Press Release: Paul Joyal’s Lancero Limitado Is No Longer “Limitado

June 19, 2013 — Paul Joyal, founder and president of J. Grotto boutique cigars, has released his rare Series Reserve Lancero Limitado shape for ongoing availability. The cigar was introduced in 2012, in a scant total of only 1,000 cigars.

Lancero Limitado was an incentive for J. Grotto retailers, with each shop receiving only four boxes of ten cigars, to be used at in-store events. Following the adage that people want what they can’t get, Joyal stated at the outset, “Packaging it in only ten-cigar boxes adds to its cachet.” Even reviewers … only a select few … were limited to two cigars each. His strategy, plus its lush presentation, but mostly the top ratings it earned, proved it out. The cigar has gained the “buzz” he desired, with sold-out retailers and smokers contacting him regularly, seeking more Lanceros.

A relenting Joyal has now liberated the first regular production run of Lanceros, to hit the market in August.

The 7-1/2″ x 41 Lancero joins four existing, generous J. Grotto Reserve shapes … a 5-5/8″ X 46 Gran Corona, 5″ X 52 Gran Robusto, 6″ x 52 Gran Toro and 6″ x 60 Gordo. Joyal advises, “With surprising power for a 40 ring-gauge, Lanceros have historically appealed to only veteran smokers. But the performance of this cigar, especially its tamed power and opulent flavor, has awakened a greater audience to this elegant shape. The aging and balanced blending temper its full body, yielding a sophisticated smoke.”

Lancero all-hand-made cigars use three-year aged select tobaccos … a Nicaragua-grown Criollo 99 wrapper and Criollo 98 binder, plus a filler of Honduran-grown ligero and Jalapa leaves. Like all J. Grotto cigars, it is entubado-bunched for smooth, easy draw and uniform burn. Its pigtail-capped head enhances its distinctively traditional look. Lancero Limitado’s packaging enhances its prestige, being a smaller rendition of the Reserve line’s high-quality cedar boxes and lush artwork.

J. Grotto Reserve Lancero Limitado’s suggested retail pricing is $8.95, and is distributed by Joyal’s Ocean State Cigars. Joyal believes, “This cigar may well become our signature cigar.”