Imagine that, Nas is getting closer to ruling the cigar world. The legendary rapper’s Escobar Cigars, which he co-owns, is making waves with the launch of a new four-profile House Blend collection. The launch is in partnership with Cigar Chief, one of North America’s largest premium cigar retailers.
The Manual has not yet had the chance to do a taste review (a pack is on the way), but Escobar Cigars says the four-profile House Blend collection (Maduro, Premium Blend Connecticut, Habano, and Connecticut Robusto) “has its own distinct wrapper, filler, and strength profile,” and that “all four are rolled in 5 x 52 Robusto format using classic Cubano entubado construction.”
By the way, it’s only a coincidence that Nas’ alter ego of “Nas Escobar,” an alias he adopted in the 1990s and inspired by drug lord Pablo Escobar, hooked up with a cigar brand bearing the same name.
Escobar Cigars’ House Blend collection promises to offer profiles that will satisfy both the novice smoker the most developed palate. A large part of that is due to Master Blender Abe Flores, who is at the forefront of bringing each Robusto from the ground up at the famed PDR factory in the Dominican Republic.
The Maduro features a San Andrés wrapper that’s medium-to-full strength, with dark earth and roasted character. That flavor profile tends to offer a bold complexity favored by seasoned puffers. The Premium Blend Connecticut features 5-year-aged filler for a smooth and approachable draw that may be a perfect fit for those easing into the cigar game. Then there’s the Ecuador Habano-wrapped Habano Robusto, a medium-strength stick with structured earth and spice. The Connecticut Robusto is probably the smoothest of them all, with an Ecuador Connecticut wrapper that promises to be creamy and clean.
According to Escobar Cigars, the collection is produced in partnership with longtime retail partner Cigar Chief and will be available through Cigars and Stripes, which also makes its online cigar retail debut. Cigars and Stripes bills itself as “America’s Premier Online Cigar Shop” with a curated selection “for those who appreciate the craft, the ritual, and the flavor.”
What They’re Saying …
“This partnership marks the next chapter for Escobar,” said David Gomes, founder of Escobar Cigars, in a statement. “We’re expanding our footprint across North America while continuing to create premium products rooted in craftsmanship and contemporary culture.”
“This isn’t a private label, it’s a true house blend, built from the ground up with Abe Flores at the PDR factory,” added Matthew Greenwood, owner of Cigar Chief. “For a brand that started as a small family-run shop on Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in 1997 and grew into one of North America’s largest premium cigar retailers, this collection is a natural next step — four distinct profiles, one house identity, and the same commitment to quality that’s shaped our humidor, our lounge, and our community for nearly 30 years.”
The House Blend collection is launching along with Escobar Cigars’ new Leaf CUTS natural tobacco-leaf blunt wraps, which is also available at Cigars and Stripes.
