How the World Smokes, Sips & Grills: Global Cigar & BBQ Trends

🌍 The Global Cigar Market: How Cigars Are Sold and Smoked Internationally

Cigars have come a long way from their origins in the Caribbean and Central America. Today, the global cigar market is a thriving, complex ecosystem—fueled by tradition, innovation, and shifting consumer habits across continents. Let’s take a closer look at how cigars are sold, smoked, and celebrated around the world.

🌎 Top Global Markets

While the United States still dominates cigar sales, it’s no longer the only major player. Germany, Switzerland, and the UK have become cigar-loving strongholds in Europe, driven by a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. Meanwhile, China has emerged as a high-growth market, where cigars are increasingly seen as status symbols among the rising elite. In Africa, countries like Nigeria and South Africa are experiencing an uptick in boutique cigar lounges catering to urban professionals.

💰 Import and Export Dynamics

The supply chain for cigars is truly global. While Cuba still holds symbolic status—especially in countries where Cuban cigars are legal—Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras lead in both volume and variety. Nicaraguan cigars, in particular, are prized for their bold flavors and quality construction. Brands from these regions have found strong footing in Asia and Europe, often marketed as premium lifestyle products.

🛃 Trade Barriers and Tax Policies

International cigar trade is affected heavily by tariffs, excise taxes, and packaging regulations. For instance, plain packaging laws in Australia and parts of Canada make branding difficult. Meanwhile, high import duties in some Asian nations create a luxury pricing tier, which ironically can boost exclusivity and demand.

👥 Cultural Shifts and New Demographics

There’s a noticeable cultural evolution happening. In many markets, cigar smoking is no longer just the domain of older men in leather chairs. Younger adults—especially professionals in finance and tech—are embracing cigars as part of a modern luxury experience. There's also a rising number of female cigar smokers, especially in Europe and Latin America, challenging old stereotypes and reshaping cigar culture.

Bottom line: Cigars are going global, both in supply and demand. The ritual may remain the same, but the faces, flavors, and forums are evolving fast.

💨 Cigar Newbie Corner

What to Do If Your Cigar Burns Unevenly

So you’re relaxing with your favorite stick, everything’s going smoothly—and then you notice it: one side is burning faster than the other. Don’t panic! Uneven burns, also called canoeing, are common, especially for newer smokers. The good news? There are simple ways to fix it and even prevent it.

🔥 Why It Happens

An uneven burn can be caused by a few things:

• Improper lighting: If the foot wasn’t fully and evenly lit to begin with.

• Humidity imbalance: Cigars stored unevenly can burn unevenly, too.

• Inconsistent puffing: Smoking too fast or letting the cigar rest too long.

• Leaf construction: Even high-quality cigars can have slight inconsistencies in filler or wrapper leaves.

🧯 What You Can Do About It

1. Touch it up with a lighter
If one side is burning faster, gently toast the slower-burning edge with a single-flame torch lighter. Rotate the cigar as you apply heat to the problem area. This can help even things out without relighting the whole cigar.

2. Let it self-correct
Sometimes, the best action is no action. Cigars are surprisingly good at correcting themselves over a few minutes if you maintain steady, even draws.

3. Adjust your smoking rhythm
Slow down. Taking quick, frequent puffs can cause one side to overheat and run ahead. Aim for a draw every 45 seconds to 1 minute.

4. Rotate your cigar
Gravity can influence burn rate. Gently rotate your cigar every couple of minutes to give both sides equal heat exposure.

🚫 What NOT to Do

• Don’t wet the fast-burning side with saliva (yes, some folks still do this). It rarely works and can mess with the flavor.

• Don’t overcorrect by torching aggressively—it can char the wrapper and ruin the taste.

✅ Final Tip

Always take your time when lighting. Give the foot a good toast, make sure it’s evenly glowing, and you’ll start off right. Even burn = better flavor and a more enjoyable experience.

🥃 Whiskey and Chocolate: A Match Made in Heaven

We talk a lot about cigars and whiskey. Or whiskey and steak. But there’s a pairing that flies under the radar and absolutely deserves your attention: whiskey and chocolate. This combo offers an unexpectedly rich, indulgent experience that appeals to both seasoned connoisseurs and adventurous beginners.

🍫 Why Chocolate and Whiskey Work So Well

Both whiskey and chocolate are complex, layered, and full of nuanced flavors that evolve on the palate. The fats in chocolate coat your mouth, which enhances the lingering notes of whiskey. Meanwhile, whiskey’s high alcohol content intensifies the cocoa flavors in chocolate, allowing subtle spices, fruitiness, and oakiness to shine.

The key is matching flavor intensity — a delicate Irish whiskey might be overpowered by a bitter dark chocolate, just as a full-proof bourbon might bulldoze a creamy milk chocolate.

🥛 Milk Chocolate Pairs Best With…

Light, floral whiskeys. Think Glenmorangie Original, Auchentoshan, or Redbreast 12. These spirits have honeyed, citrusy notes that complement the creamy sweetness of milk chocolate beautifully. Add a touch of sea salt to the chocolate for an elevated pairing.

🍷 Dark Chocolate? Go Bold.

If your chocolate is 70% cocoa or more, it needs a partner with some backbone. Look to bourbons like Elijah Craig, Booker’s, or Woodford Reserve. These bring vanilla, charred oak, and caramel to the table — all perfect with bitter-sweet chocolate. A square of dark chocolate after a sip of bourbon can feel like dessert and digestif rolled into one.

