Quesada Adds Corona to 2013 Release of Oktoberfest

The last nationally-distributed size of Oktoberfest will be introduced later this summer, a 5 x 43 Corona known as Krone. First reported by Gregory Mottola, the Krone is the sixth size of the line that was first introduced two years ago in Las Vegas at IPCPR 2011 with just a pair of vitolas. It will also debut in Las Vegas, this time at the 2013 IPCPR trade show and convention in mid-July.

Like last year, the original Über (6 x 65) and Bavarian (5 1/2 x 52) sizes will see a bigger shipment of 1,000 boxes of 20, while the newer sizes Das Boot (6 x 52), Kaiser Ludwig (6 x 49), Kurz (4 x 50) and Krone will all be limited to 500 boxes. Last year, the Kaiser Ludwig was limited to just 250 boxes.

“We have had a lot of aficionados show excitement for the Oktoberfest but felt the brand lacked a smaller vitola which they enjoy smoking most,” said Terence Reilly of SAG Imports, the distribution arm of Quesada. “Consequently, we felt a corona would give us the one size we were missing in our quest to ensure we can meet the needs of both the more traditional vitola smokers as well as those who prefer the bigger ring gauge cigars which are presently very popular.”

Cigar Aficionado described the Krone as the “final Oktoberfest size,” which runs counter to both a press release and what Reilly told to halfwheel. The press release indicated it would be the last size for “national distribution” and Reilly indicated that single store releases or other “special” sizes were a possibility.

Pricing for the Krone is set at $7.25 with boxes priced at $145.00. Reilly told halfwheel no other prices were changing meaning the Krone joins the Kurz as the lowest priced vitolas for the line. With the box-pressed Kaiser Ludwig priced the highest at $9.50 per cigar.

The Oktoberfest release is expected to begin shipping in August so that consumers have ample time to purchase the cigars before the start of Oktoberfest, which begins in late September. This is the third release for the Dominican puro, Reilly told halfwheel the company hopes to continue the blend as an annual release in the future, but, “nothing has been decided.”