New Releases & Drops

Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray 2026, a coffin-shaped black silicone ashtray with four cigar rests

New Releases & Drops

The Monster Series Beyond the Cigar: Tatuaje's Coffin Ashtray

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
When a Cigar Brand Becomes a Collector's World The news that matters here is bigger than one accessory. The Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray shows how far the brand's Monster Series has grown. It is no longer just a line of cigars. It is a world fans want to collect. At Mardo, we have watched Tatuaje build one of the most loyal followings in boutique cigars. The Coffin Ashtray is a neat example of how they do it, so let us look at what it is and why collectors care. The Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray: a coffin-shaped, four-rest silicone piece tied to the Monster Series. AT A GLANCE The Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray is a limited-edition accessory, not a new cigar. Production is capped at 1,300 units worldwide, at a $70 suggested retail price. It is made of heavy-duty black silicone, with four cigar rests. The coffin shape nods to the Monster Series and its coffin-style packaging. It debuted at the 2026 PCA show and began shipping in October 2026, ahead of Halloween. Why the Monster Series Connection Matters To understand this piece, you have to understand the Monster Series. Tatuaje, founded by Pete Johnson, built the series on horror themes, limited runs and distinctive packaging. Some of those releases came in coffin-style boxes. Over the years, that turned into a genuine collector culture. Fans chase the themes as much as the cigars. The Coffin Ashtray taps straight into that. It gives collectors something from the Monster world that is not a cigar at all. That is the real engine here. People do not just buy a cigar. They buy into a theme they want to complete. An ashtray from that world is an easy yes for a committed fan, and that is why this piece lands. What You Actually Get This is a practical piece, not just a display item. It is molded from heavy-duty black silicone, which is a durable, forgiving alternative to ceramic or glass. Drop a ceramic ashtray and it shatters. This one shrugs it off. Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray at a glance Maker Tatuaje Cigars (Pete Johnson) Type Limited-edition accessory Production 1,300 units MSRP $70 Material Heavy-duty black silicone Size ~10 in long x ~8 in wide Cigar rests Four Packaging Branded gift box The coffin shape runs about 10 inches long and 8 inches at its widest. Four cigar rests mean it works for a small group, not just one smoker. And it ships in a branded gift box, which matters to the people who collect this stuff. It is also built for real use, not just a shelf. Silicone wipes clean and handles heat, and it will not crack if it slides off the table. For a patio or a cigar lounge, that toughness is the whole point. TatuajeTatuaje Coffin Ashtray 2026 Limited EditionShop now The Halloween Timing The October release is no accident. The Monster Series has always leaned into horror, so dropping a coffin-shaped piece right before Halloween fits the brand perfectly. It is smart branding. The timing turns a functional accessory into a seasonal event, and it reminds everyone what the Monster Series is about. That is the kind of consistency that builds a following. A Quick, Honest Word on 'Limited' Let us be straight about the numbers. Only 1,300 units were produced, and that is a real limit. But limited production is not the same as sold out, and we are not going to tell you it has vanished. We are also not going to pitch it as an investment or guess at resale value. It is a $70 accessory tied to a brand people love. Buy it because you want it, not because someone promised it will be worth more later. Mardo's take Tatuaje understands the culture of cigar collecting better than almost anyone. The Coffin Ashtray is proof. It takes the Monster Series identity and extends it into a piece you can actually use at the table, which is a clever way to keep a theme alive year-round. Is it worth chasing? If you are a Tatuaje or Monster Series fan, yes, it is an easy, fun pickup, and the silicone build is genuinely practical. If you are indifferent to the brand, it is simply a nice coffin-shaped ashtray with a $70 tag. With 1,300 pieces out there, collectors who want one should not wait forever. But there is no need to panic. Treat it as a collectible you enjoy, not a race. Where It Fits, and What We Carry Mardo carries the Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray, and you can check the product page above for current availability. If you also want something to rest in those four slots, explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we stock. Collect the Monster world. Explore the boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars The Bottom Line The Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray is more than a place to set your cigar. It is a small, well-timed piece of the Monster Series story, built for the fans who have made that story matter. So we will ask you: are you collecting the Tatuaje Coffin Ashtray for the Monster Series connection, or just because a coffin ashtray is a great conversation piece? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Loaisiga Cigars El Cadejo, a two-blend Nicaraguan collection with White Cadejo and Black Cadejo

New Releases & Drops

A Legend in Two Blends: Loaisiga's El Cadejo, White vs. Black

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
One Legend, Split Into Two Cigars Here is what makes El Cadejo interesting to a smoker. It is not one cigar with a clever name. It is two separate blends, built to smoke differently, pulled from the same Nicaraguan legend. At Mardo, we work with boutique makers every day, and we have learned something. A good story gets you to pick a cigar up. The tobacco is what makes you buy it again. El Cadejo gives you both to weigh, so let us dig in. Loaisiga's El Cadejo splits one legend into two blends: the medium White Cadejo and the stronger Black Cadejo. AT A GLANCE El Cadejo is a new two-blend collection from Loaisiga Cigars, rooted in Nicaraguan folklore. The White Cadejo wears a Habano Claro wrapper and smokes at a medium strength. The Black Cadejo wears a Maduro wrapper and is built for more strength. Both use Nicaraguan tobaccos. Four sizes: Short Robusto, Robusto, Toro Extra and Gordo. Launch is expected in November 2026, with a worldwide rollout over about six months. The Story Behind the Name First, the folklore, because it drives the whole collection. In Nicaragua and across Central America, the Cadejo is a supernatural dog. It appears in two forms. The white Cadejo is a guardian. It is said to protect travelers and guide them home through the dark. The black Cadejo is the opposite. It is tied to danger and warning. That clash of light and dark is the heart of El Cadejo. It is a tale parents told for generations. Walk straight, and the white dog watches over you. Stray, and the black one finds you. Loaisiga took that simple, vivid idea and built a cigar around each side. White Cadejo vs. Black Cadejo Loaisiga turns that contrast into two real smoking experiences. These are not the same cigar in different boxes. The wrappers and the strength profiles are built to feel different in the hand and on the palate. The two blends White Cadejo wrapper Habano Claro White Cadejo strength Medium Black Cadejo wrapper Maduro Black Cadejo strength Fuller / stronger Tobaccos Nicaraguan (both blends) So the White Cadejo is the softer, more approachable side. The Black Cadejo is the bold one. If you like to compare a light blend against a dark one, side by side, this pairing is built for exactly that. Why does that matter to you? Because a two-blend set rewards curiosity. You can start light with the White, then step up to the Black on the same evening. Few new collections make that kind of A-to-B tasting this easy. The Sizes El Cadejo arrives in four vitolas, so there is a shape for most moods. A quick smoke or a long evening, it has you covered. El Cadejo vitolas Short Robusto 3 1/2 x 52 Robusto 5 x 52 Toro Extra 6 x 54 Gordo 6 x 60 One honest note. Pricing, box counts and full packaging details had not all been confirmed when we wrote this. So we are not going to make numbers up. We will cover those once Loaisiga locks them in. Who Loaisiga Is Loaisiga Cigars is rooted in Nicaraguan cigar culture and tobacco craft. The brand has been working to grow its reach across the United States and into international markets. El Cadejo fits that plan. The staggered rollout, starting in November 2026 and spreading worldwide over roughly six months, is how a smaller brand builds momentum one market at a time. That matters for a smoker, too. A brand on the way up tends to sweat the details of its blends, because it is trying to win you over. El Cadejo reads like that kind of statement release. Mardo's take This is boutique cigar-making done the way we like to see it. The folklore is genuine, and the two-blend idea gives you a real choice, not just a theme. The White Cadejo for easygoing sessions, the Black Cadejo when you want more punch. Is it worth chasing? If you enjoy comparing a medium blend against a bolder one from the same house, yes, put El Cadejo on your radar for November. Just keep your expectations on the tobacco, not the backstory, until people have actually smoked them. We have not, so there is no rating from us. A compelling legend can earn a cigar a first look. Whether El Cadejo earns a permanent spot in your humidor comes down to balance, construction and consistency. That is the part only the smoke can settle. Where It Fits, and What We Carry The launch is close, but we are not claiming any Mardo inventory or preorders for El Cadejo. We are covering it as industry news. If Nicaraguan boutique cigars are your thing, explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Light or dark, pick your side. Explore the Nicaraguan boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars The Bottom Line El Cadejo blends Nicaraguan heritage with a smart two-sided concept: one legend, two very different cigars. The idea alone makes it one of the more intriguing boutique drops heading into late 2026. So we will ask you: which side calls to you first, the protective White Cadejo or the dangerous Black Cadejo? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Perdomo Legacy three new vitolas: Short Robusto, Belicoso Fino and Gran Corona

New Releases & Drops

Same Blends, New Shapes: Perdomo Expands the Legacy Line

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
Same Legacy Blends, Three New Ways to Enjoy Them Here is what is new for a smoker: Perdomo is giving you three fresh ways to experience its Legacy collection. The company is adding three vitolas to the existing lineup. One important note up front, these are new sizes, not new blends. At Mardo, we believe the vitola matters a great deal. Even when the tobacco stays the same, changes in ring gauge, length and shape can shift flavor intensity, balance, combustion and overall performance. That is exactly what the Perdomo Legacy expansion is about. Three new Perdomo Legacy vitolas, arriving across the Connecticut, Maduro and Nicaraguan Shade-Grown blends. AT A GLANCE Perdomo is adding three new vitolas to the existing Perdomo Legacy collection (same blends, new sizes). The sizes: Short Robusto (4 1/4 x 54), Belicoso Fino (5 x 54) and Gran Corona (6 x 48). They span the Legacy Connecticut, Maduro and Nicaraguan Shade-Grown blends. Introduced through new 11-count samplers, each featuring nine vitolas. $150 per sampler. Shipping is expected in early November 2026. Three New Vitolas The three new Legacy sizes Short Robusto 4 1/4 x 54 Belicoso Fino 5 x 54 Gran Corona 6 x 48 These will initially arrive in 11-cigar samplers, one for each blend. Each sampler features nine different vitolas, including the three new additions. That makes it easy to line formats up side by side and taste the differences. There is a practical upside here, too. A sampler lets you try all three new sizes without committing to a full box of any one. For a curious smoker, that is the low-risk way in, and it is a big part of why the Perdomo Legacy samplers make sense. Why Vitola Changes the Experience This is the part worth understanding. A cigar's dimensions are not just about size. Ring gauge, length and shape all influence how a blend burns and how it tastes. A thinner ring gauge puts more wrapper against filler, which can sharpen the flavor. A thicker one cools the smoke and softens it. A tapered shape concentrates things differently again. Same tobacco, different proportions, a different experience in the hand. Spotlight: The Gran Corona The one we are most interested in is the Gran Corona, a 6 x 48. In an industry that keeps chasing bigger and bigger ring gauges, a 48 is a welcome throwback to classic proportions. A more traditional size like this can show a blend in a different light, with a cleaner balance between wrapper and filler. For enthusiasts who prefer smaller ring gauges, it is a genuinely exciting addition to the Perdomo Legacy range. It also tends to smoke a little quicker, which is handy when you do not have two hours to spare. A good 48-ring cigar can be the smartest pick in the box on a busy day. That is a practical kind of appeal, not just a nostalgic one. The Perdomo Family and the Tobacco The Legacy collection celebrates the Perdomo family's multigenerational cigar-making, especially the relationship between Nicholas Perdomo III and his father, Nicholas Perdomo Jr. That heritage is a big part of the line's identity. So is the tobacco. The Legacy blends use Perdomo's proprietary Cuban-seed and Cameroon-seed hybrid tobacco, and its role differs across the Connecticut, Maduro and Nicaraguan Shade-Grown versions. That consistency and craftsmanship are what Perdomo is known for. None of this is flashy. It is steady, careful work, year after year. That is exactly why the Perdomo Legacy line has the following it does, and why a simple size expansion is still worth talking about. Mardo's take This release gives experienced smokers something we love: the chance to compare the same blend across different formats. Perdomo's focus on aging, craftsmanship and consistency makes that comparison genuinely worthwhile, not just a novelty. Is it worth it? If you enjoy exploring how format changes a smoke, yes. The 11-count samplers are a smart way to do it, and the Gran Corona alone is reason enough for fans of traditional sizes to pay attention. We have not smoked these, so we will not claim specific flavor differences. The message here is simple. Perdomo is not reinventing the Legacy collection. It is giving you more ways to appreciate it, and that is a kind of cigar education we can get behind. Where It Fits, and What We Carry The samplers ship in early November 2026, and we are not claiming any Mardo inventory or preorders yet. We are covering it as industry news. If you like Perdomo's style, explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. Vitola matters. Explore the difference. Explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars More Ways to Appreciate a Great Blend The most compelling part of this release is not three extra sizes. It is the chance to discover how an established blend delivers different experiences depending on the vitola. That is exactly the kind of exploration we think enthusiasts appreciate. So we will ask you: are you a fan of traditional ring gauges like the Gran Corona, or do you prefer the bigger formats, and which Legacy blend would you compare first? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Casdagli new releases: Daughters of the Wind Rosado and Brothers of the Sabre Custodian and Flamboyant

