Coming off of the success of their initial release, Alec & Bradley Blind Faith, Alec and Bradley Rubin, the namesakes of father Alan Rubin’s Alec Bradley Cigar Co. announced today the release of their second cigar line- Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper.
The Rubin brothers searched out E.P. Carrillo (EPC) cigar maker Ernesto Perez-Carrillo for the project. An inspiration to Alec and Bradley, Ernesto is praised by many in the business as the “Godfather” of cigars.
Bradley Noted:
“We are a part of the next generation of the premium cigar business and Ernesto is a legend. As Alec and I began learning the processes, we started to appreciate all facets of the business. Though we are under the Alec Bradley Cigar Co. umbrella, my brother and I want to provide enthusiasts with an experience different from the Alec Bradley portfolio- the opportunity to work with Ernesto and Dominican tobaccos is something completely different from anything coming out of Alec Bradley.”
The brothers agree that working with Ernesto, the latest recipient of Cigar Aficionado “Cigar of the Year”, is a rite of passage. As noted by Alec:
“Working with Ernesto opens up new doors for Bradley and me. Ernesto is a gatekeeper to new opportunities and experiences for us- thus the name Gatekeeper.”
After completing their respective college careers, Alec and Bradley joined their father at Alec Bradley Cigars where they learned the business inside and out before having the opportunity to become cigar makers. Once both young men demonstrated their competency and love for the business, they tried their hands at cigar making. With 3 sets of rollers at Raices Cubanas in Danli, Honduras, they created Blind Faith, a limited production Honduran and Nicaraguan cigar. The name was literal, as tobacconists and consumers alike needed to have blind faith in trying a product from untested cigar makers.
Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper is being presented in 20 count boxes with Gothic Era inspired artwork purveying the fervent, take no prisoner’s attitude the brothers are pursuing to make their mark in the cigar industry. Both brothers agree that they don’t want to be known as Alan’s sons, but as cigar makers in their own right.
Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper will be unveiled at IPCPR 2019 at the end of June. The blend is described as:
- Wrapper – Ecuadorian Habano
- Binder/Filler – Nicaragua and Dominican Republic
The Gatekeeper is being produced at Ernesto’s Tabacalera La Alianza in Santiago, Dominican Republic. and it will be Alec and Bradley’s first regular production, global release. The Gatekeeper will be expressed in four vitilas:
- Corona (5 1/8 X 42) MSRP $8.75 per cigar
- Robusto (5 X 50) MSRP $10.50 per cigar
- Toro (6 X 52) MSRP $11.50 per cigar
- Gordo (6 X 60) MSRP $12.25 per cigar
Ship dates for Alec & Bradley Gatekeeper will be announced at IPCPR.
About Alec Bradley Cigars
Founded by Alan Rubin in 1996, Alec Bradley has been acknowledged as one of the world’s leading producers of fine, handmade premium cigars. Alec Bradley has received the cigar industry’s highest critical acclaim for its Prensado, Tempus, MAXX and Black Market premium cigars, to name a few. Their commitment to satisfying cigar enthusiasts worldwide is demonstrated by their passion for excellence, creativity and the highest quality standards.
About Alec & Bradley Cigars
Second generation cigar makers and brothers, Alec and Bradley Rubin released their first cigar, Blind Faith, at IPCPR 2018 to great fanfare. Sons of Alec Bradley founder, Alan Rubin, the two have gone out on their own to create complex and interesting blends that reflect their own unique style. The Rubin brothers agree that their brands will not conform to any guidelines and will continue to innovate and grow as cigar makers as they blaze their own trail.