Duran Cigars is bringing its biggest cigar yet to IPCPR this year, both in terms of size and flavor, as today the company announced the upcoming release of the Neya F8 Ligero Typhoon “Big Jack.”

The new cigar measures 7 x 70 and is named for Jack Toraño, the company’s sales representative in Florida and the Caribbean. He joined the company in October 2014 after spending three years as the director of marketing for Toraño Family Cigar Co. prior to its sale to General Cigar Co.

Big Jack becomes the sixth size in the Neya line, which debuted at the 2014 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show, joining a 5 1/8 x 42 petit corona, 4 7/8 x 50 robusto, a 6 x 52 cañonazo, 6 x 56 toro and 6 x 60 vitola called the Yanquee. The toro, Yanquee and Big Jack bear the F8 designation due to their size and increased strength.

All six cigars use the same blend of an Ecuadorian habano wrapper with Nicaraguan binder and filler, though Big Jack is said to pack an extra punch.

“As we all know, Jack Toraño has a larger than life personality, so I figured that it was a natural fit to name the Neya F8 7 x 70 after him,” Roberto Pelaya Duran said via a press release. “He had been pushing for the bigger size because there is a growing segment of cigar consumers that enjoy not only a full-flavored cigar, but a larger sized cigar as well. We look forward to presenting the ‘Big Jack’ and feel that this new vitola will really impress those looking for the ultimate in size and strength.”

Toraño added that he never thought he would have a cigar name inspired by him, but was very happy with the choice. “The Neya F8 has been a smash hit for us; there are many consumers that are looking for a full size-strength cigar and this one delivers. It’s well balanced with complex flavors and it packs a punch! I’m very excited about it and I really look forward to introducing the ‘Big Jack’ at the IPCPR,” he said via a statement provided by the company.

Big Jack will carry an MSRP of $8 and comes in the same 20-count packaging as the rest of the line. A company representative said it will be a full-time, regular production and will begin shipping immediately after the trade show, which happens July 17-21 in New Orleans.

Davidoff is the official sponsor of halfwheel's coverage of the 2015 IPCPR Convention & Trade Show.
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Patrick Lagreid

I strive to capture the essence of a cigar and the people behind them in my work – every cigar you light up is the culmination of the work of countless people and often represents generations of struggle and stories. For me, it’s about so much more than the cigar – it’s about the story behind it, the experience of enjoying the work of artisans and the way that a good cigar can bring people together. In addition to my work with halfwheel, I’m the public address announcer for the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks during spring training, as well as for the Salt River Rafters of the Arizona Fall League, the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for MLB.com, plus I'm a voice over artist. Prior to joining halfwheel, I covered the Phoenix and national cigar scene for Examiner.com, and was an editor for Cigar Snob magazine.