MEERAPFEL Cigar has announced Project 18, a new annual limited-edition concept that will make its debut this week at InterTabac 2026 in Dortmund, Germany.

The Project 18 concept calls for MEERAPFEL to select one blend each year, producing it only once and limiting production to 180 chests. For the inaugural release, each chest contains 99 cigars in a single 6″ x 50 format, bringing total production to 17,820 cigars.

Project 18 uses a vintage Genuine Meerapfel Cameroon wrapper, which the company refers to as its “sacred leaf.” MEERAPFEL says its Cameroon wrapper tobacco is matured for decades at Maison Meerapfel in Europe before the finished cigars undergo further aging in Japanese Paulownia wood.

The company describes the cigar’s profile as centered around dark Belgian chocolate, dark sweetness, and a powdery texture. Full details on the binder and filler tobaccos have not been disclosed.

Presentation plays a significant role in the release, with the 99 cigars arranged in a wheel inside a Japanese Royal Paulownia wood chest. Each chest also includes two gold-plated cigar tubes and a hand-finished lithograph that serves as its certificate of authenticity.

“This may be one of the most extraordinary creations yet. Hats off to the entire Meerapfel team for their commitment and focus on making the best products in the world,” said Jeremiah E. Meerapfel.

MEERAPFEL Project 18 will be shown at InterTabac in Dortmund from September 15 through 17. The company says the 180 chests will be individually allocated through participating MEERAPFEL tobacconists, with worldwide shipping scheduled to begin during the fourth quarter of 2026.

Pricing in the U.S. is set at $99 per cigar, or $9,801 for the 99-count chest.

Product Details

  • Cigar: MEERAPFEL Project 18
  • Size: 6″ x 50
  • Wrapper: Vintage Genuine Meerapfel Cameroon
  • Binder: Undisclosed
  • Filler: Undisclosed
  • Production: 180 chests of 99 cigars
  • Total Production: 17,820 cigars
  • Packaging: Japanese Royal Paulownia wood chest
  • MSRP: $99 per cigar | $9,801 per chest
  • Availability: Fourth quarter 2026