This Alfonso Añejos No. 2 is the route back to greatness for Selected Tobacco S.A. The early days of having incredible nuance, balance, and in general a great cigar is almost back with this release. This cigar (for the first two thirds) had such a large array of flavors that worked in great harmony. It's not often I smoke a cigar like this, but it is a treat.
For 2023, the new sizes are Gunner 6.5 x 43 (MSRP $20), Captain 5 x 50 (MSRP $20), Commodore 7 x 55 (MSRP $30), and an event only size Cooper 4.5 x 43 (MSRP $15). These four new sizes join the Admiral 6 x 52 (MSRP $25) which was launched at PCA 2022 and immediately sold out.
Every once in a while, I'm reminded of why I have a profound love for cigars. The Red Anchor Admiral is not just a one box buy, it is a multiple box buy. Yes it is pricey, but the enjoyment factor outweighs the price point. Hendrik Kelner Jr, I see you.
United Cigars continues its expansion with the addition Dan Davison as their Director of Marketing. Dan comes to United Cigars with 10 years of experience in all aspects of the cigars industry from both sides of the counter.
United Cigars Limited-Edition Cigar Bar is back for the Fall with a special 3 pack by Rocky Patel. The 2nd Cigar Bar release is to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Rocky Patel cigars with an American tradition of a Silver Bar. This is the second edition of the United Cigars Cigar Bar that is part of their annual release Series Unidas collection.
The United Cigar Series Unidas Cigar Bar Corojo was quite disappointing as the flavor profile was a bit off-putting with the staleness and bitterness. Things got slightly better after the re-light, but nothing that could reverse course for the cigar overall. The cigar burned pretty quickly as well. I just don't think this is the desired outcome of what the cigar was supposed to be. I can't see myself coming back to this one.
The initial launch was limited to 250 boxes of 25 cigars. The 2022 production will come in one vitola, a 6 x 52 called the Admiral with a suggested retail price of $25.00 per cigar or $625 per box. Red Anchor is medium plus in body and medium in strength. The Red Anchor Admiral will begin shipping to retailers the first week of September.
The La Gianna Havana Angelic Toro provided a pretty similar profile that I get from lower grade, sometimes bundle Connecticut Shade offerings. The bitterness and burning paper notes were definitely a detractor. The sweetened head only lasted a short time and may have helped if it was around longer. The price point is a bit high for what the experience was and I don't see coming back to this cigar.
The new YAYA premium cigar line from CigarZona will not only have its US launch at this year’s PCA (Premium Cigar Association) trade show in Las Vegas, NV but it will also release a show exclusive: YAYA Short Robusto.
Exclusively available at Ambassador Fine Cigars, the partnership with Selected Tobacco and United Cigars to create these Limited-Edition Humidors did not stop with the humidor itself. Limited to only 200 humidors with numbered metallic plates, the French White Oak lined humidors feature embossed hinges, thermometer, hygrometer, all protected with lock and key on the front.