Journal
Expert insights on cigars, storage, pairings, and the premium tobacco world — from Thailand's Habanos-certified specialist.
Why Wool Suits Trap Cigar Smoke (And Why You’re Wearing Them Anyway) If you’ve ever walked out of a three-hour lounge session and caught a whiff of your jacket the next morning, you already know the problem. Wool absorbs cigar smoke like a sponge. The natural fibers are porous, the weave creates pockets for smoke […]
Vietnam’s tobacco industry is 100% state-owned, a unique model in the global market. This structure dictates everything from cultivation to consumption, offering a clear view into a tightly controlled tobacco landscape. Vietnam’s tobacco sector operates under a singular, state-controlled model. The entire industry, from cultivation to distribution, is managed by the Vietnam National Tobacco Corporation […]
Colombia’s tobacco, though a smaller global player, offers unique characteristics prized by connoisseurs. Understanding its origins and cultivation methods reveals why Colombian leaf is gaining recognition in the world of premium cigars. Key Takeaways Colombian tobacco cultivation dates back to 1776, evolving from indigenous practices to smallholder farms. Santander, Huila, and Sucre are leading growing […]
Pakistan stands as the world’s seventh-largest producer of unmanufactured tobacco, a significant player in the global leaf market. Understanding its unique production system, dominant leaf types, and the challenges it faces provides crucial insight for any serious tobacco connoisseur. Key Takeaways Pakistan’s tobacco industry is dominated by Flue-cured Virginia, primarily grown in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The […]
Tobacco in Greece: A Legacy of Oriental Leaf Greece, a major European tobacco producer, specializes in sun-cured Oriental leaf, a unique contribution to the global market. Understanding its history and cultivation methods reveals the distinct character of this tobacco. Key Takeaways Greece is a significant European tobacco producer, specializing in Oriental leaf. Its tobacco history […]
Mozambique stands as Africa’s third-largest tobacco producer. Understanding its unique production model and the challenges it faces is key to grasping global tobacco dynamics. Key Takeaways Mozambique’s tobacco sector transitioned from forced labor to a smallholder concession model post-independence, becoming Africa’s third-largest producer. Production is dominated by flue-cured Virginia leaf for cigarette markets, with no […]
Malawi’s tobacco sector, once a quiet colonial venture, grew to become one of the world’s top ten producers by 2000. Understanding this nation’s tobacco journey reveals the complexities of global leaf production and its impact on a country’s economic landscape. Malawi’s tobacco industry, a significant pillar of its economy, has a deep history rooted in […]
Paraguay’s tobacco history is deeply rooted in colonial monopolies, shaping its agricultural landscape for centuries. Understanding the origins and evolution of tobacco cultivation in Paraguay provides crucial insight into the global tobacco market and the unique characteristics of its leaf. Key Takeaways Paraguay’s commercial tobacco cultivation began in the early 18th century under a Spanish […]
Indonesia’s tobacco industry is defined by its unique clove-blended kretek cigarettes. Understanding this distinct leaf profile and production system is crucial for any serious tobacco connoisseur. Indonesia stands as a global tobacco powerhouse, uniquely defined by its clove-blended kretek cigarettes. The nation’s tobacco industry, rooted in colonial history and smallholder farming, produces distinct dark air […]
Bangladesh committed to a tobacco-free nation by 2040. It also owns 9.49% of BAT Bangladesh, and the company’s contracted farmer base grew 73% in the five years after that commitment. The story of Bangladeshi tobacco is a story about who profits from the gap between policy and practice.
