Fratello Arlequín Prensado Coming in September (Update)

Fratello Cigars has announced that it will be giving a full release to its Arlequín line, which had previously only been available via a four cigar sampler.

That sampler, the Fratello Space Fresh Pack, was released in June 2019 and contained four cigars: Fratello’s Bianco II and Classico Toro, along with the Arlequín and Sorella, both of which were new blends. All four cigars came in a 6 x 50 toro vitola, which was a new size for the Classico line.

As part of the release of that sampler, consumers were invited to share their feedback on which of the two new blends they liked best, with the Arlequín coming out ahead.

“We had an overwhelming response to our market research,” said Omar de Frias, owner of Fratello Cigars, via a press release. “We had people form all over the world submitting their preferred smoke. I was so impressed with the data, as different countries and demographics would favor one blend over the other.”.

Now the Arlequin will get two new sizes that are scheduled to arrive in September:

• Fratello Arlequín Prensado Robusto (5 1/2 x 52) — $9.50 (Box of 20, $190)
• Fratello Arlequín Prensado Toro (6 1/2 x 54) — $10.50 (Box of 20, $210)

The blend used a Mexican San Andrés wrapper, Ecuadorian habano binder, and fillers from Peru and Nicaragua. While the blend is the same, the bands are getting an update, changing the background from the original release’s red to a black one for the two new sizes.

Its name—also known as Harlequin—is a reference to a comedic servant for the Italian theatre Commedia dell’arte.

The line is being produced at Fabrica de Tabacos Joya de Nicaragua S.A. in Estelí.

Update (Sept. 10, 2020) — The company told halfwheel that the cigar’s release has been delayed until the second week of October.

Image courtesy of Fratello Cigars.