We’ve had some new members join lately, so here’s a quick reminder on how the monthly contest works. Simple: • Post what you’re smoking • Join conversations • Engage with the community • Be active in the Clubhouse That’s really it. This isn’t about who spends the most money or posts the fanciest cigar. It’s about showing up and being part of the community. Every month we pick someone who’s helping keep the Clubhouse active and enjoyable for everyone. And yes… there’s always something solid for the winner 👀💨

CIGAR OF THE WEEK: TATUAJE HAVANA VI Let me break down what makes this stick special. **THE BASICS:** Brand: Tatuaje Origin: Nicaragua Vitola: Robusto (5x50) Strength: Medium-Full Price Range: $7-$10 **FIRST IMPRESSION:** When you light it up, you immediately notice the smooth, creamy smoke. The wrapper has this beautiful dark maduro shade that tells you right away this is a quality stick. The construction is flawless. **THE FLAVOR JOURNEY:** 🔹 First Third: Creamy chocolate with hints of cedar and subtle spice — immediate complexity 🔹 Second Third: The profile shifts to leather and black pepper with a touch of cocoa and earth 🔹 Final Third: Finishes with rich chocolate, lingering spice, and a smooth, satisfying closure **THE VIBE:** This is a thinking cigar. Perfect for a Friday night wind-down, a contemplative afternoon, or when you want to really appreciate the craft. **MY TAKE:** The Havana VI is one of the most underrated cigars in the game. Pete Johnson (Tatuaje's owner) doesn't get enough credit for what he does. Every blend is intentional, complex, and rewarding. This one deserves your attention. **PAIRING SUGGESTION:** Pairs beautifully with bourbon or a good espresso. The chocolate and spice notes in the cigar complement the warmth and depth of bourbon perfectly. --- 💬 HAVE YOU TRIED THIS ONE? Drop a comment below: • What did you think? • How would you rate it? • What would you pair it with? Let's vibe about it! 🔥

1️⃣ Drew Estate’s Dominican Expansion Keeps Dominating Industry Conversations Drew Estate continues generating major attention with its new “Drew Dominicana” project, featuring a massive new Dominican factory, farming operations, and expanded production plans in the Cibao Valley. 👉 One of the most significant long-term expansion moves in premium cigars right now. 2️⃣ Davidoff’s Puro Dominicano Is Bringing Focus Back To Origin-Driven Cigars Davidoff’s return of Puro Dominicano is reinforcing the growing industry trend toward single-origin blends and terroir-focused storytelling built entirely around Dominican tobacco. 👉 Smokers are becoming increasingly interested in where tobacco comes from—not just how strong it is. 3️⃣ PCA 2026 Releases Continue Hitting Retail Shelves Fresh releases from Drew Estate, Crowned Heads, Luciano, Black Label Trading Co., HVC, La Aurora, and Espinosa are now beginning to arrive nationwide following PCA 2026. 👉 Retail humidors are finally starting to refill after one of the busiest PCA seasons in years. 4️⃣ Limited Editions & Anniversary Projects Continue Leading The Market Brands continue leaning heavily into collector culture through anniversary cigars, commemorative releases, luxury humidors, and limited production runs. Projects from Cavalier Genève, Perdomo, Montecristo, and CAO are driving strong buzz throughout the market. 👉 Exclusivity and storytelling remain major drivers in premium cigars. 5️⃣ Boutique Brands Continue Building Momentum Smaller cigar companies continue growing through creative branding, focused production, and niche community support. ATL Cigar Co., Black Star Line, Amarati, Lure Cigars, and Don Emmanuel are among the boutique brands gaining more visibility heading deeper into 2026. 👉 Boutique cigar culture remains one of the strongest growth areas in the industry. 6️⃣ Luxury Presentation Is Becoming A Bigger Priority From upgraded packaging to premium samplers and collector-focused displays, brands across the industry continue investing heavily into presentation and lifestyle positioning.

As my humidor and cigar experience continues to expand (and my wallet shrinks!) I'm finding there's a few solid smokes I will turn to when I want to sit back and not try to decipher the flavor notes of a cigar. I just want to sit, smoke, and be. One of those is the Southern Draw Manzanita. This cigar impressed my from the start and every one I have continues to reinforce my desire to not run out. Luckily, Cigar Page revived a deal they had awhile back. A box of 10 toros for $45. Under $50 with taxes. Damn! $5 cigars that deliver bold, nuanced flavors every time. That's a bargain I had to jump on. I bought a 2nd box as insurance, because you never know when the tap will run dry or prices skyrocket. If you haven't tried this SD expression, I recommend you do. https://www.cigarpage.com/manzanita-feature-deal.html

A nice MoW paired with a good cup of coffee this evening was exactly what I needed as I prepped for the week.