2018 IPCPR Pre-Game Report Part 4: Around the Show Floor

For the ninth consecutive year, the Cigar Coop brand will be providing coverage of the International Premium Cigar and Pipe Retailers (IPCPR) Association Trade Show and Convention. We are proud to be a part of a very small group of media to say that. Our four-part series has you covered whether you are going to the show or following from home.

Here is our look at the trade show and what to expect from the various companies and brands. Covering the trade show is not easy. As we do each year, we would like to thank those companies and brands that proactively have reached out to us providing either formal or informal press information for the 2018 Trade Show. Each year it gets more challenging to cover the show, and without their help, we wouldn’t be able to bring you the coverage we do. The companies that did this in 2018 are denoted with a ♦.

Aganorsa Leaf ♦: The company is launching the Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection and the IPCPR-only Casa Fernandez Aniversario Perfecto. The company is also going to be promoting its new name and new branding. There will also be several packaging changes including the Aganorsa Leaf Connecticut and Buena Cosecha.

AJ Fernandez: The company will formally launch the Belles Artes Maduro and promote the recently released Ramon Allones.

Alec Bradley: The company will formally launch the Blind Faith and promote the recently released Alec Bradley Medalist. If form holds, expect an Alec Bradley Fine & Rare 2018 edition. There is a third release the company is not talking about.

Altadis ♦:

H. Upmann: The brand will showcase the H. Upmann Connecticut Grupo de Maestros.
Henry Clay: The brand will promote the recently released Henry Clay Cheroot.
Montecristo: This will be a busy year for the brand. The new Montecristo Nicaragua done in conjunction with AJ Fernandez will be featured. There will be two limited releases with the Montecristo Artisan Series Batch III and the Montecristo Grupo De Maestros Private Batch IV.
Romeo y Julieta: The brand will feature the Romeo y Julieta 1875 Nicaragua and promote the recently released Romeo San Andrés by Romeo y Julieta.
Trinidad: The brand will promote the recently released Trinidad Santiago.

Alpha Cigar Company: The company has not made any announcements in regards to IPCPR products.

American Caribbean Cigars ♦: This year the company is going to the trade show and will be showcasing its La Rosa de Sandiego line. Expect the La Rosa de Sandiego Cameroon and La Rose de Sandiego Sumatra to be showcased.

Antigua Esteli Cigars ♦: The company will launch the Segovias line in a Habano Oscuro and Maduro offering.

Ashton: The company has not made any announcements in regards to IPCPR products.

Asylum: The company will feature its Asylum Medulla Oblongata Maduro. It is expected that last year’s TAA cigar, the Asylum 13 Box Pressed, will be generally available.

Arturo Fuente: The company has not made any announcements in regards to IPCPR products.

Berger & Argenti: The company is expected to be at IPCPR, but no specific product announcements have been generally communicated.

Black Works Studio/Black Label ♦: The company announced a (current) limited edition IPCPR Show release known as Black Works Studio Yellow Jacket.

Bombay Tobak ♦: The company will launch its new MQBA brand. It will also showcase the recently released MBombay Classic Torpedo which will now be available as regular production.

Boutique Blends ♦: The company will unveil its revamped Aging Room portfolio that includes five new releases. In addition, the Aging Room Pura Cepa, a collaboration with Plasencia will be highlighted.

Cala Cigars: This company is listed in the IPCPR directory and appears to be making its trade show debut.

Caldwell Cigar Company: There is word that the company will release the Eastern Standard Habano and a San Andres offering called LLTK MAD MF.

Casa Cuevas Cigars ♦: The company has indicated they will not be at the trade show.

Casa Turrent: The company has not made any announcements in regards to IPCPR products.

Cattle Baron Cigars ♦: – The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

C.L.E. Cigar Company/EIROA: Formal announcements have not been made, but several line extensions are expected. These have not been communicated to Cigar Coop.

Cornelius & Anthony ♦: The company will introduce two IPCPR Show Only Cigars – The Mistress and The Gent.

