If there was a current cult favorite line of cigars, LUJ Cigars would certainly have to be in the running. Based out of the Chicago area, the line has developed passionate pockets of fans in its hometown as well as select other cities around the country, a community that spreads even further when going online and seeing the love the brand gets.

LUJ Cigars Booth IPCPR 2016

With incredibly limited releases and an almost secretive nature about the majority of the information surrounding its cigars, I wasn’t sure what to expect when stopping by the LUJ booth; to my delight I was greeted by Luj Oluyeba himself, a gregarious and vivacious gentleman who is witty and literally overflowing with personality. After spending a few minutes with him and his team, it’s easy to see why he’s built such a loyal following.

LUJ Cigars Chateau IPCPR 2016

Chateau

Chateau is one of the company’s new releases, though samples have been leaking out for a few weeks amongst fans and retailers. The blend isn’t being disclosed, but Luj Oluyeba calls it a full flavored offering.

  • Wrapper: n/a
  • Binder: n/a
  • Filler: n/a
  • LUJ Cigars Chateau Corona (6 x 46) — $11.50 (Box of 20, $230)
  • LUJ Cigars Chateau Toro (6 x 54) — $13 (Box of 20, $260)

Launch Date: Shortly after the trade show concludes.

Production: n/a

Genius

The one release that wasn’t on display in the LUJ booth, Genius is one of two cigars being rereleased by the company. Originally debuting in 2013, it’s a medium bodied smoke with blend details being withheld.

  • Wrapper: n/a
  • Binder: n/a
  • Filler: n/a
  • LUJ Cigars Genius (7 x 50) — $15 (Box of 50, $750)

Launch Date: Limited release shortly after the trade show, full roll out TBA.

Production: 20 Boxes of 50 Cigars

LUJ Cigars Le Couturier IPCPR 2016

Le Couturier by Vance Taylor

A cigar created in collaboration with Vance Taylor, founder of the Cigar Syndicate brand and Facebook group, this cigar is being produced by Tabacalera El Artista in the Dominican Republic. Blend details aren’t being disclosed, but the pair say the cigar offers a bit of sweetness in the aroma while the smoke is marked by richness and tempered amounts of spice. More details about the cigar can be found here.

  • Wrapper: n/a
  • Binder: n/a
  • Filler: n/a
  • Le Couturier by Vance Taylor (6 x 46) — $12 (Box of 20, $240)

Launch Date: Immediately after the trade show.

Production: 100 Boxes of 20 Cigars

LUJ Cigars Tanzania IPCPR 2016

Tanzania

The Tanzania blend was originally released in 2013 as an exclusive for Up Down Cigar in Chicago. While it sold out some time ago, Luj said the demand for it has motivated him to “give it a go once more,” though every LUJ retailer will have the chance to pick up this version, assuming they can get one of the 100 boxes. Again, no blend details, but it’s called a medium-to-full profile.

  • Wrapper: n/a
  • Binder: n/a
  • Filler: n/a
  • LUJ Cigars Tanzania (8 x 48) — $15 (Box of 10, $150)

Launch Date: Full rollout within two weeks of the trade show.

Production: 100 Boxes of 10 Cigars

LUJ Cigars Coffee IPCPR 2016

LUJ Nation Coffee

While it is listed for sale on the company’s website, it’s not fully available quite yet and has only been available to what the company refers to as “Lujnation,” the company’s fans and supporters. I’m told it will be available to everyone before long, selling for $18 for a 12 ounce bag. It’s billed as full bodied with fruit notes in the aroma and cocoa or chocolate on the finish and comes in both medium and medium dark roasts.

Davidoff is the official sponsor of halfwheel's coverage of the 2016 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.