PCA 2023: Peter James Leather Co.

Because we no longer use free cigars for review, the number of cigars I take home with me from the PCA Convention & Trade Show has cratered. There was a time when this site relied on those cigars for the next few months of reviews, but it’s been more than five years since we did that, and, as such, the number of cigars I took home with me this year is probably around 25. That said, we don’t review coffee.

In the first half of 2023, I’ve spent lots of time reading about espresso and about two months ago, I finally pulled the trigger on a set-up after an agonizing amount of research. During that time, I also reached out to a few people I knew that are very into coffee for some input. John Laurendi of Peter James is one of those people. In addition to cigar accessories, Peter James has its own espresso brand, Panna Pura, and Laurendi told me he would bring me some beans. By the time you are reading this post—though not when I’m writing it—I will likely have tried the espresso, though I’m not sure I know anything about how to produce a coffee review but I’ll try in the comments.

Like last year, the Peter James booth is a 10 x 10 though this year, the booth was laid out very differently. A small table showed off the company’s new Generation V Original cases, while shelving in the back had the company’s higher-end cases, cigars and other accessories.

Peter James Generation V Original Cigar Carry

The standard Peter James cigar case has been updated in a number of ways, most notably with the inclusion of a cross-body strap. Each case is made in North America using Italian leather with heavy-duty hardware like zippers and rings. Inside there are three pockets on the left side, designed to hold a cigar lighter, cutter and other small items. On the right side, there’s a cigar case that contains room for five standard-size cigars and a humidity pack from a company like Boveda. The cigar pocket can accommodate cigars up to 8 x 58. A slot for a pen is located in the area between each side.

One other difference between Gen V and Gen IV is that there’s an outside pocket on the Gen V models.

• Peter James Generation V Original Cigar Carry Black — $585
• Peter James Generation V Original Cigar Carry Brown — $585
• Peter James Generation V Original Cigar Carry Burgundy — $585
• Peter James Generation V Original Cigar Carry Red — $585

Dimensions: 5.75 x 9.75 inches

Production: Regular Production

Release Date: September/October 2023

Peter James The Henry Lounge Chair

Peter James has a unique program where it commissions furniture specifically for use in cigar stores. The idea behind the program is that a lounge could purchase the furniture at wholesale prices and then sell it to the customers that frequent the lounge. These chairs are made by Linea Design Furniture, a family-owned Canadian furniture company, out of Italian leather. Unfortunately, it was not on display.

• Peter James The Henry Lounge Chair Ash Gray — $3,950
• Peter James The Henry Lounge Chair Black Cherry — $3,950
• Peter James The Henry Lounge Chair Black Smoke — $3,950

Production: Made to Order

Release Date: July 2023

Prototype Hand Sanitizer Gel

Laurendi is a man of many interests. He told me this tobacco-scented hand sanitizer and lotion was getting enough positive feedback that he’s likely going to add it to his portfolio of goods. I’m not a skincare expert, but it had a unique smell.