Crowned Heads ♦: The company will have a wider release of the limited edition Four Kicks Maduro Lancero LE 2018 – a cigar that was soft-launched to TAA retailers earlier this year. The company will also launch the limited edition Luminosa Gigantes LE 2018. Finally, the company will showcase the limited edition Crowned Heads Court Reserve XVIII.

Cubanacan Cigars ♦: The company has not announced any cigars for IPCPR.

Cubariqueno Cigar Company ♦: The company will showcase the recently released Protocol Official Misconduct line, Protocol Probable Cause Corona Gorda, and Protocol Themis Lancero.

Crux Cigar Company ♦: The company announced its first maduro line, the Crux Epicure Galant at 2018 IPCPR. The company is expected to showcase the recently announced Crux Limitada RedLine and Crux Limitada Gunner at 2018 IPCPR.

Daniel Marshall ♦: The company will be at the IPCPR Trade Show, but has not made any specific product announcements. It is anticipated the company will promote its Cash for Clunkers program.

Dapper Cigar Company ♦: The company will formally launch the El Borracho Maduro, Siempre Sun Grown, and Cuba Sumatra.

Davidoff of Geneva ♦:

Davidoff: The company will focus on its 50th anniversary. While Davidoff Diademas Fina was a featured release around the 50th anniversary, the release has sold out. The company is expected to unveil the new limited 15-cigar Davidoff Master Series as well as a new Davidoff Chefs Edition for 2018.
AVO: The brand is not expected to release any new products as the focus was on the 30th Anniversary releases – which have already been sold. Emphasis will be on core lines.
Camacho: The brand typically does its feature launch before IPCPR, and this year it was the return of the Camacho Coyolar. The Camacho Coyolar is expected to be featured. In recent years, the company has also announced a limited release, but did not do so last year.
Cusano: No brand announcements have been made.
The Griffin’s: No brand announcements have been made.
Zino: No brand announcements have been made.

D’Crossier ♦: The company is listed as being at the IPCPR Trade Show but has not made any product announcements.

Debonaire: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

De Los Reyes ♦:The company is expected to unveil Short Tales Tomo VI, a maduro offering.

Drew Estate ♦:

Coronets: Drew Estate’s 4 x 32 size is being added to more of its brands.
Factory Smokes: This is a new value-priced bundle offering in four blends.
Herrera Esteli: The brand has been revamped. In addition, Herrera Esteli Miami will be an ongoing production available in five sizes. Finally, the new Herrera Esteli Brazilian Maduro will be launched.
Isla de Sol: The brand will add the Isla del Sol Maduro and Isla del Sol Sun Grown Gordito.
Kentucky Fire Cured: The new Kentucky Fire Cured Sweets will be launched.
Liga Privada: The company is also launching the Liga Privada H99 Connecticut Corojo. There are also three new line extensions to the Liga Privada No. 9 and Liga Privada T52 lines. Finally, the Liga Privada Unico Serie Nasty Fritas will make its debut.
Undercrown: The Undercrown Dogma National will now be an ongoing offering to Drew Diplomat retailers.

Duran Cigars: The company will not be exhibiting at IPCPR for 2018.

Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust ♦: The company will unveil its latest line, Sin Compromiso. In addition, a new line extension is coming to Todos Las Dias called the Todos Las Dias Mas Fuerte Thick Lonsdale.

E.P. Carrillo: The company will introduce the INCH Ringmaster – a Nicaraguan puro that will be a part of the INCH brand. Expect the company to highlight its Encore and Elencos lines.

El Artista: The company is debuting a brand new brand called Cimarron.

Emilio ♦: The company is expected to feature the new incarnation of the Grimalkin now being done by Fabrica Oveja Negra.

Epic Cigars: The company will not be exhibiting at its own booth at IPCPR.

Espinosa ♦: Erik Espinosa’s company has three limited editions: Espinosa 20th, Las 5 Provinces, and Warhead IV.

Esteban Carreras: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements. Typically the company makes its product announcement when the show opens.

Falto: The company is expected to showcase its recently released LJF Reserva de Fundador.

Foundation Cigar Company ♦: The company has announced a lancero line extension to The Wise Man Maduro.

Fratello ♦: The company will introduce the Fratello Navetta Inverso. In addition, the company will showcase its new packaging for Fratello Classico and Fratello Bianco.

