Gran Habano Builds a Cigar Around Women of PCA

Gran Habano has released RISE, a 6 x 54 cigar built specifically to benefit the Women of PCA, the trade association's organization focused on professional development, mentorship, and networking for women across the premium cigar industry. The blend uses an Ecuadorian Sun Grown Habano wrapper over a Nicaraguan Habano binder with Nicaraguan fillers, targeting a medium-bodied profile. Production opened at 20,000 cigars and the company says it does not intend to cap future runs at that number -- RISE is not positioned as a limited edition. Retailers can order directly through Gran Habano's sales reps. The philanthropic release model -- a dedicated blend where proceeds fund an industry organization -- is something the trade does occasionally but rarely this cleanly. Gran Habano is Carlos Fuente's old stomping ground in terms of Miami cigar culture connections, and the company has been methodically expanding its footprint through exactly this kind of relationship-building work.