New Releases & Drops

Zimbabwe, Peru and Napoleon: Casdagli's Three New Blends

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
Rare Tobaccos, From Zimbabwe to Peru Here is what is new to a smoker: Casdagli just shipped three blends that reach for tobacco you rarely see. Across two collections, these releases pull from unusual origins, including Zimbabwe and Peru. That alone is worth a closer look. At Mardo, we think the real story is always the tobacco. Casdagli is known for fancy packaging and historical themes. But what grabs us here is simpler. It is the sheer diversity of origins in these blends. AT A GLANCE Casdagli shipped three distinct blends across two collections (nine vitolas total) from October 15, 2026. Daughters of the Wind Rosado: a Costa Rican Habano Rosado-wrapped collection, five sizes. Brothers of the Sabre Custodian: notable for its Zimbabwean filler tobacco. Brothers of the Sabre Flamboyant: an all-Dominican binder and filler under an Ecuadorian wrapper. These are three named releases, not three identical recipes. One Rosado size even uses Peruvian filler. Casdagli's new releases across two collections: Daughters of the Wind Rosado and Brothers of the Sabre. Three Blends, Two Collections, Nine Vitolas Let us set this up clearly, because it is easy to mix up. Casdagli released three named blends. Two of them, Custodian and Flamboyant, belong to the Brothers of the Sabre collection. The third, Daughters of the Wind Rosado, is its own separate collection. Together they add up to nine vitolas. Keeping blend, collection and vitola straight is the key to understanding this release. A collection can hold more than one blend. A single blend can come in several sizes. Both of those things are happening here at once. Daughters of the Wind Rosado This is a regular-production collection. It is made at IGM Cigars in Costa Rica. The wrapper is a Costa Rican Habano Rosado. The binder is Costa Rican too. And it comes in five sizes. Daughters of the Wind Rosado (5 vitolas) Robusto 5 x 50 — $16 Toro 6 x 52 — $24 Durra 6 x 52 — $22 Lonsdale 7 x 42 — $22 Figurado 6 1/2 x 58/60 — $25.40 Here is an important wrinkle. Four of the sizes share one filler recipe. That is the Robusto, Toro, Durra and Figurado. Their filler is Costa Rican, Dominican and Nicaraguan. The Lonsdale is the odd one out. Its filler swaps in Peruvian tobacco. So this is not one identical recipe across all five. The Daughters of the Wind Rosado Lonsdale uses a different, Peruvian-inclusive filler from the other four sizes. Brothers of the Sabre: Napoleon's Legacy The Brothers of the Sabre collection first debuted in 2023. Back then it was called The Napoleonic Collection. The plan is to build eight blends in all. Each one honors a figure from the Napoleonic era. Custodian and Flamboyant are the latest two. Both are made at the Kelner Boutique Factory in the Dominican Republic. Brothers of the Sabre (identical sizes) Custodian Toro 6 x 52 — $20 Custodian Piramide 6 x 49 — $24 Flamboyant Toro 6 x 52 — $20 Flamboyant Piramide 6 x 49 — $24 Custodian: The Zimbabwe Blend Custodian honors Sir Hudson Lowe. He was the British general who governed Saint Helena during Napoleon's exile. The blend is the interesting part. It has an Ecuadorian wrapper and a Dominican binder. The filler is the twist. It mixes Dominican, American and Zimbabwean tobacco. That Zimbabwean leaf is the headline. It is not a combination you run into every day, and it is exactly the kind of origin that makes experienced smokers curious. We have not smoked it, so we will leave the flavor talk to the tobacco itself. Brothers of the Sabre Custodian, built around an uncommon Zimbabwean filler. Flamboyant: The All-Dominican Counterpoint Flamboyant honors Joachim Murat. He was one of Napoleon's star cavalry commanders, and he later became King of Naples. This blend takes a different path from Custodian. It keeps an Ecuadorian wrapper, but the binder and filler are all Dominican. So within the same collection, you get two very different recipes. One reaches across continents for its filler. The other keeps it all in the Dominican Republic. That contrast is a big part of what makes the pair interesting. Mardo's take Casdagli is not just selling beautiful boxes and good stories. It is introducing blends that give experienced smokers something genuinely different to explore. Reaching for Zimbabwean and Peruvian tobacco, in particular, is the kind of experimentation we respect. Is it worth chasing? If you like discovering unusual origins, yes. The Custodian's Zimbabwean filler and the Rosado Lonsdale's Peruvian filler are the standouts for us. Just note that Daughters of the Wind Rosado is regular production, while the production classification for Custodian and Flamboyant has not been disclosed, so we are not calling them limited. We have not smoked any of these, so there are no tasting notes or rankings from us. What we can say is that the tobacco sourcing and the historical storytelling make this one of the more interesting boutique drops of the moment. Where They Fit, and What We Carry These are boutique releases, and we are not claiming any Mardo inventory. We are covering them as industry news. If distinctive tobacco and craftsmanship appeal to you, explore the Dominican cigars and boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. History you can taste. Explore the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars Craftsmanship Worth Following Casdagli's latest releases show how a boutique maker can combine historical storytelling, unusual tobacco origins and different blending approaches to stand apart in a crowded market. Three blends, two collections, nine vitolas, and a couple of genuinely rare leaves. So we will ask you: which catches your attention more, the Zimbabwean filler in Custodian or the Peruvian filler in the Rosado Lonsdale? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Rocky Patel America 250, a limited-edition Toro commemorating the 250th anniversary of American independence

New Releases & Drops

Aged 18 Months: What's Under the Rocky Patel America 250 Wrapper

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
The Real Story Is Under the Wrapper The patriotic packaging will grab the first look. But for a smoker, the more interesting part of the Rocky Patel America 250 is what sits underneath it. These cigars were rolled in early 2025 and then set aside to age for about 18 months before release. At Mardo, that is the detail we keep coming back to. The anniversary branding is the headline, sure. The extended aging is what actually sets expectations for how this cigar might smoke. So let us start there, and then cover the rest. The Rocky Patel America 250, a 6 x 52 Toro aged about 18 months before shipping to retailers. AT A GLANCE The Rocky Patel America 250 is a limited edition marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. It began shipping to retailers the week of October 20, 2026, after an original September target. Production is capped at 2,000 boxes of 20, for a total of 40,000 cigars. One size: a 6 x 52 Toro, at $15 per cigar and $300 per box. Blend: a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler, aged about 18 months. Why 18 Months of Aging Matters Here is the part worth understanding. After a cigar is rolled, time does quiet work on the tobacco. The leaves keep marrying together. Sharp edges can soften. Flavors tend to settle and blend. Rocky Patel rolled these in early 2025 and let them rest about 18 months. That is a real commitment for a release this size. It does not guarantee a great smoke, but it points to care, and it raises the bar for balance and refinement. Think of it like letting a good stew rest overnight. The parts settle into each other. A fresh-rolled cigar can smoke well, but time often smooths the ride and ties the flavors together. The Blend and Where It Is Made The Rocky Patel America 250 wears a Mexican San Andres wrapper. Underneath, the binder and filler are Nicaraguan. It is a classic pairing, and a popular one for a reason. San Andres is a dark, rich leaf from Mexico. Nicaraguan tobacco brings body and spice. The cigars are made at Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. in Esteli, Nicaragua, a well-regarded factory in the heart of cigar country. One more note on the size. A 6 by 52 Toro is a crowd-pleasing format. It gives the blend room to develop without running too long. For a single-vitola release, that is a smart, approachable choice. Rocky Patel America 250 at a glance Size 6 x 52 (Toro) Wrapper Mexican San Andres Binder Nicaragua Filler Nicaragua Factory Tabacalera Villa Cuba S.A. (Esteli, Nicaragua) Aging Rolled early 2025, aged ~18 months Price $15 per cigar / $300 per box Production 2,000 boxes of 20 (40,000 cigars) What Rocky Patel Says About the Flavor Rocky Patel describes the America 250 as showing notes of dark chocolate, espresso, spice and floral character. We want to be clear about one thing. Those are the manufacturer's words, not ours. We have not smoked this cigar. So there is no rating from us, and no firsthand tasting notes. When the America 250 cigar release reaches enough shops, the smokers who try it will be the ones to say whether it delivers. Who This Release Is For This is a natural pick for a few kinds of smokers. Rocky Patel fans will want to see what the brand did for such a milestone. Collectors of commemorative and Rocky Patel limited edition cigars will like the small 2,000-box run. And experienced enthusiasts who value aged tobacco have a clear reason to pay attention. The 18-month rest is the hook, far more than the flag on the box. That is the lens we would use. Mardo's take Patriotic packaging will attract collectors, and that is fine. But seasoned smokers will judge the Rocky Patel America 250 by what is under the wrapper, not by the label. The Mexican San Andres leaf and the extra aging are the real talking points here. Is it worth chasing? If you like aged, San Andres-wrapped cigars and you enjoy a limited run, yes, keep an eye out. Just set your expectations on the blend and the 18 months of rest, not on the anniversary theme. We have not smoked it, so we will not promise a result. The milestone is genuine and worth marking. Whether this cigar earns a spot in your rotation comes down to one thing: does the tobacco live up to the occasion? That is the question every smoker will answer for themselves. Where It Fits, and What We Carry Distribution to retailers has begun, but we are not claiming any Mardo inventory or confirmed availability. We are covering this as industry news. If aged, full-flavored smokes appeal to you, explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Aged tobacco, done right. Explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars The Bottom Line The Rocky Patel America 250 celebrates a historic American milestone, and the limited run makes it a tidy target for collectors. But its lasting impression will rest on the tobacco. For now, the smart move is simple. Watch your favorite shop, and set your sights on the tobacco. The flag on the box is a nice touch. The leaf is the real point. So we will ask you: does an aged, San Andres-wrapped limited edition like this one get your attention, or does the commemorative theme do most of the work? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
League of Fat Bastards, a boutique cigar brand put up for sale by founder Adam Levine

