It was the third IPCPR Trade Show for Juan Cancel and Bill Ives‘ Cubariqueño Cigar Company. This year the company used a strategy that worked last year, introduce a new line and a lancero line extension.
Cancel and Ives have “lived the dream” that many cigar enthusiasts desire – namely going from cigar enthusiast to brand owner. When we talked to Cancel and Ives prior, one thing they noted is how everyday the duo is on social media promoting the brand. Looking in from the outside, this strategy seemed to pay off. While I was at the booth, there was a steady stream of traffic – with many new customers seeking to know the story behind this brand.
The company was also quite excited as it launched its own line of coffee. There are three coffees and each is designed to pair with one of the Protocol cigar blends.
Front and Center is the Protocol Themis, the company’s new Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade blend. It’s available in two sizes – Robusto and Toro. Like all Cubariqueño, the cigar is made at Erik Espinosa’s La Zona factory. This cigar was soft-launched back in May, but now was getting an official launch at IPCPR.
Protocol Themis – Non IPCPR Photo
This year the Protocol Probable Cause got a 7 x 38 lancero line extension. Like Themis, the Protocol Probable Cause line extension was soft-launched in May, but now had an official launch at IPCPR. The ten-count boxes made their debut at the trade show. Protocol Probable Cause features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler.
Last year, Cubariqueño had launched the Probable Cause line and the lancero line extension to the original Protocol line.
While they weren’t for sale, the company had some really nice custom ashtrays it was using at its booth.
One the eve of IPCPR, we interviewed Cancel and Ives on the Prime Time Show where they discussed the new releases and their coffee.
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
Two of the best lanceros on the market. You owe it to yourself to have these in plentiful supply in your humidor.