Industry News
Here you will find the latest cigar industry news and reviews from all major premium cigar publications, some of which include Cigar Aficionado, Cigar Obsession, Cigar Dogo, Halfwheel, Cigar Journal, and many more.
- Asylum 13 Arabian Nights 54 × 6 Belicosoby Brooks Whittington on July 19, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The new line was inspired by “One Thousand and One Nights”, a collection of Middle Eastern folk stories that were first published in the 18th century. There are five different vitolas, all packaged in a unique configuration inside of 10-count boxes. The post Asylum 13 Arabian Nights 54 × 6 Belicoso appeared first on halfwheel.
- Scrim by HutcH’s Newest Cutter Inspired by Led Zeppelinby Patrick Lagreid on July 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Led Zeppelin's best-selling album, "IV," is the inspiration for this new line. While the band has sold more than 37 million copies, only 100 of the cutters inspired by the album's artwork are being produced. The post Scrim by HutcH’s Newest Cutter Inspired by Led Zeppelin appeared first on halfwheel.
- Macanudo Sumatra Robustoby Patrick Lagreid on July 18, 2026 at 7:28 PM
Macanudo is one of the best-selling brands in the country, known for its mild, approachable flavor. This past spring, the brand added a pair of new blends, one of which is described as the rich, robust Macanudo Sumatra. The post Macanudo Sumatra Robusto appeared first on halfwheel.
- Kristoff Announces TAA 2026 Exclusiveby Patrick Lagreid on July 17, 2026 at 8:30 PM
The Tobacconists' Association of America will hold its annual meeting in late October, and Kristoff will once again have an exclusive for the retail members. It's a medium-plus profile, with production limited to just 10,000 cigars. The post Kristoff Announces TAA 2026 Exclusive appeared first on halfwheel.
- Germany Proposes Massive Cigar Tax Increaseby Charlie Minato on July 17, 2026 at 5:13 PM
For the collective industry, Germany is arguably the second most important market after the U.S. A new tax proposal could mean a 50+ percent increase for the prices consumers pay. The post Germany Proposes Massive Cigar Tax Increase appeared first on halfwheel.
- Casa Carrillo Reveals Encore Noir IIby Eric Guttormson on July 17, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Casa Carrillo has announced Encore Noir II, the second release in its Encore Noir series, with the cigar making its only U.S. debut during a launch weekend at Two Guys Smoke Shop in New Hampshire. Like its predecessor, Encore Noir II is an international release with a single U.S. retail partner. The launch is scheduled The post Casa Carrillo Reveals Encore Noir II appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Ireland Considering Generational Tobacco Banby Charlie Minato on July 17, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Ireland's Minister of Health confirmed that her department is looking into a generational ban. Meanwhile, the CRA is warning that a similar proposal might pick up steam in France. The post Ireland Considering Generational Tobacco Ban appeared first on halfwheel.
- OpusX Templo de Oro #8by Charlie Minato on July 16, 2026 at 9:30 PM
In December, a new version of OpusX appeared at retailers. Carlos "Carlito" Fuente Jr. says the cigar is blended to be creamier than the standard blend. The post OpusX Templo de Oro #8 appeared first on halfwheel.
- Perez-Carrillo Encore Noir II Releasedby Patrick Lagreid on July 16, 2026 at 8:30 PM
While the cigars were designed as an international release, one U.S. retailer—Two Guys CIgars—will get them for a launch event next weekend. The profile is described as being richer and more intense than the original Encore Noir, while maintaining the balance and elegance that defines the Encore series. The post Perez-Carrillo Encore Noir II Released appeared first on halfwheel.
- Bolivar Cofradia 770s Releasedby Charlie Minato on July 16, 2026 at 7:05 PM
The new 7 x 70 vitola is available for both the Bolivar Cofradia and Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro. Each cigar is priced just over $10. The post Bolivar Cofradia 770s Released appeared first on halfwheel.
