Hamlet 25th Year Heads to Stores

Well, some stores at least.

The first shipment of the Hamlet 25th Year is heading to stores with Rocky Patel lounges around the country. This initial shipment is a limited one with the first full shipment delayed because of Hurricane Irma.

Mark Weissenberger, vp of marketing for Rocky Patel Premium Cigars, Inc., told halfwheel that many of these boxes are destined for events taking place this month.

The Hamlet 25th Year pays tribute to Hamlet Jaime Paredes’s quarter century in the cigar business. Paredes, best known by his first name, started rolling cigars in Cuba but quickly rose through the ranks becoming the in-store roller at the old Romeo y Julieta and old Partagás stores. From there, he became a global ambassador for Habanos S.A. traveling internationally hosting events.

In 2015, Paredes left to join Rocky Patel.

The Hamlet 25th is designed to be milder than the Tabaquero blend, which was his first release with Rocky Patel. Paredes said that customers would often approach him at stores asking for a milder blend.

As for that blend, he opted for an Ecuadorian habano wrapper over a Pennsylvania broadleaf binder and fillers from Honduras and Nicaragua.

It’s offered in three sizes.

• Hamlet 25th Year Robusto (5 1/2 x 50) — $8.75 (Boxes of 20, $175)
• Hamlet 25th Year Sixty (6 x 60) — $10 (Boxes of 20, $200)
• Hamlet 25th Year Toro (6 1/2 by 52) — $9.30 (Boxes of 20, $186

Weissenberger told halfwheel the full shipment is excepted to arrive in a container later this month.