Protocol Crime Scene Unit: A Dark, Bold New Core Line Release
Protocol Cigars adds a sixth cigar to its core line with the release of the Crime Scene Unit—shipping to retailers this week.
A Tribute to Forensic Heroes
Staying true to its law enforcement roots, Protocol’s latest creation pays tribute to the meticulous professionals in Crime Scene Units. These forensic teams are vital to solving cases, collecting fingerprints, DNA, and physical evidence to bring justice to victims.
The Crime Scene Unit cigar honours that work. It’s crafted for those who don’t shy away from darkness—they thrive in it.
A Dream Realised with Connecticut Broadleaf
For the first time, Protocol uses a Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro wrapper, a long-time goal of company founder Juan Cancel. “Since day one, I wanted to release a cigar with this wrapper,” Cancel explains. “But I was always told a company our size couldn’t get it.”
That changed thanks to Abdel Fernandez of AJ Fernandez Cigars. Cancel credits his friend and mentor with making this blend possible, calling the support “a dream come true.”
Blend and Format
The Crime Scene Unit features:
Wrapper: Connecticut Broadleaf Maduro
Binder: Mexican San Andrés Maduro
Filler: Nicaraguan Criollo and Corojo from Jalapa and Estelí
The result is a bold, complex cigar. It delivers creamy, chocolatey notes with a gritty backbone—fitting for a blend inspired by investigative grit.
Master Blender Hector Alfonso Sr. of Espinosa Premium Cigars describes it as “a profile that balances strength and finesse, like an investigator balances instinct and evidence.”
Production Details and Limited Status
This short double corona measures 6.5 x 50 and comes in 10-count boxes priced at $180 per box or $18 per cigar. While the original plan was for 300 boxes, production limitations reduced the release to 150 boxes.
At present, Protocol categorises the Crime Scene Unit as a limited production offering. Whether more will follow remains uncertain.
The cigars are now shipping and should appear on retail shelves in the coming days.
