The Smoking Syndicate: Diesel Whiskey Row Founder’s Collection Raceking

The Diesel line of cigars has been a very successful brand for Forged Cigars and their long standing partnership with Rabbit Hole Distillery. The Diesel brand started out as a catalog only brand for Cigar International, but was moved under General Cigars in 2017. The cigars have been produced by AJ Fernandez since the beginning and still produces them to this day. Their have been several limited editions that have been produced annually under that name Founder’s Collection and for 2025, the new release is called the Raceking. These limited editions have the binder tobacco aged in whiskey barrels that were used by Rabbit Hole for their whiskey of the same name. The Raceking was introduced at the 2025 PCA Trade show in New Orleans, LA. In the press release sent to Cigar Coop, Joe Krzyston said:

Joe Krzyston, Assistant Brand Manager for Diesel, said. “This barrel-aged blend honors the history and legacy of Kentucky bourbon. Whether you’re watching the race or simply enjoying the quality of the craft, this cigar is truly exceptional.”

Each limited edition Diesel is release in only one size each year.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan (Aged in Raceking bourbon barrels)
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Nicaragua
Factory: Tabacalera AJ Fernandez Cigars de Nicaragua S.A.
Vitola: Toro
Size: 6 x 52
MSRP: $15.99

Final Score: 91