Thanks to a heat dome over the mid-atlantic, July has opened the second half of 2026 with 100-degree plus days. With Independence Day on the 4th and no relief from the sweltering temperatures until after the holiday, it’s hard to think about sitting on your porch and smoking a cigar. The reality is that if you’re going to exit the air conditioned protection indoors and step out for a cigar — IT BETTER BE A DAMN GOOD CIGAR!
The Limited Cigar Association (LCA) and their parent organization, Privada Cigar Club, have brought us a group of really GREAT cigars that will make a trip outdoors worth every moment!
MOON TRAVELER
Rolled in the Lanuza Cigar Factory, this 7 1/4 x 56 Figurado features a Mexican San Andres Wrapper, Northern Nicaraguan Binder grown in Esteli and filler tobacco sourced from two northern Nicaraguan regions, Jalapa and Esteli.
Full bodied and medium-plus in strength, Moon Traveler is a rich slow-burning smoke that delivers ample flavor and a long, rewarding finish. Expect to enjoy notes of charred oak, black pepper, black cherry, dark chocolate, leather, mineral-rich earth, molasses and baking spice.
Moon Traveler is worth every moment of your time, no matter what the temperature! Pairs well with Bourbon, iced coffee — meat cooked with smoke and fire — smoked pulled pork, grilled steak and barbecue ribs — as well as pecan pie dark chocolate and cherry cobbler. Could a cigar pair with a better group of foods and beverages?
W. A. FIREWORKS
The first thing you’ll notice when you look at FIREWORKS is the band. You’ll be transported back to childhood memories of family vacations and stays at a Holiday Inn — a two-story motel building with a pool graces the band.
Aged for 5-years after rolling, before you smoke Fireworks you’ll have to remove it from the browned cellophane that is an immediate symbol of perfect aging. This Nicaraguan puro was rolled and aged at Tabacalera AJ Fernandez, a factory that consistently produces some of the best cigars in the world.
Medium bodied and with medium strength, the cigars are refined, expressive and beautifully evolved, five years of aging transformed an already memorable cigar into something richer, smoother and more complex. Fireworks brings notes of cedar, pepper, roasted nuts, cocoa, toasted bread, cinnamon spice and cream.
The recommended pairings are black coffee, Bourbon, dark chocolate, espresso martini, Rye Whiskey, churros and cinnamon tea.
JULY BONUS: FUEGO
Privada brought back FUEGO by AJ Fernandez. Aged for two years at the factory Fuego has an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade-Grown wrapper and Nicaraguan binder and filler. It’s deceptively full bodied — cigars with Connecticut Shade wrappers are assumed to be mild — with medium plus strength, Fuego is creamy, rich and refined, with lingering spice on the finish.
Notes of vanilla join red pepper, toasted almond, dried citrus peel and warm cedar come together to bring you a spectacular smoke!
Suggested pairings are Spiced Rum, Vanilla Latte, citrus forward IPA and lightly oaked Chardonnay.
PRIVADA CIGAR CLUB: JULY PRIVADA BOX
This month’s PRIVADA BOX comes with three cigars that have a video game theme — Yoshi, Bomb & Bowser. If you’re interested in experiencing this month’s Privada Box, we have a small supply to make your sampling as easy as coming by the shop.
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