After years of effort by multiple industry trade associations, the state of Illinois just joined the coalition of states that have a premium cigar tax cap.

(Miami, Florida) – June XX, 2026 – Plasencia Cigars, a world-renowned premium tobacco grower and maker of award-winning cigars with a tobacco tradition since 1865 proudly announces the appointment of Rodrigo Medina Mendieta as the company’s first-ever Global Brand Ambassador, a newly created role that reflects both the continued evolution of the brand and Rodrigo’s nearly 11 years of dedication to expanding Plasencia’s presence around the world.

After years of effort by multiple industry trade associations, the state of Illinois just joined the coalition of states that have a premium cigar tax cap.

One of the world’s only patented cigar shapes, The Cartridge™ brings American heritage, premium tobacco, and unmistakable visual identity to the premium cigar market.

Jacksonville Beach, FL — May 7, 2026 — Hooten Young LLC is proud to announce the issuance of U.S. Design Patent No. D1,124,474 S, protecting the ornamental design of the company’s distinctive cigar shape known as The Cartridge™. The patented design is featured in the Ma Deuce Cigar Selection, a premium cigar created to honor American military strength, legacy, and sacrifice. The patent was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and recognizes a group of inventors associated with the design, including Azarias Mustafa Cordoba “Z” and Norman G. Hooten. 

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) successfully concluded its annual trade show and convention, PCA26, held April 17–20, 2026, in New Orleans. Bringing together premium cigar retailers, manufacturers, distributors, media, and industry professionals from across the United States and around the world, PCA26 delivered four days of business, networking, education, and celebration in one of America’s most iconic host cities.

Launch of PCA and Cigraal’s PCA Connect Asia | November 30 – December 6, 2026

The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) announced a new strategic partnership with Cigraal, a leading premium cigar development and distribution company across Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. This collaboration marks a significant step in supporting the rapid growth, professionalization, and long-term development of the premium cigar category across key Asian markets, through advancing education and advocacy.

This is the first release of these special cigars for 2026.

Today marks the first release of this year’s Tampa Smokers cigars.

A perfect companion for baseball season, Tampa Smokers cigars celebrate two of America’s historic traditions: baseball and cigars. At its peak, Tampa’s 200 cigar factories handcrafted more than 700 million cigars per year. In 1919, Tampa’s local baseball team was named the Tampa Smokers to celebrate its place in Cigar City.

Each day, a single master cigar roller hand rolls only 80 Tampa Smokers cigars per day in our El Reloj cigar factory. Crafted with an Ecuadorian Shade wrapper, Connecticut Broadleaf binder, and filler tobaccos from Latin America, this cigar comes in two sizes: a 6″x 52 toro and a 7″ baseball bat.