Miami Cigar Adds 601 Brand to Distribution Lineup

David Savona
Posted: October 31, 2008

Miami Cigar & Co. continues to pick up cigar brands to distribute. Today, the south Florida company announced that it will begin U.S. distribution of all the cigars sold by United Tobacco Inc. (also known as Espinosa y Ortega), including the highly rated 601 and Cubao. United is headquartered in Sunrise, Florida, and is owned by Eddie Ortega and Erik Espinosa.

In August, Miami Cigar picked up Felipe Gregorio, a brand that has been on the market for more than 15 years, as well as the lesser-known Brun del Ré from Costa Rica.

United launched the 601 brand in 2006, and Cubao debuted this year. Both have received 90-point scores in Cigar Aficionado. In the October 7 Cigar Insider, the Cubao line had an extraordinary debut vertical brand tasting, scoring an average 90.5 points, including 92 points for the No. 1, which measures 7 1/8 inches by 49 ring. Both brands are rolled by Jose "Pepin" Garcia in Nicaragua.

"We've been doing our own distribution," said Ortega in an interview today. "We looked at various options, and I think Miami Cigar is a good choice for us right now."

The relationship between United and Miami Cigar goes back for years, and the major players in both companies know each other well. "I've known them forever," said Ortega.

Miami Cigar also distributes La Aurora, as well as its own brands Don Lino, Don Lino Africa, Nestor Miranda Signature Selection and Tatiana, a line of flavored cigars.

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