This is going to be a big deal at this weekend’s PCA show, maybe bigger than Guy Fieri’s appearance! There were no pictures included with the press release, I’ll try to get some when I’m there.
Carlito Fuente and Jorge Padrón are proud to announce the release of their Legends cigar project. Please join the Fuente and Padrón families Sunday July 10, 2022 at 3:30 pm at the PCA Trade Show, Booth # 1321 for the unveiling of these extraordinary cigars.
Carlos A. Fuente, Sr. and José O. Padrón were friends and colleagues for over 50 years. They shared common bonds – a passion for the finest Cuban cigar-making traditions and deep respect for their family names. They passed these values on to their children. Their sons, Carlito Fuente and Jorge Padrón, together with their families, have partnered to honor and remember the Fuente and Padrón family patriarchs. For the first time, the families are collaborating on a joint project,
a commemorative 40-cigar box in honor of their fathers and their legacies.
The box is detailed with colors, symbols and photographs illustrating the rich family histories and contributions to the cigar industry made by both families. Inside, there are two trays of 20 hand crafted cigars. One tray features cigars made by Padrón in honor of Carlos A. Fuente,
rseverancia,” and “Legado” (Family, Perseverance, and Legacy). Both families have selected rare and beautiful tobaccos to create legendary cigars worthy of the extraordinary men they honor.
In keeping with their fathers’ tradition of giving, a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of this collaboration will be donated to the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation and the Padrón Family Foundation.
I went out shopping this week and picked up some new cigars that I’d been wanting to try. One set I’m going to withhold comment on because there was something off about them and I want to pick up some more and give them another shot. I also want to discuss this with the manufacturer and I’ll probably see him next week. So yesterday I smoked the Knuckle Sandwich cigars from Guy Fieri and Espinosa Cigars. Of course, I bought Toros, which may or may not have been the only size they had at the shop, I really don’t recall. Nine times out of ten if there’s a Toro I’m getting it, you know me. These are made in A.J. Fernandez’ San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua, blended by the Espinosa folks with Guy Fie
volvement. I think I talked about this with Erik in the interview video I did with him at the TPE (here). I started of with the Habano after lunch. The wrapper is an Ecuador Habano and the binder and fillers are Nicaraguan. What could go wrong? Nothing, that’s what. This was a delicious cigar. I was h
oping for some good cigars after a couple days worth of disappointments, and I got them. It was bold and spicy, with some nuttiness. I was impressed. Not surprised, but impressed.
I moved on to the Knuckle Sandwich Maduro Toro after dinner. Again, this was much anticipated, and we all know how much I like maduros. This one is a Sumatra varietal, grown in Ecuador and fermented to a rich, dark maduro. I also like Sumatra. This has to be a winner for me, right? Of course it was. Again, this is a cigar that has some strength, and I imagine Guy Fieri to be someone who is all about flavor. This, as well as the Habano, had tons of flavor. The Maduro, of course, had more of the rich cocoa/espresso flavor, with a healthy spice. Both cigars had exceptional burn and draw, and were a pleasure to smoke. A great tasting cigar can be a bad experience if the cigar falls apart or doesn’t draw well, not the case here. I really enjoyed these two cigars. I understand that Guy may be making an appearance at the PCA show at some point. I doubt I’ll get to actually meet him, but I know some people, I have to see what I can do.
I used a new cutter on both of the Knuckle Sandwich cigars, which was a little risky, but I have a lot of faith in the guy that made the cutter, as I know he’s b
een working on it for a long time and wouldn’t put something on the market that wasn’t perfect. This cutter is called The Baller, from the folks at CigarMedics. and is really unique. It has a curved blade that literally takes a scoop out of the head of the cigar, leaving a hole like a punch, but removing some of the tobacco in the end. This is a bit of a hybrid between a V cut and punch in a way. So far, the three cigars I’v
e used it on have performed well, and I’m going to use it primarily (except next weekend, I’m not risking losing it to TSA in my travels, my advice is always to not travel with any thing you don’t mind losin
g) for the foreseeable future. I think it’s neat, although a little heavy in the pocket, fortunately it came with a case that has a belt loop! Awesome device! I’m looking forward to finally meeting Luigi and his team at the PCA show! I made a little video, check it out!
That’s all for today. Of course, it’s the Fourth of July weekend, as well as my wedding anniversary tomorrow, so I’ll be breaking out the good stuff over the next couple days! Everyone stay safe and enjoy! Until the next time,
I always enjoy talking to Luis Cuevas, so I’ll hunt him down at the PCA show if nothing more than to say hello and pay my respects. I always come away feeling like we are old friends after seeing him. Good dude, and really important family in the cigar world. This looks like an interesting cigar!