General ♦

CAO: A new CAO cigar is expected to be launched at the IPCPR Opening Gala.
Cohiba: No brand announcements have been made
Diesel : The brand will showcase the recently released Diesel Whiskey Row. Expect Diesel Grind to also get a push.
Hoyo: The brand will launch the Hoya La Amistad Black – another release by AJ Fernandez.
La Gloria Cubana: No brand announcements have been made.
Macanudo: No brand announcements have been made.
Partagas: No brand announcements have been made.
Punch: The brand will showcase the Punch Diablo.
Toraño: While it was a possibility discussed earlier this year, Charlie Toraño will not be at IPCPR. Meanwhile, no releases have been announced.

Global Premium Cigars ♦: The company will showcase its new value-priced Cachitos line.

Gran Habano ♦: The company has two new offerings: Blue on Green and Gran Reserva No. 5 2012. There will also be a series of new Tubo offerings as well as the Gran Habano Coleccion De Elegancia Corojo No. 5 Maduro that will be showcased.

GTO Dominican Cigars ♦: The company has indicated they will not be at the trade show.

Gurkha ♦: The company has announced the Gurkha Ghost Gold, Gurkha Chateau de Prive, and the Gurkha Marquesa. The company has also announced the relaunch of three Flavored Cigar Lines. Finally, the Gurkha 10th Anniversary Cellar Reserve will now be available in regular production.

Hammer + Sickle: Due to the death of company head Eric Hanson, the company has indicated they will not be at the trade show.

HVC: There is word of new product information but no specific product announcements have been generally communicated.

Illusione ♦: The recently released OneOff line will be the big story. It is expected we may see the mysterious +53 vitola make an appearance. Typically owner Dion Giolito has used the show to introduce a new Singularé offering.

Island Lifestyle Importers ♦: The company has a new value-priced offering known as Island Club. There will also be two new Tommy Bahama lighters.

Jas Sum Kral ♦: The company is returning to the trade show and is expected to showcase its Toothpicks 2.0 line. We do not know if the Kralot will be showcased.

JC Newman Cigar Company: The American, a long-awaited Florida Sun Grown wrapped American puro, is expected to have an official launch.

Jeremy Jack: The company will be at IPCPR but has made no specific announcements.

Joya de Nicaragua ♦: The company will highlight its 50th anniversary and showcase two new releases: Cinco Décadas and Joya Silver.

JRE Tobacco Co ♦: The company will introduce the Aladino Corojo Reserva . The Aladino Maduro will also have a formal launch.

Kafie 1901 Cigars: The company has indicated they will not be at the trade show.

Kristoff: The company will highlight the return of the Kristoff Vengeance. The company is expected to highlight some recently released Coronas.

La Aurora ♦: There is a new La Aurora Puro Vintage 2017. The company is also releasing the limited edition La Aurora Preferidos Hors D’Age.

La Barba ♦: The company will have its own booth this year. It will launch its first maduro with the La Barba Primitivo and a new version of its limited edition One & Only.

La Flor Dominicana ♦: The company will be at IPCPR, but has not made any specific announcements.

La Galera/IndianHead Cigars ♦: Jochy Blanco’s company will introduce The Cubes, a series of limited production unique vitolas that are line extensions to the La Galera regular production core blends.

La Instructora/Sans Pareil: Cigar Coop received no press information from the company.

La Palina: The company will be at IPCPR, but has not made any specific announcements

La Sirena: The company will be at IPCPR, but has not made any specific announcements.

Las Cumbres Tabaco: Not expected to be at the IPCPR Trade Show.

Leaf Cigars: The company is expected to showcase the Leaf by James and Island Jim Maduro.

LH Cigars ♦: The company will be a part of the Leaf Cigars booth. The LH Black Band and line extensions to Nick & Jim P.B.E. will be showcased.

Matilde Cigars: The company will be in a joint booth with MLB Cigar Ventures, but has made no specific show announcements

Maya Selva Cigars: The company will not be at the 2018 IPCPR Trade Show.

Miami Cigar and Company ♦: Outside of the La Aurora releases, the company will launch the limited edition Nestor Miranda Collection 75th Anniversary and two new additions to Tatiana.