New Releases & Drops

When a Good Story Isn't Enough: The League of Fat Bastards Lesson

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
A Good Story Isn't Enough to Survive The cigar business can be unforgiving, and the news that League of Fat Bastards is looking for a buyer is a sharp reminder of that. The brand entered the market with a meaningful mission. But a compelling story and decent cigars are not enough to keep a company alive. We have been in this industry since 1994, and we have watched countless boutique brands come and go. So the real story here, for a smoker, is not just that one brand is for sale. It is what the whole situation says about how hard this business actually is. AT A GLANCE League of Fat Bastards has been put up for sale by founder Adam Levine. It is seeking a buyer, not closed or sold. The brand launched with a mission to raise awareness around the mental struggles many men face. Reported losses: about $824,000 in 2024 and $1.13 million in 2025. A fundraising round of about $1.235 million, at a $65 million valuation cap, was not successful. A valuation cap is not the same as an established company value. League of Fat Bastards, the boutique cigar brand now seeking a buyer. What Actually Happened Let us keep facts and speculation apart. Founder Adam Levine has said he wants to sell League of Fat Bastards. He is looking for an investor or a company with the resources, distribution and infrastructure to keep developing it. The company has not been sold. It is not bankrupt, and it is not closed. Alongside that, there have been reported financial losses, departures from the sales team, reduced staffing, and a decision to stop opening new retail accounts while keeping some existing relationships. Those are the confirmed moving parts, and we are not going to dress them up or exaggerate them. Respecting the Mission First, the mission deserves respect. League of Fat Bastards was built around raising awareness for the mental struggles many men face, and getting more of them to talk about it. That is a genuinely good cause, and we are not going to let the financial side overshadow it. We also want to be clear about one thing. The mission did not cause the money problems. Plenty of brands with great causes struggle for reasons that have nothing to do with the cause itself. This is a story about the business, not about the mission. The Hard Math of a Boutique Brand Here is where our decades on the retail side come in. Launching a cigar brand and creating buzz is the easy part. Staying in business is the hard part, and it is where most new brands run into a wall. A brand needs more than marketing and a good product. It takes financial discipline, consistent distribution, strong retailer relationships and, most of all, repeat customers. Shelf space is limited and valuable. Retailers keep the products that sell again and again, not the ones that only create a first-time thrill. About That Valuation Cap One detail is worth explaining: the reported $65 million valuation cap on the fundraising round. A valuation cap is a number used inside a fundraising deal. It is not the same as an established, market-tested company value. It is easy to see a big number and assume the company is worth that much. It is not that simple. The cap sets a ceiling for investors in a specific round. It does not mean the business is actually valued there. Why This Market Is So Tough The premium cigar market is crowded. Countless new releases fight for limited shelf space and the attention of a finite number of enthusiasts. Established manufacturers have scale, relationships and history that newcomers simply do not. Add rising operating costs and the price of acquiring each new customer, and the math gets brutal. Even a brand with good cigars and real backing, including manufacturing partners like Joya de Nicaragua and Quesada, can run into trouble. Strong partners do not guarantee commercial success. Mardo's take In the cigar industry, a great story might sell the first cigar. But a great product and a sustainable business model are what sell the second, the third and the fourth. We have been doing this since 1994, and one thing we have learned is simple: passion gets you into this business, but discipline keeps you in it. Is there a lesson for other boutique entrepreneurs? Absolutely. Watch your cash flow, manage inventory, build real retailer relationships, and earn repeat customers. A compelling brand opens the door. Sound business practices are what keep you in the room. We are not celebrating anyone's struggle. We respect Adam Levine's intentions and everyone involved with League of Fat Bastards. The brand's future is uncertain until there is an official announcement, and we genuinely hope it finds the right home. What Happens Next, and What We Carry The brand's future depends on whether a buyer steps in. An acquisition, a restructuring, or continued operation under new ownership are all possible. Nothing is settled yet. If you want to explore boutique brands finding their footing, browse our boutique cigars and premium Nicaraguan cigars. Passion starts it. Discipline sustains it. Explore the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars The Bigger Picture The real takeaway is not that one brand is for sale. It is that the cigar industry can be unforgiving to brands that cannot turn consumer interest into steady, profitable sales. That is the conversation worth having, and it is one we think smokers should hear. So we will ask you: as a smoker, does a brand's mission or backstory influence what you buy, or does it come down purely to the cigar in your hand? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Artesano del Tobacco retailer poll results on where the next Viva La Vida cigar should be made

New Releases & Drops

Where Should Viva La Vida Go Next? The Retailers Voted

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
Artesano del Tobacco Asked, and Retailers Answered Artesano del Tobacco shared something with us directly: the results of a retailer poll about where the next Viva La Vida should be made. The company emailed us the numbers and the charts, so this is our own coverage, straight from the source. Before the numbers, one important point. This is not a new cigar announcement. No manufacturing partner, blend, price, size or release date has been confirmed. The poll reflects what retailers would like to see, not a final production decision. Artesano del Tobacco's retailer poll on where the next Viva La Vida should be made. AT A GLANCE Artesano del Tobacco polled retailers on where the next Viva La Vida should be made. Honduras won the country vote: 51.9% of 703 responses. In the Honduras factory poll, the Plasencia family led with 69.9% of 365 responses. The original Viva La Vida is still made in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez. That is not changing. Nothing is final: no confirmed partner, blend, pricing or release date. The Country Vote: Honduras Leads First, the where. Retailers were asked which country should make the next Viva La Vida. Honduras came out on top, with the Dominican Republic a clear second. Country selection (703 responses) Honduras 51.9% Dominican Republic 30% Costa Rica 18.1% That is a strong preference for Honduras. Still, the Dominican Republic pulling 30% shows there is real interest in more than one direction. The Factory Votes, Country by Country Each country then got its own factory poll. The response totals are different, so each percentage applies only to its own poll. Here is how they landed. Honduras factory (365 responses) Plasencia family (Nestor Plasencia) 69.9% Fabrica de Puros Aladino (Eiroa family) 24.9% Fabrica de Tabacos Raices Cubanas 5.2% Dominican Republic (211 responses) Tabacalera La Isla (Hostos Quesada) 59.2% Casa Carrillo (Ernesto Perez-Carrillo) 26.1% Tabacalera Palma (Jochy Blanco) 14.7% Costa Rica (123 responses) Tabacos de Costa Rica (Leon family) 57.7% IGM Cigars (Ferrer family) 42.3% In Honduras, the Plasencia family dominated. We will note the poll pointed to the family, not any one specific factory, and we are keeping it that way. A few of those names are worth knowing. Tabacalera La Isla, Casa Carrillo and Tabacos de Costa Rica all carry strong reputations. So the retailers were not picking unknowns. They were pointing to makers they already trust with premium tobacco. Why a Plasencia Interpretation Would Be Interesting The Plasencia name carries real weight. The family has generations of experience in growing tobacco and making cigars, plus a reputation for premium quality. That makes them an intriguing potential partner for Artesano del Tobacco. A different maker brings a different blending philosophy. A Plasencia take on Viva La Vida could offer a genuinely new interpretation. But the key word is could. Nothing has been awarded, and we are not going to pretend otherwise. AJ Fernandez and the Original One thing we want to be crystal clear about. The original Viva La Vida is made in Nicaragua by AJ Fernandez, one of our favorite master blenders. This poll does not announce his replacement or the relocation of existing production. This is about a possible expansion, a potential next chapter, not a swap. We respect what AJ Fernandez has built with the brand, and that work stands firmly on its own. Why Retailer Input Matters We appreciate that Artesano del Tobacco went to retailers. Shops like ours talk to cigar enthusiasts every day. We know what customers ask for, and which makers they trust. Bringing that firsthand knowledge into a brand decision is smart. It is a sign a company is listening to the people closest to its customers, and we are glad to be part of that conversation. Mardo's take We are longtime admirers of AJ Fernandez, and we respect what he has done with Viva La Vida. At the same time, we are genuinely excited about the possibility of seeing Nestor Plasencia interpret the brand. Our position is simple: evolution, not replacement. Is it worth getting excited about? Yes, with a caveat. A new version should offer a distinctive smoking experience, not just lean on an established name. Quality, complexity, construction and tobacco selection have to stay the priority. A great name creates expectations; great tobacco delivers on them. Remember, the votes only tell us where retailers would like the brand to go. Nothing is confirmed. We believe fresh ideas are good for the premium cigar industry, especially when they respect the foundation of an established brand. The true measure of success will be the cigar itself, once it is lit. Explore Viva La Vida at Mardo While the next chapter gets decided, the Viva La Vida you can smoke today is the AJ Fernandez original, and we carry it. If you want to see what the conversation is about, start there, and explore our Connecticut cigars and more premium Nicaraguan cigars while you are here. Viva la VidaViva La Vida Connecticut RobustoShop now The votes are in. The tobacco decides. Explore the Viva La Vida and other premium cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars What Comes Next Honduras and the Plasencia family emerged as the favorites, but Artesano del Tobacco has not confirmed its next steps. The possibility of expanding Viva La Vida through a new partnership is on the table, and nothing more than that for now. So we will ask you: would you want to try a Plasencia-made Viva La Vida alongside the AJ Fernandez original, or should the brand stay exactly as it is? Tell us where you land. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Cigar Oasis Caliber V, a simple $30 digital hygrometer with an E-Ink display for a humidor

