IPCPR 2013: Fabricas Unidas

Christian Eiroa needs a bigger booth. Not only is the company expanding, but the traffic was noticeably increased from last year and very difficult to move in because of that. It’s one of the more interesting operations because of how the brands are positioned and managed, but the cast of characters is impressive. Eiroa and his own CLE brand, Robert Caldwell’s Wynwood, Tom Lazuka of Asylum and Edgar Hoill of OSOK, all under one roof.

Asylum Straight Jacket
The Nicaraguan puro is supposed to be strong, really strong. Christian Eiroa still won’t tell us where he’s making cigars in Nicaragua, but these should be hot. While EH is still quite new, from retailers I talk to Asylum is the likely winner from the larger portfolio.

CLE Plus
The fourth and newest addition to the CLE Brand, Pricing is $6.95 all the way up to $9.95 for the gigantic 6 x 70 size, the first 70 Eiroa has put his name on.

EIROA
10-count boxes, which we like, but the Honduran Puro will range from $8.95-$11.95, which is steeper than we’d like. It will be interesting to  see how this cigar tastes like, as it’s one of the first of Eiroa’s new factory.

OSOK One Shot One Kill
Great packaging and fun sizes, this is probably the most interesting thing for halfwheel to smoke out of the booth. Word to the wise, don’t lose the bandana that is used to help open the boxes, just don’t. EH Cigars will be getting new packaging, it’s not at the show.

Pura Soul
I know this has been part of the portfolio for some time, but I’ve never seen it. So here it is.

Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.