Arms Race Escalate — A New Brand Declares War on Mass Production. Only 1,000 Made.
Posted on July 31 2026
A brand-new name is entering the humidor with a single mission: reject mass production entirely. Arms Race opens its debut lineup with Escalate, a strictly limited first release built for smokers who've stopped settling.
Wrapper: Mexican San Andrés
Binder: Undisclosed
Filler: Undisclosed
Strength: Medium+
Vitola: Robusto, 5.5 x 50
Price: $73.65 per 5-pack, or $147.30 per box of 10 (includes a limited Escalate sticker pack)
Availability: In stock now
Blended by Don William Ventura at Tabacalera El Maestro, Escalate leans on the wrapper's natural earth and dark chocolate character up front, with cedar and a touch of leather emerging as the medium-plus profile builds. It's a deliberately understated blend that rewards patience rather than shouting for attention. Total production is capped at 1,000 cigars, with no reorders planned once this run is gone.
Also see: Ezra Zion Makin' Bacon Extra Crispy, another strictly limited release built on a San Andrés wrapper.