At the 2016 IPCPR Tradeshow, El Artista Cigars announce the Big Papi in collaboration with David Ortiz and the Pulita- a traditional cigar that pays homage to the Founder of El Artista, Ramon “Pulita” Rodriguez.

We caught up with Ram Rodriguez, Ramon’s grandson, at El Artista’s booth at the tradeshow to get the latest information on these exciting new releases.

The Big Papi collaborative cigar with David Ortiz began when Ram Rodriguez met Ortiz in 2011, 2 years later in 2013, Ram began manufacturing the cigar just for David Ortiz’s personal enjoyment. 2016 will be the first year that the cigar is being made available commercially.

Featuring a Habano Claro wrapper from Ecuador, a criollo ’98 binder and Dominican and Nicaraguan Filler. The price point starts at $11.00 and will be available immediately after IPCPR.

Moving on to Pulita, this is a special cigar that was designed to honor and commemorate Ram’s grandfather, who started the company 60 years ago. El Artista is one of the very few remaining family-owned and operated vertically integrated tobacco countries. They control over 1000 acres of tobacco plantation in the Dominican Republic, and over 400 acres in Ecuador.

Pulita is a classic style of cigar, similar to that which Ram’s grandfather used to roll when he began the company. Featuring immaculate construction and a triple-cap, its a cigar which is clearly steeped in tradition. Ram calls it his “labor of love”, and is a cigar that smokers should look forward to.

The Pulita comes dressed in a Negrito Wrapper, with a criollo ’98 binder and filler from Nicaragua, Colombia, and Pennsylvania ligero. It is touted as being medium-full, exceptionally complex with deep transitions. The price point starts at $12.00

Stay tuned for our full video interview with Ram Rodriguez.