- Cigar Dojo and Aganorsa Leaf Crack Open “Crispy Boy” Collaborationby Jordan Guttormson on July 16, 2026 at 6:01 PM
Cigar Dojo and Aganorsa Leaf have teamed up to introduce Crispy Boy, a limited-edition collaboration inspired by crisp lagers, easygoing afternoons, and the simple satisfaction of a cigar that always hits the spot. In beer circles, “crispy boy” is an affectionate term for a cold, clean, and refreshing lager. Cigar Dojo’s Crispy Boy takes that The post Cigar Dojo and Aganorsa Leaf Crack Open “Crispy Boy” Collaboration appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Bolivar Expands Cofradia Line with New 7×70 Sizesby Eric Guttormson on July 16, 2026 at 5:50 PM
Bolivar is expanding its Honduran-made Cofradia lineup with the addition of two new 7 x 70 cigars. The company has announced that both the Bolivar Cofradia and Bolivar Cofradia Oscuro are now available in the larger format, giving fans of oversized ring gauges another option within the brand’s portfolio. The new releases use the same The post Bolivar Expands Cofradia Line with New 7×70 Sizes appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Fratello Cowbell, a Swiss Exclusive, Launching on Aug. 1by Brooks Whittington on July 15, 2026 at 8:34 PM
The new limited cigars are a 5 x 50 robusto being sold exclusively at Swiss retailers. There are 200 boxes of 20 being released, for a total of 4,000 cigars. The post Fratello Cowbell, a Swiss Exclusive, Launching on Aug. 1 appeared first on halfwheel.
- The Ultimate Cigar Vitola Tier List with Steve Sakaby Eric Guttormson on July 15, 2026 at 4:25 PM
What is the best cigar size and shape? On this episode of Smoke Night LIVE, Steve Saka joins the Dojo crew as they rank the most popular cigar vitolas using the S-Tier system. From Robustos and Toros to Corona Gordas—and don’t even get Steve started on Lanceros—the panel debates the strengths and weaknesses of each The post The Ultimate Cigar Vitola Tier List with Steve Saka appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- United Cigars Makes Independence a Regular Production Cigarby Eric Guttormson on July 14, 2026 at 3:49 PM
After debuting earlier this year as part of the annual Firecracker series, the Independence blend is returning as a regular production cigar. United Cigars announced that Independence will become a permanent offering in the Arnold André premium cigar lineup, with shipments to retailers scheduled to begin on August 27. The release follows the limited Independence The post United Cigars Makes Independence a Regular Production Cigar appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Flavor Odyssey with guest Luis Baez of Flor de Cañaby Eric Guttormson on July 13, 2026 at 4:29 PM
It’s a special episode of Flavor Odyssey as Luis Baez, Global Brand Ambassador for Flor de Caña, joins the show to talk rum and cigars. Luis is one of the most engaging personalities in the spirits world and a familiar face at the Premium Cigar Association Trade Show, so he knows his tobacco as well The post Flavor Odyssey with guest Luis Baez of Flor de Caña appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Scott Pearce Testifies Before U.S. Trade Officials on Proposed Cigar Tariffsby Eric Guttormson on July 11, 2026 at 6:10 PM
The Cigar Association of America (CAA) made its case against proposed U.S. tariffs on premium cigars this week, with President Scott Pearce testifying before the federal government’s Section 301 Committee during what was the final public hearing on a proposed tariff schedule. The proposal would impose a 12.5% tariff on imports from most cigar-producing countries. The post Scott Pearce Testifies Before U.S. Trade Officials on Proposed Cigar Tariffs appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Smoke Night LIVE: Christian Eiroa on 30 Years in Cigarsby Jordan Guttormson on July 8, 2026 at 8:09 PM
This week on Smoke Night LIVE, we welcome Christian Eiroa of CLE Cigar Co., one of the most influential voices in Honduran tobacco and a cigar maker whose family legacy stretches back more than a century. From his years helping shape Camacho to building CLE, Eiroa, and Asylum into distinct brands of their own, Christian The post Smoke Night LIVE: Christian Eiroa on 30 Years in Cigars appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Bishops Blend Returns for Its 10th Anniversary Releaseby Eric Guttormson on July 7, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Black Label Trading Co. has begun shipping the 2026 edition of Bishops Blend to select retailers this week, marking the cigar’s 10th anniversary since its original debut in 2016. While the annual limited release returns with the same name, this year’s version introduces a notable change to the blend. For the first time, Bishops Blend The post Bishops Blend Returns for Its 10th Anniversary Release appeared first on Cigar Dojo.
- Flavor Odyssey: How Nicaragua Became the World’s Flavor Factoryby Eric Guttormson on July 6, 2026 at 6:34 PM
Over the past few decades, Nicaragua has gone from an up-and-coming tobacco producer to the undisputed leader in premium cigars. But how did it happen, and what makes Nicaraguan tobacco so special? On this episode of Flavor Odyssey, Robby and Randy explore the country’s rich tobacco heritage while pairing drinks with some of Nicaragua’s finest The post Flavor Odyssey: How Nicaragua Became the World’s Flavor Factory appeared first on Cigar Dojo.















