PCA 2023: Black Star Line Cigars

While it may not be the biggest or most decked-out booth on the trade show floor, the Black Star Line Cigars booth is one of the most hospitable, the most stylish, and seemingly the one where all the seats are filled when I stop by.

The space is a 10′ x 10′ booth with a central table and a handful of chairs around it, which seems to lead to an ongoing evolution of conversation as retailers, media and others stop by. There are certainly some times when it’s not possible to grab a seat, but I’ve also seen plenty of times when someone will stop by, a chair will be offered up and the conversation starts anew.

As for what was in the booth, it took a bit of looking to find the new things, as they are kept on the table as opposed to being displayed in a case or otherwise showcased to visitors and those passing by. The company is releasing a new line with a charitable aspect to it, as well as giving a cigar that had been a store exclusive its national release.

Black Star Line Cigars Mr. Fahrenheit Corona Gorda

Mr. Fahrenheit debuted as a limited edition cigar for Underground Cigar Shop’s NFG23 event, releasing it in a 5 x 50 robusto vitola that was limited to 1,000 cigars. Now, the blend will be offered in a 6 x 46 corona vitola with a shaggy foot, with production handled by TABACALERA LA iSLA in the Dominican Republic. The line gets its name from two inspirations: first, Queen’s song “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and Black Star Line Cigars’ owner Aric Bey’s previous career as a firefighter, as well as the fact that he is a big fan of the band.

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

• Black Star Line Cigars Mr. Fahrenheit Corona Gorda (6 x 46) — $11.99 (Box/Bundle of 20, $239.80)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2023

Black Star Line Cigars Rosewood 1923

This new line honors the 100th anniversary of the Rosewood massacre, and is being made at Fábrica Oveja Negra, the factory that is home to Black Label Trading Co. and its associated brands. The cigar also pays homage to Bey’s fraternity brother, John Singleton, who made a movie about Rosewood in the early 90s. Both are members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.

• Wrapper: Mexico (San Andrés)
• Binder: Ecuador
• Filler: Dominican Republic & Nicaragua

• Rosewood 1923 (6 x 48) — $13.50 (Box/Bundle of 20, $270)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2023

Update (Aug. 18, 2023) — The Rosewood 1923 is listed on the company’s price list for $13.50 per cigar sold in boxes and $12.50 per cigar for cigars sold in bundles. The story originally listed the price at $12.99.