Once again, El Septimo was back at the PCA show with what appeared to be the same booth setup they exhibited with last year. A large back way flanked with display cases featuring as screen showing images of their products to the sound of classical music. The center part of the booth was once again set up with velvet ropes to section off what has become the focal point of the booth, its multi-million-dollar display area with security guards all around it.

The center display was the home of more products than we saw last year where we saw five, multi-million-dollar gold and jewel encrusted table lighters that apparently all sold relatively quickly, according to Zaya Younan, owner of El Septimo. This year, we saw some very ornate ashtrays made of stone and jewels and lined with solid gold appointments. Only three of these ashtrays were made and are said to be valued at $10 million.

El Septimo seemed to be in the accessory mood this year. There were some interesting accessory pieces that will be falling under the Emperor and Sacred Arts Collection themes. First, the lighters will feature designs from several lines between Emperor and Sacred Arts. These include, Alexander, Augustus, Vartan, Napoleon, Yao, Rapheal, and Van Gogh. The lighters will ship September 1st and carry an MSRP of $250. Only 500 lighters will be produced, per design.

There were also matching cutters that will accompany the lighter counterparts, featuring the same line up of corresponding lines. These are double-blade guillotine cutters with side handles. These will also ship September 1st and will have an MSRP of $200. Only 500 cutters will be produced, per design.

In addition, they featured ash trays again featuring the same line up of designs from the same seven lines between Emperor and Sacred Arts. Each ash tray is a dual slot, made of porcelain and features gold trim around the edges and on the rests. There will be 500 ash trays made in each design and will retail for $450, shipping September 1st.

As for cigars, El Septimo only showcased one new cigar which was an add-on to the Emperor Collection that El Septimo debuted last year. This new cigar is called the Empress of Sheba. If you are wondering what is in the blend, unfortunately like almost all the cigars that El Septimo releases, it is completely undisclosed. In addition, through a press release, we learned the cigar will be offered in three different box colors, all with the same cigars: White, Purple, and Green. The Empress of Sheba will measure 6 x 60 and carry an MSRP of $20 or boxes of 20 for $400.

Be sure to check out our interview with Zaya Younan below.

Matt Tabacco

Born and raised in New England, Matthew Tabacco began smoking cigars and living up to his unique namesake in 2017. What began as just a social indulgence became a world of everything premium cigars- learning from some of the biggest and best in the business. From casual smoking to lighting up on the hit podcast The Smokin Tabacco Show, Matthew can usually be found in some of the largest smoke shops in the Northeast enjoying a cigar, talking business, or preparing for a show.