Weekly News (Jan. 1, 2024)

Report: Premium Cigar Imports Near 2022 Levels Through Q3 2023

Last year, there were a record number of premium cigars imported into the U.S. The general consensus talking to cigar companies is that 2023 has been very strong but maybe not as good as last year. The Cigar Association of America (CAA) released its Q3 numbers that showed that the gap between 2022 and 2023 is shrinking and there’s a possibility that this year might exceed it. It seems like that’s more unlikely than likely, but the fact that it’s a possibility caught me off guard.

Editorial

• Graded: Ten Questions for 2023
• Ten Questions for 2024

Cigar News

• Fuerte y Libre Turns to Illusione for Fulfillment
• Kafie 1901 Introducing Naked Cigars
• Scrim by HutcH Adds Cigar Knife with Mammoth Ivory Handle

Regulations

Local

• Multnomah County, Ore.’s Flavored Tobacco Ban Delayed Just Days Before Going Into Effect
• Tewksbury, Mass. Board of Health Considering Capping Tobacco Sales Permits — via LowellSun.com

Reviews

• Alfonso Gran Selección Preciosos
• Joya de Nicaragua Cinco de Cinco Corona Extra
• La Palina 1948 Diadema
• Lost&Found Halloween
• Tatiana 25th Anniversary Limited Edition Toro
• Tatuaje 20th Anniversary Grand Chasseur

Deals From Our Sponsors

• Atlantic Cigar Co: Oliva Serie V 135th Anniversary — $99.95 gets you this box plus a free five-pack of AJF cigars.
• Cigars Direct: God of Fire Watch Winder Humidor — This was one of two watch winder humidor combinations to be shown off at PCA 2023.
• Corona Cigar Co.: La Aurora 120th Anniversary Preferido — We actually just bought a box from Corona.
• Famous Smoke Shop: Davidoff Diadema Nicaragua — This size was once only offered as part of an expensive humidor, but you can also get it in boxes of 12. It might be my favorite Davidoff Nicaragua.
• Gotham Cigars: Montecristo White Whiskey Glass Set — Get five Montecristo White Toros, two branded whiskey glasses and a set of whiskey stones.
• JR Cigars: Joya de Nicaragua Cinco Decadas El Doctor — This is a great buy at $10 per cigar.
• LM Cigars: Free Shipping
• Smoking Pipes: Arturo Fuente La Gran Fumada Impossible 13 Collection 2022 — At $2,600, this is still absurdly expensive but that price is without any mark-up.