Press Release
MOLON LABE EARNS NATIONAL RECOGNITION ACROSS CIGARS, COFFEE AND SPIRITS
Independent honors across all three categories reinforce the New Hampshire brand’s vision for a unified premium lifestyle experience
FREMONT, NH – September 16, 2026 — Molon Labe Cigars, Coffee, and Spirits is celebrating a milestone year of independent industry recognition, earning top honors across each of the three categories that make up the Molon Labe Experience: the brand’s intentionally designed pairing of cigars, coffee and spirits built around quality ingredients, superior flavor, craftsmanship and the simple ritual of slowing down and enjoying the moment.
The recognition includes perfect 100-point scores across all five Molon Labe coffees at the 2026 CPG Awards by Food & Beverage Magazine, along with Best of Show recognition; 10 awards across the Molon Labe Spirits portfolio at the 2026 PR%F Awards; and ratings of 92, 91 and 91 for three of the brand’s premium Molon Labe Fuera de Serie cigars from Cigar Press.
Together, the honors represent significant third-party validation of a brand built around an unconventional idea: that premium cigars, coffee and spirits can stand exceptionally on their own while creating a remarkable experience when enjoyed together.
“We’ve always believed the strength of Molon Labe starts with the products themselves,” said Steven Bartell, Founder & President of Molon Labe. “What has been especially rewarding is the validation of the Molon Labe Experience both by the industry and by consumers. At our events and activations, we watch people discover a cigar, coffee or spirit on its own and then experience how intentionally they work together when paired. That response is what we’ve intended from the beginning.”
Five Coffees. Five Perfect Scores.
At the 2026 CPG Awards by Food & Beverage Magazine, each of Molon Labe’s five coffees, Death by Chocolate, Soprano Espresso, Nicaragua, Sumatra and Crème Brûlée, received a perfect 100/100 score, with the portfolio also receiving Best of Show recognition.
The recognition underscores the quality of a coffee portfolio designed to stand on its own while also playing an intentional role in the broader Molon Labe Experience. The brand’s Death by Chocolate coffee is the key ingredient in the Molon Labe Espresso Martini, the recipe for which was named Best Espresso Martini in 2024 by New England Magazine.
Ten Awards Across the Molon Labe Spirits Portfolio
Molon Labe’s spirits portfolio also received 10 awards at the 2026 PR%F Awards Tasting and Design Competitions, adding independent recognition to the farm-to-flask spirits business rooted in New Hampshire.
The portfolio includes Single Barrel Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, Maple Bourbon, Rye Whiskey and Barrel Finished Rum, with expressions designed to stand independently while also complementing specific cigars and coffees within the Molon Labe portfolio.
The awards received are as follows:
- Single Barrel Bourbon: Gold, Double Gold
- Wheated Bourbon: Silver, Double Gold
- Maple Bourbon: Gold, Double Gold
- Rye Whiskey: Silver, Gold
- Barrel Finished Rum: Gold, Double Gold
Premium Cigars Earn 92, 91 and 91 Ratings
The recognition extends to the category where Molon Labe began.
Cigar Press awarded Molon Labe’s Fuera de Serie Nicaragua Maduro Toro a 92 rating, and the Nicaragua Habano Toro and Dominican Maduro Robusto each received 91 ratings.
Molon Labe also serves as the Official Cigar of SHOT Show, where its on-site cigar lounge has introduced thousands of attendees to the brand and its cross-category approach.
The Molon Labe Experience
Rather than operating cigars, coffee and spirits as separate brands, Molon Labe has intentionally built them under one name and one experience. As Molon Labe enters its next stage of growth, the company is focused on expanding relationships with premium cigar retailers, liquor retailers, hospitality accounts and consumers while continuing to build experiences that connect its three product categories.
“Our goal isn’t simply to put three categories under one logo,” Jennifer Thorson, Partner and Senior Vice President said. “It’s to create products people genuinely want to come back to, and curate experiences worth repeating. Having independent judges recognize the quality across cigars, coffee and spirits gives us tremendous confidence in what comes next.”
About Molon Labe Cigars, Coffee, and Spirits
Molon Labe is a premium cigar, coffee and spirits company built with intention around the art of the perfect pairing. The brand produces premium cigars, small batch coffee and farm-to-flask spirits designed to complement one another as part of a single experience. Named for the ancient Greek phrase meaning “Come and take it,” Molon Labe represents independence, craftsmanship and a commitment to experiencing life intentionally. Learn more at molonlabecigars.com.
Brand Contact:
Jennifer Thorson
Partner & Senior Vice President
Molon Labe Cigars, Coffee, and Spirits
jennifer@mlcigars.com