Serbia, a nation often overlooked in global tobacco discussions, holds a quiet but significant history in the leaf’s cultivation. Its journey from agrarian reform to modern production reveals a unique European story for those who understand the nuances of tobacco. Key Takeaways Serbia’s commercial tobacco industry began in the late 19th century with state-monopolized cultivation. […]
Papua New Guinea’s tobacco market operates without domestic commercial leaf production. All manufactured cigarette leaf is imported, a stark contrast to many tobacco-growing nations. This unique market landscape demands understanding for anyone navigating the region’s tobacco trade. Key Takeaways Papua New Guinea has no formal domestic tobacco leaf production; all leaf for manufactured cigarettes is […]
Spain stands as Europe’s second-largest raw-leaf tobacco producer. Understanding its unique cultivation and challenges is crucial for any serious connoisseur. This guide cuts through the noise, detailing the facts of Spanish tobacco from its historical roots to its modern-day struggles and triumphs. Key Takeaways Spain is Europe’s second-largest raw-leaf tobacco producer, with cultivation concentrated in […]
The Dominican Republic stands as the world’s leading exporter of premium cigars. This nation’s tobacco history, rooted in ancient traditions and shaped by modern regulation, directly impacts the quality and availability of the cigars enjoyed globally. Understanding its unique cultivation and production systems is essential for any serious buyer. The Dominican Republic’s influence on the […]
From Ottoman Staple to Modern Challenges Bulgaria’s tobacco industry, once a major global supplier, has seen its cultivation area shrink by over 90% since 2001. Understanding this dramatic shift provides crucial insight into the complexities of global tobacco production and the evolution of a historic leaf. Bulgaria’s tobacco sector, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, […]
Uganda’s tobacco sector, a legacy of colonial cash crops, produced over 32,000 metric tons of leaf in 2022, making it a significant player in East African agriculture. Understanding this market provides insight into the global tobacco landscape and the diverse origins of the leaf. Key Takeaways Uganda’s tobacco industry is rooted in 1927 contract farming. […]
Thailand’s tobacco industry operates under strict state control, a unique model in the global market. Understanding this structure is crucial for discerning enthusiasts who seek legally imported, high-quality cigars in the Kingdom. Key Takeaways Thailand’s tobacco industry is centralized under the Tobacco Authority of Thailand (TOAT). Burley and Virginia are the primary tobacco types cultivated […]
Honduras stands as a titan in the world of premium cigars, a legacy built on fertile lands and generations of expertise. Understanding its tobacco is key to appreciating the depth and quality of many New World smokes. Key Takeaways Further Reading: Cigars from This Region Choosing a New World Cigar: A Practical Buyer’s Guide The […]
Spanish galleons brought Cuban tobacco seeds to the Philippines in 1592. The colonial monopoly they seeded sparked a 1788 farmer uprising. The privatisation that followed created Tabacalera — Asia’s oldest cigar factory, still rolling today.
Tobacco in Oceania Commercial tobacco cultivation in Australia ceased by 2004 following government buy-outs. This guide covers its historical growing regions and the current challenges of a massive illicit market driven by high taxes. Key Takeaways Australia ceased commercial tobacco cultivation by 2004 due to government buy-outs. No cigar-grade leaf is produced; all cigar components […]
Zimbabwe stands as Africa’s leading tobacco producer, a century-old legacy rooted in colonial introduction and robust growth. Understanding this nation’s tobacco industry reveals the intricate balance between historical cultivation, modern challenges, and its significant role in the global market. Key Takeaways Zimbabwe is Africa’s top tobacco producer and the world’s fourth largest, with a record […]
South Africa’s tobacco industry has a deep history, shaped by both cultivation and shifting global demands. Understanding this market provides crucial insight into the complexities of tobacco production beyond traditional cigar strongholds. Key Takeaways South Africa’s tobacco industry transitioned from a currency crop to an industrial commodity by the late 1880s. Flue-cured Virginia and dark […]
For an event-focused look at modern Nicaraguan cigar culture, see Puro Sabor Nicaragua 2020. This pivotal shift established Nicaragua as a global leader in premium cigar leaf, now a cornerstone for discerning aficionados worldwide. Key Takeaways Further Reading: Cigars from This Region Choosing a New World Cigar: A Practical Buyer’s Guide The Ultimate Guide to […]
China’s tobacco industry is a global titan, producing and consuming more tobacco than any other nation. Understanding this immense market is crucial for anyone navigating the global cigar landscape, from cultivation to consumption. China’s tobacco sector operates on a scale unmatched worldwide. It is a complex system, deeply rooted in history and tightly controlled by […]
Argentina produced 95,639 metric tons of tobacco leaf in 2022, placing it among the top ten global raw-tobacco exporters. Understanding this sector reveals the global tapestry of tobacco, crucial for any serious connoisseur. Argentina stands as a significant global tobacco producer and exporter. Its history is rooted in ancient indigenous cultivation. The modern industry is […]
Italy leads the European Union in raw tobacco production, accounting for 27 percent of the EU’s total output in 2021 (Masaf.gov.it). This positions Italy as a significant, yet often understated, force in the global tobacco landscape, particularly for those who understand the nuances of leaf cultivation beyond traditional cigar strongholds. Understanding Italy’s tobacco industry reveals […]
Mexico’s tobacco history dates back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerican cultures. This deep legacy shapes its unique position in the global tobacco market, especially for boutique cigars. Key Takeaways Further Reading: Cigars from This Region Choosing a New World Cigar: A Practical Buyer’s Guide The Ultimate Guide to Cigars and Their Varieties Mexico’s tobacco cultivation is rooted […]
Turkey’s tobacco history is deeply rooted in its unique Oriental leaf, a prized component in the global tobacco landscape. Understanding this distinct tobacco is crucial for any connoisseur seeking to appreciate the nuances of fine blends. Key Takeaways Turkey is a top-ten raw-tobacco exporter, primarily known for Oriental leaf. Oriental tobacco is sun-cured, giving it […]
Kenya’s tobacco story begins with colonial ambition and ends, for now, with 55,000 smallholder farmers who earn less from the crop than it costs them to grow. Understanding how that happened — and why Kenya never developed cigar-grade leaf despite the soil conditions to try — tells you something useful about how the global tobacco […]
North Macedonia produces over 25,000 tons of tobacco leaf annually, making it a leading European supplier. For connoisseurs, understanding these origins reveals the depth of global tobacco. Key Takeaways North Macedonia is a major European producer of Oriental tobacco. Prilep and Yaka varietals are sun-cured for aromatic, low-nicotine leaf. Production relies on 20,000 smallholders under […]
Zambia’s modern tobacco industry was seeded by Zimbabweans fleeing Mugabe’s land seizures. What followed was top-five African export status built in a decade — and a contract farming system where 76% of growers sell to the same companies that own their debt.
