The box makes a wonderful gift for cigar lovers you know, whether beginners just getting into the craft or aficionados with a storied history of the leaf. Like anywhere else, Christmas in the Dominican Republic is a season of vibrant, festive traditions.

“From the joyful sounds of Aguinaldos echoing through neighborhoods to the warmth of La Cena Navideña shared among families, this unique season reflects the spirit of togetherness and celebration,” says Iturbides Zaldivar, La Aurora’s Director of Sales and Marketing.

The bundle is uniquely curated “to embody that spirit, offering cigar lovers a taste of Dominican excellence wrapped in the festive soul of the holidays.”

What’s In the La Aurora Holiday Box?

You get 10 cigars total, two each of the following:

• La Aurora Original Blend Connecticut 1987 
• La Aurora Preferido 1903 Cameroon 
• La Aurora Family Creed Fuerte Sol 
• La Aurora 120th Anniversary 
• La Aurora ADN Dominicano

If you do the math, that works out to about $13 per cigar which is a pretty good price. Especially since you’re getting the new Family Creed Fuerte Sol and the delicious La Aurora 120th Anniversary in the mix.

I had a chance to review the Fuerte Sol and I came away with a positive experience, to say the least. Featuring a thick, beautiful Mexican San Andres wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and mixed fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Pennsylvania it’s a notch up, pepper especially, from what La Aurora generally proffers. It’s a delectable treat, with flavors like cedar, wood, cocoa, baking spices, toasted marshmallow, caramel, subtle earth, anise and licorice. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

The post La Aurora gets festive with a holiday bundle appeared first on The BS Lounge.

All that on the table, it makes sense that a big cigar maker like Aganorsa would want to join forces with a beverage maker. But I’ll be honest, I did not expect that to happen between Aganorsa and MoneyBag soda — a Gene Simmons soda line. While there have been some strong proponents of this partnership, and very vocal, too, it’s still one of the zaniest things to happen in a while.

What is MoneyBag Soda and why is Aganorsa pairing up?

Gene Simmons of legendary KISS fame launched MoneyBag Soda as a craft brand. Purporting to only use the most elite of ingredients, you’ll find several mentions of “soda royalty” plastered all over the site. I don’t know about royalty, I’m just a crazy, cigar-loving Florida Man myself, but Leif Lunatic sure loves the stuff. Not to mention, the flavors sound delicious. Cola, diet cola, root beer, cream soda, ginger ale, blood orange, and options to mix and match, and they’re all made with natural cane sugar.

But as for those pairings, Aganorsa has thrown a few suggestions together. The Aniversario series seems to match up well with the branding and flavors of the colas and the creme variety. Root Beer is always really good to pair with a cigar, in general, so the MoneyBag Soda Root Beer should be divine.

This news has already been called out in a few places, including Cigar Aficionado and PCA. For those about to rock, oh, wait, that’s AC/DC. That was a joke, don’t come after me, I know the difference.

It makes sense, but also doesn’t, but also does

Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge

Delicious cigars and delicious sodas, yes. It makes sense, but also, I still can’t stop shaking my head at how fucking insane this partnership is. I’m curious if the MoneyBag crew is going to come up with a unique soda just for Aganorsa or, if, alternatively, Aganorsa is going to come up with a unique cigar blend for MoneyBag.

Terence Reilly, VP of Sales and Marketing at Aganorsa, says, “We’re always looking for ways to bring a fresh energy to the premium cigar world.”

“MoneyBag Soda has a bold, authentic character that pairs perfectly with the complexity of Aganorsa cigars. This partnership is about enjoyment, flavor, and creating memorable moments for our customers.”

Aganorsa and MoneyBag Soda will be hosting exclusive pairing events with more information on locations forthcoming.

Either way, we’re the real winners here because it’s going to result in something awesome. I can feel it in my loins.

The post In the weirdest collab in history (that also makes sense) Aganorsa partners with MoneyBag soda appeared first on The BS Lounge.

How are we celebrating?

Here’s what you can expect to find in the latest issue:

Rooftop Cigar Havens: For those looking for places to smoke in New York City, try looking up. While many sky-high drinking holes have become hotspots for visitors and Instagram photoshoots, a handful of upscale, cigar-friendly venues remain.

The Cigar Bars: It’s difficult to match the immersive cigar experience found in a cigar bar, and the cigar bars of Manhattan are the most comfortable places in the big city to enjoy a smoke in style.

