A story shaped by heritage, hard work, and the American dream reaches its conclusion — the final chapter of The American Story is now live. In this docuseries, J.C. Newman highlights the people and components that make the first 100% all-American cigar possible.
Knowledge
Jeremy Stamkos to Release Cigar Sanctuaries at PCA26
Jeremy Stamkos will officially release Cigar Sanctuaries: The Art and Science of the Modern Indoor Cigar Lounge at PCA26, the Premium Cigar Association’s annual trade show hosted in New Orleans.
J.C. Newman Premieres Chapter One of “The American Story”
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. premieres The American Story | Chapter One — a new multi-part docuseries celebrating the journey behind The American, the first and only 100% all-American cigar.
Cigar Scene
HumidifGroup Announces Expansion of Cigar Box Factory in Estelí
HumidifGroup today announced the expansion of its Cigar Box Factory (CBF) operations in Estelí, Nicaragua, with the construction of a second, purpose-built manufacturing facility. The new factory, opening in 2026, will significantly increase the company’s production capacity and allow it to offer improved pricing and faster delivery timelines to its global client base.
New Releases
J.C. Newman Unveils New Diamond Crown MAXIMUS
J.C. Newman Cigar Co. unveiled new Diamond Crown MAXIMUS cigars at the Premium Cigar Association trade show this past weekend (April 18-20, 2026) in New Orleans. The new Diamond Crown MAXIMUS will feature new packaging. Diamond Crown MAXIMUS will remain in boxes of 20 cigars, and the suggested retail price will not change. The new MAXIMUS is expected to ship in June.
Ratings & Awards
Cigar Journal’s Best Buy Cigars Of The Year 2025
The best cigars at the best price. This is what many cigar lovers are looking for.
Cigar Friendly
Casa Havaneza celebrates 162 years
The Casa Havaneza was founded in 1864 at Lisbon, Portugal, by Henry Burnay, a Belgian banker and a visionary entrepreneur that also shared a passion for cigar. In the traditional and vibrant neighborhood of Chiado, the shop rapidly became a meeting point for Portuguese writers, painters, politicians, businessmen and aristocrats.
Casa Havaneza celebrates 162 years
The Casa Havaneza was founded in 1864 at Lisbon, Portugal, by Henry Burnay, a Belgian banker and a visionary entrepreneur that also shared a passion for cigar. In the traditional and vibrant neighborhood of Chiado, the shop rapidly became a meeting point for Portuguese writers, painters, politicians, businessmen and aristocrats.
Procigar 2026 Auction Surpasses Half a Million Dollars
The Procigar 2026 humidor auction has surpassed the half-million-dollar mark, setting a new record of $534,100. Masterfully conducted, as always, by Michael Herklots, the auction reached its climax when AJ Fernandez bid $150,000 for the Arturo Fuente humidor.
From the Magazine
José O. Padrón’s: Unforgettable Moments
José Orlando Padrón, founder of the world-renowned cigar brand and pioneer of the Nicaraguan cigar industry, celebrated his 91st birthday in the middle of this year. The most valuable present to mark this jubilee, however, was prepared by and for himself (and, above all, for us passionados). In line with the Cuban poet and author…
Turmeaus Cigars & Whisky – UK’s Largest Cigar Shop
Liverpool’s favorite tiny tobacconist, Turmeaus, has just become the UK’s largest specialist cigar shop. C.Gars Ltd took over Turmeaus in 2003. The London-based company’s new flagship store, rechristened Turmeaus Cigars and Whisky, is now in the center of Liverpool.
The Taste of Havana
Recently published, the cookbook The Taste of Havana has numerous original Cuban recipes, is full of funny anecdotes and enlivened with colorful photos. Our Cigar Journal cook, Walter Monschein, tested the recipes and has put together a Cuban menu from the book for you. Put on whatever music you like – son cubano, rumba, salsa or reguetón – turn on the stove, and start cooking!
Las Vegas
Even Las Vegas has its limitations, at least when it comes to smoking. But there are still plenty of great cigar spots in the city, both on and off the Strip.
José O. Padrón’s: Unforgettable Moments
José Orlando Padrón, founder of the world-renowned cigar brand and pioneer of the Nicaraguan cigar industry, celebrated his 91st birthday in the middle of this year. The most valuable present to mark this jubilee, however, was prepared by and for himself (and, above all, for us passionados). In line with the Cuban poet and author…
Brand Focus: How Eiroa’s Asylum Came to Be
Asylum is the new brand from Christian Eiroa and Tom Lazuka, and it is known for being huge. The big cigars measure 7 x 70 and 8 x 80. But how did the brand come about? According to Tom Lazuka, it was his idea.
Sexy Cocktails in Berlin
“Poor, but sexy!” This is the motto of Germany’s capital. The description of the city of former mayor Klaus Wowereit is evidenced in many subject areas – from the economic situation to the hip trendy neighborhoods. In one area, though, it’s not quite true: the city’s bar scene. It isn’t poor, and in its diversity is very sexy.
The Favorite Wrapper
What makes the cigar manufactures and smokers of the world praise the ecuadorean wrapper? Take a trip with Cigar Journal to a country made to grow wrapper and you might just find out why.
FDA: Regulation of Premium Cigars Now On Hold
Federal Court Holds FDA Regulation of Premium Cigars to be “Arbitrary and Capricious”.