New Releases & Drops

A $30 Guardian for Your Humidor: The Cigar Oasis Caliber V

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
Protect a Thousand-Dollar Collection for $30 At Mardo, we think storage is one of the most overlooked parts of enjoying premium cigars. You can spend hundreds, even thousands, building a collection. Without humidity control, you are risking all of it. The Cigar Oasis Caliber V makes the case that you do not need expensive technology to protect your cigars. At around $30, it offers a clean, easy-to-read display and reliable monitoring in a simple package. The Cigar Oasis Caliber V, a simple digital hygrometer for monitoring your humidor. AT A GLANCE The Cigar Oasis Caliber V is a digital hygrometer, not a humidification system. It reads relative humidity and temperature, so you can keep an eye on your humidor. Features: E-Ink display, Swiss-made sensor, plus or minus 3% RH accuracy, 72-hour memory. Magnetic mounting, a replaceable CR2032 battery, and no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. About $30. A small price to protect a much larger collection. A Hygrometer, Not a Humidifier Let us clear up the most important point first. The Caliber V measures humidity. It does not add it or remove it. A hygrometer tells you the number. A humidifier changes it. They are two different jobs. Keeping cigars right takes a few things working together: proper humidification, a well-sealed humidor and consistent monitoring. The Caliber V is the monitoring piece. Think of it as the dashboard, not the engine. Why does the difference matter? Because a lot of new buyers assume a hygrometer somehow fixes humidity. It does not. If your number is off, the Caliber V will show you. The actual correcting is up to your humidification and your humidor seal. The Features That Matter The Caliber V keeps things simple on purpose. The large E-Ink display is easy to read in any light. A Swiss-made sensor handles the measurements, rated to plus or minus 3% relative humidity. Cigar Oasis Caliber V at a glance Display E-Ink, large and easy to read Sensor Swiss-made Accuracy Plus or minus 3% RH Range 20% to 90% RH Temperature Fahrenheit or Celsius Calibration Adjustable, plus or minus 6% RH Memory 72-hour high and low Other Magnetic mount · CR2032 battery · no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi · about $30 Notice that last line. No Bluetooth, no Wi-Fi, no app. For a lot of enthusiasts, that is a feature, not a gap. Why Simple Can Be Better Not every cigar lover wants another app or a stream of notifications. Sometimes all you need is an accurate reading when you open the humidor. The Caliber V is built to do exactly that, and nothing more. Simplicity also means fewer things to break. No app to update. No pairing to lose. No dead Wi-Fi connection at the worst moment. You open the lid, you read the number, you move on. Early independent reviews have praised its display, its simplicity and its practicality. One observation worth passing along: readings sometimes updated more slowly than the advertised ten-second interval. We have not tested it ourselves, so we are repeating that, not confirming it. What Humidity Does to Cigars Here is why the number matters so much. Store cigars too dry and they can crack, burn hot and smoke harsh. Store them too wet and you get tight draws, uneven burns and trouble staying lit. Many enthusiasts target roughly 65% to 70% relative humidity, depending on preference, cigar type and conditions. Honestly, consistency matters more than chasing one exact number. A steady 67% beats a humidor that swings between 62% and 72%. Mardo's take We are big believers in spending money where it matters, and protecting your cigars should always be a priority. The Cigar Oasis Caliber V looks like a practical, affordable option that gets the basics right. Is it worth it? If you own a desktop humidor, or you are aging anything rare, yes. Whether you are storing everyday smokes or a stash of OpusX, Padron and boutique cigars, a dependable hygrometer is an essential tool. At $30, the Caliber V is cheap insurance. Just keep the distinction in mind: it monitors, it does not humidify. Pair it with good humidification and a sealed humidor, and you have the basics covered. We have not tested this unit, so treat this as an overview, not a lab result. Who Should Consider It, and What We Carry This suits beginners, experienced collectors and anyone with a desktop humidor. We are not claiming to stock this exact unit, but we are always happy to talk storage. In the meantime, explore the boutique cigars and premium cigars worth protecting. There is also a case for owning more than one. A single hygrometer can drift over time, and a second reading is a cheap way to catch a bad one. At $30, keeping a spare in another humidor is an easy call for anyone with a real collection. Protect what you store. Explore the premium cigars worth keeping in good shape at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars The Bottom Line The Cigar Oasis Caliber V is a practical, no-nonsense hygrometer at a fair price. It will not control your humidity, but it will tell you the truth about it, and that is the first step to keeping your cigars in shape. So we will ask you: do you prefer a simple hygrometer like this, or an app-connected one, and what humidity do you keep your humidor at? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Quality Importers Year of the Goat Collection, four red-and-gold cigar accessories

New Releases & Drops

Everyday Accessories With Zodiac Flair: The Year of the Goat Collection

by Gerard on Oct 24 2026
Zodiac Flair on Accessories You Already Trust Quality Importers keeps finding creative ways to add personality to everyday cigar accessories. The new Year of the Goat Collection pairs bold red-and-gold designs with trusted products from XIKAR, Palio, Cigar Caddy and Humidor Supreme. At Mardo, we like accessories that do more than look good. A cutter, a lighter or a case should perform as well as it shows. This collection takes proven products and gives them collectible character. Quality Importers' Year of the Goat Collection, four accessories in red-and-gold zodiac artwork. AT A GLANCE The Year of the Goat Collection: four accessories in red-and-gold zodiac artwork. The lineup: a 20-count humidor, a 5-count travel case, a double-jet lighter and a XIKAR cutter. All four retail under $70, so you can buy one piece or build a matching set. It debuts at the TAA convention (October 25 to 29) in the Dominican Republic; shipping is expected December 2026. Not individually numbered, and not exclusive to TAA retailers. The Four Pieces Year of the Goat Collection Humidor Supreme 20-Count Humidor $54.99 Cigar Caddy 5-Count Travel Case $35.99 Palio PRO Antares Double-Jet Lighter $54.99 XIKAR Xi1 Perfect Cut Cutter $69.99 These are established models, not brand-new inventions. You already know how a XIKAR Xi1 cuts, or how a Cigar Caddy travels. What is new is the coordinated red-and-gold look that ties all four together. It is a smart mix, too. A humidor for home. A travel case for the road. A lighter and a cutter for daily use. Between the four, you cover most of what a cigar smoker actually reaches for, and matching them just makes the whole setup look intentional. The Zodiac Series Continues This is part of Quality Importers' ongoing Chinese zodiac theme. Each year brings a new animal and a new coordinated design. The Year of the Goat follows the past releases in that series. Collectors tend to chase the whole run. Each new animal becomes a piece of a larger set, year after year. That slow build is a big part of the appeal, and it is why the series has staying power. For reference, the previous Year of the Horse collection covered the same idea. One nice detail: three of the four new pieces carry lower suggested retail prices than before. A limited-edition look that gets cheaper, not pricier, is a welcome direction. Looks With Function The appeal is the combination. You get red-and-gold artwork that ties the set together, and the everyday functionality of accessories people already rely on. That is a sensible middle ground, not a gimmick. We are not going to overstate the rarity. These are not numbered, and they are not TAA-exclusive, so plenty of enthusiasts will have a shot at them. That accessibility is part of the charm here. There is one more practical angle. Because these are familiar models, there is no learning curve. You are not gambling on an unproven gadget. You are getting gear you already know, just with a look you do not usually get. Who It's For A coordinated set like this appeals to a few groups: accessory collectors, fans of the zodiac series and anyone shopping for a cigar gift. A matching lighter, cutter and case makes a strong, giftable bundle. And because everything is under $70, you can start with a single piece. There is no need to buy the whole set to enjoy the design, which keeps it approachable for everyday smokers. Gifting is where a set like this really shines. A matching lighter and cutter, wrapped together, looks far more thoughtful than a single random accessory. For a cigar-smoking friend, it is an easy win that does not cost a fortune. Mardo's take The Year of the Goat Collection is not about reinventing cigar accessories. It is about taking proven products, giving them collectible character, and offering them at reasonable prices. That is a combination we can get behind. Is it worth it? If you like accessories with personality, or you are shopping for a gift, yes. The under-$70 pricing makes it easy to try, and the fact that it is not locked to TAA stores means more people can actually get it. Just go in with the right expectations. These are special-edition finishes on familiar gear, not new technology. That is exactly what makes them fun and approachable rather than intimidating. Where It Fits, and What We Carry This collection ships in December 2026, and we are not claiming any Mardo inventory or preorders yet. We are covering it as industry news. If you are building out your setup, explore the boutique cigars and premium cigars to fill it. Accessories with personality. Explore the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars A Release Worth Watching Quality Importers' Year of the Goat Collection shows that accessories can combine everyday function, distinctive design and collectible appeal without excessive pricing. For enthusiasts who like a little personality in their gear, it is worth watching. So we will ask you: would you buy a single piece or the whole matching set, and which accessory catches your eye first? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Rocky Patel Matrix, a Connecticut Broadleaf 6 x 50 Toro and 2026 TAA exclusive

New Releases & Drops

A Broadleaf Toro for $14: Inside the Rocky Patel Matrix

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Value TAA Exclusive Built on Broadleaf The Rocky Patel Matrix is an intriguing release, especially for seasoned smokers who love Connecticut Broadleaf tobacco. Rocky Patel has announced it as a limited-edition exclusive for Tobacconists' Association of America retailers in 2026. Here is the part that caught our eye: only 15,000 cigars are planned, and the MSRP is just $14. In a market where limited editions often cost a lot more, the Matrix looks like real value on paper. The Rocky Patel Matrix, a 2026 TAA exclusive built on a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper. AT A GLANCE The Rocky Patel Matrix is a 2026 TAA exclusive, not a nationwide release. Blend: Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, Honduran Jamastran Valley filler. 6 x 50 Toro, packaged in 20-count boxes. Only 750 boxes are planned, for a total of 15,000 cigars. $14 per cigar, $280 per box. Medium-to-full-bodied. What a TAA Exclusive Actually Means First, the TAA. The Tobacconists' Association of America is a group of respected brick-and-mortar retailers. Each year, several makers create cigars that only TAA member shops can carry. For collectors, that matters. A TAA release is limited by design, both in production and in where you can find it. It rewards shopping at the kind of established stores that join the association, and it keeps these cigars from flooding every shelf. It is also a nice fit for a cigar like this. A Connecticut Broadleaf release rewards patient, experienced smokers. Those are exactly the people who shop at TAA stores. The audience and the cigar match up well, which is part of why these releases tend to find a home quickly. The Blend and the Details The recipe is the draw here. The Rocky Patel Matrix pairs a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper with a Nicaraguan binder and a Honduran filler from the Jamastran Valley. That mix has the potential for richness, depth and balance. Broadleaf is the key word. Connecticut Broadleaf is a thick, dark, sun-grown leaf. It is known for a sweeter, earthier character than lighter wrappers, and it is a staple of rich, full-flavored cigars. Pairing it with Honduran Jamastran filler, which leans toward spice and body, is a combination with a long track record. Rocky Patel Matrix at a glance Wrapper Connecticut Broadleaf (USA) Binder Nicaragua Filler Honduras (Jamastran Valley) Size 6 x 50 Toro Factory TAVICUSA, Esteli, Nicaragua Production 750 boxes of 20 (15,000 cigars) MSRP $14 per cigar · $280 per box Rocky Patel describes the profile as leaning on earth, nuts and chocolate. We want to be clear that those are the maker's words, not our own tasting notes. We have not smoked the Matrix, so we are not going to pass off anticipated flavors as fact. Why the Value Angle Stands Out Let us come back to that price. At $14 a cigar, with only 15,000 made, the Matrix is unusually approachable for a limited release. Plenty of TAA and limited cigars sit well north of that. That does not automatically make it great. Exclusivity and a fair price are nice, but the tobacco, the construction and the overall smoking experience still have to deliver. A low number on the band is a starting point, not a guarantee. Still, think about what fourteen dollars usually buys in a limited release. Often not much. An honest price on a TAA cigar is a small statement in itself. It makes the Rocky Patel Matrix easier to recommend trying, rather than just admiring from a distance. Mardo's take We are genuinely curious about this one. A Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper over Honduran Jamastran filler is a classic, satisfying pairing, and at $14 the Rocky Patel Matrix is priced to actually be bought and smoked, not just collected. Is it worth chasing? If you like Broadleaf and you shop at TAA stores, yes, keep an eye out. Just remember that exclusivity alone does not make a great cigar. If Rocky Patel delivers on that earthy, nutty, chocolate-forward promise, this could earn a spot in a seasoned smoker's humidor. We have not smoked it, so there is no rating or tasting note from us yet. Our bottom line: the Matrix is a release worth watching, but we will reserve our final verdict until we can light one ourselves. Where It Fits, and What We Carry To be clear, the Matrix is a TAA exclusive with no announced shipping date, so we are not suggesting any Mardo allocation or inventory. We are covering it as industry news. If the blend appeals to you, we do carry plenty of premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars in the same spirit. Value and craftsmanship, in stock. Explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars A Release Worth Watching A run of just 15,000 cigars, a classic Broadleaf blend and a $14 price make the Rocky Patel Matrix an easy one to keep on your radar. For Rocky Patel fans and limited-edition collectors, it checks a lot of boxes. Rocky Patel has put out a lot of cigars over the years. The ones that stick are the ones that get the tobacco right. The Matrix has the pedigree and the blend to be one of those. Now it just has to prove it in the hand. So we will ask you: does a Connecticut Broadleaf over Honduran filler sound like your kind of smoke, and would you track down a TAA exclusive to try it? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Cohiba Talisman, a Cuban cigar moving from a 2017 Edicion Limitada to regular production in Cohiba's Linea Clasica

