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.

  • Oliva Serie V 7 x 70
    by Brooks Whittington on July 5, 2025 at 8:01 pm

    The thickest Oliva Serie V to date. However, while it was made specifically for Fox Cigar, the retailer says it will wholesale the release to other stores. The post Oliva Serie V 7 x 70 appeared first on halfwheel.

  • XIKAR Ion
    by Patrick Lagreid on July 4, 2025 at 7:00 pm

    The Ion features a large push-button ignition and comes with a claim it can light up to 80 cigars on a full tank. Time to put the Ion to the test and see just how well it delivers. The post XIKAR Ion appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Vector Drift Slated for Mid-August
    by Patrick Lagreid on July 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm

    Drawing on sharp lines and curves, the Drift is set to become the newest lighter in a group designed to offer high performance without a high price. It's offered in five colors and due out in a couple of weeks. The post Vector Drift Slated for Mid-August appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Island Jim Barber Pole #Two
    by Patrick Lagreid on July 3, 2025 at 9:58 pm

    This year, the Island Jim line added its fourth blend, and once again it comes in a 6 x 52 torpedo vitola that is designed to look like a pencil. The barber pole design features two Honduran-grown leaves, one a Connecticut-seed, the other a corojo. The post Island Jim Barber Pole #Two appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Canteros Restructures, Long White Cloud Distributors Launches in New Zealand
    by Patrick Lagreid on July 3, 2025 at 7:30 pm

    Grant Ovenden has launched a new import, distribution and wholesale company that serves cigar and pipe retailers in New Zealand. His retail business, Canteros Limited, will continue offering non-Cuban premium cigars alongside a selection of pipes and accessories. The post Canteros Restructures, Long White Cloud Distributors Launches in New Zealand appeared first on halfwheel.

  • L’Atelier Côte d’Or ’19, Surrogates Back Line Shipping Next Week
    by Charlie Minato on July 3, 2025 at 5:11 pm

    The Côte d'Or takes the same blend that was used for the '15 and '17, but puts in a 6 x 50 toro vitola. This is the first release for Surrogates Back Line, which is expected to be an annual limited edition inspired by guitar amps. The post L’Atelier Côte d’Or ’19, Surrogates Back Line Shipping Next Week appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Dutch Government Opens Comment Period for Plain Packaging Proposal
    by Charlie Minato on July 3, 2025 at 3:50 pm

    The Netherlands is inching closer towards plain packaging. The Dutch government's comment period about the proposal runs through Aug. 13. The post Dutch Government Opens Comment Period for Plain Packaging Proposal appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4 Set for August Return
    by Eric Guttormson on July 3, 2025 at 3:09 pm

    JRE Tobacco has confirmed the return of its Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4, scheduled to ship to retailers in August 2025. Originally introduced in 2019 as a limited edition offshoot of the Corojo Reserva line, the No. 4 has built a strong following over the years. It previously saw limited re-releases in 2021 and 2022, The post Aladino Corojo Reserva No. 4 Set for August Return appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • PDR Cigars Names Wayne Clarke VP of Sales
    by Patrick Lagreid on July 2, 2025 at 10:00 pm

    Clarke brings more than 14 years of experience to his new role, in which he will oversee PDR's sales staff. He will also work to deepen relationships with the company's retail partners across the country. The post PDR Cigars Names Wayne Clarke VP of Sales appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Altadis U.S.A. Announces Trinidad By Tommy Bahama—Island Collection
    by Charlie Minato on July 2, 2025 at 9:00 pm

    The new AJ Fernandez-made line is made entirely of Nicaraguan tobacco and will be offered in three vitolas. Altadis U.S.A. expects the cigars to ship in September. The post Altadis U.S.A. Announces Trinidad By Tommy Bahama—Island Collection appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Stoic Equanimity Launching Next Month
    by Charlie Minato on July 2, 2025 at 7:19 pm

    Equanimity is the company's sophomore release. Like the debut line, it is made by Klaas Kelner in the Dominican Republic. The post Stoic Equanimity Launching Next Month appeared first on halfwheel.

