At the 2019 IPCPR Trade Show, Alec and Bradley Rubin, the namesakes of Alec Bradley Cigar Company and sons of owner Alan Rubin will unveil their second cigar line known as the Alec and Bradley Gatekeeper. It’s going to be a unique project as the Rubin brothers have gone to Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jr. and Tabacalera La Alianza in the Dominican Republic to handle production. It’s the first time an Alec Bradley project has been done with Perez-Carrillo Jr.
Last year the Rubin brothers worked at Alec Bradley’s longtime manufacturing partner, Raices Cubanas in Danlí, Honduras to produce Blind Faith. This was not just a one-off project, but the start of a new brand within Alec Bradley called Alec & Bradley.
“We are a part of the next generation of the premium cigar business and Ernesto is a legend,” commented Bradley in a press release. “As Alec and I began learning the processes, we started to appreciate all facets of the business. Though we are under the Alec Bradley Cigar Co. umbrella, my brother and I want to provide enthusiasts with an experience different from the Alec Bradley portfolio. The opportunity to work with Ernesto and Dominican tobaccos is something completely different from anything coming out of Alec Bradley.”
“Working with Ernesto opens up new doors for Bradley and me,” added Alec. “Ernesto is a gatekeeper to new opportunities and experiences for us – thus the name Gatekeeper.”
The bend features an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and a combination of Dominican and Nicaraguan filler. It will be available in four sizes: Corona, Robusto, Toro, and Gordo. Each will be presented in 20-count boxes.
The company says ship dates will be announced at the IPCPR Trade Show. The presentation of the cigars and boxes has not be unveiled as yet but is expected to take place at the trade show. Gothic Era inspired artwork will highlight the packaging that will purvey “the fervent, take no prisoner’s attitude the brothers are pursuing to make their mark in the cigar industry.”
At a glance, here is a look at the Alec and Bradley Gatekeeper:
Blend and Origin
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano
Binder: Nicaraguan
Filler: Nicaraguan
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic
Factory: Tabacalera La Alianza
Vitolas Offered
Corona: 5 1/8 X 42 (SRP $8.75 per cigar)
Robusto: 5 X 50 (SRP $10.50 per cigar)
Toro: 6 X 52 (SRP $11.50 per cigar)
Gordo: 6 X 60, (SRP $12.25 per cigar)
Image Credit: Alec Bradley Cigar Company
