United Cigars and Arnold André are expanding the Independence blend into a permanent offering following the sellout of the limited-edition Independence Firecracker released earlier this year. The new cigars are scheduled to begin shipping to retailers on Aug. 27.
The regular-production line will debut in two vitolas: a 4 7/8 x 50 Robusto and a 5 7/8 x 50 Toro. While the cigars will not feature the signature fuse cap that distinguished the Independence Firecracker, they will use the same blend introduced in the limited release.
According to the company, the blend consists of Dominican and Nicaraguan ligero fillers, a Dominican binder and a Mexican Habano wrapper. United Cigars describes the profile as full-bodied, featuring notes of floral sweetness, toasted grain, baking spices, earth and pepper.
“The Independence Firecracker exceeded every expectation,” Oliver Nivaud of United Cigars said in a press release. “Rather than retire a blend people fell in love with, we’re making Independence a permanent part of the Arnold André portfolio.”
The original Independence Firecracker was created to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States as part of United Cigars’ long-running Firecracker collaboration series. The company noted that previous Firecracker collaborations, including Mi Querida Triqui Traca and Fratello Fuoco Oro, also transitioned from limited editions to regular production.
Both new vitolas will be packaged in collectible 12-count tins bearing the phrases “Land of the Free” and “Home of the Brave.” The Robusto will carry a suggested retail price of $10.50 per cigar ($126 per tin), while the Toro will retail for $11 per cigar ($132 per tin).