News: Eddie Ortega Leaves EO Brands

In a move that was not totally unexpected, Eddie Ortega has stepped down as president of EO Brands and is also leaving the partnership he started with Erik Espinosa.  This news comes according to a published report by Cigar Aficionado.  EO Brands is most famous for lines of cigars such as 601 and Murcielago.  A couple of years ago, Rocky Patel Premium Cigars acquired half of EO Brands as well as distribution rights for the cigars.

The launch of Ortega's new company, Ortega Cigars left a lot of speculation as to Ortega's future with EO Brands.  Ortega Cigars recently launched a web-site that detailed some of the information about the cigars that are coming.

There was no word on what Espinosa's future would be with EO Brands.  The article says that Ortega desired to do something on his own, and that was the reason for dissolving the partnership.   There is no also no word from Rocky Patel Premium Cigars on the future direction of the EO Brands' cigars.

Ortega leaves behind a strong cigar portfolio.   The 601 Blue is considered his greatest success to date and in 2011, EO released the 601 White and the 601 La Bomba.