The rooftop cigar havens sound like a really cool place to kick back, relax, and enjoy a smoke. I’m a Florida man, and the entire state is flat. We don’t get many opportunities to head to the sky. I’m jealous of everyone who gets to check out those amazing bars.

More smoky cigar lovers content to look forward to

The fun doesn’t stop there. This is Cigar Aficionado we’re talking about here, and these guys always do things right. There’s a lot more to love in this issue, like:

Smoking to Sinatra: A look into the Saturday nights of Steven Maglio, the voice behind Sinatra Saturdays at Manhattan’s Carnegie Club, an institution for cigar smokers and Sinatra enthusiasts alike.

The Shopping Scene: New York has a reputation as a shopper’s mecca. That extends to the city’s cigar stores, which maintain expertly curated selections that outstrip many of the shops you’re likely to find in smaller towns.

Rolled in Manhattan: Found on West 29th in Manhattan is Martinez Cigars, a handmade-cigar operation selling New York-themed, Dominican-inspired cigars. The small space has a definitive workshop feel, where you can watch the rollers make cigars—hopefully, their only lounge chair isn’t occupied when you arrive.

Steak and Cigars: In 2018, Long Island cigar retailer Boris Grossman partnered with Davidoff of Geneva to set up a cigar shop and lounge in Brooklyn, just steps away from one of the most iconic steakhouses in the country, the original Peter Luger.

Arthur Avenue Cigars: Arthur Avenue, which some call New York’s true Little Italy, is home to La Casa Grande, a working cigar factory located inside the famous block’s retail market. Founded in 1995 by Paul “Pauly Cigars” DiSilvio, the factory rolls nearly 600,000 cigars a year.

Smoking on the Sly: As anyone who has spent more than a few minutes in New York City knows, this is a city where rules are made to be bent—and enjoying a cigar on the sly is included, if you know where to look.

As this is a standard-issue, despite the libations, you’ll also find a bunch more. Examples include NFL content, golf hijinks, a feature on American-Made brandies and much, much more.

If you have a chance to pick it up, enjoy! It looks like it’s going to be a lot of fun. Especially for cigar lovers in the greater New York area. Wink wink.

The post Cigar Aficionado’s next issue celebrates 400 years in the Big Apple appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Iturbides Zaldivar, Director of Sales & Marketing at La Aurora says this re-release is “a very special product for me.”

“It represents our commitment to U.S. retailers and our desire to craft products that not only stay true to our roots in the Dominican Republic but represent the growing and changing palates of U.S. cigar aficionados.”

What is La Aurora Especiales?

Manuel Ynoa, La Aurora’s master blender, considered the input of over 100 cigar retailers before developing the blend for the original Especiales. The retailers involved visited and worked directly with the flavor genius over the course of six years. Six years of experimentation is a long time.

How did it turn out?

Especiales is a medium-bodied experiential smoke with a luscious Ecuadorian Cameroon wrapper, Dominican binder, and fillers from the Dominican Republic and United States. The 2025 cigar is a similar blend to the 2022 release of the cigar. Enthusiasts and aficionados describe the flavor notes as woodsy, with sweet cedar, nuttiness, coffee, spice, and light pepper.

Speaking on his side of the equation, Joshua Habursky, Chief Executive Officer of the Premium Cigar Association, says that he is “proud” of the collaboration.

“This is the second year that we are launching a major collaboration at our fall fundraiser, and we are very proud of the company we are collaborating with and the product itself. Over the past year the PCA team has worked with La Aurora on an Alliance exclusive cigar and they are hosting our pairing as part of the FIU Luxury Marketing Class this November. This is another win-win for both La Aurora, the association, and our retail membership.”

Last year’s fundraiser racked up nearly $40,000 to go towards ongoing advocacy efforts in the industry. It will certainly be interesting to see how things play out this year. Of course, I’m more excited for the launch of the Especiales.

How do I get one?

Anyone attending the PCA Fall Fundraiser on September 11 will have a chance to try the cigar as part of an exclusive pairing event. You can buy tickets for that here.

As mentioned after the fundraiser, La Aurora Especiales will ship out to retailers in October. Additionally, $0.50 from every cigar sold will go towards PCA to support its advocacy mission to protect and ensure the security of tobacco retailers and manufacturers.