Casa Cuevas Cigars announces the release of the “Sangre Nueva” cigar brand at the 2022 PCA taking place in July at the Sand Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This is the first Casa Cuevas brand solely blended by Alec Cuevas who was recently promoted to Director of Brand Development. Master Blender Luis Cuevas Sr. felt it was time that his grandson Alec Cuevas take the lead on new brands and the aptly named Sangre Nueva (translates to New Blood from Spanish) is his first creation. Alec Cuevas, the 5th generation of the Cuevas tobacco family looked to create a blend that represents “old Traditions, new Generation”.
Alec describes the Sangre Nueva as a Medium plus strength cigar that elegantly boasts rich, savory chocolate notes along with hints of pepper, earthy tones, and a tad bit of spice. The cigars feature an Ecuadorian Cameroon wrapper, and Honduran Corojo binder, and Dominican, Nicaraguan and Pennsylvania broadleaf filler. Alec estimated that he needed include a high percentage of Pennsylvania broadleaf in the filler. This gave the cigar extra strength while balancing out the cigar’s flavors.
Alec Cuevas stated: “The slogan “old traditions, new generation” signifies so much more to me than a passing of the family torch. It represents all the experiences I’ve ever been through in this industry, from working behind the counter selling my fellow manufacturer’s products, to spending my summers learning all there is to know about our factory from a very young age. Sangre Nueva is a personal love letter to
my family, who placed their faith in me to create something from scratch given my knowledge of tobacco. It is also the culmination of patrons and distributors alike that took time out of their day to educate me and better help me define my palate throughout all these years. It’s been a blast creating such a savory blend, and I think it’s a perfect representation of the gratitude I have for this one-of-a-kind industry.”
The Sangre Nueva blend is available in 10 count boxes and expressed in three vitolas.
Casa Cuevas Cigars was established in 2016 but has decades old history behind it. Cuban born Master Blender Luis Cuevas Sr. has been blending cigars from his factory in the Dominican Republic for many popular cigar brands. Now, together with son Luis Cuevas Jr., the Casa Cuevas Cigar brands were created to honor their four-generation cigar heritage. Currently the Casa Cuevas Cigars line of brands include the Casa Cuevas core line, the Casa Cuevas Limited Edition Flaco, the Cuevas Reserva Natural (91 rated by Cigar Aficionado), Cuevas Reserva Maduro, La Mandarria (ranked no. 16 bo
I like Gran Habano and George Rico, so here’s some news from them about their anniversary cigar. I’ll try to stop by and congratulate them next week at the show.
GRAN HABANO ANNOUNCES 20TH ANIVERSARIO
Gran Habano announces the release of the 20th Aniversario, a cigar celebrating an incredible milestone in the family business. The inspiration for making this cigar was drawn on the first chapter of the Gran Habano story: El Sueño (the dream), El Desafío (the struggle), and El Triunfo (the success). Gran Habano is thankful to everyone that believed in us and supported us along the way. The best is yet to come.
“It is with great pride that after 27 years in business as a company, we celebrate the 20th anniversary of our brand, Gran Habano. It is a wonderful feeling to reach this special milestone as a brand, as we will continue to maintain our culture as a company
by following our principals to pursue making quality cigars. We look forward to the next chapter in our family’s journey, and to the new generations continuing the family tradition that has allowed four previous generations to be successful in the industry of tobacco.” – George Rico
Gran Habano 20th Aniversario
Description: The Gran Habano 20th Aniversario is described as having a four year aged lush rosado wrapper from Jalapa Valley, Nicaragua, enveloping a rich Nicaraguan binder and unique blend of Colombian, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian fillers.
Body: Medium
Wrapper: Nicaraguan Corojo Shade Wrapper
Binder: Nicaragua
Filler: Nicaragua, Colombia, Peru
Box Ct: 20
Sizes: El Sueño 5 x 52 (MSRP $14), El Desafío 6 x 54 (MSRP $15), El Triunfo 6 x 60 ($16)
production release with 4,000 boxes of each size made and released each quarter. Only 200 retailers will be carrying the cigar. The Gran Habano 20th Aniversario is rolled at the company’s factory in Danli, Honduras, Gran Habano Honduras. The 20th Aniversario will be making its official debut at the PCA trade show in Las Vegas July 9-12, and starts shipping in August.