New Releases & Drops

A Cult Cuban Becomes a Staple: The Cohiba Talismán

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Cohiba Limited Edition Goes Permanent The Cohiba Talismán is coming back, but this time it will not be a limited edition. Habanos S.A. has announced that the Talismán, first introduced in the 2017 Edicion Limitada collection, will become a regular-production cigar in Cohiba's Linea Clasica. That is a bigger deal than it might sound. It is the first time a former Cohiba Edicion Limitada has moved into permanent production, and it lands during Cohiba's 60th anniversary year. For a brand turning 60, reviving a beloved release is a fitting way to celebrate, and the Cohiba Talismán is exactly the kind of cigar that earns that treatment. The Cohiba Talisman, a former 2017 Edicion Limitada now joining Cohiba's regular production. AT A GLANCE The Cohiba Talismán, once a 2017 Edicion Limitada, is becoming a regular-production cigar. It joins Cohiba's permanent Linea Clasica portfolio. A first: no former Cohiba Edicion Limitada had made this jump before. It arrives during Cohiba's 60th anniversary in 2026, presented in London on October 7. As a Cuban cigar, it is not sold through United States retail. What the Talismán Actually Is For those who missed the original, the Cohiba Talismán is a striking cigar. It uses the Sublimes No. 1 vitola: a parejo that runs roughly 6 1/8 inches with a 54 ring gauge, finished with a distinctive pigtail cap. The Cohiba Talismán first appeared in 2017. It was part of that year's Edicion Limitada collection, the brand's annual run of special releases. It stood out then, and it built a real following among Cuban cigar fans. That following is a big reason this news matters now. Cohiba Talismán, confirmed details Vitola Sublimes No. 1 Length About 6 1/8 inches Ring gauge 54 Shape Parejo with pigtail cap Origin Cuba (Habanos S.A.) Packaging 10-count boxes, updated presentation We are sticking to confirmed specs here. We are not going to invent a blend breakdown, tasting notes, or a direct comparison between the 2017 and 2026 versions, because those details have not been verified. When Habanos shares more, we will update this. New Packaging, and Why It Matters The new Talismán gets a redesigned presentation. That includes an additional foot band and NFC-enabled packaging. The NFC chip is the interesting part, because it is built to help confirm a box is genuine. Authentication matters more with Cuban cigars than almost anywhere else, since they are among the most counterfeited in the world. A tap-to-verify feature is a practical answer to a very real problem. It lets a buyer confirm a box of Cohiba Talismán is genuine, and it signals how seriously Habanos takes protecting the Cohiba name. 2017 vs. 2026: Keeping Them Straight If you own the original, this does not erase it. The 2017 Cohiba Talismán was a specific limited edition, with its own place in the brand's history. The 2026 regular-production version is its own release, and it should be treated as one. There is a simple way to think about it. The 2017 run is a closed chapter, with a fixed number of boxes. The 2026 Cohiba Talismán is the one that keeps going. Both carry the same name, but they sit in different places in the story. We are not going to assume the two smoke the same, or speculate about resale value. What we can say is that collectors will likely treat the original 2017 run as historically distinct, while the new version becomes the one you can actually find going forward. Mardo's take This is a genuinely interesting move. Taking a well-loved Cohiba limited edition and making it permanent, in the brand's 60th year, is both a celebration and a statement. For Cuban cigar fans, it means a cigar that was once hard to find could become a staple. Is it worth chasing? For enthusiasts of Cuban Cohiba, absolutely worth following, with one honest caveat: as a Cuban release, it will not reach the United States market through legal retail, so you will not find it at Mardo. Where it is available, regular production should make it easier to get than the original ever was. We have not smoked either version, so there are no tasting notes or comparisons from us. What we can say is that the move itself, and the new authentication packaging, are the real story here. A Question for Enthusiasts This is a Cuban release, so it sits outside the United States market and outside what we can sell. We are covering it as industry news. If you want to explore the premium cigars we do carry, browse our boutique cigars and premium Nicaraguan cigars. Explore the premium cigars we do carry. Discover the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars Should Icons Stay Limited? The Talismán's return raises a fair debate. Making a famous limited edition permanent could hint that Habanos is more open to reviving past hits. We will present that as our own analysis, not confirmed company strategy. So here is the question worth passing around: should iconic limited-edition cigars stay exclusive, or should makers bring the most popular ones into regular production so more people can enjoy them? We would love to hear where you land. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Davidoff City Edition Las Vegas and New York, two flagship-exclusive cigars for 2026

New Releases & Drops

Two Cities, Two Blends: Inside Davidoff's City Edition

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Destination-Driven Pair of Cigars Davidoff is trying something different with its City Edition. Instead of just dropping another limited cigar, the brand is building a destination experience. There is one blend for Las Vegas and one for New York, each sold only at that city's flagship store. What caught our attention is that these are not the same cigar in two outfits. Each city gets its own blend, which makes the whole idea a lot more interesting than a packaging swap. Davidoff's City Edition Las Vegas and New York, each sold only at its respective flagship store. AT A GLANCE Two 2026 City Edition cigars from Davidoff, one for Las Vegas and one for New York. Each is sold only at Davidoff's flagship store in that city. They are two distinct blends, not one cigar with different bands. Both are 5 1/2 x 55, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic, launching November 2, 2026. $49 per cigar, $490 per 10-count box. Las Vegas vs. New York The fun here is in the contrast. The Las Vegas edition is a 5 1/2 x 55 with an Ecuadorian wrapper and binder over Dominican fillers, and it works in some wine-cask-aged tobacco. Davidoff rates it 3 out of 5 in strength. The New York edition keeps the same 5 1/2 x 55 size but goes darker. It uses a darker Ecuadorian wrapper with an Ecuadorian binder and Dominican filler, and it is rated slightly stronger at 3.5 of 5. Same canvas, two different paintings. Why does city-specific blending matter? Because it turns a cigar into a reason to visit. You cannot order the Las Vegas blend online and have it the next day. You have to be there. The cigar becomes part of the trip, and that is exactly what Davidoff is going for. Davidoff City Edition, side by side Las Vegas size 5 1/2 x 55 Las Vegas blend Ecuadorian wrapper and binder, Dominican filler (wine-cask-aged) Las Vegas strength 3 of 5 New York size 5 1/2 x 55 New York blend Darker Ecuadorian wrapper, Ecuadorian binder, Dominican filler New York strength 3.5 of 5 Price · Made in $49 per cigar · $490 per box · Dominican Republic We have not smoked either one, so we are not going to hand you tasting notes or claim one is better. What we can do is lay out how they differ and let the tobacco speak for itself when the time comes. Luxury, Exclusivity, and the Price At $49 a cigar, these are aimed squarely at serious Davidoff enthusiasts and collectors. Davidoff has a long reputation for tobacco selection, careful blending, consistency and polished presentation, and this release leans on all of it. But premium pricing and exclusivity do not automatically guarantee a great smoke. The city-only distribution and the collectible packaging are clever, and they will drive collector interest. The real question is whether the tobacco and the craftsmanship justify the number on the band. Davidoff has earned that luxury positioning over decades. The brand is known for calm, refined, well-constructed cigars rather than loud, heavy ones. If any maker can get away with a forty-nine dollar city-exclusive, it is Davidoff. That reputation is a real part of what you are paying for, and it is fair to factor in. There is also a collector angle that is hard to ignore. A cigar you can only buy in one city, in limited packaging, is exactly the kind of thing that ends up traded and displayed rather than smoked. For some buyers that is the whole appeal. For others it is a small shame, since cigars are made to be enjoyed, not shelved. Mardo's take We appreciate Davidoff's commitment to creating distinctive experiences, and giving each city its own blend is a genuinely creative idea rather than a marketing shortcut. We are most curious about how the two compare head to head. Is it worth chasing? If you are a Davidoff collector who can visit the right flagship, the City Editions offer something you cannot get anywhere else. But at $49 a cigar, exclusivity alone is not enough. The value has to come from the tobacco, the construction and the complexity. We have not smoked them, so no ratings or impressions from us. Our message is simple: a great cigar should be remembered for the experience it delivers, not just how hard it was to acquire. Where They Fit, and What We Carry To be clear, these are Davidoff flagship-store exclusives, available only in Las Vegas and New York, so they are not for sale at Mardo. We are covering them as industry news. If you want to explore cigars in the same premium spirit, browse our Dominican cigars and boutique cigars. Luxury you can actually buy. Explore the Dominican cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse Dominican cigars Innovation, or Just Exclusivity? The City Editions show where the luxury cigar market is heading: toward destination-exclusive releases built as much around place as around tobacco. That is a smart strategy, and it clearly appeals to collectors. Either way, the City Edition is one of the more talked-about Davidoff moves of the year. A pair of city-exclusive blends is the kind of release that gets collectors booking flights, and that is a reaction most cigars never earn. For serious smokers, though, the quality of the experience should always matter more than scarcity or packaging. So we will ask you: are these City Editions real blending innovation, or is the appeal mostly the exclusivity? Tell us what you think. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Selected Tobacco Robusto Edition Collection, a five-cigar luxury set from Nelson Alfonso's brands

