KALEO Frontman JJ Julius Son x Kingmakers Debut Signature Cigar

Known for his gravel-edged vocals, cinematic songwriting, and electrifying live performances, JJ Julius Son, frontman of GRAMMY®-nominated Icelandic rock band Kakeo, is now bringing his artistry to an entirely new medium: premium cigars.

In partnership with boutique cigar house Kingmakers, JJ has created the JJ × Kingmakers cigar — a project three years in the making and crafted with the same attention to detail that defines his music. The 6×54 vitola is wrapped in a flawless Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade leaf, encasing a balanced blend of Nicaraguan and Dominican tobaccos. The smoke opens with toasted almond, white pepper, and honeyed cream, unfolding into cedar and citrus zest for a profile that’s delicate in strength but rich in character.

Says JJ Julius Son:

“For me, music and cigars share the same language — rhythm, nuance, and emotion. Every note or draw is about creating a moment you want to return to. This cigar is my way of offering that experience beyond the stage.”

The JJ × Kingmakers cigar made its public debut at the Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival, where JJ not only performed but the cigar drew praise for its refined flavour and meticulous construction. The release arrives during a landmark year for Kaleo, following the launch of their critically acclaimed third studio album MIXED EMOTIONS and North American tour that included stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre and BottleRock Festival. The tour continues throughout the fall: see full tour dates at this location.

JJ Julius Son, photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival

Kingmakers Co-Founder and COO Claudio Torres adds:

“JJ brings a rare dedication to craft. In music, that means every lyric and note is intentional. In cigars, it means every leaf and every stage of the process is chosen with care. This blend reflects that shared philosophy.”