as Kristoff has in recent years, it was certainly not a quiet year. The 2025 PCA Trade Show would see the grand unveiling of Kristoff's revamped packaging across its portfolio. That was announced in 2023, and while Kristoff already moved a few lines to the new packaging, 2025 would see the lion's share of the portfolio transitioned. In addition, once again, Kristoff would have a PCA Exclusive cigar to offer. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-woX