tags on every page of your site. --> Bolder Fonseca From MATASA | Cigar Aficionado

The Big Smoke Returns To Las Vegas—Tickets On Sale Now

Cigars

Bolder Fonseca From MATASA

Feb 18, 2013 | By Gregory Mottola
Bolder Fonseca From MATASA

Attendees of the ProCigar Festival will get a sneak preview this week of the Fonseca Cubano Exclusivo, a new box-pressed brand from S.A.G. Imports made at the MATASA factory in the Dominican Republic, which is run by Manuel "Manolo" Quesada. The line features a wrapper known as Dominican HVA (Havana Vuelta Arriba) around a Dominican binder with a filler blend consisting of Connecticut broadleaf, Dominican and Nicaraguan tobacco. This is somewhat of a departure for the company, as Fonseca branded cigars are primarily mild to medium bodied.

"We've been trying to figure how best to take advantage of Fonseca's brand recognition without suffering from the perception that all Fonseca cigars are mild," said Terence Reilly of SAG Imports. "The goal is to offer greater intensity of flavor to those who find the classic Fonseca too light."

Unlike the company's more full-bodied brands, the Fonseca Cubano Exclusivo will bear the classic Fonseca band as well as a secondary ring distinguishing its bolder Cubano Exclusivo status.

If you can't make it to the ProCigar Festival, you can look for it's four sizes in April. They're set to retail in the $6.00 to $9.00 range.

Fonseca (Non-Cuban)

More in Cigars

See all
Dark Time By West Tampa Tobacco Co. On Its Way To Retailers

Dark Time By West Tampa Tobacco Co. On Its Way To Retailers

This one-time, limited release comes with a cutter that looks like a Rolex.

Jun 13, 2025
Viaje To Ship Summerfest Collector’s Edition

Viaje To Ship Summerfest Collector’s Edition

A trio of seasonal Nicaraguan torpedoes made with shaggy feet.

Jun 13, 2025
A Caldwell Cigar To Benefit Pets In Need

A Caldwell Cigar To Benefit Pets In Need

Many pet owners can’t afford veterinary care, and Caldwell wants to help.

Jun 12, 2025
Eladio Diaz Releasing La Diana

Eladio Diaz Releasing La Diana

The second core line from Eladio Diaz is an homage to his mentor.

Jun 11, 2025
Pledge Of Allegiance 2025 Cigars Shipping This Week

Pledge Of Allegiance 2025 Cigars Shipping This Week

Third annual limited-edition smokes from E.P. Carrillo feature a new blend.

Jun 10, 2025
E.P. Carrillo Connecticut Shipping Now

E.P. Carrillo Connecticut Shipping Now

A new brand in the E.P. Carrillo Essence Series is on its way to retailers and it’s the mildest blend …

Jun 5, 2025
CIGAR AFICIONADO NEWSLETTERS
Check out Cigar Aficionado's newsletters, bringing you our latest ratings & reviews, cigar news and our guide to the good life.