Boutique Cigar Association, Inc.

06/13/2026

The Boutique Cigar Association would like to inform the premium cigar community that the fraudulent Instagram account impersonating our organization has been officially removed by Instagram for violating its Community Standards on impersonation.

We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who collaborated with us, reported the account, shared information, and helped bring this matter to Instagram’s attention. Your support and vigilance were instrumental in resolving this issue.

As a reminder, the Boutique Cigar Association successfully fulfilled its mission of defending small family-owned premium cigar companies against FDA regulations. Following the successful conclusion of those efforts, the organization became inactive and no longer maintains an active board of directors, membership program, or dues structure.

If you encounter any individual, website, social media account, or organization claiming to represent the Boutique Cigar Association or requesting payments, dues, or membership fees on its behalf, please exercise caution and report the activity immediately.

Thank you again to everyone who helped protect the integrity of our industry and community.

Respectfully,

Dr. Gaby Kafie
Founder
Boutique Cigar Association

06/13/2026

⚠️ PUBLIC NOTICE – FRAUD ALERT ⚠️

The Boutique Cigar Association (BCA) was founded in 2016 with a singular mission: to protect small, family-owned premium cigar companies from excessive FDA regulation and to ensure that our industry had a voice in Washington, D.C.

Through the collective efforts of our industry and in partnership with the Cigar Association of America (CAA), the Premium Cigar Association (PCA), and Cigar Rights of America (CRA), we worked together through legislative advocacy, lobbying efforts, and a landmark federal court lawsuit that ultimately resulted in premium ci**rs being exempted from FDA regulation.

This achievement represents one of the most significant victories in the history of the premium cigar industry.

As a result, the mission of the Boutique Cigar Association has been fulfilled.

The BCA is currently INACTIVE.

-We do not have an active Board of Directors.
-We do not have an active membership program.
-We are not collecting membership dues.
-We are not soliciting personal information from anyone.

We have recently become aware of - fraudulent social media accounts - falsely claiming to represent the BCA and requesting email addresses, personal information, and membership payments.

If anyone contacts you claiming to represent the BCA and asks for dues, donations, payments, or personal information, they are not authorized by the Boutique Cigar Association and should be considered fraudulent.

Please do not send money, provide personal information, or engage with these accounts.

Should the day come when small family-owned premium cigar companies once again require a united voice and organized defense, the BCA stands ready to return to service. Until that time, the organization remains inactive.

If you have any questions regarding the legitimacy of any communication claiming to be from the BCA, please contact:

Dr. Gaby Kafie
Founder, Boutique Cigar Association
📧 [email protected]
📞 305-255-6368

Thank you for your support and for helping protect the integrity of our premium cigar community.

**rs ***co

06/05/2026

This is fantastic. Thank you all for your leadership and efforts. Specials thanks to the Premium Cigar Association , Cigar Rights of America , and the Cigar Association of America ... When our industry leadership comes together our industry is as safe as it can be.

CAA's inaugural Legislative & Policy Conference concluded with the Congressional Cigar Caucus.

CAA members joined PCA and CRA for a Congressional Cigar Caucus meeting where CAA member Greg Fox, President and CEO of Best Cigar Prices, Best Cigar Pub and Alliance Cigar, led a discussion for Members of Congress on the economics of the online market and how it supports businesses across the supply chain.

06/05/2026

https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/new-york-state-introduces-generational-to***co-ban-bill

The proposed legislation seeks to make it illegal for any person born after December 31, 2007, to purchase to***co products, including ci**rs, in perpetuity. | Cigar Aficionado

05/27/2026

One of the most accurate updates on what is going on in Cuba.

Browse the largest collection of cigar ratings and reviews as well as the latest coverage on ci**rs, Cuba, gambling, golf, beer, spirits, and more.

05/25/2026

The Best Festival in Kentucky !!! Get your tickets early before they sell out.

Save the date, make the plan, be there!

05/22/2026

A message from Cigar Journal regarding regulations of premium ci**rs in Europe.

The European Commission recently launched a Call for Evidence on the Evaluation of the Legislative Framework for To***co Control. The objective is to collect as many opinions as possible on the current EU legislative framework for To***co Control due to the “rapid rise” in emerging products which have entered the EU market since 2014.

This consultation will define the potential options considered for the upcoming revision of the EU Framework for To***co Control planned for the end of 2026! Some of the options under consideration will place harsher restrictions on to***co products, including on our beloved ci**rs and cigarillos:

“With plain packaging looming in the upcoming revision of the EU To***co Products Directive, we strongly invite cigar smokers to make their voice heard so that EU politicians understand that ci**rs are different from mass-consumed to***co and ni****ne products. Traditional niche products consumed on an occasional basis should not be treated the same way as ci******es and emerging products used on a daily basis”. Paul Varakas, Director General of the European Cigar Manufacturers Association.

ECMA drafted a guide to help cigar and cigarillos passionados to submit to the consultation here. Questions are the same for EU and non EU citizens.

The Call for Evidence will run until 15 June 2026 It is open to citizens from the EU or not, retailers, companies, academics and scientific experts.

Link in comments.

05/20/2026

The boutique cigar movement has changed this industry forever.

Small family owned companies producing quality premium ci**rs with passion, integrity, consistency, and craftsmanship have earned the respect of retailers and consumers around the world.

Now we would love to hear from you:

Who is your favorite boutique cigar company and why?

Let’s celebrate the smaller companies keeping artistry, tradition, and quality alive in the premium cigar industry.

05/04/2026

To truly appreciate the present, one must study, and respect, the past. Freedom is never given lightly; it is earned through perseverance, sacrifice, and unwavering conviction.

We extend our deepest gratitude to those who have stood on the front lines to protect our industry and its future:
Cigar Association of America
Premium Cigar Association
Cigar Rights of America
Boutique Cigar Association

At a time when other nations are moving toward generational bans on smoking, the United States stands as a place where freedom has been preserved through diligence, unity, and advocacy.

Family-owned businesses remain the backbone of the premium cigar industry, built on legacy, sustained by passion, and driven by a commitment to craftsmanship that endures across generations.

Article dated: Spring 2017

05/02/2026

We are incredibly excited to announce that 5 Time NBA Champion, Ron Harper will be attending My Old Kentucky Herf. Ron is co-owner of Underrated by Luciano Ci**rs.

MOKH26 keeps getting better! Get your tickets NOW!

May 8-9, Ashland, KY