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agree re making the US admin look worse (although why would you bother wasting your time - the US is doing a bang up job of that themselves). not so much the theatre comment. china has its eye very firmly on Taiwan and poking the bear in the US backyard provides a distraction but also tests the waters. what they are witnessing with Ukraine and elsewhere must give them great confidence that the time to make a move to reunite Taiwan is fast approaching. if providing support, oil or otherwise, to Cuba ties up the US then why not? quite seriously, at the moment, it might be the epstein files which are saving taiwan. when the oval office needs its next diversion to take the focus away from the contents of the files, a dust-up with china would be about the best diversion one could imagine (or perhaps they will just find the next Minneapolis - or ramp things up with Cuba). and i suspect we all know that the oval office would put its own interests (and i do not mean the interests of the country) ahead of supporting taiwan.

I never tried permit. I hear it's pretty good . Looks impressive

Amazing absolutely amazing

Well the life stress has kicked in and I'm back on the booze. What a great start. On the other hand I'm managing one meal a day at the moment. So if I can balance the two .. I may be onto a winner! God speed gentlemen, God speed.

As one of those American consumers, I have certainly shifted much(the majority)of my rotation to Honduran and Dominican cigars away from Nicaragua.

Outstanding pics!

It might be the best opportunity this year for the Cubans in Havana to put hard US/EU currency in their pockets from these wealthy tourists coming in for festival. Also, for the Cubans in Pinar del Rio where a lot of festival goers will be on Tuesday, 24 Feb visiting the fincas. If I was going I’d be tipping very heavily, eating at paladares exclusively and making sure I was transacting with locals for things as much as possible. I’d also be crossing my fingers that I can get a flight out…

Thank you @El Presidente and will most certainly do so!

Is it wrong of me to think anyone who cares about the Cuban people should consider not going? Diverting what little power and resources the island has to this thing seems like Nero fiddling while Rome burned and like the government is spitting in the face of their own people.

Here's the link with paywall removed: http://archive.today/I0Ohl Is the Habanos Festival going to happen?

Ok, @JohnS, I have to come back and reiterate that you were right. I'm liking this team a lot more now. Gotta get you out to the US one of these days, hit up spring training together, and smoke a ton of cigars.

I'm absolutely there! I've been having a really hard few weeks, and I can't wait to share a smoke and some laughs with my friends.

FOH Live Video Cigar Lounge Tuesday 8:30 PM NY, 11:30am Local (AEST). Will Cuba still be there as we know it or will it eventually join Puerto Rico as an unicorporated territory? Rumours of a major online retailer "disappearing" suddenly. What do you give mates turning 70 and 80? Self released autobiographies are solely for the narcissists. Will Moltbot be the end of us all. How many wives/partners do you think you have in you? Everything and anything is in play. Grab a cigar and see you there!

That's it gents. As long as you have registered ahead of my post here....you are good to go Lisa/Diana will start the spreadsheet. First week of March is the next required weight update. Let us know your strategy for the opening month

Padron 1964 Family reserve 45 natural. Absolutely superb cigar in every way.

In a casino, losing...

Your Best Cigar Experience of January 2026? That cigar that just stood head and shoulders above the rest. That cigar that you can still taste when you close your eyes. Your best cigar of the last 30 days Let us know

My heart absolutely breaks for the Cuban people. The Cuban government? They can rot in Hell.

This was "Tillerman" at Riparian Plaza on the river. When you are next up, let me know. Our dining scene is pretty bloody solid. No reason to miss out on great experiences

