Titans of Tobacco Delivers a Historic Night for CRA

There are cigar events, and then there are moments that become part of industry history. On June 10, 2026, at Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, six of the most revered cigar-making families in the world gathered under one roof for a monumental night to protect the future of premium cigars. Michael Cafagno and Dylan Austin of The Tobacconist of Greenwich hosted The Titans of Tobacco, a sold-out event that raised an extraordinary $228,350 for Cigar Rights of America (CRA) and delivered what many attendees described as a once-in-a-generation experience.

The landmark gathering attracted 300 collectors, enthusiasts, and business leaders from across the globe. Yet beyond the rare cigars, legendary personalities, and collector-grade auction lots, the evening was centered on a cause that extends far beyond any single brand—the preservation and defense of premium cigar culture itself.

Representing six of the most celebrated cigar houses in the world were Carlito Fuente of A. Fuente & Co., Jorge Padron and his family from Padrón Cigars, Litto Gomez and his sons from La Flor Dominicana, Nick Melillo of Foundation Cigar Company, Eladio Diaz and his family from Tabacalera Diaz Cabrera, and Hankie Klener and his sons from Kelner Cigars. The appearance of these iconic manufacturers together at a single event was remarkable in its own right. Collectively, these families represent generations of craftsmanship, innovation, and influence that have shaped the modern premium cigar industry.

The event culminated in an 18-lot live auction featuring rare, one-of-a-kind,  and highly sought-after collector offerings curated by the participating cigar families. Every dollar raised benefits Cigar Rights of America, the nation’s leading advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of premium cigar consumers and the businesses that serve them.

For CRA, the evening represented more than a successful fundraiser. It demonstrated the strength of a community willing to invest in its future. As regulatory challenges continue to shape the landscape of premium tobacco, advocacy organizations depend on both financial support and public engagement. Events such as The Titans of Tobacco serve as a reminder that preserving cigar culture requires collective action from manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike.

The significance of the gathering was not lost on attendees. Industry veterans noted that bringing together so many influential cigar families at one event is an exceedingly rare occurrence. While each company has built its own legacy, their shared appearance in Greenwich reflected a common commitment to protecting the traditions, freedoms, and craftsmanship that define premium cigars.

When the final auction hammer fell and the evening came to a close, the significance of what had occurred became unmistakably clear. The Titans of Tobacco was more than a fundraising event, more than a celebration of great cigars, and more than a gathering of industry legends. It was a historic display of unity, generosity, and purpose. To witness six of the world’s most celebrated cigar families standing together in support of a shared cause was to witness something exceedingly rare—perhaps one of the greatest nights the premium cigar world has ever seen. Years from now, those fortunate enough to be in the room will remember Greenwich not simply as the site of a successful fundraiser, but as the place where history was made.

Watch “The Titans of Tobacco Experience 2026” on YouTube.

Photo Credits: Josh Newton and Montanna Dennis