Pepin Garcia’s name doesn’t usually come to mind when considering the latest, greatest, Connecticut-wrapped releases. The San Cristobal Elegancia could be an attempt by the crew at My Father change this perception. If creating inroads beyond the Nicaraguan-spice-bomb market is a Garcia family priority, then Ashton, with their record of quality and established following, is an ideal choice for the Elegancia partnership.

Garcia-made sticks registering lower on the spice scale like the Vegas Cubanas and Tat Caibaguan are clearly winners. But My Father––or any other hot Nicaraguan boutique manufacturer––has yet to release a signature Connecticut that equals their best puros. Such an uber-successful CT launch may require super-premium positioning to captivate enthusiasts. Readily available and reasonably priced, the Elegancia doesn’t exude high-end exclusivity which may explain the comparatively little hype it received coming out of IPCPR.

Perhaps an opportunity for Ashton and Pepin to make a statement, to tell a story, has been lost?