Smoke, Deals, and Courtroom Drama: Inside a Wild Week in Cigars
Hello Famm!
Thank you for taking the time to read this piece. If you found it valuable, the single best way to show your support is by sharing it with others who might also appreciate it. Every share makes a huge difference and helps me continue creating content like this.
As I said on the show, “You don’t have to be a cigar smoker to enjoy a cigar community…”
Announcements, News & PR for Cigars (October 5 – October 14, 2025)
October 5-14, 2025, had the cigar world dancing between fireworks and hurdles. Brands dropped cool collabs and fresh releases while looming regulations kept everyone on their toes. The trick? Keep fans excited and stay strong against the rules. Here’s the week in a nutshell.
Cohiba and Weller Bourbon Unveil Fifth Collaboration
Cohiba has announced the 2025 release of Weller by Cohiba, the fifth expression in its partnership with Weller Bourbon. This year’s edition features tobaccos aged in Weller Antique 107 barrels, continuing the tradition of blending premium cigar craftsmanship with fine bourbon heritage. To commemorate the five-year partnership, a new collection of co-branded accessories will also be released alongside the cigars.
Plasencia Cigars Introduces “Short Smokes Collection”
Plasencia Cigars has released two new vitolas designed for a premium, shorter-duration smoking experience. The new sizes are the Plasencia Reserva Original Corona Corta and the Plasencia Alma Fuerte Colorado Claro Robusto Corto. This collection unites the brand’s celebrated blends with compact formats that cater to the modern aficionado’s lifestyle. Shipping to retailers began in October.
Room101 Relaunches Iconic Namakubi Chingon
Room101 Cigars is reintroducing its highly recognizable Namakubi Chingon line with a refreshed blend and new presentation. First launched to great acclaim, the return of this iconic brand is timed for the upcoming holiday season. The new iteration aims to capture the spirit of the original while introducing a refined profile for today’s smokers.
Alec Bradley Resurrects Filthy Ghooligan for Halloween
Alec Bradley has announced the seasonal return of Filthy Ghooligan, a limited-edition cigar crafted for the Halloween season. This release continues the brand’s tradition of creating unique, themed cigars for special occasions. The Filthy Ghooligan will be available for a limited time at select retailers leading up to the end of October.
Lure Cigars Launches New Maduro Core Line
Lure Cigars has introduced the Maduro Series, its fourth core line offering. The new line expands the brand’s portfolio with two box-pressed Nicaraguan puros, The Brown-E-Trout and The Lil’ Trout. This release moves a previously limited blend into full production with the brand’s signature core line packaging.
Watch the Lure Cigars – Big Joe episode
Court Denies Industry Motion in California Regulation Case
A U.S. District Court has denied an emergency request from the premium cigar industry to delay the application deadline for California’s Unflavored Tobacco List (UTL). The motion was filed by the Premium Cigar Association, Cigar Rights of America, and several manufacturers who argued the regulations are unworkable for the premium cigar market. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal challenges facing the industry in California.
A Week of Highs, Lows, and Everything in Between
It’s been one of those weeks in the premium cigar world where excitement and frustration collide. On one side, brands are rolling out flashy new collaborations and limited releases just in time for the holidays. On the other, a big legal setback in California is casting a shadow over the industry’s future. It’s a reminder that while cigar makers keep finding new ways to connect with fans, they’re also fighting nonstop battles just to keep the culture alive.
Holiday Hype and Smart Marketing
With the holidays coming up, cigar brands are going all in. Cohiba dropped its fifth collab with Weller Bourbon, mixing fine cigars with high-end whiskey culture. Dreamer Cigars took a swing at sports fans with a boxing-inspired release, and Alec Bradley brought back its Halloween favorite, the “Filthy Ghooligan.” Even Room101 got nostalgic, relaunching its classic “Namakubi Chingon” for longtime loyalists. These drops show how the industry knows how to blend hype, heritage, and holiday timing to stay on top.
Keeping Up with Modern Smokers
Life moves fast, and even the cigar world is catching up. Plasencia Cigars hit the mark with its new “Short Smokes Collection,” giving people premium blends in smaller, quicker formats. It’s all about enjoying quality without needing an hour to burn. Meanwhile, boutique brands like Cavalier Genève and Lure Cigars keep pushing creativity, trying out fresh blends and new styles that keep the scene exciting.
Regulations Cast a Long Shadow
The buzz got dampened by news out of California, where a court refused to block the state’s Unflavored Tobacco List. It’s a ruling that could ripple across the U.S. The issue is how “flavor” is defined. Even describing natural tobacco notes like “cocoa” or “spice” could get brands in trouble. If more states follow suit, it could seriously disrupt how cigars are marketed and sold.
Going Global for Survival
As U.S. rules tighten, companies are expanding abroad. From the upcoming World Cigar Show in Dubai to Confidenciaal Cigars’ new German deal and European trade shows, global growth is becoming the new safety net. It’s not just about profit—it’s about survival.
As we talk about on Meet in the Middle, this culture has always been about connection and craft, I said. “No matter what the courts do, the cigar community finds a way to stay hype.”
Community first! – Mark