The grand finale of the Cigar Smoking World Championship (CSWC) is almost here. This year, the event deserves an epithet like “grand finale” more than ever. The world records in slow smoking have been broken several times in 2016 and the titles were switching like a seesaw between the U.S.A and Russia.
Cigar Malaysia opens first brick and mortar cigar shop in Kuala Lumpur
Cigar Malaysia, owned and operated by British ex-pat Abdullah for close to three years, recently opened the doors to its first brick and mortar shop in Glo Damansara Mall, Kuala Lumpur.
Linda Giang joins Hathor Group as US-based Brand Ambassador
Linda Giang, former manager of Sky Tobacco in New Jersey, has taken on a new role with Hathor Group as Brand Ambassador, Cigar Curator, and Social Media Liaison. Hathor Group distributes cigars and single-cask whiskies throughout South East Asia.
J.C. Newman Set to Launch Perla del Mar With Maduro Wrapper
Initially launched in 2012 with a natural wrapper, J.C. Newmans cigar brand Perla del Mar now receives an update in form of a new line with maduro wrappers.
J.C. Newman Expands Brick House Maduro Line with new Toro Size
J.C. Newman Cigar Company launched a new Toro vitola for their Brick House Maduro line at the IPCPR 2016. The toro size is the third vitola in the Brick House Maduro series joining the Mighty Mighty Maduro and Robusto Maduro.
Gurkha will Hold Social Media Scavenger Hunt in Miami on September 10, 2016
The winner will receive an unprecedented Grand Prize of a box of Gurkha Cigars each month for one year and lots of Gurkha merchandise with an estimated retail value of more than $3,000.
Griffin’s Nicaragua Line Updated With Additional Toro Vitola
Griffin’s Nicaragua, a new cigar line launched by brand owner Oettinger Davidoff in the previous year, now receives a new size. The new Toro vitola will be offered with a suggested retail price of USD 12.50 per cigar.
Elie Bleu Launches Lighter Collection celebrating 40 Year Anniversary
French accessory manufacturer Elie Bleu celebrates their 40th year in business with the introduction of a series of new accessories. The first of the collections is the F-1 Wide Flame Flint Lighter.
Bespoke Cigars releases Limited Edition for World Championship in Split
Jeremy Casdagli, founder of Bespoke Cigars will release a Limited Edition cigar to honor the Cigar Smoking World Championship, which will be held on the weekend September 2–4, 2016 in Split, Croatia.
Big Loss for Cigar World – Carlos Fuente Sr Passes Away
On August 5, 2016, in the presence of his family in Tampa, Florida, Carlos Fuente Sr., passed away. Carlos Fuente was 81 years old and succumbed to cancer.
Brun del Ré Introduced New 1787 Blend and Additional Vitola for 1638 Line
The new 1787 is a one vitola blend that comes in a Supremo size, just like 1638 line released last year. The new 1638 Supremo (6 x 60) features a different blend than the previously released Gran Toro size.
Viva Republica Releases New Cigar Line Art of War
Boutique cigar manufacturer Viva Republica introduced a new cigar line called Art of War, a larger sized parent brand to the company’s Warfare Series.