New Releases & Drops

Five Brands, Years of Patience: Inside Selected Tobacco's New Set

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
When Great Tobacco Can't Be Rushed Selected Tobacco keeps proving that premium cigars are about more than the leaf. They are about patience, craftsmanship and the experience. The new Robusto Edition Collection is another clear example of that philosophy. At Mardo, we have a deep appreciation for Nelson Alfonso and how he makes cigars. Through brands like Atabey, Byron, Bandolero, Alfonso and Nelson, Selected Tobacco has built a reputation for exceptional aging, obsessive attention to detail and luxurious presentation. The Selected Tobacco Robusto Edition Collection, five brands in one aged, luxury presentation. AT A GLANCE The Selected Tobacco Robusto Edition Collection gathers five brands in one luxury set. Inside: Atabey Brujos, Byron Poemas, Alfonso Anejo No. 2, Bandolero Premium Atrevidos and Nelson Hidalgos, all 5 x 52. Two of them, the Bandolero Premium Atrevidos and Nelson Hidalgos, are new vitolas. Every cigar gets roughly four to five years of post-roll aging. $200 for five cigars (about $40 each), in a green-and-gold box with five aluminum tubes. Five Brands, One Box The appeal here is variety with a theme. The collection brings five distinct Selected Tobacco blends together in a similar robusto format, so you can taste the differences side by side. That is a rare chance to compare five of Nelson Alfonso's houses in one sitting. That is the real draw. Five houses, one format, one sitting. You can line them up and taste how each brand differs. For a fan of the company, that side-by-side is worth the price of admission on its own. The Robusto Edition Collection lineup Atabey Brujos 5 x 52 Byron Poemas 5 x 52 Alfonso Anejo No. 2 5 x 52 Bandolero Premium Atrevidos 5 x 52 (new vitola) Nelson Hidalgos 5 x 52 (new vitola) Price $200 for five (about $40 per cigar) Two of those are brand new sizes. The Bandolero Premium Atrevidos and the Nelson Hidalgos both introduce new vitolas to their respective lines, which gives even longtime Selected Tobacco fans a reason to pay attention. Aging Is the Whole Story Here is what really sets this apart. Each cigar in the set goes through roughly four to five years of post-roll aging. That is a long time, and almost nobody is willing to invest it before bringing a cigar to market. That patience is the heart of Nelson Alfonso's approach. Extended aging lets flavors settle and marry, and it is a big reason Selected Tobacco cigars are known for their refinement. When you buy this collection, you are not just buying five robustos. You are buying the result of a decision made years ago. Think about the patience that takes. A maker rolls these cigars. Then they wait. Years pass before a single box ships. Almost no one else does that, and it is exactly why these cigars carry the reputation they do. Presentation Built to Impress Selected Tobacco has never treated packaging as an afterthought, and this release is no exception. The cigars arrive in an elegant green-and-gold collector's box, with five individually designed aluminum tubes inside. That level of detail is pure Nelson Alfonso. The tubes protect the aged cigars and make the set feel like an occasion the moment you open it. For a collector, the presentation is part of the point, not a bonus. A Luxury Release, and How to Find It Let us be honest about the positioning. At $200 for five cigars, this is not meant for the casual smoker. It is built for the seasoned enthusiast who understands aged tobacco and appreciates the finer details of craftsmanship. It is also hard to get. The collection was connected to the grand opening of Selected Tobacco's Madrid facility in October 2026, and the initial allocation went to select United Cigars retailers who took part. The original run reportedly sold out. It is not exclusive to Mardo, and we are not claiming any inventory. Mardo's take We have a tremendous appreciation for Selected Tobacco, and the reason is exactly this: patience. Taking five established brands, aging each cigar for years, and presenting them with this much care is the opposite of rushing a product to market. That philosophy is what sets the company apart. Is it worth chasing? For collectors and devoted Selected Tobacco fans, absolutely, if you can find one. The two new vitolas, the aged tobacco and the presentation make it genuinely noteworthy. For a casual smoker, the price and the scarcity probably put it out of range, and that is fine. It was never meant for everyone. We have not smoked the set, so there are no tasting notes from us. What we can say is that this release is not simply five expensive cigars in a pretty box. It is a statement about what time and craftsmanship can do. Explore the Boutique World at Mardo This collection sits at the luxury end of the boutique world, and it highlights something easy to overlook: great tobacco cannot be rushed. If that philosophy appeals to you, explore the boutique cigars and other premium cigars we carry at Mardo. Great tobacco can't be rushed. Explore the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars A Set Built on Time The Robusto Edition Collection is really five distinct expressions of one philosophy, united by exceptional aging, craftsmanship and presentation. For the right smoker, that makes it far more than another expensive limited release. So we will ask you: does years of patient aging change how you value a cigar, and which of these five brands would you reach for first? We would love to hear your pick. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Three Leaf cigar boutique, helping grow premium cigar culture in Saudi Arabia

New Releases & Drops

A New Chapter in the Middle East: Saudi Arabia's Cigar Boom

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
Cigar Culture Is Going Global At Mardo, we believe cigar culture is about more than lighting a premium cigar. It is about craftsmanship, education, tradition and bringing people together. The growth of Three Leaf in Saudi Arabia is a clear sign that this appreciation keeps spreading beyond its traditional homes. What excites us most is the approach. Three Leaf puts education and community first, rather than simply selling luxury products. That philosophy lines up closely with what we have practiced at Mardo since 1994. Three Leaf is helping develop premium cigar culture in Saudi Arabia through education and community. AT A GLANCE Three Leaf is building premium cigar culture in Saudi Arabia through retail, education and community. Founded in October 2023 by Sultan Saad Albugami and Dr. Amr Fenais. It runs three boutiques across Riyadh and Jeddah, with a fourth planned for November 2026. Its portfolio spans more than 15 producers, including EGM, El Septimo, Casa 1910 and Platinum Nova. The focus is on teaching enthusiasts and building a community, not just making sales. Who Three Leaf Is Three Leaf is a young company with a clear mission. It was founded in October 2023 by Sultan Saad Albugami and Dr. Amr Fenais, and it has grown quickly. Today it operates three boutiques across Riyadh and Jeddah. A fourth location is planned for November 2026. We want to be careful to call that one planned, not open, since it has not happened yet. Still, steady, deliberate expansion like this says a lot about the demand the company is seeing. A Deep Bench of Brands Part of what makes Three Leaf interesting is its range. The boutiques carry more than 15 cigar producers, including names like EGM, El Septimo, Casa 1910 and Platinum Nova. That is a serious lineup, and it gives local enthusiasts access to craftsmanship from around the world. For international and boutique makers, that reach is the opportunity. A shop that curates this many brands becomes a doorway. It can introduce a new audience to blends and makers they might never have encountered otherwise. Education and Community First The teaching side is where Three Leaf really stands out. The company introduces enthusiasts to tobacco origins, cigar construction, blending and the basics of proper cutting and lighting. In other words, it helps people understand what they are smoking, not just what to buy. It also builds a community around the experience. That includes cigar-maker appearances, private gatherings and collaborations with Saudi artists. Those events turn a shop into a gathering place, which is exactly how lasting cigar culture tends to grow. Why an Emerging Market Matters Saudi Arabia represents a developing premium cigar market, and that is worth watching. A growing base of knowledgeable enthusiasts can create real opportunities for international manufacturers and smaller boutique brands alike. We will be careful here, though. We are not going to call Saudi Arabia the next major cigar market, or Three Leaf the market leader, without the evidence to back it up. What we can say is simpler. Premium cigars are finding new audiences well beyond the United States and Europe. This is one clear example of that shift taking shape. Mardo's take The part we love is the emphasis on education and community rather than pure salesmanship. Three Leaf is helping introduce a new generation of enthusiasts to the artistry behind premium tobacco. That is how you build an audience that lasts. It is the same belief that has guided us since 1994. Is it worth paying attention to? For anyone who cares about where this hobby is headed, yes. The future of the cigar industry is not only about producing great cigars. It is about developing knowledgeable consumers, preserving traditions and building communities around the experience. Three Leaf is an interesting example of that movement taking shape in the Middle East. We will keep watching how it grows, and what its success could mean for the boutique makers whose work it puts in front of new eyes. The Shared Philosophy, and What We Carry A knowledgeable retailer is one of the most important parts of a strong cigar community, wherever in the world it sits. That belief connects what Three Leaf is building in Saudi Arabia to what we do every day. If you want to explore that world with us, browse the boutique cigars and premium cigars we carry at Mardo. We teach about cigars, not just sell them. Discover the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars The Future Is Built on Education The future of premium cigars depends on more than exceptional tobacco and craftsmanship. It depends on education, relationships and communities that genuinely appreciate the tradition. Three Leaf is helping build exactly that, half a world away. So we will leave you with a question: as cigar culture reaches new places, what do you think matters most for keeping the tradition strong, the cigars themselves or the communities around them? Tell us where you land. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Espinosa La Bomba Warhead TAA 2026, a box-pressed toro with a Mexican San Andres wrapper

New Releases & Drops

A San Andres Twist on a Cult Favorite: the Espinosa Warhead

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Cult Series Changes Its Wrapper The Espinosa La Bomba Warhead is back for 2026, and this time it is a TAA exclusive. The Warhead series has built a loyal following by pairing bold branding with distinctive packaging and limited production, and this release keeps that tradition going. What makes this one stand out is the wrapper. The 2026 Warhead switches to a Mexican San Andres wrapper, which brings a new dimension to an already established collection. For experienced smokers, that change alone makes it worth watching. The Espinosa La Bomba Warhead TAA 2026, now wearing a Mexican San Andres wrapper. AT A GLANCE The Espinosa La Bomba Warhead returns as a 2026 TAA exclusive. The headline change: a Mexican San Andres wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler. 6 x 55 box-pressed toro, made at the San Lotano factory in Ocotal, Nicaragua. Only 1,250 boxes of 10, for a total of 12,500 cigars. $16 per cigar, $160 per box. Expected to ship in November 2026. Why the Wrapper Change Is the Story Mexican San Andres is one of the most talked-about wrapper tobaccos around. It has a reputation for rich, earthy, chocolate-forward character. We want to be clear that those are the tobacco's general traits, not confirmed tasting notes for this specific Warhead, which we have not smoked. Still, swapping in a new wrapper on an established blend is a real decision, not a cosmetic one. The wrapper carries a big share of a cigar's flavor. Putting a San Andres leaf on the Warhead could meaningfully shift the experience, and that is exactly why experienced smokers are paying attention. Espinosa La Bomba Warhead 2026 at a glance Wrapper Mexican San Andres Binder Nicaragua Filler Nicaragua Size 6 x 55 box-pressed toro Factory San Lotano, Ocotal, Nicaragua Production 1,250 boxes of 10 (12,500 cigars) MSRP $16 per cigar · $160 per box At $16 a cigar with only 12,500 made, this is a limited release that still lands at a fair, approachable price. That combination tends to move quickly among fans of the series. That price is part of the appeal. Plenty of limited cigars push well past twenty or thirty dollars. A sixteen dollar limited release is one you can actually buy a few of, smoke, and enjoy, instead of locking every single one away in a box. The Warhead Legacy The Warhead series is not new. It debuted in 2013 and has become one of Espinosa's most recognizable limited-edition lines. Over the years it has earned a reputation for bold identity and collectible annual releases. A big part of that identity is the packaging. The Warhead comes in a distinctive bomb-shaped box decorated with vintage military aircraft nose art, including the unmistakable shark-mouth design. It is loud, it is fun, and it is instantly recognizable on a shelf, which is exactly the point. Over more than a decade, that formula has worked. Each new release becomes a small event. Fans know the look, they know the drill, and they line up for the latest one. A fresh wrapper only raises the stakes. What a TAA Exclusive Means This Warhead is intended for participating Tobacconists' Association of America retailers. The TAA is a group of established brick-and-mortar shops, and each year makers create special cigars that only those members can carry. For collectors, that limited distribution adds to the appeal. A production run of 12,500 cigars, spread across TAA stores, is the kind of release that Warhead fans and limited-edition collectors tend to seek out. We will stop short of predicting how fast it sells or what it might be worth later, since those are guesses, not facts. Mardo's take We have always appreciated manufacturers who are not afraid to push boundaries, and Espinosa fits that description. A limited edition should offer more than a new band or a different box. It should give enthusiasts something genuinely interesting to explore, and a Mexican San Andres wrapper on the Warhead does exactly that. Is it worth chasing? If you follow the Warhead series or you love San Andres, yes, keep an eye out for it in November. The wrapper change is the hook, and at $16 it is reasonably priced for a limited run. Just remember the blend has to deliver as much as the packaging promises. We have not smoked it, so there are no ratings or tasting notes from us. The Warhead has never been about playing it cautious, and this release keeps that streak going. We are most curious to see how the San Andres wrapper reshapes the smoke. Where It Fits, and What We Carry To be clear, this Warhead is a TAA exclusive, so we are not suggesting any Mardo allocation or inventory. We are covering it as industry news. If the blend appeals to you, we carry plenty of premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars in the same spirit. Bold blends, in stock. Explore the Nicaraguan cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars A Release Worth Watching A new wrapper on a cult favorite, a run of just 12,500 cigars and a fair price make the Espinosa La Bomba Warhead an easy one to follow into November. For Warhead fans and collectors, the San Andres twist is the part worth getting excited about. So we will ask: does the move to a Mexican San Andres wrapper make you more interested in the Warhead, and would you track down a TAA exclusive to try it? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento, a 2026 TAA exclusive with five-year-aged 100% Nicaraguan tobacco