Cuba’s tobacco heritage dates to the Taíno people, observed by Columbus in 1492. This legacy establishes Cuba as the definitive source for premium cigar leaf, setting a global standard for quality. Key Takeaways Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region is the primary source for premium cigar tobacco. A state-controlled system maintains quality from cultivation to production. Cuba […]
India stands as the world’s second-largest tobacco producer, a fact often overlooked in global discussions. Understanding this vast and complex market is crucial for anyone seeking a complete picture of the global tobacco landscape. Key Takeaways India is the world’s second-largest tobacco producer, contributing approximately 9% of global leaf output. Cultivation is concentrated in five […]
Russia’s tobacco journey began with a ban in 1634, only to evolve into a state monopoly and later a free market, shaping a unique industry. Understanding this history is crucial for any serious cigar enthusiast looking to grasp the global tobacco landscape. Tobacco arrived in Muscovy via English and Dutch merchants in the late 16th […]
Tobacco in Tanzania Explore tobacco in Africa, focusing on Tanzania’s history, key growing regions, main types, and regulatory framework. Key Takeaways Tanzania ranks as Africa’s second-largest tobacco producer, with significant export revenue. The industry relies on independent smallholder farmers cultivating Flue-Cured Virginia, Burley, and Fire-Cured tobacco. Challenges include high production costs from inefficient curing and […]
Ukraine’s best tobacco story is buried in Crimea — the Ottoman-heritage Dyubek Oriental that fed the Tsar’s court and all of Soviet cigarette production. Since Russia’s 2014 annexation, that’s gone. What remains is 700 hectares of Virginia and Burley, and a Philip Morris factory in Kharkiv that Russian missiles keep hitting.
The United States occupies a unique and foundational position in the world of tobacco. Its history is not merely connected to the leaf; it was built upon it. From the earliest colonial settlements, tobacco served as the economic engine that fueled expansion, trade, and the very formation of the nation. Today, this legacy continues, with […]
Phuket, a truly beautiful island, offers many delights. For those who appreciate a fine tobacco product, finding the right place to enjoy one is like finding a hidden gems. Many spots on the island sell cigars, but only a few truly stand out for their quality, careful storage, and trusted practices. This guide will help […]
Embark on Your Cigar Journey Step into the refined ambiance of Cigar Emperor’s Sukhumvit lounge, where the rich aroma of New World cigars envelops you. Our state-of-the-art humidor showcases an array of vitolas: each shape and size a testament to craftsmanship, promising a tailored smoking experience. Whether you’re a novice curious about cigars or a […]
“I’ve smoked for 21 years. Habanos Festival taught me emperors aren’t just sticks—they’re blood and fire. Thailand deserved that heat.” — Matthew Nekvapil Matthew Nekvapil lit the match in 2018. A 21-year cigar vet, he’s not some poser with a cutter. Habanos Festival cred backs his chops. Cigar Emperor didn’t just land in Thailand—it torched […]
Which cigars to try for beginners in 2025
Discover the hidden side of Phuket: indulge in luxurious cigar bars, experience thrilling GoGo lounges, and find more hidden gems! Click now.