Image credit: Gentleman's Pursuits/Canva By Menachem Kossowsky Premium Cigar Sales Keep Climbing Despite Tariff Fears The American love affair with premium cigars shows no signs of slowing down. Fresh numbers from the industry's main trade group reveal that handmade cigar imports jumped more than 4% through the first nine months of this year, keeping pace with a growth streak that's now stretched across half a decade. According to figures released by the Cigar Association of America, importers brought in 318.6 million handmade cigars between January and September 2025. That's 4.6% more than the same stretch last year, continuing a pattern of steady expansion in a market that's proven surprisingly resilient. The numbers tell a story of an industry that's found its footing after years of uncertainty. While the increase might sound modest on paper, it represents millions of additional cigars making their way to American retailers and smoke shops across the country. Where the Cigars Come From Three countries continue to supply virtually all the premium cigars smoked in America, and they've each contributed to this year's growth in different ways. Nicaragua leads the pack by a wide margin, shipping 190.4 million cigars to the United States during the tracking period. That represents a 2.1% bump over last year's figures. The Central American nation has built a reputation over the past few decades as a powerhouse in premium tobacco production, with countless factories churning out cigars for both boutique brands and major manufacturers. The Dominican Republic held onto its second-place position, sending 69.9 million cigars stateside. Dominican imports rose 3.8% year over year, maintaining the Caribbean island's status as a crucial player in the premium cigar world. For generations, the Dominican Republic has been synonymous with quality cigar production, hosting some of the industry's most respected factories and blenders. But Honduras stole the show when it comes to growth rates. Honduran cigar shipments surged 14.8% to reach 55.5 million cigars. That double-digit jump significantly outpaced both Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic, suggesting that Honduran manufacturers are capturing an increasing share of American cigar enthusiasts' attention and dollars. Combined, these three countries account for more than 99% of all handmade cigars imported into the United States. It's a remarkable concentration that underscores how critical these Latin American tobacco regions have become to American cigar culture. The March Madness While the overall trend shows healthy growth, one month stood out dramatically from the rest. March 2025 saw imports skyrocket 29% compared to March of the previous year, representing the single largest monthly surge in the data. The timing wasn't coincidental. That spike came right after the Trump administration announced what it called "Liberation Day" tariffs that would affect cigar-producing countries. The threat of higher costs sent importers scrambling to bring in product before potential price increases took effect. It's a pattern that industry veterans have seen before. Whenever tariff threats loom, importers and manufacturers rush to front-load shipments, creating temporary distortions in the usual flow of goods. The March numbers reflect that panic buying, with retailers and distributors likely stockpiling inventory to protect themselves and their customers from potential price hikes. The tariff announcement created genuine anxiety throughout the cigar business. Premium cigars are already subject to federal taxation, and additional tariffs could have significantly impacted pricing at the retail level. For consumers who might already pay anywhere from a few dollars to well over twenty bucks for a single premium smoke, even a modest percentage increase matters. Looking at the Bigger Picture The 2025 figures need context to fully appreciate what's happening in the market. Last year, total imports for all of 2024 reached 430 million handmade cigars, representing a 0.9% increase over 2023. That growth was modest but still positive, keeping the industry on an upward trajectory. If the current pace continues through the final quarter of this year, 2025 would mark the fifth straight year that handmade cigar imports topped the 400 million mark. That's a significant milestone for an industry that's faced its share of regulatory pressure, changing consumer habits, and economic headwinds. The sustained performance suggests that premium cigars have carved out a stable niche in American leisure culture. Unlike cigarettes, which have seen dramatic declines over the past few decades, premium cigars appear to have maintained their appeal to a dedicated base of enthusiasts. What's Driving the Demand Several factors likely contribute to the ongoing strength in cigar imports. The premium cigar market has always attracted consumers who view cigar smoking as an occasional luxury rather than a daily habit. Unlike the cigarette market, which relies on addicted daily users, cigar smokers typically indulge less frequently, treating a good smoke as an event or celebration. Economic factors play a role too. Despite periodic concerns about recession or inflation, Americans with disposable income have continued spending on leisure activities and small luxuries. A premium cigar fits neatly into that category—it's an affordable indulgence that doesn't require the commitment of a major purchase. The industry has also benefited from diversification and innovation. Manufacturers constantly release new blends, limited editions, and special releases that keep enthusiasts engaged and coming back for more. Social media and online communities have helped build excitement around new products, creating a culture of anticipation similar to what's seen in craft beer or spirits. Cigar lounges and retail shops have evolved too, many transforming into upscale gathering spaces that offer more than just tobacco products. These venues have become destinations in their own right, combining quality smokes with food, drinks, and comfortable environments for socializing. Regional Production Dynamics The dominance of Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras in cigar production didn't happen by accident. Each country brings different strengths to the table. Nicaragua's volcanic soil produces tobacco with distinctive characteristics that many cigar lovers find appealing. The country's relatively stable political situation in recent decades has allowed its cigar industry to flourish, attracting investment from major manufacturers worldwide. Nicaraguan factories now produce cigars for countless brands, from boutique operations to industry giants. The Dominican Republic benefits from a long-established infrastructure and deep expertise in cigar manufacturing. Generations of skilled workers have honed their craft there, and the country's reputation for quality control and consistency has made it a preferred location for premium production. Many of the industry's most respected cigar makers call the Dominican Republic home. Honduras has been steadily building its reputation, and this year's impressive growth numbers suggest those efforts are paying off. The country offers favorable growing conditions and has invested in developing its cigar manufacturing capabilities. The 14.8% jump in shipments indicates that both manufacturers and consumers are increasingly confident in Honduran tobacco and the cigars produced there. The Road Ahead Industry watchers will be paying close attention to fourth-quarter numbers to see if the growth trajectory holds. Holiday sales typically provide a boost to cigar purchases, as many people treat premium smokes as gifts or festive indulgences. The tariff situation remains a wild card. While the March surge showed how quickly market dynamics can shift when policy changes loom, the actual implementation and impact of any trade measures could reshape the industry's economics. Importers and manufacturers will need to navigate those challenges carefully to maintain the market's momentum. Consumer preferences will also play a crucial role. The cigar market has shown itself to be less vulnerable to the anti-smoking sentiment that has decimated cigarette sales, partly because premium cigars occupy a different cultural space. They're associated with celebration, relaxation, and social occasions rather than addiction and daily habit. For now, the numbers paint a picture of an industry in good health. More than 318 million handmade cigars making their way from Latin American factories to American consumers represents a lot of tobacco, a lot of craftsmanship, and a lot of people choosing to enjoy a premium smoke. Whether that growth continues will depend on economic conditions, regulatory environments, and whether new generations of smokers develop an appreciation for the ritual and pleasure of a well-made cigar. The fifth consecutive year of imports exceeding 400 million cigars would be more than just a statistical milestone. It would confirm that premium cigars have found a sustainable place in modern American culture, surviving and even thriving in an era when tobacco use of all kinds faces unprecedented scrutiny and restriction. For an industry built on tradition, craftsmanship, and the simple pleasure of taking time to enjoy life's finer things, that's a testament to both the product's enduring appeal and the dedication of those who continue to choose quality over convenience. Source: https://www.gentlemanspursuits.com/news/luxury/cigars/premium-cigar-sales-keep-climbing-despite-tariff-fears-696d51bdfc3c8b130136bdc6

