Tabacalera Palma has acquired IndianHead Cigars, a distributor of value-priced cigar brands. In addition, the company has also announced that is launching a new premium brand called La Galera that will be distributed under the IndianHead Cigars umbrella. Industry veteran Fabian Barrantes will serve as IndianHead’s Director of Marketing and Sales.

IndianHead Cigars was previously owned by Bill Bock. With Bock deciding to retire, he reached out to his longtime friend, Tabacalera Palma CEO Jochy Blanco to acquire the company.

The company is known for brands such as Cuban Twist, Dynamite, Cuban Aristocrat, Rough Ryder Sweets, Premium Value Honduran, American Stogies, and Tropical Delights. In a press release announcing the acquisition, Blanco said, “I am going to continue providing these great products from Honduras & Nicaragua and make them better; keeping in mind the retailers who supported the brands from day one and introducing them to new tobacconists as well.”

“I have appointed, Fabian Barrantes as Director of Marketing & Sales, whom with his vast knowledge, sense of ethics and ample experience within the industry will help with the expansion of the existing brands as well as the realization of future projects, ” added Blanco.

Barrantes served in similar capacities at Boutique Blends Cigars and Villiger North America.

Complementing the value priced cigars is the launch of the new premium brand La Galera. In announcing this new brand, Blanco commented “I want to start off this venture by complementing it with a very exciting launch; my new Premium Cigar Brand called: La Galera. La Galera is the heart of every cigar factory. It’s where the magic takes place; where cigars are produced. I’ve had this brand in mind for many years but I really feel that now is the right time to bring it to life. I can’t wait until all Cigar Aficionados get a chance to enjoy some of the finest tobaccos I have ever harvested.”

La Galera will be launched in two blends. The La Galera Habano will consist of an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, a Dominican Corojo binder, and filler tobaccos consisting of Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, and Pelo de Oro. La Galera Habano will belaunched in four sizes: Robusto-chaveta (5 x 50), Toro-el lector (6 x 54), Torpedo-cortador, (6 1/4 x 52), and Gordo-pilones (6 1/4 x 60). There will also be three sizes launched for the European market.

The second blend will be the La Galera Connecticut. This will consist of an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Piloto Cubano binder, and a filler blend of Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, and Dominican T-112. La Galera Connecticut will be launched in five sizes: Robusto-chaveta (5 x 50), Toro-el lector (6 x 54), Torpedo-cortador, (6 1/4 x 52), Churchill-Tabaquero Presidente (7 1/4 x 52) and Short Gordo Pilone (6 1/4 x 60). In addition, there will be three sizes launched for the European market.

 

La Galera will have an international release kicking off distribution in the U.S. and with other distributors in 11 countries. Some retailers in the U.S.A. may have product as soon as the end of 2015.

From the date of its official international release, IndianHead Cigars will begin the distribution of La Galera in the U.S.A. and other distributors in 11 countries; however some special retailers in the U.S.A. may have it as soon as the end of the year

Tabacalera Palma is best known for producing cigars for companies such as Boutique Blends Cigars, Las Cumbres Tabaco, and Villiger. The acquisition of IndianHead, including the new La Galera brand now gives Blanco a brand portfolio of his own consisting of both value and premium cigars.

At a glance, here is a look at the new La Galera blends.

La Galera – Habano

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano wrapper
Binder: Dominican Corojo
Filler: Piloto Cubano, Criollo 98, and Pelo de Oro.
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic

Robusto – Chaveta: 5 x 50 (SRP $6.20)
Toro – El Lector: 6 x 54 (SRP $7.00)
Torpedo – Cortador: 6 1/4 x 52 (SRP $7.00)
Gordo – Pilones: 6 1/4 x 60 (SRP $8.20)

La Galera – Connecticut

Wrapper: Ecuadorean Connecticut
Filler: Dominican T-112,Piloto Cubano,Criollo 98
Binder: Piloto Cubano.

Robusto  – Chaveta: 5 1/8 x 50 (SRP $4.95)
Toro – El Lector: 6 x 54 (SRP $5.75)
Torpedo – Cortador: 6 1/8 x 52 (SRP $5.75)
Churchill – Tabaquero Presidente 7 1/4 x 52 (SRP $6.00)
Short Gordo – Pilone: 5 1/4 x 60 (SRP $6.10)

Photo / Image Credits: IndianHead Cigars