Selecting the Ideal Cigar Vitola: Your Personalised Guide Understanding cigar vitolas – the combination of length and ring gauge – is crucial for optimising your smoking experience. A cigar’s size directly influences its burn time, the concentration and evolution of its flavour profile, and its overall intensity. A longer, thinner cigar may offer a cooler, […]
Insights from Notable Cigar Aficionados .quote-box { border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px; font-style: italic; background-color: #f9f9f9; border-left: 5px solid #003366; /* CE brand colour */ } .quote-author { display: block; text-align: right; margin-top: 10px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; } The enjoyment of a fine cigar transcends mere consumption; it is a ritual, […]
Bringing together a fine smoke and the right drink is an old and treasured custom. It’s like finding two perfect friends that make each other better. With a little knowledge, anyone can find the best match for any moment. At Cigar Emperor, we believe this pairing is an art. Our owner, Dr. Matthew Nekvapil, with […]
How to Store Cigars Properly- Maximizing the Life of Your Cigars
What to look for when buying cigars in Bangkok — storage standards, legal import, selection, and why these things matter more than they might in other cities.
Six practical points that will stop you making the most common buying mistakes — from where to buy to what to do with cigars once you have them.
The cigar as a symbol of status Cigarettes – the ultimate convenience? Cigarillos – the perfect compromise? The health implications
Cigar History Cigar Discovery Cigars in Cuba When did Cigars first appear?
Brazil has been the world’s largest tobacco exporter for 32 consecutive years. It also grows Mata Fina — the wrapper leaf from Bahia’s Recôncavo that appears on CAO, Drew Estate, Herrera Esteli, and dozens of other premium blends. No other country in this series puts leaf directly into your humidor.
Learn the proper technique for cutting a cigar like a pro. Discover the best methods, tools, and tips for a perfect cut every time.
The best way to begin smoking a cigar is to buy a cigar and smoke it right away. This can be done either at a local tobacconist, a cigar lounge or in the company of friends or family who already enjoy smoking. Ideally, just as you learn to crawl before you walk, it’s wise to […]
Geography and climate can have a great effect on plants and leaves and how they taste when they are fermented and rolled. Every sort of tobacco grown in different parts of the world ends up taking on characteristics of the soil, climate and rainfall. This is called terroir. The term terroir refers to soil composition, […]
How long cigars stay smokeable depends almost entirely on storage conditions. A practical guide to what to expect at different RH levels and what happens when conditions fail.
The scenario of being without a cigar cutter can be frustrating for any aficionado. Whether travelling, at an outdoor event, or simply misplacing your usual tool, an un-cut cigar presents a challenge to an otherwise perfect moment. A clean cut is paramount for an optimal draw and to prevent the wrapper from unravelling, ensuring the […]
Gift ideas for cigar lovers in Thailand — what works, what to avoid, and how to buy legally imported cigars as a gift.
Cigars exist in different shapes and sizes. But since today’s focus is on the cigar sizes, let’s explore how any smoker, whether a cigar aficionado or a beginner, can identify the size of a cigar.
Learn about the different types of leaves that make up the wrapper of cigars and why they are so important!
Explore the world of cigar cutters and what tools are available to cut cigars
Tabacalera G Kafie Y Compañia Cigar Emperor proudly announces the exclusive availability of Kafie 1901 Cigars throughout Thailand, marking our position as the first official importer of this distinguished Honduran brand. Founded and led by Dr. Gaby Kafie, Kafie 1901 Cigars embodies a profound personal philosophy, as articulated by Dr. Kafie himself: ” Cigars have […]
バンコク訪問中に葉巻を探しているなら、知っておくべきことがあります。価格、品質、信頼できる購入先について正直にお伝えします。
バンコクで信頼できる葉巻を探しているなら、どこで買うかが重要です。シガーエンペラーが正規輸入・適切な保管・専門的なアドバイスにこだわる理由をお伝えします。
JCニューマンが手がけるブリックハウスシガーは、手頃な価格でありながら本格的なクオリティを持つニカラグア産葉巻ブランドです。
Puro Sabor is Nicaragua’s premier international cigar festival, celebrating the rich heritage and exceptional quality of Nicaraguan tobacco. As a leading New World cigar origin, Nicaragua is renowned for producing full-flavoured, complex cigars. Attending such events provides invaluable insight into the industry’s latest developments and offerings. In this video, we unbox the official goodie bag […]
We sat down with Justo Eiroa of JRE Tobacco to talk about why his family has dedicated their entire operation to authentic Corojo — the original Cuban seed that started the premium cigar industry. In this conversation, Justo explains how three generations of the Eiroa family have kept this tobacco alive, from his father Julio’s […]
Dr. Matthew Nekvapil travels to the Eiroa family’s Aladino compound in Danli, Honduras. A field report from one of cigar tobacco’s most serious operations.
