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Articles by Peter Gaudenzi
A Cloud Dancer from Cigar Kings
Sign Up for Our Newsletter Stay up to date and receive the latest cigar news, exclusive updates and special offers straight to your inbox. Leave this field empty Done, and thank you. Please check your inbox and click the confirmation link to complete your subscription. If you do not see the message, please check your spam or junk folder. We are delighted to have you as part of our community. Your Cigar Journal Team
Cigraal Unveils New Limited Edition in Dortmund
Eric Piras of Confidential Cigar is in Dortmund to introduce the brand’s latest release: the Confidential Limited Edition, offered in Claro and Colorado, both in Toro size. The two cigars feature the same blend but different wrappers, giving cigarlovers the opportunity to discover how the wrapper influences the smoking experience. True to the Confidential philosophy, the blend remains a secret. “We don’t release the blend.
Villiger Presents Two New Cigar Releases
Sign Up for Our Newsletter Stay up to date and receive the latest cigar news, exclusive updates and special offers straight to your inbox. Leave this field empty Done, and thank you. Please check your inbox and click the confirmation link to complete your subscription. If you do not see the message, please check your spam or junk folder. We are delighted to have you as part of our community. Your Cigar Journal Team
Bulgaria – An Underrated Country
Adressen / Addresses Best Cigars Shop Solunska 6 1000 Sofia www.bestcigars.bg Best Cigars Lounge Liditse 2 1113 Sofia www.bestcigars.bg Staria Chinar Sofia Shipchenski Shipchenski Prohod 15 1111 Sofia www.stariachinar.com Best Cigars Lounge & Shop Asenovgradsko Shose 2 4004 Plowdiw / Plovdiv www.bestcigars.bg Kasapi Steakhouse Komatevsko Shose 141 4016 Plowdiw / Plovdiv https://www.kasapi.bg/ Vizualiza Residence Hotel Angel Bukureshtliev 15 4500 Plowdiw / Plovdiv www.vizualizahotel.com/en...
Eric Piras and Team at 2026 PCA
At the PCA tradeshow 2026 in New Orleans, Eric Piras and Antoine Riberet continue their global roadshow spanning Ivory Coast, the USA, Switzerland, and Japan. Amid packed schedules, they connect with brand owners and advance Confidenciaal’s US expansion. Plans for Hong Kong and a PCA collaboration are underway. Now present in 30+ countries, Confidenciaal’s rapid growth continues into 2026, with strong focus on the American market.
The HUMIDOR Zagreb Annual Winter event
The HUMIDOR Zagreb, Croatia, invites you to its annual winter event. A fantastic evening awaits all cigar enthusiasts. Cuban music from a live band, gourmet finger food, an open bar, and five cigars (Omar Ortez, Artesano del Tobacco, La Galera) are included in the ticket price of €99. When: Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 at 7:30 PM Where: Jazz & Cabaret Club Kontesa, Augusta Cesarca 2, Zagreb Don’t miss a great evening of Croatian hospitality and premium cigars.
The “Humidor Pope” Introduces His Latest Innovation: MACHT
Marc André, known to many as the “Humidor Pope,” has invented a new humidification system called MACHT. The system is specially designed for tabletop humidors with a volume of up to 30 liters. This makes it possible for the first time to operate a tabletop humidor with the same precision as a cabinet humidor. The unit controls temperature and air circulation, as well as humidification and dehumidification. Ventilation openings are variable so that the system can be used with all humidors.
Mission Accomplished
Last year Didier Houvenaghel explained his plans for the future years in 3 steps. Now at InterTabac 2025 in Dortmund all three major points have successfully been accomplished. For further development of his brands Mr. Into Blinov joined the team. Into will be taking care of the “Leadership boost” with his expertise brought from his prior experiences at LVMH.
A LEGACY by Perdomo Original
The new Perdomo Legacy. It’s a very extremely limited production cigar that only has 100 cigar stores in America. They’re carrying the brand and selling extremely well, and we’re proud to bring it here in Europe. So what’s unique and special about this cigar, it comes in three different wrappers, with a six-year-old Connecticut Shade wrapper and something quite extraordinary. It’s the first of its kind. It’s a hybrid Cameroon and Habano seed, developed by the Perdomo family.
