Tony Bellatto, is preparing to release his company’s third core line called “Primitivo”. La Barba Cigars formed in 2012 and launched their brand with just one primary blend. In addition to a partnership with Robert Caldwell in the form of the Lost and Found series, Tony Bellatto has brought a number of new cigars to market. With this project, there was a certain theme in mind.

“I was trained professionally in wine and spirits, I wanted to bring that to the table here more than I had with anything before.” As a WSET level 3 sommelier, the goal with this new offering was to incorporate that palate and experience, even down to the name itself: Primitivo. The name is rooted in the ancient history of wine itself, and shares flavor notes with the profile for the cigar as well.

This is also the company’s first Maduro, full-bodied blend and it carries hints of Leather, coffee, chocolate, white pepper, cream and a dark richness. Talking about the Primitivo, Bellatto said, “The goal is to keep challenging ourselves, and keep pushing to offer our customers new and different things.”

This new cigar continues the longstanding relationships with Henderson Ventura and their operations in the Dominican Republic. It will use a San Andres Maduro wrapper, an Indonesian binder, with Dominican; Nicaraguan; and Pennsylvanian filler. Primitivo will be available in four sizes:

5.75 x 46  MSRP $8.60

5 x 50 MSRP $9.60

6 x 54 MSRP $10.60

6 x 60 MSRP $11.60

and be sold in 25 count boxes and distributed by Down and Back LLC which also distributes Caldwell Cigars and Room 101 Cigars.

The new cigar will be available for order starting July 13, 2018, at the IPCPR Trade Show in Las Vegas.