IPCPR 2019: Quality Importers/XIKAR

In terms of news, 2018 was definitely a big one for XIKAR, as in January of that year the company was acquired by Quality Importers, which led to a number of changes being put into place, including a relocation of the brand’s headquarters from Kansas City, Mo. to Weston, Fla. and the launch of a new website for retailers and consumers to use when needing an item repaired.

On the trade show front, while the two companies were in separate but adjacent booths last year, this year they are in one space with the Quality Importers name above that of XIKAR, and the XIKAR name above the other brands that are under the same corporate roof. It was a relatively quiet year for new releases from the company, but that doesn’t mean there was nothing new to see.

XIKAR Ensō

It’s round like the company’s XO double guillotine, but the XIKAR Ensō doesn’t feature any springs or locking mechanism and only requires a single handle to be pressed down, unlike the two handles needed for the XO. Do that and the two blades will move with a single cutting action.

It’s also thinner than the XO: 2.5 inches in diameter though about half as thick. It will cut up to 72 ring gauge cigars with a 68 ring gauge cigar able to fit through the inside of the cutter. It’s offered in black, silver, blue, neon orange, red and neon green, all with an armored body plate.

MSRP: $99.99

Release Date: Fall 2019

Production: Regular Production

XIKAR Tactical 1

Not only will the Tactical 1 give you a way to light your cigar and it will also hold it for you via a crenelated cap. Also notable is that this single-flame torch lighter uses a 10mm jet element, one that the company says should be 25-50 percent wider than a standard single jet flame. It also features a red fuel window that runs across the side of the lighter while the entire bottom of the lighter serves as an adjustment for the flame, and a detachable clip can secure it to your pocket. It’s available in black lacquer, gunmetal, FDE tan/black and gunmetal/black.

MSRP: $69.99

Release Date: Fall 2019

Production: Regular Production

XIKAR XK1

Unfortunately, shipping delays kept the XK1 from making an appearance on the trade show floor, but this new single jet lighter will be coming to cigar shops this fall. It features a single action plunger ignition, a trap door lid to protect the jets from debris, and is available in black, silver, red, blue, neon green and neon orange.

MSRP: $39.99

Release Date: Fall 2019

Production: Regular Production

XIKAR Charlie Turano Flag Series

A new collection from artist Charlie Turano, the flags of the United States, Cuba, France and Texas have been applied to XIKAR Xi2 cutters and 15-20 count desktop humidors.

MSRP: $59.99 (cutter), $39.99 (humidor)

Release Date: July 2019

Production: Limited Production

Palió Torcia

Last year, the Palió brand received its first lighter, and this year it gets a single-flame sibling, the Torcia. Like the triple-flame version, it’s really being geared towards cigar companies and retailers who want to offer a branded lighter—a service which the company offers via an in-house printing operation that has been quite well received from what I’ve been told. Consumers will be also able to find unbranded versions as well should they just want the lighter on its own. It’s not particularly fancy, offering a decently sized flame adjustment wheel but lacking a fuel window, and is available in blue, red, black and silver. I had the opportunity to try out a sample during the show and I was impressed with its reliability and overall function, even if it lacks the upgrades of other lighters on the market.

MSRP: $8.99

Release Date: September 2019

Production: Regular Production

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, the G-League's Valley Suns, and previously the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League. I also work in a number of roles for Major League Baseball, 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.