All Articles

California has taken another bold and controversial step in tobacco regulation with the introduction of the Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL) — an official roster of tobacco products approved by the California Attorney General’s Office as “unflavored under the law.”

When a legacy house like Arturo Fuente  tweaks its playbook, the entire premium market pays attention. This fall, two moves defined the...

Few makers blend scale and soul like AJ Fernandez . Ten years after New World  redefined value-to-quality expectations, the company is...

Plasencia Cigars  has a knack for turning agricultural nuance into humidor-friendly theater. In 2025, two spotlights share the stage: the...

Karen Berger Cigars  is building one of the cleanest modern identities in Estelí: polished bands, reliable construction, and blends that...

J.C. Newman Cigar Co.  heads into the holiday stretch with a trio of storylines that are as Tampa as Cuban sandwiches: nationwide...

In an industry long dominated by heritage names and century-old factories, boutique cigar brands are rewriting the rules. Over the last decade, smaller producers have surged in visibility, crafting distinctive blends, telling personal stories, and connecting directly with consumers. This “boutique boom” is not just a passing trend—it is reshaping the landscape of premium cigars.

The premium cigar industry is built on patience, precision, and artistry. But it is also an industry vulnerable to sudden disruption. In...

For years, premium cigar makers in the United States and abroad have watched anxiously as regulatory pressures mounted. The Food and Drug...

Few debates stir the cigar industry as much as the question: what exactly qualifies as a “premium cigar”? For consumers, the answer may seem straightforward—handmade, carefully blended, and crafted with whole-leaf tobacco. But in the legal and regulatory arena, the definition carries major consequences. From tax obligations to FDA oversight, how “premium” is defined shapes the future of manufacturers, retailers, and smokers alike.

For decades, cigars were seen primarily as indulgences—a way to celebrate, relax, or mark an occasion. But in recent years, a new narrative has emerged: premium cigars as investment assets. Collectors and high-net-worth individuals are increasingly viewing cigars not only as consumables but as tangible commodities that can appreciate in value.

Cuban cigars have long been a symbol of luxury, prestige, and craftsmanship. Despite global economic uncertainty, political constraints, and competition from neighboring producers, Cuba’s cigar industry continues to capture attention worldwide. In 2024, Habanos S.A., the state-run company that manages the island’s premium cigar exports, announced record-breaking sales of $827 million.

When cigar smokers today talk about quality, richness, and consistency, one name dominates the conversation: Nicaragua. Over the past decade, the country has not only established itself as a central hub for cigar manufacturing but has surpassed its Caribbean neighbors to become the undisputed leader in premium cigar exports.

The premium cigar industry has always been a fascinating balance of tradition and market evolution. In 2025, that balance has tilted toward growth and resilience, as new data confirms that handmade cigars are once again seeing an increase in U.S. imports. For enthusiasts, retailers, and producers alike, this is more than just a statistic—it’s a sign that the culture and craft of cigars remain firmly woven into global luxury markets.

Joya de Nicaragua Celebrates 45 Years with Cuatro Cinco When a cigar company reaches 45 years in business, it’s more than an...