3 Editions from Stauffenberg
Maik Neubauer from Stauffenberg Cigars shows at the Kleinlagel Booth his 3 (but actually 4) new cigars. Easily called Edition 1 available since May 2025 and the 2nd Edition (Robusto) which is available now since 4 weeks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well. The toro vitola is scheduled to be released in November this year. Edition 1 is rolled in Honduras as a Pyramid 6×52 with a mild to medium body.
A rough Ride with La Galera
José Manuel Blanco created a new line of cigars started with chapter one – the Rough Rider. José is 3rd generation of the well know tobacco and cigar family. A lot of his friends want to start smoking cigars and were searching for a mild cigar with still great flavor. This creation will help not be on a rough ride. And as the journey will continue José called his new line – chapter one.
IXTELLI from Karen Berger
At the first look it seems to be a hard to pronounce name and it is the original and ancient name of Estelí, the Cigar capitol in Nicaragua. As Bruce Bush points out this is the very first puro – all Nicaraguan tobacco – made by Karen Berger, with a beautiful Criollo wrapper. According to Bruce you will find beautiful floral notes combined with green tea and a nice honey touch. After Bruce Bush has created his “Tailgate” cigar it was now time for the “Halftime”.
Releases from Estaban Carreras
Craig Cunningham from Estaban Carreras is happy to announce some releases in Europe here at InterTabac 2025. “Taken from the Devil´s hand” sounds as nice as “Bronze Cross” or “Hellcat”, last one already introduced to Europe last year. Of course, his man for sales, Christopher Mey, is and has been touring a lot of countries to make sure as many as possible Cigar lovers will get some of the new ones but the already bestsellers as well.
Barreda is Big in Spain
Jennifer Barreda reports that the only new Cigar – of the Lotes Reservados Line – launched this year in Europe will be for Spain. Even Barreda is now available in Romania, Hungary, Switzerland, Sweden and the Czech Republic. Their focus in 2025 was preparing for the coming year. In the USA the Barracuda, Vega Suprema Oro and the Lotes Reservados No. 10 have been introduced to the US market.
10 Years of Great Cigars Original
Angela and James Brown from Oveja Negra celebrate their 10-year anniversary with 3 new cigar lines. BLTC comes for the factory anniversary with all Nicaraguan tobacco but a Connecticut broadleaf wrapper. TIGER SAURUS follows with a new creation with 3 different wrappers. Finally, to really celebrate look for the BLACKWORKS 10 year edition which shows all cigars from that line in one box.
Casa 1910 at InterTabac 2025
Serge from 1910 Mexican Cigars explains that now the financial upgrade is finalized and therefore the expansion and production will increase significantly. Their Brandambassadorsystem in Spain showed 5-times more sales, so the need of more Ambassadors is clearly given and now possible. 1910 cigars are available at 30 airports within Europa and sales shall get higher now with uplifting the whole brand. We will see more events and presence all over.
For the Ladies From Villiger
La Capitana is one of the new cigars. 4 vitolas are available in the USA since the PCA in 2025. Here in Europe the Robusto and the Churchill are introduced at InterTabac. The name and the cigars are dedicated to all women in the cigar industry. Mirko Lorenzi from Villiger points out that the company itself might not exist if there were not and still are strong women in the family which not necessarily need to be in the front line but keep everything running.
A Guitar to Store Cigars
With the slogan “if you can dream it – you can print it” Heiko Pörz presents some of his newest 3-D print cigar humidors. A real eye catcher are the guitars in all colors of course with a humidor and humidified with Boveda. The Instrument is a rebuild of the Fender Stratos 61. Also to mention is the Curing Barn which holds approx. 40 cigars and as Christmas time is around the corner an Advent Calendar is now available.
The Magic Number from Fratello
Omar de Frias launches his new cigar line in November 2025 but introduces it here at InterTabac. The 1821 is a real puro with all Dominican tobacco. The 12-count boxes will only be produced in one vitola – 6 x 58 – and are manufactured at the famous La Aurora factory. In 1821, the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua also became independent, and this cigar is dedicated to this important year.
