It’s new cigar season, my favorite time of the year. And the very latest word on premium tobacco is Sean Williams, owner of Atlanta-based El Primer Mundo is getting into the San Andreas Maduro game with a new cigar named “Clase Reserva”. (You don’t have to know much Spanish to correctly guess that translates to “Reserve Class” in English.)
No finished product pictures were available at the time of this writing, but we do have a first look at the bands. As you can see in the picture, Sean is continuing with the theme of the established “globe and coins” band in a new color (white) to differentiate this release from those that proceeded it. He mentioned that if things go to plan, this may be the last release to follow that theme, in large part because he’s running out of colors for new releases. The next design is still on the drawing board, but whatever the change may be, he plans to keep the branding consistent.
But back to the cigar. As with the last two releases, the Liga Miami and the Epifania, the Clase Reserva is being made at the El Titan de Bronze factory on Calle Ocho in Miami. It will feature the aforementioned San Andres Maduro wrapper, and Ecuadoran binder and Nicaraguan filler. Initially there will only be one size, Sean’s favorite, the 6 x 52 Toro, which will be available in 12-count boxes. Asked why he’s not going with a 50-count like the Epifania, he said that while he has no trouble with Epifania sales, he thinks the smaller box will make it easier on retailers. I’m a fan of the recent half-sized box trend. In addition to making the Clase Reserva easier to fit on shelves, I think it will also make box purchases more appealing to customers.
The cigars will retail for around $10.50 a stick (or $126 a box) and are due to start shipping in late June or sometime in July.
El Primer Mundo cigars are no stranger to Stogie Review. Over the years we’ve reviewed Sean’s entire line with some very positive results. In case you’ve missed those reviews, here’s the complete list:
Epifania (aka Purple or Silver or Platinum Label)
Liga Miami (aka Brown Label)
Rosado Oscuro (aka Black Label)
Connecticut Shade (aka Blue Label)
Criollo Maduro (aka Red Label)
I hope to see some EPMs in a corona gorda size someday. I’ve enjoyed every one of Sean’s sticks that I’ve had, especially the Liga Miami. I look forward to trying this one out.