Some New Cigar Releases Announced at This Year’s PCA Convention

The annual convention held by the Premium Cigar Association (PCA) is one of the best ways to see what the future holds for your favorite cigar brands. The 2022 convention has been no exception. Here is just a taste of some of the most promising new cigar announcements.

West Tampa Tobacco Co.

Let’s start with the new brand on the block. While you may have already seen our writeup about West Tampa Tobacco’s Black and White blends, there was a third blend on show at the PCA event. They call it the Attic Series, and all that we know about the cigar itself is that it features a decidedly rustic, textured Mexican wrapper leaf. The binder and filler info is still under wraps. The first installment of this Attic Series is expected to release some time in October, while the second won’t be out until March or April, 2023. Until then, feel free to get acquainted with West Tampa Tobacco’s other blends.

Alec Bradley

A staple for many aficionados, Alec Bradley has become one of the most trusted names in premium cigars. This year, the brand’s most head-turning announcement may not even be a new line, but a new vitola. Alec Bradley’s beloved Project 40 line, which we already carry at Best Cigar Prices, is getting a bold new size for its natural and maduro iterations: 7 x 70. That’s right, 7 inches long with a ring gauge of 70. Good luck wrapping your mind (and cigar cutter) around that one!

Illusione

While there are plenty of exciting changes happening at Illusione, fans of the brand will be happy to hear that much of it is cosmetic. For example, their flagship Illusione line is getting rebranded as the “Original Documents” line, complete with snazzy new packaging. However, the blend itself isn’t changing at all, and neither are the available vitolas. It is also worth noting that the vitolas will be given more traditional names (Robusto, Lancero, etc.) rather than 888, Mj12, and the like.

E.P. Carrillo

Finally, we have E.P. Carrillo—a brand with plenty of exciting updates for the PCA convention. First, there is a new entry coming to their INCH line: the INCH Nicaragua. While it isn’t the first Nicaraguan puro of the series, it is the first INCH cigar manufactured outside of the Tabacalera La Alianza factory in the DR. Expect to see them soon in the following sizes: 5 7/8 x 60, 5 x 62, and 6 1/8 x 64. As if that wasn’t enough, E.P. Carrillo is also dropping the Perez-Carrillo Allegiance, which is a somewhat limited blend. The U.S. will only see about 5,000 20-count boxes, but if you can get one, you’ll enjoy some fine Nicaraguan filler tobaccos beneath a handsome Ecuadorian wrapper.

If your humidor is looking a little empty these days, this PCA convention is offering several great ideas on how to refill it. You can also visit our New Arrivals page for great deals on the latest blends to hit our shelves.