1. New Limited Release — Oliva “Serie V Melanio Edición Invierno 2025” Oliva shipped a winter‑season limited under the Melanio banner, featuring a darker, higher‑priming Ecuador Sumatra wrapper and extended barrel‑room rest. Distribution is restricted to top‑tier Melanio retailers with one‑time allocations. 2. Small‑Batch Drop — La Flor Dominicana “Andalusian Night Oscuro” LFD quietly released a small‑batch Oscuro variation of Andalusian Night, rolled in a single production window with heavier fermentation and added ligero for colder‑weather smoking. 3. Factory News — Tabacalera La Alianza Expands Sorting & Aging Space La Alianza confirmed the completion of a new tobacco sorting and pre‑aging wing, aimed at improving consistency across future EPC and partner‑brand projects heading into 2026. 4. Interview Spotlight — Litto Gomez on Power, Balance & Market Fatigue In a recent interview, Litto Gomez spoke candidly about rising strength levels in modern cigars, warning that balance—not brute power—will define which blends age well and endure long term. 5. Major Event Update — InterTabac 2026 Dates & Focus Announced InterTabac organizers released early 2026 dates and theme direction, confirming an expanded premium‑cigar education track and greater focus on international boutique brands.

I can pretty much smoke anything My Father. Today's morning coffee and stick paring is a tripple shot of espresso with a MF Blue. Not a bad way to start the weekend.

A lot to unpack in today’s cigar news: • Black Label Trading Co. shipped the first wave of Anathema Nocturne, a dark, late-year limited with intentionally tight distribution • Foundation Cigars released Charter Oak Reserve 2025, a serialized, Reserve-only expression with extended aging • Tabacalera Pichardo completed a dedicated small-batch rolling room to support limited and experimental blends • Nick Melillo shared insights on U.S.-grown tobacco, pointing to aged domestic leaf playing a bigger role over the next 3–5 years • The PCA released its 2026 booth-selection timeline, adjusting access for both legacy and boutique brands Why this matters: Between tighter allocations, more small-batch production, and deeper focus on aged tobacco, brands are clearly leaning into differentiation beyond simple wrapper marketing. Which of these developments do you think will have the biggest impact over the next few years?

Clubhouse heads-up — if you’re shopping for cigars this Christmas, today’s deals make it easy: 🎁Eagle Rare & Eagle Rare Toro 5-Pack Case Value Bundle $229.99 → $179.99 Whiskey Caviar 🔗 https://whiskeycaviar.com/products/eagle-rare-eagle-rare-toro-5-pack-case-value-bundle Strong premium option if you’re buying for a serious cigar smoker. 🎁Honduran Nude Bundle – Churchill Connecticut $59.99 → $32.99 Best Cigar Prices 🔗 https://www.bestcigarprices.com/cigar-directory/honduran-nude-cigars/honduran-nude-bundle-churchill-connecticut-224297/ Great value bundle that works as a gift or a personal restock. 🎁Ultimate Cigar Gift Basket $199.99 → $149.99 Best Cigar Prices 🔗 https://www.bestcigarprices.com/cigar-accessories/gift-baskets/ultimate-cigar-gift-basket-201778/ One-and-done gift with cigars and accessories included. 💭Who are you shopping for this year — yourself, a friend, or both?

Here’s what’s shaping today’s premium‑cigar landscape: - Espinosa Arroyo Especial: Micro‑allocation release hitting a handful of retailers. - Crowned Heads Seraphim No. 2 (Winter Edition): Seasonal, higher‑priming Habano wrapper with tightened production. - Plasencia Fermentation Expansion: New center improves long‑leaf processing for 2026 blends. - EPC Interview Notes: Signals multiple long‑aged projects in next year’s pipeline. - Festival del Tabaco Honduras 2026: Registration opens with expanded behind‑the‑scenes access. Community Question: How much does factory infrastructure impact your interest in upcoming releases?