La Aurora Especiales will be available in the following formats:

• La Aurora Especiales Robusto (5 x 50) — MSRP: $13.50
• La Aurora Especiales Toro (5 3/4 x 54) — MSRP: $14.50
• La Aurora Especiales Corona Gorda (6 x 47) — MSRP: $14
• La Aurora Especiales Gran Toro (6 x 58) — MSRP: $15

Excited to give this one a try myself!

The post La Aurora Especiales relaunching thanks to partnership with PCA appeared first on The BS Lounge.

While working on the blend, and after soliciting feedback from a curated panel — including select retailers — the cigar is crafted with a Habano-seed wrapper and a unique blend of fillers. Those include Dominican tobacco from La Canela and Dominican pelo de oro, Mexican San Andrés, Nicaraguan tobacco and Pennsylvania broadleaf. What a mix, right?

According to Casa Carrillo, Silk is a “refined medium-bodied cigar with layered notes of earth, sweetness, and spice.”

It originally showed up at PCA before the blend was finalized, but now it’s ready for launch.

More on the La Historia Silk

Available in boxes of ten, the Silk will retail for about $16.50 per cigar (about $165 per box) at a size of 6-inches by 52. However, they will be produced in limited batches and released throughout the year. The company will output the first run at 1,500 boxes. It’s also the first “round-format” cigar released in the U.S. from the Perez-Carrillo team.

Lissette Perez-Carrillo says that Silk was born after listening to influential women in the industry. She also said in a video that it’s been a wonderful learning experience for her and a “journey in blending.”

“It reflects the stories, experiences, and insights of women in our industry, while being crafted for all cigar lovers. Having it be the first release to carry the Casa Carrillo name on its foot band makes it even more meaningful—it’s a symbol of our evolution and the future we’re building.”

Lissette’s daughter Skye also worked on the project. She not only represents the fifth generation of the family to be involved in the industry, but also an entirely new generation coming into the craft.

It should be available to retailers within the next couple of weeks — this week at the earliest. Frankly, the blend sounds delightful, and I’m excited to give it a try.

The post Perez-Carrillo La Historia Silk is a cigar inspired by women and for a new generation appeared first on The BS Lounge.

The La Aurora 120th is absolutely delicious. Brimming with cinnamon, gingerbread, anise, baked dough, cedar, and toasty flavors, it’s a medium to full-bodied cigar that’s relaxing, almost sanctimoniously so. It’s a Dominican puro, featuring a Habano 92 wrapper, with Corojo, Olor, and Piloto Cubano fillers.

Every time I get a chance to have one, I take it. You should, too.

La Aurora says the Lancero has a “sweetness that enters the fold with a sweet cocoa and creamy coffee bean, soon evolving into a smooth vanilla finish.” It eventually “transitions to dry fruit and rich tropical notes, with subtle hints of wild honey and rich earth.”

La Aurora 120 Aniversario Lancero is a limited release

Source: La Aurora

Limited to 750 boxes on its initial run, the 120 Lancero will be available to buy from retailers sometime mid-summer. The MSRP is about $18 per cigar. That puts the box of 20 at about $360. That’s pretty much the same price as the core 120th Anniversary line.

Why a Lancero? I was wondering the same. Not in a bad or mocking way, just curious why this particular format. La Aurora’s Master Blender, Manuel Ynoa, has the deets.

“Entrusted to only our most seasoned rollers, the lancero is a format I have come to love due to the challenge in crafting each blend.”

He explains it’s tough to get right.

“Blender and Roller must work hand in hand to ensure a flawless product, and this collection defines the La Aurora brand and the quality for which it stands.”

He also explains that the flavor and experience change a little, and why.

“Furthermore, the lancero necessitates less filler, and as a result, each blend takes on a life of its own that differs in nuanced ways from the other formats in the line, making for a truly unique experience to share with others.”

Lancero cigars tend to be a pretty popular format amongst hardcore cigar enthusiasts, and the way Ynoa explains it, I can see why. Either way, I’m excited and interested in trying the new size, which really isn’t a different blend at all, but will still provide a unique experience because of the way it’s crafted.

