Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren Announce Distribution Agreement, Will Release Istanbul and Dalay Nicaragua at PCA 2023

Most distribution announcements involve a cigar company that primarily sells its cigars in the U.S. going to other countries, but Luciano Cigars is bringing a German company’s products to the U.S., including a pair of new cigars that will debut at next month’s Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Convention & Trade Show.

The first of the new lines is called the Dalay Istanbul, a line that pays homage to the Turkish heritage of Salih Dalay, owner of Dalay Zigarren. As such, the blend features Turkish tobacco in the filler, alongside Dominican and Kentucky air-cured tobaccos. A binder from Pennsylvania and an Ecuadorian habano corojo 99 wrapper complete the blend.

The Dalay Istanbul’s packaging features an original work of art by Turkish artist Hasan Kale, who is known as the “Turkish Microangelo” for his work in miniature art. Salih’s daughter also worked on the design of the ring and box, with original calligraphy art incorporated in the design.

His artwork, which features images of Istanbul itself, took years for the artist to complete, according to a press release issued by the company, and was painted on a cigar ring. The original painting will be displayed at the Luciano Cigars booth at this year’s PCA.

“The Istanbul is a cigar like no other,” said Luciano Meirelles, ceo and co-founder of Luciano Cigars, via a press release. “When Salih asked me to validate the blend I was really honored and also very impressed with the result. Salih Dalay, Michael Grossklos and the Zauberberg factory did an amazing job on this cigar. For us it is an honor to work with them and distribute this amazing unique product amongst our portfolio, a priceless experience for our friendship—I can’t wait for July!”

The Dalay Istanbul will debut as an exclusive release to retailers who attend the PCA Convention & Trade Show, ad will be offered in three vitolas:

• Dalay Istanbul Principe (4 1/2 x 46) — $17 (Box of 10, $170)
• Dalay Istanbul Robusto (5 x 50) — $18 (Box of 10, $180)
• Dalay Istanbul Toro (5 1/2 x 54) — $20 (Box of 10, $200)

Production is being limited to 1,500 boxes of cigars across the three sizes, with 1,000 destined for U.S. retailers and the remaining 500 boxes heading to Germany. Production is split evenly across the three vitolas.

The second release is called the Dalay Nicaragua, which was blended by Luciano Meirelles. The blend features an Ecuadorian corojo 98 wrapper, a double binder of Brazilian arapiraca and Ecuadorian corojo 98 leaves, and a filler that is all Nicaraguan, with leaves coming from Pueblo Nuevo, Jalapa, Estelí, and Massatepe.

The Dalay Nicaragua, a regular production line, will be offered in four sizes:

• Dalay Nicaragua Corona Gorda (5 1/2 x 46) — $10.50 (Box of 20, $210)
• Dalay Nicaragua Robusto (5 x 50) — $11.50 (Box of 20, $230)
• Dalay Nicaragua Toro (6 x 52) — $12.50 (Box of 20, $250)
• Dalay Nicaragua Gran Toro (6 1/2 x 56) — 13.30 (Box of 20, $266)

“What Luciano did with this blend is off the charts,” said Michael Grossklos, ceo and blender for Dalay Zigarren, via a press release. “This cigar is a stand-out in our portfolio. Luciano has always been contributing with his knowledge and vast expertise in tobacco and I consider him a mentor and a friend. Working here at Dalay has provided me many opportunities to meet people like Luciano and work with only the best.”

Both the Dalay Istanbul and Dalay Nicaragua are scheduled to begin shipping by the end of July.

Beyond the new cigars, Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren are planning to introduce the full range of Dalay Zigarren’s classic lines to the US by the end of the year. The Dalay Zigarren portfolio includes the Dalay Dominican Republic Hell & Dunkel as well as the Dalay Honduras Hell & Dunkel, both manufactured at the Zaubergberg Factory in the Dominican Republic.

Dalay Zigarren is the distributor of Luciano Cigars in Germany, and is also an official Habanos S.A. retailer with a La Casa del Habano store in Saarbrücken, Germany.

Images courtesy of Luciano Cigars/Dalay Zigarren.

Update (Nov. 6, 2023): A representative from Luciano Cigars informed halfwheel that it provided incorrect information as to one the blends; what had been listed as an Ecuadorian habano 2000 leaf is actually an Ecuadorian corojo 98 leaf, both for the wrapper of the Dalay Istanbul and one of the binders of the Dalay Nicaragua.