Editor’s Note: The first story in the news this week is surrounding a new Rocky Patel, and it’s a bit controversial. I explain the details after the jump, but it’s led to a lot of speculation amongst manufacturers, consumers and retailers as to what really went on. Truth be told, there is one common denominator, and ultimately that’s where I would start to ask questions. Personally, I’d love to see three or four palates smoke them back-to-back or side-by-side blind and see if they could tell a difference. — el niño diablo.

  • Rocky Patel Special Edition Humo Jaguar Edición Unica Toro — Bit of controversy here. These are allegedly the winner of the Honduran Cigar Festival, known as Humo Jaguar. You might be familiar with that because of the Miami Cigar & Co. distributed Humo Jaguar line that debuted at IPCPR 2011. Both cigars are made at Plasencia and both companies claim to have the cigar that won the festival. The Rocky Patel rendition is offered in a 6 x 52 size, one of the three sizes that Miami Cigar has, and like the MCC version is a Honduran puro. The Rocky Patel version is offered in boxes of 100 with a MSRP of $9.00 per cigar. Only 500 boxes will be made, whereas the Miami Cigar version is a regular release.
  • Viaje Platino Samurai 2012 — It is the same blend as the release earlier this year, but it will head to BURN Premium Cigar Specialists, as opposed to Tobacco Grove, its quasi-sister store who got the cigar in 2011. The only other change is that there will be 100 boxes released in 2012, as opposed to 60 for 2011. The cigar should be available early next year.
  • Tatuaje Tobacco Plaza — This is said to be Pete’s first single store release for 2012. This tweet suggests a larger size. Word is it is based off the Fausto blend and should be released to the tune of 5,000 total cigars.

CAO OSA Sol Extensions.jpg

  • CAO OSA Sol Extensions — Picture above comes from Jerry Cruz of Stogie Review. Included are a box-pressed (rumored) Animados size and a box-pressed Short Torpedo.
  • San Lotano Oval Maduro In January — The word from Clay Roberts.
  • Nat Sherman Timeless — Worst kept secret in the industry: these are being made by MATASA. MIchael Herklots has the details here.
  • Toraño 1959 50 Year Salomon — The limited edition STG Estelí-made cigar is expected in Miami tomorrow and should be in stores at the end of the week.
  • Partagás Festival 2011 — Mitchell Orchant has pictures here. Word is there are 50 examples of the Partagás 166th Anniversary humidors consisting of 50 total cigars in allotments of 25 Partagas Sublimes Extra, Partagas 109 or Partagas Rodolfo. All have 18th Anniversary bands, which I guess answers Mitchell’s question.
  • Del Fuego S.A. — Frank Seltzer (who writes the only other weekly news column besides yours truly) broke the news that Steve Ysidron is leaving Savinelli to form Del Fuego S.A. Two lines made by Plasencia are expected to be released next year. Armando Guiterrez, named after Steve’s grandfather, will have a Colorado wrapper, a Honduran binder and Nicaraguan fillers. Gonzo will feature Broadleaf over Mexican San Andrés binder and a mixture of Nicaraguan fillers.
  • Gurkha’s New Swag — Gurkha has quite a few accessories and displays coming. Examples: here and here.

C.Gars Ltd held their November auction earlier today. 325 of 400 lots sold (81.25%) for an average price of £671 ($1,039.58), or a total of £218,190 ($338,041). Top 5 Lots:

Two of the major auction items Lot 296 – Che Humidor and Lot 318 – Cohiba Humidor Signed by Fidel Castro failed to sell. One of the more intriguing lots, Lot 332 – Cohiba Lanceros with King of Spain Bands, sold for £900 ($1394).

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Charlie Minato

I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media, LLC. I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed, one of the two predecessors of halfwheel. I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade, covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A. In addition, I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel. I enjoy playing tennis, watching boxing, falling asleep to the Le Mans 24, wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros. echte liebe.