PCA 2023: Ohana Nui

One of the stories I had the privilege of covering in the past year or so was that of the return of Ohana Cigars and 262 Cigars to being active brands in the marketplace. 262 Cigars was acquired by Madison Money and his father from Clint Aaron in June 2019, with plans to relaunch the company delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohana Cigars, which is headed by Ryan Rodriguez, had switched factories to Tabacalera Pages de Nicaragua S.A. after working with Plasencia Cigars and Rojas Cigars, with the change coming as he looked to update the blends on his core lines while also introducing some new lines.

In May 2022, Rodriguez and Money announced the launch of Ohana Nui, a new entity that gets its name from the Hawaiian term for “big family.” Rodriguez and Money have become partners not just in Ohana Nui, but in each companies. In mid-June, it was announced that there would be a new member of the Ohana Nui family, Time Out Cigars, which was launched by Neil Ylanan and developed with Rodriguez.

So there was a good bit of anticipation on my end to see just how Ohana Nui would debut at the 2023 PCA Convention & Trade Show. The company went with a 10′ x 10′ booth that was located in the back half of the hall, but along some fairly busy aisleways, with their corner space helping to draw traffic from multiple walkways.

Ohana Nui Aloha

Ohana Nui is the project launched by Ohana Cigars and 262 Cigars in May 2022, and the first cigar to be released is called Aloha, named for the brand introducing itself to the market in a friendly manner. It’s a single vitola release for now, though that could change in the future, and there could also be a line extension, but both of those things are still to be seen.

• Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
• Binder: Nicaragua (Condega)
• Filler: Nicaragua (Jalapa, Estelí Ligero)

• Ohana Nui Aloha (6 x 50) — $9 (Bundle of 10, $90)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: July 2023

Time Out Habano

Rodriguez led the blending process, with the two setting out to create a cigar that provided a consistent and enjoyable smoke while providing a flavor profile that a consumer would reach for every day. Rodriguez told halfwheel that he considers both blends medium-full in their profiles. He noted that the Habano is highlighted by spice and pepper that turns smooth and creamy, which he said would pair well with a coffee or cocktail.

• Wrapper: Ecuador (Habano)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Time Out Habano Robusto (5 x 50) — $13 (Box of 20, $260)
• Time Out Habano Toro (6 x 50) — $14 (Box of 20, $280)
• Time Out Habano Soft Box-Pressed Torpedo (6 1/2 x 50) — $15 (Box of 20, $300)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: Late July/Early August 2023

Time Out Maduro Sumatra

Rodriguez said this blend is highlighted by dark chocolate and tobacco flavors, which he thinks would pair well with an espresso or a bourbon served neat. It’s offered in the same three sizes as the Habano blend but wears a band with a solid blue ring as opposed to the blue and red ring found on the Habano.

• Wrapper: Undisclosed (Sumatra Maduro)
• Binder: Nicaragua
• Filler: Nicaragua

• Time Out Maduro Sumatra Robusto (5 x 50) — $13 (Box of 20, $260)
• Time Out Maduro Sumatra Toro (6 x 50) — $14 (Box of 20, $280)
• Time Out Maduro Sumatra Soft Box-Pressed Torpedo (6 1/2 x 50) — $15 (Box of 20, $300)

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: Late July/Early August 2023