Our first PCA (Premium Cigar Association) Trade Show has come and gone, and it has been a lot to digest. Tim and I had a lot of fun going from booth to booth and talking with those in and around the premium cigar industry. Of course, some of the exhibitors were happy to share with us some of what they were exhibiting at the trade show. While we weren’t there for freebies, we were happy to try some of what the manufacturers had to offer.Â
Admittedly, we have yet to try everything that was generously handed out at the trade show. There are only so many hours in the day; however, I will be putting out another article that highlights some of the brands we saw at the PCA Trade Show that we’re excited about what they’re doing over the next year. Until then, here are our Top 5 Cigars you need to try after the PCA 2021 Trade Show.
*NOTE Some of these cigars are available now, but this was our first opportunity to sample them.
5. Crowned Heads Serie E
The Crowned Heads Serie E is the second release of it’s Crowned Heads Court (CHC) line and is a cigar that was “sonically inspired” from the Van Halen guitar solo “Eruption.” You can hear how Jon Huber, from Crowned Heads, “heard” the cigar through Eddie Van Halen’s solo here. The Serie E sports Nicaraguan binder and filler covered in an Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro wrapper and is produced at Tabacalera Pichardo. The CHC Serie E ships in August.
4. Jake Wyatt Lithium
I have known about the Jake Wyatt brand for a while now, but had yet to try it. So after Gerard Abajian explained that the Lithium was his baby and was made for those of us who like to retrohale, I knew I had to try it. Thankfully, Gerard generously offered me one and I immediately lit it up. I was blown away. The Lithium has an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper over a Corojo binder and a local hybrid filler tobacco called “T-13.” If you like to retrohale, this is a must try. You can get them here.Â
3. J. London Gold Series
Another cigar that is already on the market but that I had not had the pleasure of trying before the PCA is the J. London Gold Series. Full disclosure, I technically tried this while visiting En Fuego Cigars & Lounge in Henderson, NV the day before the show (lounge review will be available soon). Andy, the GM of the shop, recommended I try one and I knew it was good. I had the opportunity to meet Jonathon Fiant during the trade show. Made in the Dominican Republic by the William Ventura family, J. London may be relatively new but has a bright future ahead of them
2. Lampert 1675 AZUL
The AZUL line from Lampert Cigars almost stole the show for us. Dr. Stefan Lampert explained that the AZUL line was a Nicaraguan wrapper and Binder over Nicaraguan and Peruvian filler. The blend is something that has to be experienced to be believed. The short robusto vitola blew us away and, in all honesty, almost took the number one spot. You can get your hands on Lampert Cigars here.Â
1. ACE Prime Fiat Lux
For us, the Fiat Lux from ACE Prime stole the show. This was one of the cigars that attendees got during the opening day after party which was sponsored, in part, by ACE Prime. A Sumatra wrapper over Nicaraguan binder and filler makes this blend something special. In all honesty, it is the first cigar that actually made the cigar after it better. The Fiat Lux lingers pleasantly on the palate and acts as a palate cleanser. Master Blender Luciano Meirelles explains the blend is dedicated to knowledge. The Fiat Lux begins shipping to retailers this month.
