La Flor Dominicana Begins Shipping Apollonia, Its TAA 2025 Exclusive
La Flor Dominicana has begun shipping Apollonia, its TAA 2025 exclusive cigar. The limited release will reach select American retailers this week.
A New TAA Exclusive from La Flor Dominicana
La Flor Dominicana expands its portfolio of retailer exclusives with Apollonia. The cigar joins the 2025 TAA Exclusive Series and targets a small group of high-volume American merchants. The release reflects LFD’s long-standing support for the Tobacconists’ Association of America (TAA).
The cigar measures 6 1/2 x 44 in a box-pressed lonsdale format. LFD wraps it in Cameroon leaf and pairs it with a Dominican binder and fillers. This combination aligns with the company’s reputation for bold, distinctive blends.
Each cigar carries an MSRP of $20. Production is limited to 1,500 boxes of 20 cigars. Collectors and LFD loyalists will likely seek this release due to its narrow distribution and modest production run.
Inspiration Behind the Name
Apollonia takes its name from Apollonia Corleone, the first wife of Michael Corleone in The Godfather. Italian actress Simonetta Stefanelli played the character in the 1972 film. LFD often draws inspiration from culture and storytelling, and this release nods to one of cinema’s most iconic narratives.
Understanding the TAA and Its Exclusive Series
The TAA includes roughly 80 retailers and about 40 manufacturers. Members meet annually to address industry issues and to participate in a unique trade show format. The association prioritises collaboration, high-volume purchasing, and exclusive opportunities for its merchants.
How the TAA Event Works
The annual gathering features two selling events. The Dream Machine allows retailers to pool orders to secure deeper discounts. The second event resembles a classic trade show, where brands showcase products directly to attending merchants.
Under the TAA Exclusive Series Programme (ESP), around a dozen manufacturers release cigars solely for TAA retailers. These companies also donate a portion of proceeds—at least 50 cents per cigar—to support the organisation.
TAA 2025 Participants
For 2025, several manufacturers confirmed ESP cigars: Casa Carrillo, CLE, Crowned Heads, Ferio Tego, J.C. Newman, Knuckle Sandwich Cigars, La Flor Dominicana, and Plasencia. Apollonia represents LFD’s contribution to the line-up
