The Board of Directors of Cigar Rights of America (CRA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Mike Copperman as the organization's new executive director.

Were Loper Bright to significantly restrict agency deference, it would force the FDA to make a much more robust showing prior to re-regulating premium cigars. Given the volume of scientific evidence CRA has amassed over the last 15 years, the FDA would have a significantly harder time finding the necessary grounds to re-regulate us.

Alec Bradley and Starlight Distillery has released its second “Uncut Series” collaboration, this time with a pairing featuring the Alec Bradley Gatekeeper and the Starlight Single Barrel Bourbon Finished in Vino de Naranja casks.

Kafie 1901 cigars has a new full-line of cigars set to officially release later this month. This new cigar line, called Naked Cigars by Kafie 1901, features tobacco left over from the company’s premium cigar blends being produced at La Aurora Cigar factory in the Dominican Republic.

Aganorsa Leaf is once again expanding this popular cigar line with the addition of a new vitola–a 4 1/2 x 50 box-pressed Rothschild.

Espinosa Premium Cigars is kicking off the new year with a new release. The company has announced the release of the Espinosa Sumatra, a premium cigar handcrafted in Estelí, Nicaragua, at the La Zone Cigar Factory.

CAO’s Amazon Basin is making a comeback for 2024. In 2014, a small batch of CAO Amazon Basin was released as a limited edition. A decade later, the cigar is returning on a limited run in a single size, a 6 x 52 vitola, packaged in 18-count boxes. The suggested retail of CAO Amazon Basin is $14.29 per cigar before applicable taxes.

E.P. Carrillo is now shipping INCH Nicaragua No. 70, a cigar that measures 7 x 70, is now shipping to retailers. This cigar is handcrafted at Plasencia Cigars S.A. in Estelí, Nicaragua and is marketed as being the “quintessential big ring gauge cigar.”

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. is launching a new experience for visitors: a tobacco tasting class. In this smoking class, visitors to J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida will learn about 24 types of premium cigar tobacco grown in 9 countries and smoke a selection of single-leaf puritos.

Apostate Cigars proudly introduces "Moroni's Trumpet" and "The Endowment." These two new releases embody the brand's unwavering commitment to quality craftsmanship and promise to elevate the Apostate Cigars experience in 2024.

Tampa has two-century-old traditions: Since 1885, Tampa has been known as “Cigar City.” Since 1904, pirates have been invading Tampa and throwing a large festival called Gasparilla. Each year, J.C. Newman Cigar Co. brings both traditions together by releasing a limited edition José Gaspar cigar.

Don Doroteo Cigars announces the addition of Crystal Herbert to their sales team. Crystal will oversee Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Like many in the cigar industry Crystal began on a different career path before falling in love with tobacco.

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, announces that the Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Robustus II is now shipping to retailers. The blend was displayed at the 2023 PCA which took place in Las Vegas this past July.

Plasencia Cigars, a world-leading premium tobacco grower established in 1865, announces that the Cosecha 151 is now shipping to retailers. The Cosecha 151 was displayed at the 2023 PCA which took place in Las Vegas this past July.

Foundation Cigar Company announces it has begun to ship its Highclere Castle Senetjer to select retailers throughout the county. Senetjer is now an annual November release of 500 boxes to commemorate the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Our friend and frequent guest, Pat Walsh, host of KFBK Radio and iHeart Radio’s “The Pat Walsh Show” has started his own podcast! Check out Pat’s Peeps, an extension of his daily radio show. Join Pat for some great conversation as he spotlights local businesses, and plays some really cool music!

Montecristo Cigar Bar is Now Open at Paris Las Vegas

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. Ships Yagua and Diamond Crown Black DiamondThis is the second and final release of these special cigars for 2023. 

Les Fines Lames’s next release is set to debut on November 16, 2023, The LE TAG – T135 is an ultra-thin guillotine cutter that’s inspired by army dog tags.