This video presents a detailed review of the Arturo Fuente God’s Whisper, an exceptionally rare and highly sought-after cigar from the esteemed Fuente Fuente OpusX series. Renowned for its extremely limited production and intricate blend, the God’s Whisper is meticulously crafted using select Dominican tobaccos, delivering a complex and refined smoking experience. As a leading […]
A sleek aluminium cigar carrying case is an indispensable accessory for any discerning aficionado. Designed to safeguard your premium cigars during transit, these robust cases protect against physical damage and fluctuations in humidity. Crafted from durable materials such as aluminium, carbon fibre, or robust leather, they are engineered to withstand the rigours of travel. Many […]
The two main lighter types for cigars, how each one affects the light, and when to use which — plus what to avoid entirely.
The multi-function cigar lighter is an indispensable accessory for the discerning aficionado, combining essential tools into a single, compact device. These sophisticated lighters typically feature a powerful torch flame, crucial for achieving an even and consistent light across the foot of your cigar, preventing canoeing and ensuring a pure flavour profile from the outset. Beyond […]
Watch and see how one lucky winner took home a very exclusive and limited edition Fuente Fever 2019 for $2500! Not available in stores anywhere and is a true collector’s item.
Cigars are becoming more popular in Thailand and are now easier than ever to get thanks to Cigar Emperor that has a huge range of brands at great prices.
This video presents the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary cigar, an extremely limited and highly sought-after release. Commemorating the brand’s establishment in 1844, this special edition was crafted by Altadis U.S.A. It features an exquisite Ecuadorian Sumatra wrapper, a Dominican binder, and Dominican fillers, presented in a Churchill format (7 x 50). Aficionados can anticipate a […]
Cigar Emperor is pleased to introduce the Bugatti B-2019, a sophisticated cigar lighter designed for the discerning aficionado. This robust accessory features a powerful triple-jet flame, engineered for precise and efficient ignition of cigars, even in challenging outdoor conditions. A standout feature is its interchangeable burner system, allowing for customisation and extended longevity. Crafted with […]
This video provides insight into the H. Upmann 175th Anniversary Grupo de Maestros and Jose Mendez collaboration, a notable release from Altadis U.S.A. Unveiled at the 2019 IPCPR (now PCA) Trade Show, this cigar represents a partnership between the esteemed Grupo de Maestros – Altadis’s master blenders responsible for many premium non-Cuban H. Upmann lines […]
Cigar Montecristo Etoque & Epic No. 2 video presentation at the IPCPR 2019 in Las Vegas. In the world of premium tobacco, few milestones are as significant as a golden anniversary. At the IPCPR trade show, Travis Pappenheim of Altadis USA unveiled a masterpiece designed specifically for such a moment: the Montecristo Cincuenta. This special […]
Video presentation of the Montecristo Estoque cigar and Epic No 2 cigar at Las Vegas cigar show in 2019. Montecristo Cincuenta
Video presentation of Aging Room Bin No.2 cigar from Nicaragua at the Cigar Show in Las Vegas in 2019. For cutting tips, see how to cut a cigar. For a different release spotlight, see Montecristo Cincuenta.
Due to the popularity of Arturo Fuente Añejo‘s Opus X cigars, Cigar Emperor is making them available in Thailand immediately. Opus X cigars are particularly popular and very sought after cigar throughout the world due to their exceptional quality and taste. It is quite common that especially in the United States, they are just so […]
For many cigar smokers, the enjoyment isn’t only about what you smoke, but also where you smoke and with whom you smoke. That’s why there’s a huge market for black-owned cigar businesses across the world. Below, we list 22 of the most popular black-owned cigar businesses across the globe. Aireyys Ltd (London, UK) – The […]
A mysterious cigar-shaped object discovered in space may have been an alien spacecraft, according to astronomers. Scientists from Harvard University have been working relentlessly to identify the bizarre object, ever since it was spotted by the Pan-STARRS 1 telescope in Hawaii in October 2017. The 400-meter object, which traveled at 196,000 miles per hour and […]
The Arturo Fuente Añejo Robusto is a distinguished offering from the renowned Dominican Republic marque, celebrated for its exceptional character and limited availability. For another limited-release example, see God’s Whisper: New Year Greetings 2020. This particular series is distinguished by its rare Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper, meticulously aged in Cognac barrels. This unique process imparts a […]
Wonderful smoke. Great ash. Signature metallic Cuban taste with hints of coca and coffee. Pleasurable draw. Recommended! For a broader primer, see Cigars: 50 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers.