CigarCoop

Tonight, Terence Reilly, Vice President of Aganorsa Leaf makes his return to the Prime Time Show. 2023 has been a big year for Aganorsa with many new releases. We will get the 411 on these releases and a whole lot more. Plus, we will have our Cattle Baron Steak Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, and Espinosa Today in Sports History segments. In the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segment, we’ll tap into Terence’s view on cigar events and see how Aganorsa has used it when engaging with consumers and retailers.

At the 2023 PCA trade show, Arturo Fuente officially released the Don Carlos Eye of the Bull. Arturo Fuente teased this cigar earlier at the 2022 PCA trade show, but it wasn’t available until now. Because of its limited run and the high demand, Arturo Fuente made this an exclusive for the PCA trade show. The international release was held in Brussels, Belgium in June 2023, held by Joshua Meerapfel who family grows the famous authentic Cameroon wrapper. The Eye of the Bull is a commemorative cigar to honor Richard Meerapfel and Carlos Fuente Sr. and was a personal project of Ciro Cascella, who is the Executive President of Tabacalera A. Fuente. The cigar is the same blend as a Don Carlos, but in a unique size and a unique cap featuring a dot of maduro tobacco on the cap to make it resemble an eye. Size: 3.5 x 55 Wrapper: Authentic Meerapfel African Cameroon Binder: Dominican Filler: Dominican MSRP: $12.80 Factory: Tabacalera A. Fuente y Cia Country of Origin: Dominican Republic Final Score: 91

Tonight, we are honored to welcome Drew Estate’s Master Blender, Willy Herrera back to the Prime Time Show. It’s the first time Willy has been back on the Prime Time Show in nearly five years, so we have a lot to catch up on – including some of the exciting new projects in the Liga 10 and H99 lines. Plus, we will have our Cattle Baron Steak Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, and Espinosa Today in Sports History segments. In the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segment, we take a closer look at this week’s controversy involving Dave Portnoy.

Let's try this again! This is our third attempt to give away the Quality Importers Tower Humidor. We spin the wheel to see who takes home the 2000 count cabinet humidor (cigars not included) from Quality Importers Trading Co.

Tonight, we journey back to Mount Rushmore. Tonight we take at the La Flor Dominicana version of Mount Rushmore. Very simply, Bear and Coop will pick four cigars from La Flor Dominicana that they feel belong on Mount Rushmore. We will also take a look at unorthodox, unusual packaging. Plus we have our U.S. History segment, Tabacalera USA Great Things are Happening Here, and Espinosa This Day in Sports History segments.

Are you ready for some Football? Tonight Dave and Coop bring in the “Cigar Surgeon” aka John McTavish to take a look at the upcoming NFL Season. They will make some playoff predictions and even look at over/unders. Plus they will make Super Bowl Halftime Show predictions, and of course bring some Football tunes to the table. Plus we pay tribute to the late Jimmy Buffett, and talk about the upcoming Duran Duran album. In this episode, John smokes the Tatuaje 20th Anniversary Grand Chasseur while Dave and Coop light up some La Flor Dominicana Special Football Edition Cigars. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 108 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1ygcP7pshOR9b9XUlmD2So?si=9e49d69df1a04ec0 References 2023 NFL Over/Unders: https://cigarjukebox.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/over-under_lines-nfl_2023.pdf NFL Picks (Spoilers): https://cigarjukebox.files.wordpress.com/2023/09/prime_time_jukebox_episode_108-nfl_picks.pdf New Duran Duran Album: https://www.spin.com/2023/08/duran-duran-announces-new-album-danse-macabre/?fbclid=IwAR1us72EJEmck6fiNxjh-hhceQfpd3rruqHigM6GAyf02-jsg8TxABOL0Ps Jimmy Buffett Dead at 76: https://cigarjukebox.com/2023/09/02/jimmy-buffett-dead-at-76/ Developing Palates Team Cigar Review: Black Label Trading Co. La Madonna Negra Rothschild: https://developingpalates.com/reviews/cigar-reviews/team-cigar-review-black-label-trading-co-la-madonna-negra-rothschild/

Aging Room Cigars released a new cigar line at TPE 2023 called the Quattro Nicaragua Sonata. This cigar line is a brand of the well-received Quattro Nicaragua cigar line that won Cigar of the Year in 2019 from Cigar Aficionado. Rafael Nodal, owner of Aging Room Cigars, is a well-known music lover and he decided to create his own sonata using tobacco leaves. He worked with AJ Fernandez to create the Quattro Nicaragua Sonata cigar line using extra-aged tobaccos. Vitola: Toro Size: 6 x 54 Wrapper: Nicaraguan Binder: Nicaraguan Filler: Nicaraguan Country of Origin: Nicaragua Factory: Tabacalera A.J. Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A. MSRP: $13.24 Final Score: 90

Julio Cabrera has built a reputation as one of the most famous cantineros for his unique style of bartending. Now he is embarking on a new challenge- the premium cigar industry with the launch of his own company, Sacrificio Cigars. Tonight, Julio makes his Prime Time debut. We will talk about Julio’s career and his road into the cigar industry. Plus, we will have our Cattle Baron Steak Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 107, we go back in time and take look at the top ten singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for August 28, 1971 – 52 years earlier from when this show airs. We will look at the good, bad, and ugly of these top ten songs. We also talk Dolly Parton’s cover with the remaining living Beatles, and Soccer Mommy’s cover of Taylor Swift. For this episode, Dave smokes the Black Label Trading Company Dreadnaught while Coop smokes the Introduce Montecristo 1935 Anniversary Nicaragua Toro As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 107 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4x9Mf59hPSer9Z0h7BXd9M?si=23e9a074677b4cdf References Billboard Hot 100 – Billboard: https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/1971-08-28/ G Flips’ The Worst Person Alive: Some Good Honest Aussie Pop Punk: https://cigarjukebox.com/2023/08/22/g-flips-the-worst-person-alive-some-good-honest-aussie-pop-punk/ Tatuaje Anarchy NFT Auctions Open August 21: https://cigar-coop.com/2023/08/cigar-news-tatuaje-anarchy-nft-auctions-open-august-21.html Prime Time Episode 280: Patrick Lagreid, Halfwheel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYrCLW2v_5c Developing Palates Team Cigar Review: Ozgener Aramas A52: https://developingpalates.com/reviews/cigar-reviews/team-cigar-review-ozgener-aramas-a52/

Our last winner was not eligible to win, so let's do this again. We spin the wheel to see who takes home the 2000 count cabinet humidor (cigars not included) from Quality Importers Trading Co.

Tonight we are honored to welcome Patrick Legreid of Halfwheel to the Prime Time Show. Without a doubt Patrick is one of the best and most recognizable journalists in the cigar industry. The work he has done for over a decade with Halfwheel has changed cigar media. Tonight we will look at Patrick’s journey in cigar media, and get his perspectives on things going on in the industry. Plus, we will sneak in some baseball talk. Plus, we will have our Cattle Baron Steak Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

As is now a tradition on Cigar Coop, we close out our 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Coverage at the Tatuaje Cigars booth. This year, it was “33 Minutes with Pete Johnson,” as we discussed a wide range of cigar and industry topics. Johnson is one of the most ardent supporters of the PCA, so it’s no surprise he has brought his A-game to the show regarding releases. And to make things more exciting, Tatuaje is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2023. We would all present Pete Johnson with two special awards. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qmW

We spin the wheel to see who takes home the 2000 count cabinet humidor (cigars not included) from Quality Importers Trading Co

When we started to compile our "Cigar Big Board" for the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) of what new products are being showcased and launched, one of the first companies to make their announcements was Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust. At that time, the company announced seven different products it would be introducing to market. What's interesting is there is quite a wide range of products - from the $7.95 mixed filler Polpettas to the new $100.00 ultra-premium Unicorns. It was no surprise that the Dunbarton booth was bustling with activity. Despite being a very busy booth, owner Steve Saka has been quite generous with his time, as he gave us a 36-minute interview at PCA. We also used this interview to present Saka with the 2022 #2 Cigar Coop Cigar of the Year for Sin Compromiso Paladin de Saka and a special award by Bear Duplisea for the "most watched Take" on El Oso Fumar in 2022. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qm0

Foundation Cigar Company often themes its cigars around different cultures. Over the years, the branding of Foundation has paid homage to the cultures of Nicaragua, Ethiopia, Egypt, Jamaica, and England as well as Melillo's home state of Connecticut. That continued in 2023 as the owner Nicholas Melillo's company's new releases honored Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and Connecticut. A couple of the releases showcased this year were quite personal for Melillo, as there is a release honoring Melillo's grandfathers and one for a special honor that Melillo received from the country of Ethiopia. Foundation has worked with the Aganorsa and AJ Fernandez's factories to handle his production. This year, the focus was on the AJ Fernandez-produced brands. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qlf

Bear Duplisea presents Rafael Nodal with the award for #3 Cigar of the Year from El Oso Fumar. This was given for the Saint Luis Rey Carenas Toro..

On Prime Time Jukebox Episode 106, Dave and Coop look at some of musicians who decided to try their hand at acting and those actors who tried their hand at music. We also discuss music and cigar news including the death of Robbie Robertson, and the recent win by the cigar industry in U.S. Court. Dave will talk the Australian concert scene – and yes, Barbie! In this episode, Dave smokes the Espinosa 601 La Bomba Warhead IX while Coop smokes the West Tampa Tobacco Red You can watch the episode in real-time on our YouTube page and it will also premiere on our Facebook page on Monday, August 21, at 8pm ET. As always you can follow along with our Spotify Playlists: Episode 106 Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5RxrDEHjbXeH3adyLtuQjv?si=8bc9afdb77024ece References The Band’s Robbie Robertson Dies at 80: https://pitchfork.com/news/the-bands-robbie-robertson-dies-at-80/ Bob Dylan Pays Tribute to Former Bandmate Robbie Robertson: https://pitchfork.com/news/bob-dylan-pays-tribute-to-former-bandmate-robbie-robertson/ Paul announces Australian dates for the 'Got Back' tour: https://www.paulmccartney.com/news/paul-announces-australian-dates-for-the-got-back-tour Petbarn has released hilarious Dolly Parton pet apparel and toys: https://www.bhg.com.au/dolly-parton-pet-apparel Judge Mehta Orders FDA’s Deeming Rule to be Vacated: https://cigar-coop.com/2023/08/cigar-news-judge-metha-orders-fdas-deeming-rule-to-be-vacated.html Developing Palates - Team Cigar Review: Davidoff Millennium Lancero Limited Edition 2023: https://developingpalates.com/reviews/cigar-reviews/team-cigar-review-davidoff-millennium-lancero-limited-edition-2023/ Ryan Gosling’s I’m Just Ken: Exploring Masculinity in a Bleach Blonde Ballad: https://cigarjukebox.com/2023/08/03/ryan-goslings-im-just-ken-exploring-masculinity-in-a-bleach-blonde-ballad/

For the third consecutive year, Matilde Cigars was a part of the Sutliff Tobacco pavilion. During this time, Sutliff has provided distribution services for many companies, including Matilde. It had been almost 6 1/2 years since Matilde Cigars has released a new regular production line, but earlier this year, Matilde released the Matilde Serena Maduro. The Matilde Serena Maduro is the fifth regular production line for Matilde, and it's meant to complement the Matilde Serena, which is a Connecticut Shade offering. Meanwhile, Matilde is continuing its Limited Exposure project - a series of limited-production cigars from Tabacalera La Isla that feature small production runs in different sizes. This year the Matilde Limited Exposure No. 1 was released in a Robusto size. In what has become a Cigar Coop Coalition tradition, the Matilde booth was visited as the Trade Show was getting ready to shut down for 2023. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qky