Heavy and Light Weights from Akra
Max Schmidt from Akra presents the latest ashtrays in their portfolio. Lifting them feels like a workout, as they weigh between 4 kg and 5 kg. These heavy but prestigious beauties are available in crystal, green, and smoked glass. Other brand-new items include cigar cases made of aluminum. Compared to the ashtrays, these wonderful cigar holders are very lightweight and come in many bright colors. The one for 2 cigars will be available for about 30 euros.
The Little One From High Elevation
Jacob Yfrach from Natura Cigars is presenting his newest cigar at Intertabac. From the mountains in the Dominican Republic at approx. 4500 ft comes the tobacco for his PETIT ALTURA. The vitola is a Petite Lancero. It was created on the demand for smaller ring gauges in colder climate areas. As small as it is the smoke lasts about 25 minutes with full flavors until the very end of this cigar, but still not strong. The blend is a mix form the 1st and 2nd harvest.
The Boutique Cigar Professionals
Martina and Klaus Kleinlagel are the specialists for import and distribution of Boutique Cigars. As every year a lot of their clients gather together at their large booth at the Intertabac in Dortmund. They support the attending companies and their clients perfectly with drinks and food to make everybody feel comfortable. As usually the Octoberfest in Munich starts at the same time, Klaus and Martina provide a typical beer and Weisswurst Saturday morning.
Focus on New Packaging
Jarrid Trudeau and Ward Hall from Kristoff Cigars have focused this year on streamlining all aspects of their product lines. The packaging has been unified and will now be consistent across all 70 countries worldwide. Previously, there were different box designs for the U.S. and international markets. In total, around 100 items – including labels, shelf talkers, and other materials – have been redesigned.
A Brand New Fish in the Pond
Billy and Gus from Artesano del Tobacco present their newest edition of the El Pulpo line – The SQUID. This beautiful Perfecto Grande 6.5 x 60 is based on the same blend as all the El Pulpo cigars and was inspired by the consumers of the Cigar Brothers from New York. The exact vitola, however, was suggested by AJ Fernandez himself, and the particular name originates from the General Manager of Matador Cigar shops in New York City.
News from the Cigar King
Philip Kugler presents his New Year of the Color Cigar (COY 2025) called Mocha Mousse. The color is anounced every year by the Pantone company. Not only has Philip found a way to switch color into a taste, he also creates a brand new packaging every year for the COY. Philip Kugler only uses recycled carton and folds the boxes. This is a really sustainable method for packaging his cigars.
The Lucky Number at PCA 2025
Gianluca Berti from Valentino Siesta Cigars presents here in New Orleans the 67 line. The cigar is called that way because Valentino was born in 67. Gianluca points out that his cigars are now available in 30 countries, mostly in Europe. With his second appearance at the PCA he makes a big step with the 67 line which will only be available in the USA plus his best 7 bestsellers. All his cigars are rolled in Tamboril, DR, using Dominican tobacco and wrappers from Mexico San Andrés and Ecuador Habano.
With Craft and Passion
Cristian Maccarrone is a carpenter in 5th generation in the Tuscany, Italia making furniture for yachts and boats. After ten years of cigar smoking, he decided to combine his passion with his craftsmanship. Four years ago, he left his father’s company to found his own – now solely focused on producing cigar accessories.
Not Just Any Snake
Nirka Reyes introduces at PCA 2025 the Don Julio Year of the snake. But not just any snake. It is inspired by the Chinese Zodiac and specifically the Wood Snake which occurs only every 60 years. The Don Julio has always been synonymous with excellence. For this limited edition only 500 boxes have been crafted. These 24 Toros (52×6) per box are medium to full bodied and showcase an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, binder and filler from the Dominican Republic.
Toscano - Same Soul Different Pace
Michael Cappellini as national brand ambassador points out that for him it is very important to stimulate the economics for Italy and the USA. The tobacco Tosacano uses, comes from Italy and the USA, but what really makes the difference is the process of fire curing. This gives these unique flavors of eartyness, oak, hickory, and different spices. The blends do differ as the used tobacco, but the soul of the Toscano stays the same and lasts since 1818.
No Big News, Just Better Use
Sean Knutsen from Boveda cannot tell us about a new product. With the science and technology behind the Boveda products the company focus is on keeping up with this great and reliable product. But some good information for the users is, that he suggests that if you use the 320 Boveda the cigars will be kept perfectly up to 3 to 6 months up to a humidor size of 100 cigars.
