PCA 2024: HVC Cigars

HVC Cigars had three new offerings at the 2024 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show. It’s been almost two years since HVC opened its own factory, Fabrica de Tabacos HVC S.A. The factory has proven in a short time that it can deliver quality products and allowed HVC to expand its horizons regarding the tobacco it uses.

First, there is the HVC Hot Cake Fresh from the Oven Broadleaf, which, as the name suggests, brings a Broadleaf wrapper blend to the Hot Cake line. Second, there is the new HVC Selección No. 1 Connecticut Shade – which is the second Connecticut Shade line in as many years for HVC. Finally, last year’s Connecticut Shade line, the Hot Cake Golden Line, gets a new size in the form of a Half Corona.

Hot Cake Fresh Out of the Oven Broadleaf is the third blend under the Hot Cake line. The Broadleaf joins the current Hot Cake and Hot Cake Golden Line. In addition to the Broadleaf wrapper, Fresh Out of the Oven utilizes all Nicaraguan tobacco for the remainder of the blend. The Fresh Out of the Oven Broadleaf comes in a Torpedo (SRP $15.00) and Toro ( SRP $17.00). Fresh from the Oven is a limited production release with 500 25-count boxes slated for the first run. This line is due to hit shelves in July.

HVC Selección No. 1 Connecticut brings a milder, creamer cigar into the HVC portfolio. In addition to the Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper, the Selección No 1 Connecticut features all Nicaraguan tobaccos from Jalapa and Estelí for the binder and filler. Presented in 20-count boxes, Selección No. 1 Connecticut is available in three sizes (Escenciales, Short Robusto, and Poderosos). These sizes are consistent with the sizes in the Seleccion No. 1 Maduro and Natural lines. The HVC Selección No. 1 comes in at a price point between $9.00 and $10.50. This line has shipped to retailers.

Finally, the HVC Hot Cake Golden Line’s new size is a Half Corona. Measuring 3 1/2 x 44, the Half Corona becomes the fifth size of the Golden Line blend. It is available in 25-count boxes and costs $4.80. At press time, the Half Corona is targeted to ship sometime in April.