The post La Aurora 120 Aniversario Lancero is coming this summer appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Some of the brand’s cheaper cigars are hit or miss, but once you get into premium territory, they offer some real bangers. The La Aurora 120th Anniversary is absolutely phenomenal. The ADN Dominicano? Yes, please. The Hors D’age? If you see some, get some. Don’t hesitate. They have some new releases coming too, like the Fuerte Sol, which I’m really looking forward to trying.

But what some may not realize is that they also make some delicious rum and spirits under the León Jimenes brand. And that brings us to the heart of the recent announcement.

La Aurora is opening a new Miami distribution center

Source: La Aurora

Source: La Aurora

La Aurora and Caribbean Sunrise Spirits are opening a Miami Distribution Center, scheduled to do so officially on June 10th. It will significantly expand the capabilities of both companies and allow them to “function more efficiently,” enabling customized support for trusted partners, retailers and distributors here in the U.S..

Greyci Tineo, La Aurora USA and Caribbean Sunrise Spirits COO says the distribution “journey” actually started “back in April 2023, using a 3PL down in Houston to distribute our premium products.”

Tineo shares that the new facility “fits our strategic plan of reinforcing our commitment to faster service by increasing our inventory levels.”

While a warehouse and distribution center is typically better news for retailers, it makes a difference for consumers because it likely means La Aurora’s cigars and related offerings will be more accessible. La Aurora also makes and sells León Jimenes-brand cigars and the rum, as they’re all under the León family umbrella. A hugely influential family in the Dominican Republic.

La Aurora, Neptune Cigars, and Angurria team up for a monumental cultural mural in Little Havana

Source: La Aurora

Source: La Aurora

To celebrate the new opening, and the rich culture of Miami, the Latin identity, and Little Havana, La Aurora has teamed up with Neptune Cigars and Dominican artist Omar García, better known as “Angurria.”

They’ve come together to produce and unveil a cultural mosaic of Miami, painted on the façade of Neptune Cigars’ new warehouse on 7th Street in Little Havana. Titled “Puentes de Aerosol,” the mural honors the city’s historic role as a new home for uprooted communities. Miami is “a sanctuary for those escaping political unrest while holding tightly to their roots.”

The monumental — and it is massive — mural is 1,890 square feet, and located smack dab in the middle of one of Miami’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It seemed fitting to locate the mural here, with nearly 60,000 passerby daily, and as a center of cultural pride and resilience.

More than a mural; a ‘love letter’ to Latin identity

Source: La Aurora

Source: La Aurora

Source: La Aurora

Taking shape over seven months, with careful planning, many passionate and involved meetings, and a commitment from all partners, the mural is now set in stone, if you will. Brought to life in just six days, across 60 hours of meticulous labor by a team of more than nine, its beauty is unmatched.

The Associate Brand Manager of La Aurora USA — and a veritable genius I had the chance to meet — Elvis Batista makes it clear, “this project is more than a mural.”

 “It is a love letter to Latin identity, to the journey of migration, and to the enduring power of culture. The mural on Calle 7 is a testament to the beauty of collaboration and the magic that happens when art, tradition, and community come together.”

“It’s a celebration of who we are — as people, as Latinos, as craftsmen — and of the deep and unbreakable bond between our culture and this city. At the heart of this collaboration is the celebration of heritage: La Aurora’s proud Dominican roots, the city of Miami’s cultural tapestry, and Neptune Cigars’ deep ties to the South Florida cigar community. Together, we brought Angurria’s compelling artistic vision to life, giving the community a mural that is both personal and universal — one that speaks to the immigrant story, the love of craft, and the pursuit of the American dream.”

The mural’s official unveiling will take place on June 10th, with representatives from all partners in attendance, including La Aurora, Neptune Cigars, Angurria Studio, the Miami Mayor and more. It will mark an immense moment of celebration for the community, sparking unity, gratitude, and respect — the perfect opportunity to honor the story behind the art and community that inspired the vision.

The post La Aurora has big news: New Miami warehouse and community mural appeared first on The BS Lounge.

This ruling was tied to the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decision from 2022. That decision canceled General’s two US Cohiba trademarks and will be upheld. The judge dismissed the current case. While it’s tough to keep score, this particular suit was filed in 2023. General was attempting to reverse the 2022 decision.

According to the courts, “Because the Court finds that Cubatabaco has established that the TTAB’s cancellation of General Cigar’s registrations was proper under Article 8 of the Inter-American Convention (IAC) and that the Cuban Assets Control Regulations do not prohibit such cancellation, General Cigar’s requested relief will be denied and its Amended Complaint will be dismissed without prejudice.”

