Blog

Reinhard Pohorec — August 18, 2025

Klaas Kelner, CEO and founder of Kelner Tabak, brings a lifetime of experience in premium cigar craftsmanship to his own company. As the son of legendary master blender Henke Kelner, he grew up surrounded by tobacco fields, curing barns, and factory floors.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 18, 2025

Heiko Pörz, founder of HENK, has built a brand that merges refined design, functional innovation, and deeply personal storytelling. Drawing from decades of travel and an appreciation for craftsmanship across cultures, he has created luxury accessories that stand out for their individuality and enduring quality.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 18, 2025

Heinrich Villiger has been in the cigar business for more than seven decades, steering Villiger through the post-war years, industry consolidation, and the rise of both machine-made and premium hand-rolled cigars.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 14, 2025

Jorge Padrón, President of Padrón Cigars, shares insights into his upbringing in the tobacco world, the legacy of his father José Orlando Padrón, and the guiding philosophy that has kept the brand among the most respected in the cigar industry.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

John Oliva Jr. and Trey Angel Oliva of Oliva Tobacco Company joined the Light 'em Up Lounge to share the story of one of the most influential leaf suppliers in the premium cigar world.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

In this Light 'em Up Lounge conversation, Laurel Tilley shared insights on the roots, the philosophy, and where the industry is heading.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

Pete Johnson, founder of Tatuaje Cigars, joined the Light 'em Up Lounge to talk about building a brand that's become a modern classic in the premium cigar world.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

In this Light 'em Up Lounge conversation, Jaime and Manolo from Casa 1910 shared how their brand is redefining perceptions of Mexican premium cigars.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

Tim Swanson, founder of Cigars Daily, joined the Light 'em Up Lounge to talk about how he turned a local cigar shop into a thriving online community.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

Charlie Minato, co-founder and editor of Halfwheel joined the Light 'em Up Lounge to discuss his journey in cigar media, the challenges of independent reporting, and his views on where the industry is heading.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 12, 2025

Nestor Plasencia, CEO of Plasencia Cigars, joined the Light 'em Up Lounge to share the remarkable story of a family that has shaped the premium cigar industry for more than 150 years.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 1, 2025

Nick Perdomo shares the philosophy and discipline behind one of the most successful family-owned cigar companies in the world, reflecting on legacy, vertical integration, and uncompromising quality control.

Reinhard Pohorec — August 1, 2025

The founder of Les Fines Lames shares the story behind one of the most iconic accessories in the cigar world — from French craftsmanship to a lifestyle brand rooted in design and passion.

Reinhard Pohorec — November 28, 2023

The Henry Flagler Museum in Palm Beach commissioned the reconstruction of a Tiffany & Co. humidor that is over 100 years old, originally presented to Flagler by the New York Yacht Club in 1895.

Macy Hanson — February 14, 2023

Keep it simple. Not only is this excellent advice for life and business, but it is also the philosophy that best applies to the cutting of cigars. When in doubt, cut less.

Macy Hanson — December 20, 2022

Some brave and creative premium cigar companies have started to think outside of the Spanish cedar cigar box. We take a closer look at the major alternatives.

Macy Hanson — September 20, 2022

A discussion with three cigar-blending luminaries about the concept of "vintage" in the premium cigar industry and whether consistency is overrated.

Macy Hanson — July 20, 2022

Part One: "Carlito Fuente Bets the Farm" and "The Cohiba Wars" – by guest writer Macy Hanson.

Reinhard Pohorec — May 5, 2022

An editorial response to analysis of the FDA commissioned Consensus Study Report on Premium Cigars. Could there be a future without cigar social media? How should the cigar industry react?

Macy Hanson — March 29, 2022

How a recent FDA-commissioned study on premium cigars sends the disturbing signal that the FDA has turned its attention to the regulation of online cigar media.