CLE Plans Azabache for TAA, Announces Chele & Prieto

For the second year in a row, CLE Cigar Co. will launch a cigar exclusive to members of the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA), this year however, it comes from the CLE brand.

At next month’s meeting and trade show in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico, the company will show off CLE Azabache, a new limited edition line that uses a  Mexican maduro wrapper, Honduran binders and fillers from Honduras, Nicaragua and Peru.

It will be offered in three sizes: 5 x 50, 6 x 54 and 6 x 60. Suggested retail price is $7-9 and the cigars will come in boxes of 25.

“Azabache – is a black coal or black onyx,” said Christian Eiroa, CLE founder, in a text message to halfwheel. :Latinos use it as a good luck charm to fend off envy. Many people actually carry these small ‘charms.’ The Azabache is box pressed and medium to full body and very creamy.”

The cigars are made at Eiroa’s El Aladino factory in Danlí, Honduras.

In addition, the company is expected to show off two new CLE lines: Chele, slang for blonde, and Prieto, slang for dark. Both cigars are expected to be box-pressed. In addition, Asylum will show off the new Asylum 13 Connecticut and toros for the Asylum portfolio.

The TAA consists of roughly 80 members. It meets once per year for an annual meeting and trade show with select manufacturers. For the last few years, select manufacturers have made cigars exclusively for TAA members.

Crowned Heads, My Father and Tatuaje have all confirmed they are making new TAA exclusives for this year.