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Hooten Young, a veteran-founded lifestyle brand known for its premium cigars and spirits, is proud to announce the debut of its new “RTBA” cigar at the 154th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits in Atlanta, Georgia (April 24–27, 2025) . This exclusive release will be sold only to NRA convention attendees during the event through Hooten Young’s retail partner, The Cigar Shoppe of Cumming, Georgia. Following the show, the limited-edition cigar will become available to select retail partners, marking the first rollout of Hooten Young’s relaunch under new ownership led by Norman “Hoot” Hooten.
The RTBA cigar – short for “Right to Bear Arms” – is a 6 x 52 Toro rolled in a rich Habano wrapper over Nicaraguan fillers, delivering a smooth medium to full-bodied smoking experience. Crafted to celebrate the spirit of the Second Amendment, the RTBA offers aficionados a bold yet refined flavor profile that reflects the freedom and camaraderie at the heart of the NRA community. “We wanted to create a cigar that honors our shared values and the American tradition of enjoying a fine smoke in good company,” said Norman “Hoot” Hooten, President and co-founder of Hooten Young. “I”
This launch coincides with a major milestone for Hooten Young: a comprehensive brand relaunch under Hooten’s leadership, reinforcing the company’s evolution into a full-fledged lifestyle brand. Hooten – a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant and Special Operations veteran known as the real-life “Hoot” portrayed in Black Hawk Down – co-founded Hooten Young to honor the legacy of American heroes. Under the new ownership, Hooten Young remains committed to its core values of honor, legacy, and premium American craftsmanship, and has forged a newly announced three-year partnership with the NRA spanning both cigars and whiskey. This collaboration will make Hooten Young an official partner at NRA events for the next three years, providing exclusive products and experiences tailored to NRA members.
“This NRA partnership is a natural fit for us,” Hooten said. “We share a common love of liberty and heritage. Our mission at Hooten Young has always been to create products that pay tribute to the heroes who defend our freedoms and to the time-honored traditions we enjoy. Whether it’s a cigar or a glass of whiskey, we want every Hooten Young experience to be Made to Remember, bringing people together to celebrate what truly matters.”
In addition to the RTBA cigar, Hooten Young is unveiling its newest whiskey at the NRA expo: the Hooten Young Bourbon, crafted in partnership with Bardstown Bourbon Company. Slated to hit the market around Independence Day 2025 (July 4, 2025) , this premium bourbon will be previewed for NRA attendees who will have an exclusive first chance to reserve bottles via presale at the show. Developed with Bardstown’s award-winning distillers, the bourbon exemplifies Hooten Young’s dedication to excellence and is poised to become the next staple in its lineup of small-batch spirits that honor American tradition.
Beyond the convention floor, the Hooten Young team is rolling out a series of special activations and events to engage the local community and NRA attendees. Throughout the week, Hooten Young will host live cigar-rolling demonstrations, whiskey tastings, and bottle-signing sessions with Norm Hooten at venues in the Atlanta area. As a centerpiece attraction, the company is also debuting a custom 1930 Ford Model A “whiskey smuggling” truck, a restored bootlegger-style vehicle built by Dan Koker of Count’s Kustoms (known from History’s “Counting Cars”) . This one-of-a-kind truck – complete with Prohibition-era design elements – serves as a symbol of American ingenuity and rebellious spirit. It underscores Hooten Young’s flair for blending history with craftsmanship, offering event-goers a tangible taste of the brand’s storytelling lifestyle.
“Hooten Young isn’t just about cigars and whiskey; it’s about celebrating the American way of life,” added Hooten. “From our RTBA cigar to our upcoming bourbon and even that bootlegger truck, everything we do is rooted in honor, legacy, and a love for country. We’re excited to share these experiences with NRA members and beyond, and we look forward to continuing to grow this community of folks who appreciate quality, tradition, and the simple joy of camaraderie.”