Artesano News
Billy and Gus from Artesano Del Tobacco present 2 new lines at PCA 2025. Viva la Vida Connecticut is available in two vitolas – Toro 54×6 and Robusto 54×5. The 10 count boxes showcase an Ecuadorian Connecticut Wrapper with binder and filler from Nicaragua. Its profile is projected to be light to medium and comes also from AJ Fernandez factory. Also new on the market is the El Pulpo lancero known as The EEL.
What’s New From the Man in the Moon?
Omar de Frias presents here at the PCA 2025 his 1821 Puro Collection from Fratello. This is the very first cigar from Fratello that has all tobacco only from the Dominican Republic. The 6×38 cigar will be available this September. Arlequin Carnevale Edition is the new limited cigar in a churchill vitola (7×50). They come in a box of 20 cigars, 10 with classic Arlequin wrapper and 10 with a Connecticut wrapper. Only 250 boxes are available.
Elevated Tobacco
Jacob from Natura cigars claims himself a farmer because he was and is still producing great vegetables. With the pandemic he was looking for a less sensitive product in terms of time. So he hired a consultant from one of the big cigar companies and started growing tobacco in the greenhouse at an elevation of 1350 meters or 4500 ft. Everybody told him this will not work, but with his expertise of a farmer he started in the heart of the Dominican Republic.
A Lot New Colors for Cigars
Taylor Torres points out that for their well-known cigar holders there will be a lot of new colors available. The Cigar Caddy is available for the 15-count box in 2 and for the 10-count box in 6 new colors. The „Tackle Box“ holds 10 cigars and contains an accessory compartment and can be customized in colors and logos. The double soft flame lighter – XIKAR ADORE – will be shipped now in 5 new colors.
The Lancero Experience
Raquel and Patricia Quesada present the PCA25 exclusive release of the Quesada and Casa Magna Lancero Experiance. The 20-count box features all Lanceros produced by Quesada. There is only one chance to get the Casa Magna 15th Anniversary and the 50th Anniversary Lancero in this box. Of course, the seasonal edition of the Oktoberfest will be available in 5 sizes – Salomon box pressed, Uber, Kaiser Ludwig, Bavarian and Kugel – all in a redesigned packaging.
Rocky Patel Cigars celebrates its 30th Anniversary
Kolja presents the 30 years anniversary cigar. It comes as regular edition in 3 vitolas – Robusto, Toro and 60. The Limited Edition is only available as a Toro and limited to 1000 boxes. All tobacco is aged 7 years and has a wrapper from Mexico San Andres, binder from Nicaragua and Filler leaves from Nicaragua and Honduras. The cigars are hand rolled in Rocky’ś Nicaraguan factory.
A Lot New Colors for Cigars
Taylor Torres points out that for their well-known cigar holders there will be a lot of new colors available. The Cigar Caddy is available for the 15-count box in 2 and for the 10-count box in 6 new colors. The “Tackle Box” holds 10 cigars and contains an accessory compartment and can be customized in colors and logos. The double soft flame lighter – XIKAR ADORE – will be shipped now in 5 new colors.
The Snake from the Dominican Republic
Jose Manuel Blanco points out that La Galera used the first time ever a Nicaraguan tobacco for one of their blends. The Year of the snake 2025 contains fillers from Ometepe. All other tobacco is as usual from the Dominican Republic. The Humidor with 10 cigars comes with a cigar holder in a beautiful box. The 2025 edition of the Gavillero comes in a perfecto vitola. As always limited to 1.000 boxes.
The New Mild One
Here at the PCA 2025 Enrique Sanchez from Global Premium Cigars presents the new Cachito. It has a USA Connecticut wrapper is a very mild, well-balanced cigar. As all Cachitos it is along filler cigar with a smoking time from 30 to 45 minutes. The Cachitos Connecticut and the original Cachitos come with the brand-new packaging. Beside this also the well-known 1502 lines come in a new packaging format.
Mexi Gars by Casa 1910
Joao Maierhofer, brand ambassador, points out that their new line, the Mexi Gars sells under 10 US$ within the US. The Cabinet box contains two compartments for the Habano and the Colorado version both 5×52 vitolas. Binder and filler are the same for both cigars. Binder Mexican Habano and filler: Mexican Habano, Criollo and Negro San Andres. For the Habano Cigars they use a Mexican Habano leaf and for the Colorado Version a Negro San Andres Colorado.
