Light It Up: Hooten Young Debuts RTBA Cigar at the NRA Show in Atlanta

Hooten Young is back – and they’ve got fire in their pocket.

At this year’s 154th NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, the veteran-founded lifestyle brand pulled back the curtain on something bold, smooth, and unmistakably American: the RTBA cigar – short for Right to Bear Arms. It’s a name that says it all.

If you were lucky enough to be at the show (April 24–27, 2025), you may have caught that unmistakable scent of a well-aged smoke drifting from The Cigar Shoppe booth. That was Hooten Young, rolling out the red carpet for their newest release – a 6 x 52 Toro cloaked in a toothy Habano wrapper and packed with hearty Nicaraguan fillers.

? Flavor Profile: Expect a medium-to-full bodied journey with notes of earthy spice, a touch of cocoa, and a clean finish that lingers like a good war story.

This isn’t just a cigar – it’s a statement. Crafted with the Second Amendment in mind, the RTBA was designed to channel the freedom-loving spirit of those who cherish liberty and tradition. In Norm Hooten’s words, it’s about “honoring our shared values… and the American tradition of enjoying a fine smoke in good company.”

? What’s the Story Behind the Smoke?

Hooten Young is undergoing a full-on brand relaunch under new ownership – and the RTBA marks the beginning of this next chapter. For those unfamiliar, Norman “Hoot” Hooten (yes, the real-life Hoot from Black Hawk Down) is the man behind the brand. Alongside this exclusive cigar, Hooten Young is also unveiling a new bourbon that’s just as bold – but more on that in a second.

The brand has also inked a three-year partnership with the NRA, making them a fixture at NRA events across the country with exclusive product drops and curated experiences. So yeah, you’ll be seeing a lot more of them – and we’re not mad about it.

? What Pairs Best With an RTBA Cigar? Try This…

Introducing: Hooten Young Bourbon, developed with the acclaimed Bardstown Bourbon Company. This upcoming small-batch whiskey is a love letter to American craftsmanship and is expected to hit shelves around July 4th. But if you’re at the NRA event? You’re first in line for a presale sneak peek.

And for a little extra flair? The brand rolled up to the party in a custom 1930 Ford Model A bootlegger truck built by none other than Dan Koker of Counting Cars fame. Yep, Hooten Young knows how to make an entrance.

? Final Draw

Between the RTBA cigar, the upcoming bourbon, and a Prohibition-era truck that looks like it just rumbled out of a moonshine run, Hooten Young is serving serious Americana vibes. They’re not just selling cigars and whiskey – they’re building a brand around honor, legacy, and the simple joy of gathering over a great smoke and a glass of something smooth.

So whether you’re at the show or waiting for the post-show retail rollout, keep your eyes on Hooten Young. Because this isn’t just a cigar – it’s a tribute. And it’s Made to Remember.