IPCPR 2016: Kuuts

Kuuts’ journey in the U.S. enters a decidedly new chapter with the addition of Steve Ysidron. The cigar industry veteran joined the company earlier this year after a couple years on his own with the Epicurean brand. Along with joining the company, Ysidron brought a couple of his own brands to the company’s portfolio.

As for the booth, it was a step backwards in my opinion. Looking at the booth from 2014, where the company had an enclosed space, aerial signing and other high-end touches and then comparing it to the current form, it seems like the company might have scrambled to put it together. As will be discussed at some point later, I’m not sure it makes sense to spend lots of money on a trade show booth, so perhaps this was a better decision from Kuuts. It’s also worth pointing out, Kuuts introduced five new lines with three identical sizes for each line.

Carnavale

One of two lines from Steve Ysidron’s former Epicurean Cigars that are now part of the Kuuts portfolio. The blend is said to be the same as it was previously, though the cigar is now being produced by Kuuts in Honduras as opposed to Plasencia.

• Wrapper: Nicaraguan Habano Oscuro
• Binder: American Broadleaf & Honduras
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Carnavale Robusto (5 x 54) — $8.20 (Boxes of 20, $164)
• Carnavale Toro (6 x 52) — $8.60 (Boxes of 20, $172)
• Carnavale Gordo (6 x 60) — $9 (Boxes of 20, $180)

Launch Date: August 2016

Production: Regular Production

Gonzo Santeria

The other of the former Epicurean lines.

• Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
• Binder: Mexican San Andrés & Nicaragua (Jalapa)
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Gonzo Santeria Robusto (5 x 54) — $9.70 (Boxes of 20, $194)
• Gonzo Santeria Toro (6 x 52) — $10 (Boxes of 20, $200)
• Gonzo Santeria Gordo (6 x 60) — $10.50 (Boxes of 20, $210)

Launch Date: August 2016

Production: Regular Production

Kuuts Road King

A new line for the Kuuts brand. Due to FDA regulations, the company is disclosing to talk about the blends for new product other than to say the two former Epicurean lines are the same.

• Kuuts Road King Robusto (5 x 54) — $7.20 (Boxes of 20, $144)
• Kuuts Road King Toro (6 x 62) — $7.80 (Boxes of 20, $156)
• Kuuts Road King Gordo (6 x 60) — $8.20 (Boxes of 20, $164)

Launch Date: August 2016

Production: Regular Production

Miró White

Same story as above.

• Miró White Robusto (5 x 54) — $8 (Boxes of 20, $160)
• Miró White Toro (6 x 52) — $8.40 (Boxes of 20, $168)
• Miró White Gordo (6 x 60) — $9.10 (Boxes of 20, $182)

Launch Date: August 2016

Production: Regular Production

Placeras Reserve Estate Grown

As you might have guessed, no blend info.

• Placeras Reserve Estate Grown Robusto (5 x 54) — $8.70 (Boxes of 20, $174)
• Placeras Reserve Estate Grown Toro (6 x 52) — $9.10 (Boxes of 20, $182)
• Placeras Reserve Estate Grown Gordo (6 x 60) — $9.60 (Boxes of 20, $192)

Launch Date: August 2016

Production: Regular Production