When it comes to kicking back with a good smoke, few things hit the spot like a well-crafted cigar that tells a story. Lure Cigars Co. has just dropped their latest gem in the Catch & Release Series, and it's turning heads among folks who appreciate the finer side of relaxation. Called The Slim Jim, this limited-edition stick is now available, offering a fresh take on classic flavors that's perfect for those quiet evenings on the porch or after a day on the water.
The Slim Jim stands out with its sleek 6 1/2 by 42 size, known in cigar circles as a Lonsdale vitola. It's wrapped in a rich Connecticut broadleaf leaf, which gives it that deep, earthy look and feel. Underneath, there's a binder sourced straight from Estelí in Nicaragua, a spot famous for producing top-notch tobacco components. The fillers come from two key Nicaraguan regions: Jalapa, where the soil brings out those smooth, nuanced notes, and Ometepe, an island area that adds a bit of volcanic punch to the mix. All of this gets rolled by hand at the La Tabacaria factory right in Estelí, ensuring every one is put together with care and precision.
Image credit: Lure Cigars Co.
Priced at just $11 per cigar, it's an accessible luxury for guys who don't want to break the bank but still crave quality. And speaking of limited, they're only making 360 bundles, each containing five cigars. That means once they're gone, they're gone – a smart move that builds excitement and keeps collectors on their toes. It's the kind of scarcity that makes you want to grab a bundle while you can, maybe share one with a buddy over stories of the one that got away.
This isn't just any cigar; it's part of Lure's Catch & Release lineup, which ties right into the brand's roots. The series kicked off back in early 2024 with The Speckle’d Perch, a hefty 6 by 54 box-pressed toro that set the tone for bold, flavorful smokes inspired by fishing adventures. Then, toward the end of that year, they followed up with The Brown E-Trout, keeping the theme alive and building a loyal following among enthusiasts who see cigars as more than just tobacco – they're a nod to good times outdoors.
Behind it all is Lou Cross III, who started Lure Cigars Co. in 2023. He did it as a heartfelt tribute to his dad, Lou Cross Jr., a man who loved nothing more than lighting up a cigar while casting a line. That father-son connection resonates deeply, especially for those of us who've shared similar moments – teaching a kid to fish, swapping tales around a campfire, or just unwinding with a smoke after a long week. Lure turns that sentiment into something tangible, blending the worlds of cigars and angling in a way that feels genuine and unpretentious.
What makes The Slim Jim special is how its design plays up the strengths of the materials. With that slimmer profile, the wrapper takes center stage, letting those signature broadleaf tastes shine through more intensely because of the higher ratio of wrapper to filler. It's a clever twist that packs a punch without overwhelming. As the company put it in their press release: “The thinner profile of ‘The Slim Jim’ in a Lonsdale vitola brings out the signature Broadleaf flavors with a higher wrapper to filler ratio, but don’t let the smaller ring gauge fool you, this cigar offers a lot of smoke with a perfect draw.”
For anyone who's spent time with broader cigars, this one might surprise you. The draw is spot-on, pulling smoothly from start to finish, and it produces a generous amount of smoke that fills the air with those warm, inviting aromas. Imagine settling into your favorite chair, the sun dipping low, and savoring draws that reveal layers of flavor – maybe a hint of chocolate from the broadleaf, balanced by the spicy undertones from the Nicaraguan fillers. It's built for savoring, not rushing, which fits right into that laid-back lifestyle many of us chase as we get older.
Lure's approach with the Catch & Release Series keeps things fresh by drawing on fishing themes, but it's the craftsmanship that keeps people coming back. From the choice of tobaccos to the factory's expertise, every detail is dialed in. The Connecticut broadleaf wrapper, for instance, is prized for its maduro-like qualities, offering a sweetness that's not too overpowering, while the Estelí binder holds everything together seamlessly. Blending fillers from Jalapa and Ometepe adds complexity – Jalapa's known for its elegant, floral notes, and Ometepe brings that robust, mineral edge from the volcanic soil. Rolled in Estelí, a hub for some of the world's best cigars, it all comes together in a stick that's as reliable as your go-to fishing rod.
If you're new to this series, starting with The Slim Jim could be a great entry point. It's slimmer than its predecessors, like the box-pressed toro of The Speckle’d Perch or whatever shape The Brown E-Trout took, but it doesn't skimp on experience. Production limits mean you'll want to act fast – 360 bundles translate to just 1,800 cigars total, a drop in the bucket for a growing brand like Lure. At $11 a pop, it's positioned as a premium yet approachable option, ideal for stocking your humidor without second thoughts.
Lou Cross III's vision shines through here. Founding the company to honor his father isn't just a backstory; it's the heart of what makes Lure stand out. Lou Cross Jr.'s passions for cigars and fishing are woven into every release, creating a brand that's about more than products – it's about memories and traditions. For many, picking up a Lure cigar is like reliving those simple pleasures: the thrill of a bite on the line, the satisfaction of a well-rolled smoke, and the quiet pride in carrying on family legacies.
As the Catch & Release Series evolves, The Slim Jim marks another step in Lure's journey, proving that even in a crowded market, there's room for innovation tied to timeless appeals. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or just dipping your toes into premium cigars, this one deserves a spot in your rotation. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best things come in slimmer packages, delivering big on flavor and enjoyment without any fuss.
