Viaje Releasing New Shishito Peppers, Private Keep Lime (Update)

Viaje has a trio of new cigars queued up to arrive at retailers in the near future, as the company has announced two new releases for its Peppers series and a new Private Keep release.

For the former, the company unveiled the Shishito, which will be released in both a regular and Phat format. The Pepper Series dates back to 2015, and has been made up of a series of perfectos named for various types of peppers, including the Jalapeño, Ghost Pepper, Carolina Reaper and Scotch Bonnet. The company has not confirmed any specifics of the Shisito’s blend or its size, but previous Pepper Series releases have measured 4 7/8 inches long with either a 50 or 51 ring gauge, while Phat versions have measured 5 3/16 x 55.  Pricing has been in the $9-$10 range for previous releases.

A company spokesperson did tell halfwheel that “Shishito will feature peppers on the milder side with stronger versions sprinkled in, just like the real peppers,” noting that the stronger peppers will be dressed in red foil.

The Private Keep line is also getting a new addition, as the company has announced the Private Keep Lime, a name that refers to the color of the ribbon wrapped around the cigar’s foot and how the cigars in the release are differentiated from one another. Private Keep debuted in 2018, calling it a collection of “prized blends which haven’t yet found a home,” and has thus far released four installments: Light Blue, Tangerine, Chartreuse and Lemon. Those previous releases have all come in sizes close to a toro, though Light Blue was released as a 6 x 48 grand corona, while most recent versions have increased to 52 and 54 ring gauges. The most recent release was priced at $11 per cigar.

Both cigars are scheduled to begin shipping to stores next week.

Update — Some additional information was added after receiving an e-mail from a company representative. The company has not disclosed pricing for the cigars yet.

Update (March 26, 2024) — Pricing for the three cigars is as follows: Private Keep Lime, $10.47 per cigar and $398 per box of 37 cigars; Shishito, $8.56 per cigar and $214 per box of 25 cigars; and Phat Shishito, $9.44 per cigar and $236 per box of 25 cigars.