As the autumn air turns crisp and the nights grow longer, cigar enthusiasts know that Halloween isnβt just about candy and costumesβitβs also the time for Viajeβs highly anticipated seasonal cigar releases. For over a decade, Viaje has brought the spooky spirit to life with their limited-edition cigars, capturing the dark allure of October with unique blends and eye-catching themes. This year, Viaje has taken a bold step into the macabre with their latest offering: The Crow, an all-Nicaraguan cigar with a brooding Corojo ’99 wrapper.
The Story Behind The Crow
Scheduled for release on October 16th, The Crow is the latest addition to Viajeβs Halloween lineup, which in the past has included the likes of Full Moon and Mini Moon. However, this yearβs release marks a departure from tradition. Brand owner Andre Farkas decided to retire the Full Moon for 2024, making room for a cigar that carries an even darker, more mysterious aestheticβone that draws inspiration from Edgar Allan Poeβs haunting poem, The Raven.
Farkas explains that the crow has been a subtle presence in previous Halloween releases, hiding in plain sight on each Full Moon box. This year, however, the bird takes center stage. βThe Crow is now finally getting his due with his own line,β Farkas tells Cigar Aficionado.
A Smoke that Haunts
The Crow promises to be an entirely new experience for aficionados of Viaje’s Halloween cigars. Made in Nicaragua at the renowned Aganorsa Leaf factory, itβs crafted from all-Nicaraguan tobacco and wrapped in a rich, dark Corojo ’99 leaf. Measuring 5 1/2 inches long with a 50 ring gauge, it is a full-bodied smoke that, unlike other seasonal releases, avoids the flavors typically associated with Halloween. Forget the sweet, nostalgic notes of candy corn or pumpkin spiceβThe Crow is designed to deliver a much more complex and robust profile. Farkas describes it as “completely different” from any of Viajeβs previous holiday releases, and aficionados can expect a bold experience for their palates.
Retailing at $9.60 per cigar, The Crow will be available in boxes of 15, which will begin shipping to retailers next week. For those seeking a cigar to accompany the eerie, shadowy nights of Halloween, this might be just the perfect choice.
A Tribute to Tradition with a Dark Twist
For Viaje fans, The Crow represents both a nod to the companyβs history and an exciting new chapter. The tradition of Halloween-themed cigars started over a decade ago and has grown into a cherished part of the spooky season for cigar lovers. Past releases, like Full Moon, have been known for their playful, seasonal design, but The Crow takes the theme in a darker directionβmore “ominous” and fitting for the atmospheric, gothic tones of autumn.
In an industry where innovation and tradition walk hand in hand, Viaje continues to captivate by pushing boundaries while honoring the customs that have made their cigars beloved. The Crow isnβt just a seasonal noveltyβit’s a deeply considered, artful creation that reflects both the craft of fine cigar making and the spirit of Halloween.
As Farkas and Viaje bring The Crow to market, thereβs no doubt that it will offer a rich, memorable experience for cigar lovers looking for something a little different this Halloween. The wait is almost over, and soon, aficionados will have the chance to savor this full-bodied blend as they embrace the darker side of the season.
So, whether youβre lighting one up by the fire on a chilly autumn night or saving it for a special Halloween gathering, The Crow is sure to deliver a hauntingly good experience that lingers long after the smoke has cleared.