Chaba makes (at least made) three lines of cigars with a variety of tobacco combinations and vitolas within each; Brasil Autenticos, Don Pepe and M&R. Two lines were great! M&R, not so much.
Lately in a typical taxation grab by the Brazilian government, all tobacco companies have had to reregister their lines with the local, state and federal governments. It's a big deal and very expensive from what I am hearing. Some manufacturers have cut their production of certain lines as a cost saving device, since the less product to register, the less taxes to pay. Some of the very small manufacturers have suspended production for resale completely. One good-sized manufacturer of an excellent single line of cigars, Angelina, also has a large food line in addition to its handrolling operation. The owner of one of the B&Ms I frequent says that Angelina will probably stop making cigars since the government is coming down hard on them for duplicating their trademark in both sectors, since the food line is far more profitable.
All that to say I am not sure what Chaba's status is, other than I have not seen their cigars for sale lately. But I will make a stronger effort to find the cigars our new brother is looking for. jasaretta and I are in touch through PMs now.
