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The Cigar Superbowl: Everything PCA This Week
Andres Sanchez
April 09, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes
The cigar world is buzzing again this week with fresh blends, new brand plays, and big headlines on the business front.
J.C. Newman digs into the past for its new Sarzedas line, while My Father Cigars preps a 20th-anniversary edition of its iconic Series JJ. Meanwhile, The Machinist—a collaboration between Constella Group and Luciano Cigars—is set to shake things up at PCA 2025.
On the legislative side, Louisiana may soon introduce a 50-cent-per-cigar tax, while new data shows 2024 cigar imports have already edged past 2023 numbers—proving the appetite for premium smokes is alive and well.
This week’s featured brand, Aganorsa Leaf, might just be the best cigar company you’ve smoked without realizing it. From supplying tobacco to top-tier names to crafting bold blends under its own label, Aganorsa’s rich Nicaraguan character and Cuban-inspired methods make every cigar a standout.
Plus, ever heard of the exploding cigar the CIA designed to take out Castro? Yeah—that happened (sort of). And of course, we’ve got links to some top-tier blends worth lighting up.
Let’s get into it.
P.S. Let us know what you think about our new logo!
News
This Week In The World Of Cigars
New Releases
J.C. Newman Dives Into History Books for New Sarzedas Line (Read More)
Constella Group and Luciano Cigars Bringing The Machinist to PCA 2025 (Read More)
My Father Cigars Debuting Don Pepín García Series JJ 20th Anniversary at PCA 2025 (Read More)
Industry News
Louisiana Bill Would Change Cigar Tax to 50 Cents Per Cigar (Read More)
Report: 2024 Premium Cigar Imports Reach 430 Million, Barely Beating 2023 (Read More)
Brand Of The Week
Nicaraguan Tobacco, Unmatched Flavor
If you’ve smoked premium Nicaraguan cigars, there’s a good chance you’ve already enjoyed the work of Aganorsa Leaf—even if you didn’t realize it. This vertically integrated operation controls every part of the process: from seed to ash. Known for their signature Corojo 99 and Criollo 98 leaves, Aganorsa Leaf produces some of the most complex and flavorful tobacco in the world.
A Legacy of the Leaf
Founded by Eduardo Fernández, Aganorsa Leaf started by supplying tobacco to some of the biggest names in the industry. Eventually, the company began producing its own cigars, and the results are incredible. Every cigar is a bold statement of quality, consistency, and deep Nicaraguan character. With a commitment to traditional Cuban growing methods and aging processes, Aganorsa Leaf cigars deliver richness without overpowering strength.
Blends Worth Trying
🔥 Aganorsa Leaf Signature Selection – Medium-bodied with bright notes of citrus, cream, and spice.
🔥 Guardian of the Farm – A fan-favorite collaboration with Warped Cigars, packed with pepper, nuts, and floral sweetness.
🔥 Lunatic Maduro – A bold, full-bodied smoke with chocolate, earth, and dark fruit notes—perfect for those who like it strong.
Try Aganorsa Leaf and experience the tobacco behind the industry's top blends—now in cigars of their own name.
Discover More:
Signature Selection: (Shop Here)
Guardian of the Farm: (Shop Here)
Lunatic Series: (Shop Here)
Weekly Interesting Cigar Facts
The Cigar That Tricked the CIA
In the world of espionage, even cigars weren’t safe from becoming secret weapons. During the Cold War, the CIA actually tried to assassinate Fidel Castro using an exploding cigar.
Yes, you read that right.
Castro was famous for his love of cigars—especially Cuban Cohibas—so the CIA figured they could sneak a rigged cigar into his rotation. The plan? Once he lit it, boom—problem solved.
But like many of the bizarre plots to take down Castro, this one never got past the planning phase. Still, it remains one of the most infamous (and absurd) cigar-related moments in spy history.
It’s a wild reminder that cigars have not only been symbols of power and celebration—but even tools in the shadowy world of covert ops.
🔥 What’s the wildest cigar story you’ve ever heard? Reply and share it with us!
Weekly Cigar Deals
Steals Of The Week
The CAO Nicaragua is a medium to full-bodied cigar that showcases a blend of Nicaraguan long-fillers from the Jalapa, Estelí, and Condega regions, encased in a Honduran Jamastran wrapper.
The Nica Libre by Oliva Gordo Extra is a collaborative creation between Nica Libre and the esteemed Oliva family, crafted in Nicaragua. This cigar is a Nicaraguan puro, featuring a Nicaraguan Habano wrapper, Nicaraguan binder, and Nicaraguan long-fillers, including a substantial amount of ligero leaves.
El Baton is a distinguished cigar brand from J.C. Newman Cigar Company, originally introduced in 1914 and revitalized in 2008. This Nicaraguan puro features a robust blend of Nicaraguan binder and filler tobaccos, all encased in a flavorful Ecuadorian Havana wrapper.
The Gurkha Nicaragua Series is a full-bodied cigar that showcases the rich flavors of Nicaraguan tobacco. Crafted at the Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) factory, this cigar features a Corojo '99 wrapper and binder, complemented by a filler blend of Corojo '99 and Criollo '98 tobaccos.
The Gurkha Cellar Reserve Edición Especial 18 Year is a distinguished medium to full-bodied cigar that exemplifies Gurkha's commitment to crafting premium cigars with rare, aged tobaccos.
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