New releases • limited editions • factory updates • major events 1️⃣ New Release — Tatuaje 20th Anniversary Expansions Tatuaje Cigars is rolling out multiple 20th anniversary additions at PCA, including new sizes in Havana VI and Black Label lines with commemorative bands. 👉 Anniversary releases continue to dominate PCA strategy—heritage sells right now. 2️⃣ Major Portfolio Drop — Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust unveiled multiple new ligas and even a new brand at PCA 2026, signaling one of the most aggressive product years yet from Steve Saka. 👉 Boutique brands aren’t slowing down—they’re expanding. 3️⃣ New Line — Octane Cigars by AJ Fernandez A new Octane cigar series, crafted by AJ Fernandez and distributed through Alliance Cigar, launched with three blends targeting bold, performance-driven smokers. 👉 This is a different play: premium feel + accessible positioning. 4️⃣ Industry Move — PCA Expands Into Education The Premium Cigar Association has acquired The Cigar Academy, establishing a formal education and certification platform for retailers and the broader industry. 👉 This is bigger than cigars—it’s about professionalizing the entire space. 5️⃣ Distribution Shift — Exclusive Channels Growing Alliance Cigar’s Octane rollout highlights a growing trend: • Exclusive distribution models • Controlled pricing power • Stronger retailer relationships 👉 Distribution is becoming just as strategic as blending. 6️⃣ Market Direction — PCA Confirms 3 Lanes After full show + early retail feedback, the market is clearly dividing into: • Heritage & anniversary releases • Boutique expansion & new brands • Accessible premium (value-driven lines) 👉 Brands are no longer competing in one lane—they’re choosing their lane.

Let me break down what makes this stick special. **THE BASICS:** Brand: Drew Estate Origin: Nicaragua Vitola: Robusto (5" x 54) Strength: Medium-Full Price Range: $16 - $21 **FIRST IMPRESSION:** When you light it up, you notice the beautiful, dark wrapper. This is a well-constructed cigar—solid feel, good weight, excellent construction. The draw is perfect from the first puff. You know immediately you're holding something quality. **THE FLAVOR JOURNEY:** 🔹 First Third: Immediate complexity. You get leather, dark chocolate, and a touch of spice. There's a subtle sweetness underneath. The smoke is smooth and creamy, but with backbone. This isn't a light cigar, but it's not aggressive either. 🔹 Second Third: The profile deepens beautifully. More leather, more chocolate, hints of coffee and cedar. The spice builds slightly but stays balanced. You're getting layers of flavor—this is a blender showing their skill. The smoke is thick and satisfying. 🔹 Final Third: Finishes strong with leather, chocolate, and a lingering sweetness. The spice returns. Smoke stays thick and complex all the way to the nub. A slight woody note emerges at the very end, but it's refined, not harsh. **THE VIBE:** This is a **sophisticated, complex cigar**. Perfect for when you want something that demands your attention but doesn't overwhelm you. Great for a celebration, a moment of reflection, or just when you're in the mood for a medium-full smoke that rewards you for paying attention. **MY TAKE:** Liga 9 is proof that Drew Estate knows how to blend. This is a cigar that shows restraint and skill. It's bold without being aggressive. It's complex without being confusing. Every puff reveals something new. If you want a cigar that makes you think, that rewards your attention, that shows real craftsmanship—Liga 9 is it. Highly recommend. **PAIRING SUGGESTION:** Pairs beautifully with **bourbon** or **espresso**. The leather, chocolate, and spice in the cigar complement the warmth and depth of a good bourbon perfectly. If you're going espresso, the chocolate and coffee notes in the cigar create a beautiful harmony.

After PCA, I'm realizing this is a REAL debate in the community. Everyone has strong opinions about their preferred size. Let's settle this. What's your go-to?

1️⃣ PCA Day 2 — Orders, Not Just Hype At the Premium Cigar Association show, day two is shifting from buzz to serious retail ordering. • Retailers locking in core lines + limiteds • Re-orders already happening on early hits • Brands adjusting allocations in real time 👉 The difference now: what actually sells vs. what just gets attention. 2️⃣ Breakout Trend — Boutique Brands Converting Smaller manufacturers are no longer just drawing crowds—they’re closing orders. Key factors: • Distinct blends • Clear identity • Strong in-person storytelling 👉 Boutique is no longer niche—it’s competitive. 3️⃣ Limited Editions — Allocation Tiers Emerging A clear structure is forming: • Tier 1: Top accounts (full access) • Tier 2: Mid accounts (partial allocation) • Tier 3: General retail (leftovers / none) 👉 Access is becoming structured—not random. 4️⃣ Factory Reality — Back-End Pressure Building While the show floor is active, factories are facing: • Post-PCA production pressure • Tight timelines on new orders • Increased demand for aged tobacco 👉 What gets sold this week must now be produced under constraint. 5️⃣ Interview Insight — Retailers Driving the Narrative Conversations are shifting toward retailer voices, focusing on: • What consumers are actually buying • Price sensitivity vs. premium demand • Repeat purchase potential 👉 The market is being defined from the shop floor up. 6️⃣ Market Direction — Separation Is Happening Clear divide forming between: • Brands that generate attention • Brands that generate repeat orders 👉 Long-term winners will be the ones that do both.

Quick reminder — we’ve got our monthly giveaway going on right now. For the new guys, here’s how it works: • Be active in the Clubhouse • Post what you’re smoking • Engage with others That’s it. The more you show up, the better your chances. We keep it simple — reward the guys who are actually part of the community. We’ve got something solid for this month’s winner 👀 Let’s keep the momentum going. Who’s in the running? 💨