PCA 2025: United Cigars

At the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, United Cigars embraced a patriotic theme of red, white, and blue. This year, the company launched a new regular production line, introduced several new Firecracker variants, and showcased its Humibag offerings, all centered around an American theme. In a surprising twist, United also decided to cut prices on its signature line, particularly noteworthy given that many cigar companies are raising their prices in response to new tariffs impacting the U.S. market. Additionally, several brands that United distributes unveiled new releases, making United Cigars a bustling hub for retailers once again.

Gold Star

Gold Star is a brand United has owned the trademark for since the 1990s, but it had been dormant for quite a while. Last year, United Cigars showcased the Gold Star as a limited edition offering. The limited edition honored the Navy Seals (an American institution).

Gold Star is now offered in three regular production sizes. The blend of the regular production line is different than the limited edition. The Gold Star features a Habano 2000 Intermedio wrapper from the Quevedo region of Ecuador. The blend also features a Sumatra binder and contains Connecticut Broadleaf and Dominican filler. The packaging and banding are now slightly different. Gold Star comes in three sizes – each in 20-count boxes.

Robusto: 5 x 52 (SRP $12.00/cigar)
Toro: 6 x 54 (SRP $13.00/cigar)
Gordo: 6 1/2 x 60 (SRP $14.00/cigar)

Micallef Firecracker

United Cigars typically aims to coincide one of its Firecracker releases with Independence Day. This year, Micallef Cigars is set to introduce the Black Firecracker, further embracing an American theme. Measuring 3 1/2 x 50, the Micallef Black Firecracker features a Mexican San Andres wrapper over an Ecuadorian binder and Nicaraguan fillers. United Cigars says the cigars have been resting for nearly a year. The Micallef Black Firecracker comes in 20-count boxes. Pricing is $9.00 per cigar. Production is limited, but production numbers have not been disclosed.

J.C. Newman El Baton Cameroon Firecracker

The first Firecracker introduced by J.C. Newman Cigar Company is the El Baton. Although the El Baton Cameroon Firecracker won’t be available in time for Independence Day, it’s worth noting that J.C. Newman is among the oldest premium cigar manufacturers in the U.S. As the name suggests, the El Baton Cameroon Firecracker features a distinctive Cameroon wrapper, marking it as the first Firecracker to utilize this particular leaf. These cigars will be offered in 20-count boxes, with a total production of 500 boxes, each priced at $9.00 SRP. The cigars are produced outside the U.S., specifically from J.C. Newman’s Puros de Estelí Nicaragua, S.A. (PENSA) factory. The El Baton Cameroon Firecracker is expected to arrive in stores by the fall.

United Humibags

Another product United showcased was its Humibag offerings. These six-cigar packs in a resealable humidified cigar bag feature five United Toros plus a United Firecracker. The Humibags are available in Connecticut, Sun Grown (Habano), and Maduro. The included Firecracker matches the wrapper of the other cigars in the Humibag.

Retailers also had an opportunity to obtain a new grab-and-go display for the Humibags

United Line Price Reduction

United Cigars announced reduced pricing for the entire United line.

$7.50 Robusto – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro)
$8.00 Toro – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro)
$8.50 Churchill – on all three wrappers (Connecticut, Sun Grown, Maduro)

According to United Cigars, this was possible because box production was brought in-house at the Magia Cubana factory, resulting in cost savings.

Arnold André Montosa Gigante

Arnold André is distributed by United Cigars in the U.S. This year, a new 6 x 60 Gigante size was available in both its Montosa Natural and Montosa Maduro. Both Gigante sizes come in 20-count boxes with a price point of $9.00.

Selected Tobacco

Selected Tobacco is distributed by United Cigars and returned to PCA after missing last year’s show. As in the past, Selected Tobacco was in an adjacent booth to United Cigars. You can follow our booth report for Selected Tobacco here.