General lost the case.

What does this mean for General Cigar Company and US-made Cohibas?

Will General cease production of the red-dot Cohibas and stop selling them? No, probably not. Fans of the brand don’t have anything to worry about, for now.

Régis Broersma, the Chief Commercial Officer of Scandinavian Tobacco Group — who owns General — says that they are “disappointed by this decision.” But this isn’t the end of the legal fight.

They will now “study the ruling closely.” That’s customary with legal matters of this kind. The team will also “consider the opportunity to appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.”

“Our federal trademark registrations, which are the subject of the dispute, would remain valid and enforceable during a pending appeal. We expect the long dispute to continue before the courts.”

This ruling specifically concerns federal trademark registrations. It doesn’t have any bearing on General Cigar’s common law trademark rights. In other words, Cohiba cigars will continue to be available from the company.

The post Latest ruling on Cohiba versus Cohiba: Judge dismisses General Cigar’s lawsuit appeared first on The BS Lounge.

Of course, they also have their self-titled releases, with this next one making a splash on store shelves real soon. Like, now, soon. Introducing the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario 25 Edición Limitada.

They’ll feature an MSRP of $30 per cigar, available in boxes of 10, and are limited to 1,000 boxes total. Select stores will start selling these bad boys real soon. Apparently, each store received a limit of no more than five boxes. That might make them tougher to find than most.

What is the Aganorsa Leaf Aniversario 25 Edición Limitada?

Shaped in a toro extra, at 6-1/4 inches by 52, the limited run celebrates and highlights Aganorsa Leaf’s 25 year anniversary. The anniversary actually happened in 2023, but this tobacco was aged two years, hence the delayed launch.

Inside, and outside, you’ll find all Nicaraguan tobaccos from the Aganorsa farms. What makes this one a bit different is that signature Aganorsa kick, and full-bodied experience, has been dialed back a bit. The Leaf Aniversario should be medium-bodied.

The brand’s owner, Eduardo Fernández, says the vision was “to bring the essence of traditional Cuban tobacco to Nicaragua by employing Cuban agricultural and fermentation methods, ultimately creating Aganorsa’s signature flavor profile.”

“This cigar celebrating our 25-year journey underscores a commitment to tradition and craftsmanship, showcasing Aganorsa’s dedication to authenticity in the tobacco industry.”

Sure, it might be a tough get, depending on where you are, but I’m also sure it’s going to be well worth it. If you get the chance, smoke one of these down to a nub.

Update: An earlier version mentioned the 25 year anniversary was in 2024. It actually happened in 2023.

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According to the team, this is a goal to create a more seamless experience “for cigar lovers and retail partners alike.” The biggest change is that Casa Carrillo is bringing “every aspect of [its] operation under one roof — both literally and figuratively.”

“This transition to Casa Carrillo marks a strategic step toward clarity, unity, and global recognition. By aligning our U.S. headquarters, Dominican Republic factory, and international presence under one name, we’re streamlining our identity while staying rooted in the quality that defines us.”

You can read more about the announcement on the brand’s official page.

What does this mean for Casa Carrillo labels?

The “House of Brands” as Casa Carrillo calls them, will include three core lines, which many of us already know and love:

• Perez-Carrillo Series — Pledge, La Historia, Encore, Encore Black, Allegiance, and Endure.
• Essence Series — Sumatra, Maduro, and Honduras.
• Inch Series — INCH Natural, INCH Maduro, and INCH Nicaragua.

Of course, Casa Carrillo will also continue offering the New Wave Connecticut, as well. The New Wave is not under the umbrella of the previous core lines, but instead its own thing. The brands above will continue to retain their individual identities under the Casa Carrillo name.

The rebranding has already been rolled out to the company’s website and various social media profiles. As is the case with many brand changes, it may take some time for cigar packaging, labels, and everything on store shelves to catch up.

Ultimately, this puts the Carrillo headquarters in Miami on an even keel with its factory in the Dominican Republic. Personally, I think it’s a neat and interesting change and am excited to see how it affects the wider market in regards to the brand’s exposure. It’s not like E.P. Carrillo wasn’t already a household name in cigars. The brand’s legacy spans many generations with strong Cuban roots.

Viva la Casa Carrillo, or something like that.

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