You may have noticed by now that sometimes, cigars slowly file out of a store or shop’s humidor never to return. Maybe it was a brand or blend you really loved? Maybe it was one you planned on trying but never got the chance. Either way, manufacturers could potentially end the creation of a cigar series or blend anytime.
But why are cigars discontinued? What are the determining factors? As someone straddling both sides of the industry, press and retail sides, I’ve learned a few of those reasons and I’m here to share. Sharing is caring, right? Light up a smoke, pour yourself a cold glass of something strong and let’s go.
Why are cigars discontinued?
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
There are a few main reasons why cigars are eventually phased out. While they’re not followed in any particular order, the biggest and most common reason is popularity or sales.
Here are some more reasons why cigars may be discontinued:
If a cigar blend, size, or line is not selling well, manufacturers will eventually phase it out.
Cigars are all natural, made from plants and varying harvests. If one type of tobacco or a particular leaf is unavailable, manufacturers might discontinue the line.
Evolving consumer preferences can affect the popularity and sales of even the most prolific blends.
Rising costs, in taxes, fees, or supply chain expenses can sometimes significantly impact profits for a particular blend, in which case, brands may phase it out for better options.
In some rare cases, raw materials or supplies can affect the shipping of cigars. For example, if cigars are shipped in authentic ammo boxes, but the materials for those boxes become rare, more expensive or unavailable, well, the line gets phased out.
An updated blend or change in the materials and ingredients may cause older blends to be phased out. Like when upgrading a cigar, changing the factory, or something similar.
Increasing or emerging production challenges, like cigars rolled a special way, unique sizes, and accoutrements, like raw leaf used for a wrapper, may eventually cause the blend to be phased out. It could be because no one knows how to do the old methods or work with new materials, or they’re just not available.
Poor or weakened agricultural yields, especially in certain growing regions.
It happens from time to time; the industry is constantly evolving
It sucks when your favorite cigar goes the way of the ghost. I’ve seen it happen several times, and I have no doubt it will continue to happen in the years ahead. Cornelius & Anthony, for instance, was a brand I loved — I still have a lot of their stuff in my humidor — but they are no longer made.
There are many other changes that happen, too. My Father cigars used to be made by Aganorsa, before it changed its name. Now, the Garcia family makes its own cigars, and the blends are a little different. That tends to happen a lot in the industry when new factories open and the handcrafting changes, well, hands.
Briley has over 16 years in the publishing and content marketing business. He's been writing about cigars for nearly half that in various forms. What makes him a tour de force is he also smokes them.
Source: Briley Kenney / The BS Lounge
