Firecracker Fuses
Announcements, News & PR for Cigars January 16 - January 23, 2026
Happy Friday, iROBUSTO family. I’ve officially traded our Tuesday morning routine for a weekend kickoff, moving our weekly digest to Fridays to make sure you have the freshest news before you head to your local lounge. It is great to be back with the community as we transition into this new rhythm together.
Limited Editions
Bandolero Firecracker 2026 The fuse-headed favorite returns this week as an annual treat for those who enjoy a short, explosive profile. This 3.5 x 50 vitola features the signature elongated pigtail and is blended by Nelson Alfonso of Selected Tobacco. It hits shelves with an MSRP around $9 per stick and stays true to its reputation for a quick, punchy smoke.
Davidoff Exclusive Editions 2026 Davidoff announced eleven distinct limited releases tailored for specific global markets and retail partners. These include formats like the 6 x 52 Belicoso for Corona Cigar Company and a 5.5 x 58 Gran Toro for US duty-free shops. The blends use aged tobaccos from Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, with prices varying by regional tax and exclusivity.
Independence Firecracker United Cigars and Arnold André collaborated on this special release to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. It follows the classic Firecracker aesthetic but uses a unique blend specifically developed for this milestone event. Look for these to arrive in limited quantities as part of the early commemorative festivities.
Cohiba Behike BHK 58 (Switzerland) The legendary BHK 58 is officially going on sale in Switzerland this week, though your wallet might feel the sting. This massive 5.8 x 58 Cuban flagship is known for its rare medio tiempo leaves and impeccable construction. Expect high demand and even higher price tags for these elusive ceramic jars and boxes.
2025 Opus22 Collection Arturo Fuente has finally begun shipping the 2025 edition of the Opus22 charity humidor to select retailers. This set includes 22 rare cigars, including various vitolas of Fuente Fuente OpusX and the ForbiddenX line. Sales of this luxury collection continue to benefit the Cigar Family Charitable Foundation.
New Releases
Romeo y Julieta Reserva Real Nicaragua Profundo Altadis U.S.A. unveiled this new evolution of the Reserva Real line which aims for a darker, more intense profile. It is a Nicaraguan puro featuring a wrapper that looks significantly oilier than its predecessor. The line will be available in standard vitolas, including a 6 x 50 Toro and a 5 x 50 Robusto.
JM’s Aniversario 25 JM Tobacco debuted this special project at TPE 2026 to celebrate a quarter-century in the cigar business. The blend honors founder John Mahroukian and represents a step up in profile for the brand known for value. It will be available in multiple sizes as it rolls out to retailers following the trade show.
Juan Lopez Maximos This new Dominican-made revival of a classic brand features an Ecuadorian Corojo wrapper over an Ecuadorian Habano binder. It shows a medium body with a blend that includes Piloto Cubano and HVA filler tobaccos. The 6 x 48 vitola comes in boxes of 11 and tries to capture an old-world Cuban style.
Warped Corto Maduro X46 Kyle Gellis has taken the popular Corto line in a darker direction with the introduction of a Mexican San Andrés wrapper. This 4.5 x 46 smoke uses Nicaraguan fillers including medio tiempo from Estelí to ensure a heavy hitting profile. It is a small but mighty addition for those who prefer dark chocolate and espresso flavors.
Industry News
Spain Opens First Premium Factory in 50 Years Selected Tobacco has officially opened a 3,000-square-meter facility in Madrid, bringing premium production back to the country. This move marks the first time in over half a century that premium cigars will be rolled on Spanish soil. The facility serves as both a production hub and a statement on the brand’s growth.
Cigar Imports Rise for Third Quarter New data shows the cigar market is still expanding, with imports rising 4.6 percent in the third quarter. This growth suggests that consumer demand remains steady despite various global economic shifts. The report highlights continued strength for major producing regions like Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic.
Nine Short Cigars for Cold Weather Industry tasters highlighted a list of “short smokes” designed for aficionados facing the January chill. Featured sticks include the Don Lino Africa Kudu and the H. Upmann Half Corona, which measure 3.5 x 44. These cigars are picked specifically for their ability to deliver full flavor in under forty minutes.
#MITMCIGAR Starting with the Power
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Next up on January 25: My Father Blue
Stay real,
I haven't had a Bandolero in a while... The Firecracker looks like a real treat.
Love the Friday format shift, makes way more sense for weekend planning. That Bandolero pigtail detail is wild tho, dunno if I've seen that on mny short smokes before. The timing with Spain opening their first factory in 50 years feels almost poetic given how much the industry has centralized elsewhere.