Harvard Pays Off
Didier Houvenaghel has finished and graduated from Harvard Business School and is now implementing this knowledge into his cigar business. Step 1 is to take care of some changes in the ORGANISATION like hiring people for special tasks. Step 2 will be LOGISTICS. Also because of the necessary track and trace process for the cigars, he uses a new partner for his warehouse in Belgium. Step 3 takes about 1,5 years to implement. SUSTAINABILITY is key to Didier.
Big News from Adorini
The well-known Humidor maker Adorini is proud to announce that they are officially FSC certified. This means that Adorini had to proof the complete supply chain of all the wood they use. Of course, also fair working conditions needed to be proofed and sustainability as well. From the product side the Cuban trolly now comes also in an elegant dark wood finishing.
25 Years Jubilee of Bock Y Ca
Brand ambassador Felix Wallenhorst of Villiger reports 3 new lines they present this year. In celebrating the 25th anniversary of Gustav Bock, Villiger honors the Cuban roots of this brand. Gustav Bock was the creator of the first cigar rings (anilas) and therefore they researched the archives and are using the eagle prominently on this cigar. The very limited edition is only available in 250 boxes of 25 cigars and as used to be in Cuba without cellophane.
A Pig is Flying Around
Pedro Gomez from Drew Estate points out that 3 new cigars are on the market. Undercrown 10 has its new Flying Pig as an edition to the existing line. The Blackend line continues the collaboration with Metallica and ads the S84 to the M81 which was launched two years ago. As the M81 was medium to full bodied the S84 is a typical medium body cigar, according to Pedro.
Soon it will be Christmas
Akra presents several beautiful accessories for the cigar connoisseur. The set with 2 glasses, stone ashtray and stone cubes seems perfect as Christmas present for the man that has everything and needs nothing, to quote Mr. Schmidt from AKRA. The glasses are laser cut to hold your cigar. The stone cubes are stored in the freezer. Put them into your drink and it will be held cold without watering your drink. But there are several more beautiful cigar cases in different sizes and different materials.
New Packaging at Global Premium Cigars
Enrique Sanchez reports that within the next month he will release a brand new packaging for his well-known Cachitos brand. With it comes a way better protection for the cigars and a better chance for presentation. On it you will find also more information about the blend and its origin. Beside that he is working on new blends, so keep watching out for more news.
Ixtelli by Karen Berger
Big news from Karen Berger. With the PCA in 2025 she will release her first ever Nicaraguan Puro made in her own factory without any collaboration. Besides, this is also the first luxury cigar made there. As wrapper she uses an Habano Jalapa leaf, Binder and filler are all Nicaraguan. The Name Ixtelli is the old spelling in Nicaraguan language. This honors the culture and history from her country.
Barreda at the PCA
Jennifer Barreda points out how much they improved the blend of the Don Chico line. They focused especially on the balance of a lot of flavors and not too strong tobacco. It is a mild cigar with their own tobacco for the filler and the binder. The wrapper is a Connecticut leave but also not very strong. It will hit the market with 3 vitolas, Robusto (5×54), a Toro (6×54) and the Chairman (6×60). Also new will be a special blend only for Spain. Barreda wants to focus on special tastes in their markets.
United Tobacco – Estrella Cigars - Cigar Journal
Alex Estrella reports that United Tobacco is the wholesale company for distribution but the cigar line they make is PORTO REAL. The company history started 1993 but the Porto Real was first launched in 2011. They focus and great cigars that are very affordable. The retail price is between USD 8,- and USD 12,- per stick. The tobacco for the blends comes from Nicaragua and Dominican Republic. For 2024 Estrella launches a limited cigar – EMANUEL ESTRELLA.
Flor de Caña at the PCA
Mr. Luis Baez, the Global Brand Ambassador of Flor de Caña, gives a brief insight of THE Nicaraguan Rum. The brand exists since 1890 and is still family owned. Their pride goes with the sustainable production and the natural aging process. Important to know that there are no artificial ingredients added and no sugar at all. The core lines are the 25-, 18- and 12-years aged rums. But here are way more available, also some white rums.
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