Product News
Conor McGregor's Notorious Cigars Hit Store Shelves: Unapologetic and Crème de la Crème Now Shipping
Another famous name has entered the humidor. Notorious Cigars — the brand backed by UFC star Conor McGregor — began shipping its two core lines, Unapologetic and Crème de la Crème, to retailers this summer, with the rollout making news the week of July 9, 2026.
After debuting at the Premium Cigar Association trade show in late April, the cigars are now reaching shops, giving buyers a first real chance to judge the blends rather than the celebrity status behind them.
What's Shipping: The Blends
According to halfwheel and Cigar Journal, both lines are produced at the MJ Frias factory in Santiago, Dominican Republic, and are pitched at different palates to cover a wide range of consumer preferences.
- Unapologetic is the bolder of the two — a medium-to-full smoke wrapped in U.S.-grown Connecticut broadleaf, with an Ecuadorian Sumatra binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and the United States. The brand describes it as a rich, assertive experience.
- Crème de la Crème is more restrained, a medium-bodied blend using an Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper and a Brazilian Arapiraca binder over Nicaraguan, Dominican, and Colombian fillers. Tasting notes lean toward espresso, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and earthy spice.
The two-cigar structure is a familiar playbook in the industry: one bold, one smooth, allowing a shop to serve both ends of the flavor spectrum from a single brand display.
Celebrity Cigars: The Honest Take
McGregor joins a growing list of famous faces lending their names to cigars — a trend that has produced both genuine hits and forgettable cash-ins. While a recognizable name gets a brand onto shelves fast, it doesn't guarantee the quality of the smoke. This follows other major industry moves like Gary Payton’s RAW Papers Partnership which brings celebrity branding to the rolling aisle.
"The real test for Notorious is the same as for any new line: consistency of construction, burn, and flavor at a price smokers think is fair."
Early trade coverage has been curious rather than reverent, which is the standard posture until the cigars have some shelf time and independent reviews behind them. It is also worth noting that star power sells the box; it doesn't change what's inside it, and it doesn't change the health risks associated with combustible tobacco products.
What it Means for Shoppers
For those looking to explore this new arrival, keep the following in mind:
- Try before you commit to a box: With any new brand — celebrity-backed or not — a single stick is the smart first buy. Judge the draw, burn, and flavor yourself before investing in a five-pack or full box. If you prefer a more budget-friendly premium option, you might consider Factory Throwouts No. 49 Premium Cigars.
- Two profiles, two occasions: Unapologetic suits smokers who want a fuller, bolder cigar; Crème de la Crème is the easier daytime or newcomer-friendly option. This variety is similar to how Black and Mild Flavors offer different experiences for different times of day.
- Availability will spread gradually: Fresh launches reach retailers in waves, so stock and sizes may vary by shop in the early going. This is typical for new 2026 releases hitting shops during a busy summer for premium cigars.
The Bottom Line
Conor McGregor's Notorious Cigars are no longer just a trade-show talking point — they're shipping, and shoppers can finally form their own opinion. Whether the brand has staying power will come down to what's in the wrapper, not whose name is on the band. For now, it's a genuine new arrival worth a curious first light, similar to other recent high-profile releases like Drew Estate’s Undercrown El Tigre Dominicano.
A2Z Tobacco sells cigars and other tobacco products intended for adults 21 and older. Valid age verification is required. Cigars are addictive and carry health risks.