New Releases & Drops

Five-Year-Aged Nicaraguan for $12: The Brick House Beginnings

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
Five-Year-Aged Nicaraguan, and Only $12 At Mardo, we think the Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento is a perfect example of why enthusiasts should watch value-driven releases, not just expensive limited editions. J.C. Newman has picked it as its 2026 TAA exclusive. What makes it interesting is five-year-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, the heritage of J.C. Newman and the craftsmanship behind the Brick House brand. At just $12 a cigar, extensively aged tobacco at an approachable price is increasingly hard to find. The Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento, J.C. Newman's 2026 TAA exclusive. AT A GLANCE J.C. Newman's 2026 TAA exclusive: the Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento. Built on five-year-aged, 100% Nicaraguan tobacco. A Jalapa-grown Habano-seed wrapper over a Nicaraguan binder and filler. Only 800 boxes of 10 (8,000 cigars). $12 per cigar, $120 per box. Made at J.C. Newman's PENSA factory in Esteli. Ships late October 2026. Why Five Years of Aging Matters The headline here is the aging. Five years is a long time to sit on tobacco, and most makers will not do it. Aging lets harshness mellow and flavors settle. It can add smoothness, balance and complexity to a cigar. We will be careful not to promise specific flavors, since we have not smoked this one. But properly aged tobacco is one of the clearest paths to refinement. Finding it at a $12 price point is genuinely unusual, and that is the whole hook. 100% Nicaraguan, Start to Finish The name tells the story. Ciento Por Ciento means 100 percent, and here it points to an all-Nicaraguan tobacco composition. The wrapper is a Nicaraguan Habano-seed leaf grown in Jalapa, over a Nicaraguan binder and filler. Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento at a glance Wrapper Nicaraguan Habano-seed (Jalapa) Binder Nicaragua Filler Nicaragua Aging About five years Factory PENSA, Esteli, Nicaragua Production 800 boxes of 10 (8,000 cigars) MSRP $12 per cigar · $120 per box Jalapa is one of Nicaragua's most prized growing regions, known for refined, aromatic tobacco. A Jalapa wrapper on an aged puro is a promising combination on paper, and it fits the value-forward story this release is telling. The Value Angle Is the Real Story This is where it gets interesting. The premium cigar world often ties a higher price to higher quality. A $12 cigar built on five-year-aged tobacco pushes back on that idea directly. You do not need a $25 price tag to deserve attention. Sometimes the most exciting releases are the ones that combine quality tobacco, proper aging and honest pricing. On paper, the Brick House Beginnings checks all three of those boxes. What a TAA Exclusive Means A quick explainer. TAA stands for the Tobacconists' Association of America, a group of established brick-and-mortar shops. Each year, makers create cigars that only TAA members can carry, and distribution stays limited to those participating retailers. With only 800 boxes planned, that scarcity adds another layer of appeal for collectors and seasoned smokers. And it does it without the need for exaggerated hype, which is refreshing. Brick House and J.C. Newman Some background helps. J.C. Newman Cigar Co. dates all the way back to 1895, which makes it one of the oldest family cigar companies in America. Brick House is its brand known for delivering quality at accessible prices. That heritage is part of why this release lands the way it does. A company with more than a century of history putting five-year-aged tobacco into a $12 cigar is making a quiet statement about value, not chasing a trend. Mardo's take A cigar does not need a $25 price tag to deserve attention. The Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento combines quality tobacco, five years of aging and honest pricing, and that is exactly the kind of release we like to point people toward. Is it worth chasing? If you value aged Nicaraguan tobacco and you shop at TAA stores, yes. At $12 with only 800 boxes, it is accessible and limited at the same time. Just remember the smoke still has to deliver what the spec sheet promises. We have not smoked it, so there are no ratings or tasting notes from us. What we can say is that five-year-aged tobacco at this price is genuinely rare, and that alone makes it worth a look. Where It Fits, and What We Carry To be clear, this is a TAA exclusive with availability that may vary, so we are not claiming any Mardo allocation or inventory. We are covering it as industry news. If aged Nicaraguan tobacco appeals to you, explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. Great cigars aren't defined by their price tags. Explore the premium Nicaraguan cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars A Release Worth Watching Five-year-aged Nicaraguan tobacco, limited production and a $12 MSRP make the Brick House Beginnings Ciento Por Ciento a release that deserves attention for what it offers, not simply because it is exclusive. So we will ask you: does five-year-aged tobacco at $12 change how you think about value, and would you track down a TAA cigar to try it? Tell us where you land. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Casa Carrillo 2026 TAA Exclusive, a five-country blend by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo

New Releases & Drops

Five Countries in One Cigar: Casa Carrillo's 2026 TAA Blend

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Blend That Spans Five Countries Casa Carrillo keeps showing why Ernesto Perez-Carrillo is one of the most respected master blenders in the business. Its 2026 TAA exclusive is especially interesting because of an ambitious five-country tobacco blend. At Mardo, we appreciate releases that offer more than limited packaging and exclusivity. What catches our eye here is the combination: an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper, an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder, and filler tobaccos from four different countries. That is the kind of blending complexity experienced smokers notice. The Casa Carrillo 2026 TAA Exclusive, a five-country blend from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. AT A GLANCE A 2026 TAA exclusive from Casa Carrillo, blended by Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. The headline: tobacco from five countries in one cigar. Wrapper Ecuadorian Habano, binder Ecuadorian Sumatra, filler from the US, Honduras, Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. A 5 1/2 x 58 with a medium-plus strength profile. Only 1,000 boxes of 10 (10,000 cigars). $14 per cigar, $140 per box. Why a Five-Country Blend Is Interesting Most cigars pull from one or two origins. This one pulls from five. Each growing region brings its own character: body from one, sweetness from another, spice or aroma from a third. A skilled blender can weave those into something balanced. That is exactly where Perez-Carrillo's reputation comes in. Juggling five origins is not a gimmick when the right hands are doing it. It is a real test of blending, and he is one of the few makers you trust to pull it off. We have not smoked it, so we will stop at what the blend promises on paper. It helps to picture it. One country might bring the body. Another adds sweetness. A third brings spice. A fourth rounds out the aroma. Blend them well, and you get a depth that a single-origin cigar rarely reaches on its own. Casa Carrillo 2026 TAA Exclusive at a glance Wrapper Ecuadorian Habano Binder Ecuadorian Sumatra Filler United States, Honduras, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic Size 5 1/2 x 58 Strength Medium-plus Production 1,000 boxes of 10 (10,000 cigars) MSRP $14 per cigar · $140 per box At $14 a cigar with 10,000 made, this is a relatively accessible limited release. For a Casa Carrillo cigar with this kind of pedigree, that price is a real part of the appeal. The balance of rarity and value is hard to ignore. The Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Factor You cannot talk about this Casa Carrillo release without talking about the man behind it. Ernesto Perez-Carrillo has spent decades building a reputation for sophisticated, balanced blends. His work has shaped the modern premium cigar industry. When a blender of that caliber takes on a five-country blend, experienced enthusiasts pay attention. It is not the scarcity that earns the interest here. It is the name on the box and the ambition of the recipe. His name carries weight for a reason. He has built brands. He has earned top ratings. He has shaped how modern blends are made. When he signs off on a recipe this complex, it is worth a look on pedigree alone. What a TAA Exclusive Means A quick note on the label. TAA stands for the Tobacconists' Association of America, a group of established brick-and-mortar shops. Its exclusive releases are made for participating members, not for general nationwide distribution. For collectors, that limited reach is part of the draw. A run of 10,000 cigars spread across TAA stores, from a maker like this, is the kind of release enthusiasts seek out. We will stop short of predicting how fast it moves, since that would be a guess. The point is simple: you have to know where to look. Mardo's take We appreciate releases that reward curiosity, and a five-country blend from Ernesto Perez-Carrillo does exactly that. The ambition of the recipe, not the exclusivity, is what makes this one worth a serious look. Is it worth chasing? If you follow Perez-Carrillo's work, or you simply appreciate blending complexity, yes, keep it on your radar. At $14 it is accessible for a limited release. Just remember that exclusivity may create demand, but the tobacco and the smoking experience decide whether it earns a place in your humidor. We have not smoked it, so there are no tasting notes from us. With a five-country blend, limited production and Perez-Carrillo behind it, this has the ingredients of an intriguing release. Whether it becomes a standout will come down to how it performs once lit. Where It Fits, and What We Carry To be clear, this Casa Carrillo release is a TAA exclusive, so we are not suggesting any Mardo allocation or inventory. We are covering it as industry news. If the blend appeals to you, we carry plenty of premium Nicaraguan cigars and Dominican cigars in the same spirit. Blending complexity, in stock. Explore the premium cigars we carry at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars A Release to Watch A five-country blend, a run of 10,000 cigars and a $14 price make the Casa Carrillo 2026 TAA exclusive an easy one to follow. For fans of Ernesto Perez-Carrillo and serious enthusiasts, the recipe alone is reason enough. So we will ask: does a five-country blend make you more curious about a cigar, and would you track down a TAA exclusive to see how it comes together? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana, a 6 x 54 box-pressed belicoso returning for 2026

