Cigar News Week 2 January 2022 – Video Recap | My Cigar Pack
Week two of January is when the cigar world starts to feel the weight of the new year. The dust from holiday releases has settled, most publications have locked in their annual awards, and the industry begins to show where momentum is building and where friction is starting to form. This is also the point when opinions become louder. Everyone has thoughts on cigars of the year, pricing, festivals, and what direction the culture should move next.
This week’s news matters because it reflects both celebration and tension. On one hand, we saw the final wave of “Cigar of the Year” announcements across major media outlets. On the other, we saw continued price increases, cancelled international festivals, and ongoing logistical realities that affect every cigar smoker whether they realize it or not.
This recap pulls all of that together. It is not about crowning a single winner or reacting emotionally to headlines. It is about understanding what these developments mean for the industry, for consumers, and for the culture we are all part of.
January 2022
By week two of January 2022, nearly every major cigar publication had announced their Cigar of the Year selections. Rather than focusing on a single outlet, this recap compiled the results and compared them against community feedback gathered through social media polling.
Cigar Snob selected the Oliva Serie V Melanio Maduro as their Cigar of the Year, with 61 percent of respondents agreeing with that choice. Cigar Journal chose the Perdomo Reserve 10th Anniversary Box Pressed Epicure Maduro, a selection that saw 72 percent disagreement from the audience. Cigar Aficionado went in the opposite direction, naming the Padron 1964 Anniversary Series Torpedo Natural as their winner, a choice that earned agreement from 67 percent of respondents.
Cigar & Spirits selected the Drew Estate Undercrown 10 Toro, with 63 percent agreement. Blind Man’s Puff chose the ACE Prime Fiat Lux, a pick that resonated strongly. Cigar Coop selected the Rocky Patel Winter Collection Robusto, which, like Cigar Journal’s choice, faced notable disagreement at 73 percent. Cigar Dojo, whose announcement came later in the day, named the Ferio Tego Elegancia as their Cigar of the Year.
Following the awards discussion, Halfwheel reported additional price increases. CLE, La Flor Dominicana, El Artista, Roma Craft Tobac, Blanco Cigar Company, and Aganorsa Leaf all announced increases, bringing the total number of manufacturers raising prices to 31. The discussion emphasized that while price increases are unwelcome, they are preferable to reductions in quality.
Another major headline came from Cigar Aficionado, reporting that Cuba cancelled the Habanos Festival again. Festival 23, originally scheduled for early 2022, was cancelled following similar cancellations of Puro Sabor in Nicaragua. ProCigar in the Dominican Republic remained scheduled at the time, with differing organizational structures cited as a key factor.
The quick puffs segment covered several upcoming announcements. German Engineered Cigars announced the release of their Hommage at TPE 2022, featuring a Nicaragua Connecticut seed wrapper, an Indonesian binder, and Dominican and Nicaraguan fillers. Tobacco Business reported that Rocky Patel and the New York Tobacconist Association collaborated on a state-exclusive cigar designed to retail at $11.99, intended to support legislative efforts to cap cigar taxes. Cigar Journal also reported on the Rocky Patel Freedom Maduro, the third entry in the Freedom line.
Cultural and Industry Context
The annual “Cigar of the Year” conversation is as much about culture as it is about cigars. These lists spark debate because they sit at the intersection of media authority, consumer taste, and brand perception. Agreement percentages tell an important story. They show how closely media outlets align with the preferences of everyday smokers.
What stands out this year is not a single dominant consensus, but fragmentation. Different publications highlighted different philosophies. Some leaned traditional. Others favored accessibility. Some focused on legacy brands, others on newer interpretations. This reflects a broader trend in cigar culture where no single voice defines excellence anymore.
Price increases continuing into January reinforce another reality. The cigar industry operates on long timelines, but rising costs do not wait for aging cycles to finish. Logistics, labor, distribution, and regulatory pressure all play a role. While raw tobacco may have been grown years prior, everything surrounding it has become more expensive.
The cancellation of major cigar festivals highlights how global events continue to affect cigar culture. These festivals are not just celebrations. They are critical for networking, release announcements, and international collaboration. Their absence shifts how information is shared and how brands connect with retailers and consumers.
At the same time, innovation continues. New releases, creative marketing, and localized initiatives like the New York tax-focused project show that brands are actively looking for solutions rather than standing still.
Brand or Cigar Breakdown
Cigar of the Year Selections
Each winning cigar represents a different approach to what excellence means. Some emphasize heritage. Others highlight balance, consistency, or broad appeal. The variety of winners underscores how diverse the premium cigar landscape has become.
Rocky Patel Developments
Rocky Patel appeared multiple times in this week’s news, from Cigar of the Year selections to legislative advocacy and new releases. This reflects a brand strategy that combines product development, visibility, and political engagement, a multifaceted approach that continues to shape its presence in the market.
German Engineered Cigars
The announcement of Hommage illustrates how international branding and conceptual storytelling are becoming more common. These projects focus not only on blend composition but also on imagination and identity, signaling a trend toward experiential marketing within cigar culture.
Lessons
This week’s news offers several lessons.
Cigar of the Year lists should be read as conversation starters, not commandments. Price increases are complex and often unavoidable. Festival cancellations affect how releases are announced and accessed. Advocacy efforts matter, especially in heavily regulated markets.
Understanding these dynamics helps smokers make informed decisions, whether that means buying ahead, supporting certain brands, or simply adjusting expectations.
Industry Impact and Consumer Perspective
From an industry standpoint, this week showed resilience paired with pressure. Brands are adapting, but costs are rising. Media influence remains strong, but consumer voices are louder than ever.
From a consumer perspective, the message is mixed but manageable. Cigars are still being made with care. Innovation continues. Prices may rise, but quality remains the priority.
Final thoughts
Week two of January 2022 captured the complexity of modern cigar culture. Celebration and disagreement, growth and cost, tradition and experimentation all coexisted in the same news cycle.
The industry continues to move forward, shaped by both internal craftsmanship and external realities. For cigar smokers, staying informed is part of the ritual. It deepens appreciation, sharpens perspective, and reinforces why premium cigars remain more than just products.
As the year progresses, these early signals will echo through releases, pricing, and conversations. For now, the best response is the same as always. Light something you enjoy, stay curious, and keep paying attention.