Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren are proud to announce a new partnership between the two companies for the exclusive distribution of Dalay products by Luciano Cigars in the United States. The companies will debut the new agreement with two new cigars at the Premium Cigar Association trade show (PCA 2023) in Las Vegas, NV, from July 8th to the 11th.
The partnership between the two companies have been in the works for a while now, as they have worked together for nearly five years, with Dalay being the sole distributor of Luciano Cigars in Germany. Established by industry veteran Salih Dalay in 1998, Dalay Zigarren is a leading cigar importer, exporter and distributor in the German market. Dalay is also an official Habanos S.A. retailer with a “La Casa del Habano” store in Saarbrücken, Germany.
Salih Dalay , Owner and founder of Dalay Zigarren stated:
“Luciano is a true friend. Working with him along the years has been an honor, and to take that partnership even further with this agreement is superbe. From blending an incredible new cigar for us, to working with us to bring Dalay cigars to US shores, we are ecstatic to be at this year’s PCA with Luciano.”
The Dalay Istanbul
One of the new surprises for this PCA trade show is a cigar called “Istanbul” that Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren will introduce to the public. Istanbul pays homage to Salih Dalay’s Turkish heritage and passion for tobacco. With over a decade in the making, the Dalay Istanbul is the embodiment of Salih Dalay’s vision for creating a one-of-a-kind cigar that features Turkish tobacco as part of the blend. Turkish tobacco is known for its unique compelling flavor and aromatic qualities.
Luciano Meirelles, CEO and Co-Founder of Luciano Cigars noted:
“The Istanbul is a cigar like no other! When Salih asked me to validate the blend I was really honored and also very impressed with the result. Salih Dalay, Michael Grossklos and the Zauberberg factory did an amazing job on this cigar. For us it is an honor to work with them and distribute this amazing unique product amongst our portfolio, a priceless experience for our friendship– I can’t wait for July!”
The years spent in blending for the cigar were also devoted to the artwork featured on the cigar ring and band. The Dalay Istanbul is the only cigar in the world to boast an original work of art on its ring, done by the internationally renowned Turkish artist, Hasan Kale, known as “Turkish Microangelo,” for his expertise of the miniature art craft. His artwork, which features images of Istanbul itself, took years for the artist to complete, and was painted on a cigar ring. The original painting will be displayed at the Luciano Cigars booth at this year’s PCA.
Salih’s daughter also worked on the design of the ring and box, with an original calligraphy art displayed. His son, who interned for a few years at the Zauberberg factory where the cigar is made, contributed significantly to the blending process as well.
Dalay added:
“This cigar was made with the contribution of both my children, and we are all thankful for the privilege to honor our family and Turkish heritage. I have been in this industry for over two decades now, so to see the Istanbul cigar finally come to life after years of dreaming and planning feels incredible. ”
The Dalay Istanbul will debut in the American market as a PCA exclusive, available to order only for show attendees in boxes of 10 in the following sizes:
- Principe (4 ½ x 46) – MSRP $17.00
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $18.00
- Toro (5 ½ x 54) – MSRP $20.00
The Dalay Nicaragua
Another addition to the Luciano Cigars portfolio will be the Dalay Nicaragua. Blended by Luciano Meirelles, the new release features a Corojo 98 Ecuadorian wrapper, a double binder with Brazilian Arapiraca and Ecuadorian Habano 2000, and all Nicaraguan fillers from Pueblo Nuevo, Jalapa, Esteli and Massatepe.
The first Dalay cigar now being produced at the Luciano Cigars factory in Esteli, Nicaragua, the Dalay Nicaragua will come in boxes of 20 and in the following four sizes:
- Corona Gorda (5 ½ x 46) -MSRP $10.50
- Robusto (5 x 50) – MSRP $11.50
- Toro (6 x 52) – MSRP $12.50
- Gran Toro (6 ½ x 56) – MSRP $13.30
Michael Grossklos CEO and Blender for Dalay Zigarren exclaimed:
“What Luciano did with this Blend is off the charts! This cigar is a stand-out in our portfolio. Luciano has always been contributing with his knowledge and vast expertise in tobacco and I consider him a mentor and a friend. Working here at Dalay has provided me many opportunities to meet people like Luciano and work with only the best.”
In addition to the Dalay Nicaragua and Dalay Istanbul, Luciano Cigars and Dalay Zigarren have plans to introduce the full range of Dalay Zigarren’s classic lines to the US by the end of the year. This will include the Dalay Dominican Republic Hell & Dunkel as well as the Dalay Honduras Hell & Dunkel, both manufactured at the Zaubergberg Factory in the Dominican Republic. The Dalay Nicaragua is manufactured at the Luciano Cigars Factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.
Both the Istanbul and the Dalay Nicaragua are scheduled to ship from the Luciano Cigars warehouse by the end of July. Luciano Cigars will also be announcing additional PCA new releases in the next two weeks ahead of the trade show.