Premium Cigar News and Notes

Alaska: Earlier this week, the Fairbanks City Council voted to raise the city’s tax on tobacco products from 8 percent to 20 percent of the wholesale price, a move that some said brings the city closer to the average tax imposed by cities but still falls short of what some would have liked to see.

Across Latin America, where ancient traditions and rich culture intertwine, lies the premium cigar industry’s heart and soul. The story of culture in the Americas and its profound influence on cigars is a tale of heritage, craftsmanship, and passion passed down through generations.

The Andes Highlands, with its fertile soil and ideal climate, is believed to have been the cradle of the form of "black tobacco" exclusively used in the creation of premium cigars. It was here in South America (present-day Peru and Ecuador), where Nicotiana Sylvestris and Nicotiana Rusticum intertwined upwards of 18,000 years ago to give life to Nicotiana Tabacum, the strain long favored by aficionados of the leaf. The Mayans and Aztecs first cultivated and smoked tobacco, using it for rituals, medicine, and leisure. These early civilizations recognized tobacco’s spiritual and social significance, setting the foundation for the premium cigar culture that would later flourish.

By the 19th century, countries such as Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua became the cradle of the premium cigar industry. The intricate art of cigar rolling, handed down from master to apprentice, mirrored the meticulous craftsmanship seen in the region's intricate textiles and vibrant pottery.

Central America’s cultural impact on the premium cigar industry extended beyond just the process; it also embedded community and family values the industry still cherishes today. The family-run tobacco farms embodied the spirit of togetherness and shared labor, mirroring the strong family bonds deeply ingrained in Central American culture. Every worker on these tobacco farms played a crucial role in the production process, much like how every family member contributed to the well-being of the household.

This belief that cigar manufacturers are responsible not just for their employees as employees but as extended family members, remains a strong part of premium cigar culture today. Beyond the cigar factory doors, the influence of the premium cigar industry extends to remote and underserved communities through a multitude of charitable initiatives. These philanthropic endeavors, often funded by cigar manufacturers and distributors, such as Casa Fuente’s Fuente Family Foundation, Oliva’s Helping Hands Foundation, and the Plasencia family’s Souls from the Earth, provide vital support in the form of education and medical assistance.

Education stands as a cornerstone of these initiatives. Premium cigar companies recognize the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty in remote regions. They fund schools, scholarships, and vocational training programs, ensuring children have access to quality education and the skills they need to thrive and build a better future. By investing in education, these companies empower young minds and open doors

In addition to education, premium cigar companies play a pivotal role in providing medical support to communities lacking healthcare facilities. They fund clinics, mobile medical units, and medical outreach programs, delivering much-needed healthcare services to remote areas. These initiatives address health disparities, combat preventable diseases, and improve overall well-being within these communities.

The premium cigar industry also remains deeply committed to sustainability, a value deeply rooted in Central American culture. Many cigar producers in the region prioritize eco-friendly practices, recognizing the importance of preserving their natural resources for future generations. This commitment to sustainability reflects the region’s environmental consciousness and pays homage to the indigenous communities who have stewarded these lands for centuries. By doing so, they not only safeguard the natural beauty of the regions but also ensure the longevity of the tobacco crops that sustain their industry.

In closing, the premium cigar industry's indebtedness to Central American culture is undeniable. From the tobacco fields of Honduras to the aging rooms of the Dominican Republic, the legacy of Central American culture lives on in every premium cigar. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of this remarkable region, where tradition, craftsmanship, family, and community converge to create an unparalleled smoking experience. As cigar enthusiasts savor each puff, they are not just indulging in a cigar but immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Central American culture. This legacy continues to burn brightly through every hand-rolled premium cigar.

Florida: You are immediately transported back in time when you walk into the J.C. Newnan Cigar Co in Ybor City. The employees at the factory are artisans, channeling generations of knowledge through their hands to blend the best tobacco leaves into a work of art. Cigar rollers are doing the job at J.C. Newman like it's been done for over a hundred years. 

Florida: In the 1920s, there were more than 200 cigar factories, mostly in Ybor City and West Tampa, making Tampa the global hub of the industry.

Federal: The premium cigar industry recently declared victory in the fight against oversight by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Celebrations may have been premature.