Also got stuck without a drink yesterday...random annoyance. 😅

Procigar’s New School for Tobacco Workers Opens and Begins Classes February 1, 2026 - Patrick Lagreid A new vocational school that will train and educate future Dominican cigarmakers has finally opened in the city of Tamboril. The PROCIGAR–INFOTEP Escuela de Tabaqueros, or School of Tobacco Artisans, is the creation of the National Institute of Technical and Vocational Training (INFOTEP), in partnership with Procigar, a Dominican cigar manufacturer’s association that includes a dozen members. INFOTEP is funded by taxes that employers pay nationwide to support future vocational training. Previously, there was no cigar-making program at INFOTEP, meaning taxes that cigar factories were paying were contributing towards training people for other industries. Given the need for more cigar rollers in the country, Procigar worked with INFOTEP to start this program. “This school was born out of necessity,” said Litto Gómez, president of Procigar and co-founder of La Flor Dominicana, in a press release. “The Dominican cigar industry depends on the knowledge, discipline, and craftsmanship of its artisans. To guarantee quality, prestige, and long-term sustainability, we must train tobacco workers according to international standards established by Procigar. This institution ensures that the art of cigar making is preserved, strengthened, and passed on with excellence.” In addition to ensuring the future of the premium cigar industry workforce, the initiative aims to have a societal and economic impact by giving graduates access to employment opportunities with competitive incomes. The school provides instruction on tobacco culture and why it is important to the Dominican economy. “These students will not only learn a trade; they will become productive members of society through skilled, honorable work,” said Gomez. “The tobacco industry creates real opportunities, supports families, and strengthens entire communities while preserving a cultural legacy that is central to our national identity.” The school is able to accommodate 24 students per course, with courses offered weekdays in the morning, afternoon and evening to work with students’ schedules. Saturday classes are also offered. There are approximately 80 students in the first class, which began classes earlier this week. Procigar members donated various tools to the school, including rolling tables, cigar molds, and chavetas used for cutting tobacco. INTABACO, the Tobacco Institute of the Dominican Republic, will be providing the tobacco that the students will use for their training. Upon graduation, the rollers will be allowed to choose which cigar factory they go to, including factories that are non-Procigar members. The school’s formation was announced in October 2024. At the time, Procigar had hoped to open the school in the coming months, but it took more than a year to get the program ready for the first students. Images courtesy of INFOTEP/ProCigar. Source: https://halfwheel.com/procigars-new-school-for-tobacco-workers-opens-and-begins-classes/461533/

Siglo I + II.

The 15-20 days statement is similar to the orange haired guy saying "COVID will be over in two months". Cuba does have heavy sulfured crude oil that they are drilling for, along with a substantial supply of natural gas. As you all guessed, they have not re-invested in their equipment over the years. There is some investment from China and Canada at the moment, but its not as productive as it could be. Added to that the Sulfur damages machinery over time so its not as desirable as the Venezuelan crude that is more efficient. This is why Cuba was refining the Venezuelan crude and selling it to the Bahamas, Jamaica, Cayman islands etc and kept some for local use. As China is being cut off to the Venezuelan crude, they might be the only ones to invest more in Cuba's oil. That will take time for any measurable turnaround. Venezuela is in the same situation. Exxon and Chevron executives have stated that investment in Venezuela is "inadvisable" until political and economic adjustments are made. So its's just all talk, no plans. But any measure by the US will not be enough to fulfill their wishful thinking. John