New Releases & Drops

A Box-Pressed Belicoso Comes Back: Joya's Cuatro Cinco Edición Americana

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Nicaraguan Classic Makes Its Return The Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana is coming back for 2026, and that is welcome news for anyone who loves traditional Nicaraguan craftsmanship. The return comes after a roughly two-year absence, as part of the TAA Exclusive Series. At Mardo, we appreciate cigars with a real story. The Cuatro Cinco has one. Its 6 x 54 box-pressed belicoso is a different shape from the usual robusto or toro. That alone makes it interesting for seasoned smokers and collectors. The Joya de Nicaragua Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana, returning for 2026 as a TAA exclusive. AT A GLANCE The Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana returns for 2026 after about a two-year absence. It is part of Joya de Nicaragua's TAA Exclusive Series for participating retailers. Historically a distinctive 6 x 54 box-pressed belicoso, packaged in boxes of 10. Joya de Nicaragua was founded in 1968 and is the country's oldest premium cigar maker. 2026 blend, pricing and production details are not yet confirmed. The Heritage Behind the Name To understand why this return matters, start with the company. Joya de Nicaragua was founded in 1968. That makes it the oldest premium cigar maker in Nicaragua. Its name is built on bold, tobacco-forward blends and decades of work. Think about that for a moment. This is a company that has made cigars for more than fifty years. Very few brands can say the same. When one of them revives a release, it is worth a closer look. The Cuatro Cinco itself has history. The original debuted in 2013. It marked Joya de Nicaragua's 45th anniversary. The name is a nod to that milestone, and the line has carried that sense of occasion ever since. What a TAA Exclusive Means The Edicion Americana is part of the Tobacconist Association of America Exclusive Series. The TAA is a group of established brick-and-mortar shops, and these cigars are distributed through participating members rather than every retailer nationwide. That limited reach is part of the appeal. It keeps the Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana from being everywhere at once, and it rewards shopping at the kind of established stores that join the association. What's Confirmed, and What Isn't Here is where we stay careful. The vitola is the part with real history: a 6 x 54 box-pressed belicoso in boxes of 10. The previous TAA edition used a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, a Dominican binder and Nicaraguan filler. Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana, what we know Vitola (historical) 6 x 54 box-pressed belicoso Packaging (historical) Boxes of 10 Previous blend Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Dominican binder, Nicaraguan filler 2026 blend Not yet confirmed 2026 pricing Not yet confirmed 2026 production Not yet confirmed We are not going to present older figures as if they were the 2026 numbers. Past editions carried their own pricing and production. Those should not be assumed for this release. When Joya confirms the current details, we will update this. So here is our rule. We report what is confirmed. We flag what is not. And we do not fill the gaps with guesses. That is the only honest way to cover a fresh announcement like this one. Not to Be Confused With Its Siblings One important clarification. The Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana is its own release. It is not the same as the Cuatro Cinco Reserva Especial or the Cuatro Cinco Secret Cask. Those are separate offerings with their own blends, production numbers and pricing. Keeping them straight matters, because it is easy to mix up cigars that share the Cuatro Cinco name. The Edicion Americana is the TAA-exclusive, box-pressed belicoso, and that is the one in the spotlight here. Mardo's take Not every limited-edition cigar deserves the hype. But a comeback from a maker with this much history is worth a look. The Cuatro Cinco name carries real craftsmanship. And that box-pressed belicoso is a shape with character. Is it worth chasing? For fans of traditional, tobacco-forward Nicaraguan cigars, yes, keep it on your radar through the TAA network. Just go in knowing the 2026 specifics are not fully confirmed yet, so hold your judgment on blend and price until the official details land. We have not smoked the 2026 edition, so there are no tasting notes from us. Past editions were described as leaning on leather, earth and spice, but those are previously reported characteristics, not our firsthand review. The real test will be how this year's cigar performs once it is lit. Where It Fits, and What We Carry To be clear, this is a TAA exclusive distributed through the TAA retail network, so we are not claiming any Mardo allocation or inventory. We are covering it as industry news. If traditional Nicaraguan cigars are your thing, explore the Nicaraguan cigars and boutique cigars we carry at Mardo. Tradition you can actually taste. Explore the Nicaraguan cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse Nicaraguan cigars A Comeback Worth Watching A returning release from Nicaragua's oldest premium maker, in a box-pressed belicoso with real history, is the kind of comeback worth following. The Cuatro Cinco Edicion Americana earns attention for its craftsmanship and heritage, not just its limited status. So we will ask you: does a box-pressed belicoso appeal to you more than the usual robusto or toro, and are you glad to see the Cuatro Cinco return? Tell us. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull 10th Anniversary Ashtray, a 12-inch ceramic piece with gold detailing and four cigar rests

New Releases & Drops

A Bullring on Your Table: The Andalusian Bull 10th Anniversary Ashtray

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
Ten Years of an Icon, Celebrated in Ceramic The Andalusian Bull is one of the most iconic cigars La Flor Dominicana has ever produced, and its 10th anniversary deserved something special. Litto Gomez answered with a collectible ashtray. At Mardo, we love accessories that have a real story behind them, and this is more than just another ashtray. It is a tribute to a cigar that earned its place in history, and the design proves it. The La Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull 10th Anniversary Ashtray, inspired by Spanish bullrings. AT A GLANCE Celebrates the 10th anniversary of La Flor Dominicana's iconic Andalusian Bull. The original Andalusian Bull was Cigar Aficionado's 2016 Cigar of the Year. Designed by Litto Gomez, inspired by Spanish bullrings (Plaza de Toros). Ceramic, 12 inches wide and 3 inches tall, gold detailing, four cigar rests, matching green gift box. Only 2,000 units worldwide. MSRP $120. Why the Andalusian Bull Matters To understand the ashtray, you have to understand the cigar. The Andalusian Bull was named Cigar Aficionado's 2016 Cigar of the Year. That was a huge honor, and it was the first time La Flor Dominicana had taken the top spot. That kind of recognition cements a cigar in history. Ten years on, the Andalusian Bull is still one of the releases LFD fans point to first. An anniversary piece like this makes sense precisely because the cigar earned it. It is also a reminder of how far La Flor Dominicana has come. What began as a smaller operation grew into a name that could take the top spot in the whole industry. The Andalusian Bull is the cigar that proved it, and this ashtray quietly salutes that climb. Litto Gomez and the Plaza de Toros The design is personal. Litto Gomez drew on the traditional Spanish bullrings known as Plaza de Toros, tying the piece directly to the Andalusian Bull's name and spirit. It is a design rooted in his own heritage. Gomez has spoken about wanting to bring back a larger version of the popular ashtray and work in the bullring design he loves. The result connects the object to the cigar's heritage, not just its logo, and that is what lifts it above a generic accessory. A Closer Look at the Piece This is a larger take on the original Andalusian Bull ashtray. It measures 12 inches wide and 3 inches tall, so it is built to anchor a table rather than hide in a corner. It has real presence. Andalusian Bull 10th Anniversary Ashtray Material Ceramic Size 12 inches wide · 3 inches tall Detailing Elegant gold accents Cigar rests Four Packaging Matching green gift box Production 2,000 units worldwide MSRP $120 Four cigar rests make it functional for a group, and the gold detailing plus the green gift box make it a genuine display piece. It is as much decor as it is an accessory, which is exactly the point. A Collectible, Not Just an Ashtray With only 2,000 made worldwide at $120, this sits squarely in collectible territory for serious LFD enthusiasts. It also makes a strong gift, since it arrives in its own matching box ready to give. A quick note on honesty: we are not going to tell you it is individually numbered, exclusive to us, or that it will never be produced again, because those details have not been confirmed. What we can say is that limited runs like this one do not tend to stick around. There is a practical side, too. A good ashtray is something you actually use, not just display. This one does both. It is large enough to anchor a session with friends, handsome enough that you will not want to hide it away, and sturdy enough to earn a permanent spot on the table. Mardo's take This is more than an ordinary cigar accessory. It is a tribute to one of La Flor Dominicana's most celebrated cigars, designed by the man who made it, inspired by the bullrings behind its name. That story is what makes it worth owning. Is it worth securing one? If you are an Andalusian Bull fan or you collect LFD, yes. At $120 with only 2,000 worldwide, it is a reasonable price for a limited, display-worthy piece. And once a run like this sells through, there is no guarantee it comes back. Even if you never light a cigar near it, it earns its spot as a centerpiece. For a lounge or a home setup, it is the kind of object that starts conversations, and that is a value all its own. Get the Andalusian Bull Ashtray at Mardo We are carrying the Andalusian Bull 10th Anniversary Ashtray while supplies last. If you want to explore the cigars behind it, browse our La Flor Dominicana lineup and more Dominican cigars. La Flor DominicanaLa Flor Dominicana Andalusian Bull Ashtray Limited EditionShop now A fitting tribute to a Cigar of the Year. Explore the La Flor Dominicana lineup at Mardo. Browse La Flor Dominicana A Worthy Tribute The Andalusian Bull earned its place in cigar history, and this anniversary ashtray is a fitting way to mark ten years. For LFD collectors, it is a piece of that legacy you can keep right on your table. So we will ask you: do you have an Andalusian Bull story, or a favorite cigar ashtray already in your collection? We would love to hear about it. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.
Viso Horny Post Nut Clarity, a new 4 1/2 x 56 boutique cigar arriving in November 2026

New Releases & Drops

A Name You Won't Forget: Viso Horny's Post Nut Clarity Arrives in November

by Gerard on Oct 23 2026
A Bold Name, and a November Arrival The boutique world is never boring, and Viso Horny just proved it again. The brand is preparing to release a new cigar called Post Nut Clarity, expected in November 2026. Yes, that is the name. And it is exactly the kind of irreverent, attention-grabbing branding that Viso Horny has built its whole identity on. Viso Horny's Post Nut Clarity, a bold-named boutique release arriving in November 2026. AT A GLANCE Viso Horny is set to release Post Nut Clarity, a new boutique cigar, in November 2026. The confirmed size so far is a 4 1/2 x 56. The bold, unconventional name is pure Viso Horny branding. Blend, additional sizes and pricing are not fully confirmed yet. We are watching for official details before it ships in mid-November. Who Viso Horny Is If the name is new to you, Viso Horny is a boutique brand known for exactly this: creative, irreverent marketing and a real willingness to stand out from the crowd. In a market full of serious, traditional branding, Viso Horny happily leans the other way. The cigars get genuine attention, and the names are a big part of why. Post Nut Clarity fits that pattern perfectly, and that is clearly on purpose. That reputation did not happen by accident. Viso Horny has leaned into bold names and bold artwork release after release, and it has built a following that expects exactly that. So a cigar called Post Nut Clarity is less a shock and more the next logical step for the brand. What's in a Name Let us address the obvious. Post Nut Clarity is a provocative, memorable name, and that is precisely the point. It is built to make you stop, smile, and remember the brand. That matters more than it might sound. Boutique cigars live and die by standing out on a crowded shelf. A name like this does that instantly. Whether the cigar backs it up is the next question, and that is where the tobacco will have to do the talking. What We Actually Know, and What We Don't Here is where we stay honest. The one confirmed detail right now is the size: a 4 1/2 x 56. That is a shorter, thick format, and it is slated to ship in the middle of November 2026. Post Nut Clarity, what's confirmed Brand Viso Horny Size 4 1/2 x 56 Release November 2026 (mid-November window) Blend Not fully confirmed Pricing Not confirmed Other sizes Not confirmed The wrapper, binder, filler and pricing have not been fully confirmed. We are not going to invent them, and we have not smoked it, so there are no tasting notes here either. When the official specs land, we will share them straight away. We know that can be a little frustrating if you are trying to plan a purchase. But it is also just the honest state of a pre-release. Early announcements are about the concept and the name first, with the hard specs to follow. We would rather tell you what is real than fill the gaps with guesses. Why Boutique Branding Like This Matters It is easy to roll your eyes at a name like Post Nut Clarity. But bold branding is a real part of what keeps the boutique market lively and diverse, and that is worth respecting. Creative concepts give enthusiasts something different to talk about and discover. They pull new smokers in, and they give veterans a reason to pay attention. Viso Horny has turned that idea into an identity, and Post Nut Clarity is just the latest chapter. Mardo's take We appreciate a brand that is not afraid to have fun, and Viso Horny does it better than most. Post Nut Clarity is going to get noticed on its name alone, and that is smart boutique marketing in a market where getting noticed is half the battle. Is it worth watching? Yes, if you enjoy discovering boutique releases and you do not mind a name that makes you grin. Just keep your expectations in check until the specs are out. A great name is a great start, but the tobacco still has to carry it. We have not smoked it, so there are no claims about flavor, strength or construction from us. What we can say is that this is exactly the kind of release that makes the boutique corner of the industry fun to follow. Stay Tuned for the Details Post Nut Clarity is expected in November 2026, with a confirmed 4 1/2 x 56 format and more details still to come. Follow Mardo for the official specs, pricing and availability as they are announced. In the meantime, explore our boutique cigars and other premium cigars. Viso HornyViso Horny Post Nut Clarity 4 1/2 x 56 (Ships Mid November 2026)Shop now Boutique, with a sense of humor. Explore the boutique cigars we stock at Mardo. Browse boutique cigars The Boutique World Keeps It Interesting Love the name or roll your eyes at it, Post Nut Clarity is a reminder that the boutique world refuses to take itself too seriously. That creativity is a big part of what makes exploring new cigars genuinely fun. So tell us: does a bold name like this make you more curious about a cigar, or do you tune it out and wait for the blend? We would like to hear where you stand. Mardo Cigars sells premium tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Please enjoy responsibly.