  • Gurkha Ghost Baggie Sampler Now Shipping Nationwide
    by Eric Guttormson on July 2, 2025 at 3:39 pm

    Gurkha Cigar Group has begun shipping its newly updated Ghost Baggie sampler pack, following its debut at the 2025 PCA trade show in April. The sampler features redesigned packaging intended to improve freshness and provide a modernized look. Each Ghost Baggie includes six cigars in Gurkha’s 6 x 54 “Asura” vitola—two each from the Ghost The post Gurkha Ghost Baggie Sampler Now Shipping Nationwide appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Flavor Odyssey – Mojito Variations
    by Eric Guttormson on June 30, 2025 at 8:19 pm

    Let’s shake up a Mojito with a unique twist! On this week’s episode of Flavor Odyssey, we’re wrapping up our series on classic cocktail variations. Join Robby and Randy as they explore the Mojito, tweaking the recipe for a fresh take, and pair it with the perfect cigar. Watch this episode LIVE on the Cigar Dojo The post Flavor Odyssey – Mojito Variations appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Luc Hyvernat Named Executive Vice President of Maya Selva Cigars
    by Eric Guttormson on June 30, 2025 at 4:26 pm

    Maya Selva Cigars has appointed Luc Hyvernat as its new Executive Vice President, according to a company announcement dated June 29, 2025. Hyvernat brings with him a background in wine, spirits, and tobacco, which the company notes will support its efforts in expanding the reach of its cigar lines—Flor de Selva, Cumpay, and Villa Zamorano—around The post Luc Hyvernat Named Executive Vice President of Maya Selva Cigars appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Black Label Trading Co. Ships Eletto Cigar to Mark Oveja Negra’s 10-Year Anniversary
    by Eric Guttormson on June 26, 2025 at 3:56 pm

    Black Label Trading Company has begun shipping its latest release, Eletto, to select retailers across the country. The cigar was created in honor of the 10th anniversary of Fabrica Oveja Negra, the Estelí-based factory where it is produced. “Eletto or ‘Chosen One’ is just as the name implies,” said James Brown, creator of Black Label The post Black Label Trading Co. Ships Eletto Cigar to Mark Oveja Negra’s 10-Year Anniversary appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Chillin’ Moose Releases Toro Sampler Featuring Core Lineup
    by Eric Guttormson on June 26, 2025 at 3:21 pm

    Chillin’ Moose has introduced a new humidified five-pack sampler featuring three of its signature blends, each presented in a 6 x 52 toro format. The pack includes cigars from the original Chillin’ Moose line, Chillin’ Moose Too, and Shady Moose. The original Chillin’ Moose blend is described as medium-bodied with earthy and spicy notes. Chillin’ The post Chillin’ Moose Releases Toro Sampler Featuring Core Lineup appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet
    by Jordan Guttormson on June 25, 2025 at 6:40 pm

    Since the late 1700s, when private companies were first recognized for their cigar brands—separate from the Spanish tobacco monopoly of the time—only 11 such entities had reached the coveted ‘150th anniversary’ milestone. Earlier this year, that number became 12, as one of the world’s best-known names—Romeo y Julieta—joined the ranks of the select few that The post Romeo y Julieta 150th Anniversary Balconet appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Punch Introduces Knuckle Buster Stubby 6-Pack Sampler
    by Eric Guttormson on June 25, 2025 at 6:38 pm

    Punch Cigars is expanding its Knuckle Buster line with the release of a new six-count sampler featuring its Stubby vitolas. Shipping in July 2025, the Knuckle Buster Stubby Pack includes two cigars each from the Habano, Maduro, and Shade lines, all in a 4.5 x 60 format. Each blend offers a different profile: Knuckle Buster The post Punch Introduces Knuckle Buster Stubby 6-Pack Sampler appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Crowned Heads Reveals Las Calaveras EL 2025 Blend
    by Eric Guttormson on June 25, 2025 at 2:52 pm

    Crowned Heads has announced the release of Las Calaveras EL 2025, marking the eleventh edition of its annual limited-edition series. This year’s blend introduces a San Andres (Mexico) wrapper, a choice not seen in the series for seven years and only the second time in its history. “What’s unique about this year’s Las Calaveras release,” The post Crowned Heads Reveals Las Calaveras EL 2025 Blend appeared first on Cigar Dojo.

  • Smoke Night LIVE – 5 Cigars That Changed My Life
    by Eric Guttormson on June 24, 2025 at 6:47 pm

    Every cigar smoker has a mental list of cigars that reshaped their understanding of what makes a cigar truly exceptional. Was it a maduro that revealed the perfect chocolate note? Or perhaps a flawlessly aged Connecticut shade-wrapped cigar that demonstrated the delicate balance of sweetness and bitterness? On this episode, the Dojo crew discusses the The post Smoke Night LIVE – 5 Cigars That Changed My Life appeared first on Cigar Dojo.