Reports and travelogues and pairings, news and cigar knowledge, company and market portraits as well as many other stories await you in the second Cigar Journal issue of 2026.
Keep reading to get a little taste of our summer edition.
Once again, you can listen to audio files of four stories from this issue of the print magazine via QR code; in the digital magazine, there’s a direct link to the audio. The “Listen” symbol indicates the stories that have been recorded. Enjoy listening. Wherever you may find yourself, you can listen to four of our numerous stories.
If you’re looking for gifts for cigar lovers, we’d like to recommend a Cigar Journal gift subscription.
Find more information here: shop.cigarjournal.com.
The current issue of Cigar Journal can be found at many newsagents, at bookshops in railway stations and airports, and at specialist tobacco retailers – or digitally via our website.
The easiest way to get future issues delivered straight to your door is to subscribe – no matter where you live. Subscribe now!
What to expect in the summer issue:
COVER STORY – A New Legacy: The Perdomo Father & Son Collaboration
For Perdomo Cigars, it all began in a garage in Miami Lakes. Today the brand is one of the leading names in the industry and, as a family-owned business, it remains true to its tradition. From these humble beginnings, a foundation was laid that’s based on family, discipline, a willingness to make sacrifices, and an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. Cigar Journal met the family for a comprehensive interview in Florida.
CIGAR KNOWLEDGE: Genuine or Fake?
Read about how to recognize genuine Habanos, avoid counterfeits, and why the legendary Primo of El Laguito is usually just part of a well-told fairy tale.
PAIRING – Alcohol-free Beer and Cigars: Hops, Malt, and No Alcohol!
Does alcohol-free beer go with cigars? Our six-person pairing team comprehensively tested how malty, tart, and refreshing it can get with a cigar.
CIGAR DESTINATION: Bulgaria
Bulgaria is not only causing a stir in the music world, as it did recently at the Eurovision Song Contest; the country’s cigar scene has surprises up its sleeve in terms of style and quality. Sofia has long since become a hotspot for enjoyment.
SMOKE SIGNALS: Cigars & Espionage
Spies used to use it as camouflage. The cigar became a tool for operatives that facilitated access to secret hotels and seedy bars.
TASTED CIGARS
An international team of over 90 cigar experts blind-tasted 60 cigars. Read the test results, including the cigar descriptions, here. In this issue, one cigar was awarded an outstanding 95 points: the PADRÓN SERIE 1926 NO.6 MADURO; the CAPITOL ART DÉCO LIMITED EDITION scored an excellent 93 points. If you’re interested in cigars with a particularly good price-performance ratio, you should look out for our Best Buy seal – 13 cigars received the award in this tasting.
Enjoy tasting – and reading and listening!
