As a follow-up to The Redfish cigar released last year, Nimmer Ahmad, owner of Valacari, wanted to do another collaboration with Lou Cross, owner of Lure Cigars.
Ahmad noted:
“We are excited about the new projects coming out of the factory. This blend was something that Lou and I both liked and it seemed fitting that we did another collaboration. It’s been a great experience developing cigars that showcase the signatures of both brands. Valacari features classical imagery and Lure has fishing themed branding. The name Nereus is a nod to the Greek mythical sea creature, hippocampus, which is described as having the upper body of a horse with the lower body of a fish. Offering a ‘Year of the (Sea)horse’ release seemed fitting as this is the year honoring the horse in the Chinese Zodiac.”
Nereus is a soft box-press gordito Nicaraguan puro featuring the dark and rustic, chestnut-brown, flavorful sun-grown Habano wrapper from Esteli, paired with a binder from Esteli, and 5-year aged filler tobaccos (Estelí ligero and Condega). The cigar delivers a medium-bodied strength that is matched by its rich flavor profile. Notes include light roast coffee, freshly tanned leather, baking spices, and a soft touch of white pepper on the retrohale.
“Nereus” is offered in one vitola: 5.5 x 60 – Box Press Gordito – MSRP $15.00/cigar Limited Production: 2,500 cigars
The blend is described as:
- Wrapper: Sun-grown Habano (Nicaragua)
- Binder: Esteli (Nicaragua)
- Filler: 5-year aged, Esteli and Condega (Nicaragua)
This release will be sold in gold foil-colored, craft-paper, 10-count packs with Boveda® humidification.
With this release, Valacari and Lure Cigars continue their commitment to offering premium cigars at an accessible price point. Nereus will ship to retailers on February 11, 2026, and will be available from the following retail partners.
- 2nd Street Cigar Co.
- BL Luxuries
- Boll Weevil Fine Cigars
- Cigar Militia
- Cigar Vault Oakdale
- Cigar Vault San Marcos
- Creekside Cigar Co.
- Knights Cigar Lounge
- Legends Cigar Lounge
- Luxury Cigar Club
- Mardo Cigars
- Minuteman Cigar Co.
- Oak Glen Tobacconist
- Sir Louis Cigars
- Small Batch Cigar
- Tasting Room of Monona
- The Drawing Room QC
- Wolfpack Cigar Co.
For more information about the company, please visit Valacari.com. Follow Valacari on Instagram @valacaricigars. Valacari® and Lure Cigars® are manufactured by La Tabacaria Cigars in Esteli, Nicaragua.