Micallef: While no information has been provided other than to Cigar Aficionado, the company is expected to showcase the Micallef Grande Bold.

MLB Cigar Ventures ♦: The soft-launched David P. Ehrlich PLM Series will have a full launch. There is no word whether the David P. Ehlrich Anniversary will be on display.

Mombacho Cigars ♦: While the company finally got Cosecha 2013 released, it is not anticipated that will be the focus of the show. Cigar Coop has also heard that the release of Casa Favilli has been delayed and the cigar will not be represented at the show.

My Father: The company will showcase a new My Father branded cigar – La Gran Oferta.

Nat Sherman ♦: The company has no new product announcements, but will feature its newly revamped portfolio.

Nomad♦: It is anticipated the long-awaited Nomad Signature will make its debut.

Ohana♦: The company will not be at the Trade Show.

Oliva: The company will be at IPCPR, but has not made any specific announcements.

Oscar Valladares Tobacco and Company♦: The company will launch Altar Q.

Quesada♦:: The company will launch its Vega Magna line. It will also introduce new packaging for Fonseca Classic.

Padilla Cigar Company: The company is not expected to be at the trade show.

Padrón: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

Paul Stulac Cigars: The company is not expected to be at the trade show.

Patoro: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

PDR Cigars ♦: New product is coming and we have been told it will be showcased at this year’s IPCPR.

Perdomo: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

Pier 28: The company will be at IPCPR at the Espinosa Cigars booth, but no announcements have been made.

Plasencia Cigars ♦: The company has not made any product announcements.

Providencia Cigars: The company is not expected to be at the trade show.

Recluse Cigar Company ♦: The long-awaited Recluse Amadeus Los Cabos will have its official “Showcasing”.

Regius ♦: The company has not made any product announcements.

Rock A Fellar ♦: The company will be at the American Caribbean Cigars booth and will showcase its Maduro Lancero.

Rocky Patel Premium Cigars ♦: The company will relaunch Olde World Reserve. New launches include the Hamlet Liberation and the small batch ALR line. The Fifteenth Anniversary line will receive new packaging.

RoMa Craft Tobac ♦: Weaselitos will be showcased.

Room 101: Matt Booth will launch the Room 101 Farce Connecticut alongside his recent Room 101 Farce release. He will also collaborate with Caldwell Cigars for The T Connecticut and Hit&Run Part Deux.

Royal Agio Cigars♦: The company has several new lines including, Dueto, a project being done with Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. The company will launch a more value-priced line with San Pedro de Macorís. Finally, Balmoral will receive two new blends – Balmoral Añejo XO Connecticut and Balmoral Añejo XO Oscuro.

Serino Cigar Company♦:: The company has made no formal product announcements.

Smoking Jacket: Hendrik Kelner Jr’s company has not made any product announcements.

Southern Draw♦: The company has a new premium line with Cedrus and will unveil the first installment, The Hogan. In addition, a new value-priced line called 300 Hands will make its debut.

Tatuaje: Two featured releases will be the Tatuaje 15th Anniversary and what is expected to be the last full-sized Monsters installment, Tatuaje the Bride. Retailers have already been offered the opportunity to purchase returning versions of the Jibaro and Nuevitas.

Topper: Chris Topper is expected to unveil more extensions to the Topper 120th Anniversary line.

United Cigar♦: The company will be at IPCPR but has not made any product announcements.

Ventura Cigar Company♦: The company will introduce its newest line under the Archetype brand, Crystals, Curses and Cloaks. There is a possibility of more Case Study cigars rolling out. The new partnership with Island Lifestyle Importers will see Tommy Bahama accessories and Island Lifestyle cigars will be showcased as well.

Viaje ♦: The Viaje Satori is expected to return after a two-year absence.

Villiger Cigars North America♦: La Vencedora has a new Gordo size. In addition, there will also be a new limited edition Villiger La Flor De Ynclan Lancero line extension that will make its debut.

Warped Cigars: The company has two new lines – La Relatos and the limited production Moon Garden.

White Hat♦: The company is expected to highlight the revamped Soneros brand.