PCA 2025 Recap: New Cigars and Stories from the Show

From Creekside Podcast Ep. 014: LIVE FROM THE BIGGEST CIGAR SHOW, aired Apr 18, 2025. Recorded at Creekside Cigar Co. in Maineville, Ohio.

At PCA 2025 in New Orleans, Dave, Wik, and another member of the Creekside crew took a break from the show floor to recap what stood out. They talked about the character of the booths, the value of meeting cigar makers in person, and the cigars they selected for the lounge. For us, the trip was about more than placing orders: it was a chance to hear the stories behind the cigars and bring that context back to Creekside.

What is PCA like for a cigar shop?

For the crew, PCA felt like a full-scale gathering of the cigar industry. One host had been to a smaller trade event before, but appreciated that PCA brought together businesses and people connected to cigars throughout the show. The size was part of the experience: the hosts joked that the floor stretched the length of 15 or 20 football fields.

The booths were another highlight. The crew noticed how each space seemed to express the personality of its brand, giving visitors a rare chance to experience companies that may not have retail stores. They called out the classic, elegant feel of the United booth and the relaxed atmosphere at Foundation, with raw-wood seating and music. Danny’s Rodriguez booth also stood out for feeling like his shop in Key West.

Not every part of the trip was a favorite for everyone. One host was wary of walking around New Orleans, while the group agreed that the weather made it possible to spend time outside in the evenings. Their impressions were personal, but the larger takeaway was how much the setting and presentation contribute to a trade-show visit.

Why do cigar-maker stories matter?

Meeting brand owners and hearing directly from them was one of the crew’s most meaningful experiences. They described the conversations as genuine, not just sales meetings. As a small shop, Creekside appreciated that makers took an interest in what the team was building and shared the thinking behind their cigars.

That connection can change how a cigar feels on the shelf. The hosts spoke about hearing the story behind a Matilde cigar made in honor of its maker’s late father, and about the family story connected to a new Plasencia cigar. They were especially interested in the Plasencia’s tobacco, grown on a mountain in Nicaragua at about 3,500 feet, and in how that growing location might influence the cigar. The packaging and presentation caught their attention, too.

For Creekside, carrying a cigar is only part of the job. The crew wants to share what they learned about the people and purpose behind it, so customers can make a connection of their own. They also reflected on how cigar makers often talk about balance and strength, even when enthusiasts describe cigars with elaborate flavor language. The hosts’ point was simple: tasting notes are not the only way to appreciate a cigar.

Which cigars stood out at PCA 2025?

The crew named several cigars that made an impression, while emphasizing that they had only sampled some of the new releases. The Knuckle Sandwich Puro was one early favorite. They also liked the Warped Corto Maduro, which they smoked in a smaller format than one host usually chooses, and the new La Gloria cigar they referred to as Gloriosa, which they noted had a strong price point.

Wik singled out Bandolero from the Byron and Atabey booth, which the shop planned to bring in. The crew also praised Crux Passport and the new Broadway from Crowned Heads. Another surprise was a new cigar from the Ozgener family, made in Nicaragua. One host said it was a different profile from what he usually reaches for, but found it delicious and was eager to bring it into the humidor.

They also discussed a new Foundation anniversary cigar and the new high-altitude Plasencia release. Stolen Throne was another brand the crew was excited about. They had enjoyed the brand’s cigars, appreciated its shelf-conscious packaging and refill bundles, and liked the price range they discussed at the show. The crew’s choices reflected different reasons for bringing a cigar into the shop: a memorable smoke, an interesting story, useful packaging, or a chance to introduce customers to something new.

What did the crew bring back from the show?

Beyond cigars, the hosts were struck by the people who recognized Creekside from its online content and shared their own experiences at the lounge. They described those conversations as humbling, especially when visitors praised the team’s service. The crew credited the people working back at the shop, who kept the lounge running while they were away, and framed hospitality as a daily effort rather than something that belongs to the hosts alone.

That perspective connected the trip back to Creekside’s purpose: finding cigars the team believes customers will enjoy, then making the stories and conversations around them part of the experience. PCA gave them new releases to look forward to, but also reinforced how much the cigar business depends on relationships between makers, retailers, staff, and the people who gather in a lounge.

Key takeaways

• PCA gave the Creekside crew a close look at the people and personalities behind cigar brands.
• Direct conversations with makers helped the team understand the stories behind selected cigars.
• The crew highlighted the Knuckle Sandwich Puro, Warped Corto Maduro, and several new releases as standouts.
• They see hospitality as a team effort, supported by the staff who serve customers at the lounge every day.

Cigars from this episode

• Knuckle Sandwich Puro: The crew smoked it early in the trip and called it a favorite.
• Matilde cigar honoring its maker’s late father: The crew smoked it with the maker and discussed the story behind it.
• Bandolero: Wik liked it at the Byron and Atabey booth; the crew planned to bring it into the shop.
• Warped Corto Maduro: One host called it really good and liked the smaller format.
• La Gloria cigar referred to as Gloriosa: The crew called it solid and noted its price point.
• Crux Passport: One host said it was really good.
• Crowned Heads Broadway: The crew enjoyed the new release.
• Ozgener family cigar, name unclear: The crew was surprised by how much they enjoyed this new Nicaragua-made cigar.
• New Plasencia high-altitude cigar: The crew discussed tobacco grown at about 3,500 feet in Nicaragua.
• Foundation 10-year anniversary cigar: One host said he was excited to bring it into the shop.
• Crowned Heads Mil Dias, packaging update: The crew discussed new branding and a repackaged Maduro version.
• Stolen Throne cigars: The crew praised the cigars, packaging, shelf fit, and refill bundles.

Shop, smoke and listen with Creekside

• Shop the cigars from this episode
• Join the Creekside Cigar Club for boutique cigars picked by our crew every month
• Visit our cigar lounge at 1381 US-22, Maineville, OH, open seven days a week
• Subscribe to the Creekside Podcast on YouTube and catch every episode