Pospiech Cigars is an operation run by Mike and Greg Szczepankiewicz out of Deltona, Florida, where they also have their Cigar Hustler retailer operation and Hustler Universe Podcasts. Pospiech is best known for the Powstanie Cigars made at RoMa Craft Tobac’s Nica Sueño factory in Estelí, Nicaragua. This year, they were a part of the RoMa Craft Tobac booth for the first time since 2019. This year Powstanie was front and center as the featured brand from Pospiech Cigars. For the first time since the brand launched, Powstanie is launching a regular production cigar. The Powstanie Connecticut is the brand's first Connecticut Shade release. Meanwhile, ongoing popular limited edition lines, the Wojtek and SBC, are also seeing new releases. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qjH

Luciano Cigars is a company that has undergone some significant changes. Last year, the company was known as ACE Prime, but since then has taken on the name of its CEO and blender, Luciano Meirelles. As a part of that rebranding, the company has also made significant changes, setting up a new factory in Estelí, Nicaragua, its own distribution and fulfillment center in Florida, and establishing its own sales force. Along the way, the company has still focused on product innovation. At the 2023 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, plenty of new products were showcased. One of the most exciting things about Luciano Cigars is it has established a network of partners and collaborators that are a part of its business model. This has allowed these partners and collaborators to leverage the production capabilities at the Luciano Cigars factory and the sales and distribution the company has established. This model reminded me quite a bit of what C.L.E. Cigar Company had done with the Fabricas Unidas model - serving as an "incubator" for its partners and collaborators. Now it's fascinating to see it happening again in the cigar industry. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qjy

This was the seventh Premium Cigar Association (PCA)/IPCPR Trade Show For Jochy Blanco's La Galera line. Blanco first came to the IPCPR Trade Show back in 2016 when he would launch his own premium cigar brand, La Galera Cigars. Since then, La Galera has been at every Trade Show the PCA/IPCPR has covered. At the 2023 PCA Show, there wasn't anything from La Galera in terms of new product lines or line extensions. Most of the changes involved samplers and a revamping of the packaging for the La Galera Connecticut. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qje

Quality Importers Trading Company has certainly built up an impressive portfolio of brands. One of the brands that got considerable attention at the 2023 was Humidor Supreme. This year Humidor Supreme had several new desktop, cabinet, and commercial humidor offerings. Several of the releases incorporate technology - from electronic temperature and humidity control to an innovative fingerprint locked humidor. At the same time, Quality Importer is strengthening the branding of its Humidor Supreme offerings as all of the new humidors now feature a leaf engraved panel inside the units - whether desktop or cabinet. In part two of Humidor Supreme coverage, we look at cabinet humidors. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qjl

Quality Importers Trading Company has certainly built up an impressive portfolio of brands. One of the brands that got considerable attention at the 2023 was Humidor Supreme. This year Humidor Supreme had several new desktop, cabinet, and commercial humidor offerings. Several of the releases incorporate technology - from electronic temperature and humidity control to an innovative fingerprint locked humidor. At the same time, Quality Importer is strengthening the branding of its Humidor Supreme offerings as all of the new humidors now feature a leaf engraved panel inside the units - whether desktop or cabinet. In part one of Humidor Supreme coverage, we look at desktop humidors. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qjl

Last week, came news of Micallef Cigars and All Saints Cigars uniting their sales teams into a single unit. Tonight we will bring in the two principals involved with making this deal happen: Dan Thompson, President of Micallef Cigars and Micky Pegg, co-owner of All Saints Cigars. We will discuss how this arrangement came to be, what this arrangement actually entails, and what the future holds here. Plus, we will have our Cattle Baron Steak Question of the Night, Tabacalera USA Ties That Bind, Alec Bradley Live True, Espinosa Today in Sports History, and the Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Deliberation segments.

I've noticed that you can count on Estaban Carreras to introduce a new product at the year's Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. You can also count on them not announcing what that cigar is until the doors of the show open. Typically for its PCA show releases, Esteban Carreras has introduced a regular production cigar. In the case of the 2023 PCA Trade Show, Esteban Carreras opted to release a limited-production cigar called Taken from the Devil’s Hand Maduro. This is a Maduro counterpart to a regular production cigar that was introduced last year called Taken From the Devil's Hand, which was the company's first Corojo cigar. Full PCA Report: https://wp.me/p6h1n1-qiD