Alpha Cigar Co. Slates Three New Lines for IPCPR 2016

Alpha Cigar Co. has announced plans to release three new lines at this year’s IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, all featuring an infusion of La Maison Fontaine, a French absinthe.

The three new lines, Alpha Absinthe Infused Connecticut, Alpha Absinthe Infused San Andres Claro and Alpha Absinthe Infused San Andres Maduro, will be available to ship beginning July 4 for existing customers, while the industry as a whole will get a look at the three lines later that month in Las Vegas.

The Alpha Absinthe Infused Connecticut is the same blend as the company’s debut limited edition, using an Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, Dominican binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua that was initially released in a 5 x 46 corona vitola. It is getting four new sizes, which are also being used for the two San Andrés versions: Half Corona (3 1/2 x 46), Robusto (5 x 50), Gordo (5 1/2 x 60) and Box Pressed Belicoso (6 1/2 x 52).

For the San Andrés Claro and San Andrés Maduro lines, the filler and binder are not being disclosed, though both wrappers come from Mexico.

Pricing is expected to be between $6.50 and $9 per cigar, with all three of the new cigars being made by PDR Cigars in the Dominican Republic.

It is the binder leaves which undergo the infusion process, which is described as being “very mild” and designed to complement the tobacco’s natural flavors. It’s done in an off-site, specially designed misting room, and the company stresses that no artificial flavoring or sugar is used anywhere in the cigar.

For those not familiar with absinthe, it is an anise flavored spirit  generally known for being high proof with varying notes of herbs, pepper and floral flavors.

Alpha Cigar Co. was launched in 2015 by Tim “TJ” Cavenagh, Jr. and Justin Hansen, a pair of Chicagoans who were working in Hong Kong at the time; Cavenagh as a distributor for Rocky Patel Premium Cigars and Hansen as a distributor in the wine and spirits sector. The pair began distributing their first cigar through Hong Kong, mainland China, South Korea and Taiwan. It also has distribution in Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos and Australia.

Another new project has already been announced, the company’s first non-infused cigar. It will be dedicated to one “everyday hero” who is nominated by the company’s fans. It will be a limited edition release of 10,000 cigars, with the blend announced once the individual is selected. The cigar’s name will be inspired by the winner of the contest.

(Images via Alpha Cigar Company)

Update (May 19, 2016) — The original version of this article indicated the company intended on naming the final cigar ‘Alpha Dog.’ While the phrase was used in contest promotion, this article incorrectly stated it would be the name of the cigar.