The Cigar Soldier

Cuban Cigars dominated Europe for decades. That’s no longer a given.In Part 2 of Cigars Across Borders, we break down how missteps in consistency, pricing, and supply have created an opening in the UK market, and how New World brands are ready to take it. This episode builds on Part 1, where we showed how the gap between Cuban and Non-Cuban medium body blends closed. The door is open, and for the first time, New World brands are in position to walk through it.

Cigars Across Borders: Part 1 - Closing the GapFor decades, Cuban cigars set the standard for balance and refinement, while New World cigars were known for strength over subtlety.That gap doesn’t exist anymore.In Part I of Cigars Across Borders, I review the Stoic Courage and explore how New World blenders have mastered the medium-bodied profile, challenging the long-held belief that Cuba still sits alone at the top.The terrain is changing beneath us, and this is where it starts.

In the first episode of The Cigar Soldier, I introduce the podcast and the vision behind it, review the HVC Fine Tobacco Club Ledger Series Vol. 1, share my thoughts on Cigar Aficionado’s Top 25 of 2025, and outline the roadmap for where the show is heading.Contact: thecigarsoldierpod@gmail.comInstagram: @thecigarsoldier