Eric Guttormson AKA Master Sensei

Industry Veterans Launch Pangea Cigars

January 27, 2026

A new name has entered the premium cigar space with the official introduction of Pangea Cigars, a company founded by industry veterans Ibis Luis and Anna Ayupova. The announcement marks the beginning of a brand... Read More...

JR Revival Series Returns with an 80s-Themed Blend from E.P. Carrillo

Eric Guttormson

January 27, 2026

Press Releases

JR Cigar is preparing to release the second installment in its decade-inspired Revival series with the upcoming debut of JR Revival: 80s, scheduled to arrive on January 27. The Revival project began in 2024 ... Read More...

Crux Reintroduces Passport Line in Three Vitolas

Eric Guttormson

January 26, 2026

Press Releases

Crux Cigars has announced the return of its Crux Passport line, bringing back a blend that has developed a strong following since its original release. The cigar is produced with an Ecuadorian Habano wrapper... Read More...

The Wildest Cigar Pairing Challenge Yet!

Eric Guttormson

January 26, 2026

Flavor Odyssey

This week on Flavor Odyssey, Randy Griggs and Master Sensei take a mini-odyssey unlike any other—one built around pure pairing versatility. The challenge? Find one cigar that can hold its own against three w... Read More...

Micallef Red and Black Expand with Exclusive 6×60 Gordo at Two Guys

Eric Guttormson

January 26, 2026

Press Releases

Micallef Cigars is adding a new size to two of its best-known Color Series blends, announcing that Micallef Red and Micallef Black will now be available in a 6x60 Gordo vitola. The new format will be sold exclu... Read More...

Quality Importers Announces 2026 Year of the Horse Accessory Collection

Eric Guttormson

January 23, 2026

Press Releases

Quality Importers Trading Company (QI) has announced its upcoming 2026 Year of the Horse Collection, a limited-edition release tied to the Chinese zodiac theme for the new year. The accessories are designed aro... Read More...

Crux Cigars Appoints Chip Goldeen as Executive Vice President of Sales

Eric Guttormson

January 22, 2026

Press Releases

Crux Cigars has announced the addition of Chip Goldeen as Executive Vice President of Sales, bringing more than three decades of experience in the premium cigar industry to the company’s leadership team. Gol... Read More...

Smoke Night Live – Royal Rumble III

Eric Guttormson

January 21, 2026

Smoke Night Live

“Ladies and gentlemen… welcome to ROYAL RUMBLE III!” The bell rings, the lists are locked in, and only ONE Cigar of the Year list can stand tall. In our annual year-end showdown, some of the biggest voices in ... Read More...

Black Works Studio Debuts Hawaii Hornet at R. Field Wine C

Eric Guttormson

January 20, 2026

Press Releases

Black Works Studio has announced the release of Hawaii Hornet, a new cigar produced exclusively for R. Field Wine Co. The cigar is handcrafted at Fabrica Oveja Negra in Estelí, Nicaragua and will be available a... Read More...

The Smoking Frenchies Open New Headquarters and Private Lounge in Sweetwater

Eric Guttormson

January 20, 2026

Press Releases

The Smoking Frenchies have relocated their operations to a new headquarters in Sweetwater, Florida, introducing a private lounge within their daily workspace. The 2,480-square-foot facility at 2129 NW 135th ... Read More...

Flavor Odyssey: Tatuaje vs. Illusione

Eric Guttormson

January 19, 2026

Flavor Odyssey

Get ready for another full-throttle pairing showdown on Flavor Odyssey. This week, two powerhouse boutique brands go head-to-head as Tatuaje faces off against Illusione in a battle that helped shape modern prem... Read More...

Bandolero Firecracker Scheduled to Return in 2026 After Two Years of Aging

Eric Guttormson

January 19, 2026

Press Releases

United Cigars has announced the return of the Bandolero Firecracker for 2026, continuing the long-running Firecracker series that first debuted in 2006. The Firecracker line is known for its short format and fu... Read More...

Author Eric Guttormson