PCA 2021: HVC Cigars

A couple of days before the 2021 PCA Convention & Trade Show started, I got a curious press release from HVC Cigars. There are so many press releases that come in the week before the show, I rarely think much of any single one, but one of HVC’s new cigars caught my eye because it was using a tobacco I can’t recall smoking before: corojo 2012.

As for the HVC booth, it’s the same as it’s been for a while. There are a couple of display cases, a basic background banner and an increased number of people compared to years past. I’ve been following HVC since the company started, and it’s been super cool to watch Reinier Lorenzo’s company grow from the days when he had two lines and was selling cigars out of his car.

HVC 10th Anniversary

I actually smoked the cigar before the trade show started. Unfortunately, my palate was a bit tired and I was running all over the place so I don’t remember much, other than the construction was great and it was medium-full.

This is the aforementioned cigar that piqued my interest thanks to the corojo 2012.

• Wrapper: Nicaragua (Corojo 99 Jalapa)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua (Corojo 99, Corojo 2012 and Criollo 98)

• HVC 10th Anniversary (6 1/2 x 50) — $15 (Box of 10, $150)

Production: 2,000 Boxes of 10 Cigars (20,000 Total Cigars)

Release Date: August 2021

HVC First Selection Broadleaf Toro (2021)

The First Selection Broadleaf returns now as a regular production item. The cigar is the same as it was in 2018, though for the moment only the Toro returns. I imagine the Robusto is coming later—both cigars were offered as limited editions in 2018, sold in the same box—but for now it’s just the Toro. For reference, the “First Selection” refers to this being the first cigar from the TABSA factory to use Connecticut broadleaf as a wrapper.

• Wrapper: U.S.A. (Connecticut Broadleaf)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• HVC First Selection Limited Edition Broadleaf Toro (6 x 52) — $11.50 (Box of 20, $220)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2021

HVC Hot Cake Gran Cañon

Lorenzo actually mentioned to me in a conversation we had years ago. Apparently, he was confused as to why people kept making 6 x 60s, and I told him it’s because they sell. And then he asked if I liked them, and I said that sometimes I do, but only if the tobacco is good. He said this tobacco is good, and he expects to sell a lot of them. Like hot cakes.

• Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano Oscuro)
• Binder: Nicaragua (Jalapa)
• Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Ometepe & Pueblo Nuevo)

• HVC Hot Cake Gran Cañon (6 x 60) — $11 (Box of 25, $275)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2021