🌶️ Flavored or Spiced Chocolate Needs a Rye

Chocolates infused with cayenne, cinnamon, or chili need something that punches back. Rye whiskeys, such as Bulleit Rye or WhistlePig, offer spice and bite that hold their own. This pairing is dynamic and invigorating — a real treat for the adventurous palate.

🧪 Tasting Tip: Don’t Rush It

Let the chocolate melt on your tongue before taking a sip of whiskey. Then, wait a moment. This method opens up hidden flavor notes you wouldn’t catch otherwise.

Whether for dessert, date night, or solo indulgence, this is one pairing you’ll want to return to — again and again.

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News from the World of Cigars

🇺🇸🔥 J.C. Newman Ships 2025 Releases of The American & Angel Cuesta

J.C. Newman Cigar Co. has commenced shipping the first 2025 batches of its acclaimed cigars, The American and Angel Cuesta, to 105 retailers across 35 states. Crafted at the historic El Reloj factory in Tampa, Florida, these cigars honor American cigar-making traditions. The American is a 100% U.S.-sourced puro, while Angel Cuesta boasts an Ecuadorian Havana Rosado wrapper with a blend of aged tobaccos from three continents. For the full article, go here.

💸📈 Casa Carrillo Announces Price Increase Amid Tariff Changes

Effective June 1, Casa Carrillo will implement a 25-cent increase to the wholesale price of all its cigars. This adjustment is a direct response to recent tariff changes impacting the cigar industry. Consumers can expect to see this price change reflected at retail outlets nationwide. The company aims to maintain its commitment to quality while navigating these economic shifts. For the full article, go here

🥇🔥 Top 60-Ring Gauge Cigars for a Bold Smoking Experience

For aficionados who enjoy a substantial smoke, Holt's Cigar Company has curated a list of the best 60-ring gauge cigars. Highlights include the La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Valentino, known for its rich flavors of dark chocolate and espresso, and the San Cristobal Papagayo XXL, offering robust notes of black pepper and walnut. These selections promise a full-bodied experience for those seeking a longer, more flavorful smoke. For the full article, go here.

News from the World of Whiskey (Whisky)

🦃🥃 Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon Returns with Age Statement

Wild Turkey brings back its 8-year age statement with the release of Wild Turkey 101 8-Year-Old Bourbon. This expression offers a richer flavor profile compared to the standard 101, featuring notes of caramel, vanilla, seasoned oak, graham cracker, and a hint of orange chocolate. While the taste isn't revolutionary, the curated barrel selection and smaller batch size provide a more distinct and complex sip. For the full article, go here.

🌍💼 Diageo Faces $150M Annual Hit from U.S. Tariffs

Diageo, the global spirits giant behind brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker, anticipates a $150 million annual impact due to newly imposed 10% U.S. tariffs on UK and European imports. To offset this, the company has announced a $500 million cost-cutting initiative and is considering significant asset disposals. Despite these challenges, Diageo reported a 5.9% increase in organic net sales, driven by early distributor shipments ahead of the tariffs and strong sales in North America and Latin America. For the full article, go here.

🥃🇮🇪 Jameson Unveils 23-Year-Old Small Batch Exclusive

Jameson has released its oldest age-statement whiskey to date: a 23-year-old small batch, available exclusively through The Whisky Exchange. This blend of pot still and grain whiskies was matured in a combination of bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, offering a balanced profile with notes of poached pears, creamy toffee, pepper spice, sun-dried raisins, and vanilla. Bottled at 55.1% ABV, it's a must-try for Irish whiskey enthusiasts. For the full article, go here.

🔥 Turkish Shish Kebabs: A BBQ Tradition with a Twist

When most people think of BBQ, their minds go straight to brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. But step outside the Western hemisphere and you’ll discover a world of grilled mastery. Enter Turkish shish kebabs — skewered meats that are deeply rooted in history, culture, and unmatched flavor.

🍢 What Exactly Are Shish Kebabs?

The word “shish” literally means skewer in Turkish, and kebab simply means grilled meat. Combine the two and you get one of the most versatile, ancient grilling styles in the world. While lamb is the traditional star, shish kebabs today feature chicken, beef, veal, or fish, depending on the region and the cook’s preference.

The meat is cut into cubes, marinated, then threaded onto long metal or wooden skewers before being grilled over open charcoal flames — the preferred heat source for authentic flavor.

🧄 The Magic is in the Marinade

What sets Turkish kebabs apart is the intense, flavorful marinade. A classic mixture might include:

• Yogurt (for tenderizing)

• Olive oil (for moisture and richness)

• Garlic and onion (for punch)

• Cumin, paprika, and sumac (for warmth and complexity)

• A touch of lemon juice or vinegar (for brightness)

This marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor, but also helps it stay juicy during high-heat grilling.

🍽️ How They're Served

Shish kebabs are rarely served alone. They come with a spread of delicious accompaniments like:

• Grilled vegetables — onions, tomatoes, and peppers charred to perfection

• Lavash or pita bread — warm and soft, perfect for wrapping or scooping

• Pickled sides — tangy contrasts to the smoky meat

• Cacık (pronounced “jah-jik”) — a yogurt, cucumber, and dill sauce that cools and complements

🌍 A Global Favorite

Though they originate in Turkey, shish kebabs have spread worldwide. You’ll find variations in Persia (kabab koobideh), India (seekh kebabs), and even Latin America — each adding their own local twist.

If you’re looking to bring something exotic, flavorful, and easy-to-make to your next grill session, Turkish shish kebabs are your ticket to BBQ greatness.