halfwheel

halfwheel the industry's cigar blog. halfwheel.com launched Jan. 1, 2012. From the first day, we made it clear halfwheel was going to be a different kind of cigar blog.

Its content includes the archives of TheCigarFeed.com and SmokingStogie.com, sites perviously published by co-founders Charlie Minato and Brooks Whittington. It combined the obsessive industry news coverage of TheCigarFeed and the in-depth reviews of SmokingStogie into a singular place for those passionate about ci**rs. In addition, Patrick Lagreid, formerly of Cigar Snob and Examiner.com, and Bri

an Burt, formerly of Stogie N Brews, joined halfwheel around its launch rounding out the halfwheel staff. This is not a fly-by-night operation (we have an office), this is not a hobby (some of us do this full-time), this is not our first time (we have worked for newspapers, radio stations, magazines and more) and this is not just another cigar blog. We cover the industry—as a whole. From the smallest and newest cigar companies, to the largest and most established. We report on new products, major personnel changes, legal challenges and trends within the industry. On the legislative side, we take the same approach covering tobacco-related legislation changes in the U.S. from the municipal to the federal level in addition to major international changes. Our reviews feature more than just a score—there's history, context and our noted photography—headed up by Brooks Whittington, a professional photographer with more than two decades of experience. If you only read one thing about ci**rs, we hope it's halfwheel.

Patina y Viso Leprechaun Dust Shipping Next Month **rs
01/16/2026

Patina y Viso Leprechaun Dust Shipping Next Month **rs

Last year, Patina Ci**rs and Viso H***y worked together for Verdigris, a cigar that celebrated both brand owners' midwest roots. The duo returned to NACSA and made a candela.

Missouri Legislators Introduces Indoor Smoking Bills, Would Reclassify Cigar Lounges **rs
01/15/2026

Missouri Legislators Introduces Indoor Smoking Bills, Would Reclassify Cigar Lounges **rs

A pair of legislators are seeking to amend the state's laws regarding indoor smoking. While casinos appear to be the main target, cigar shops could be affected by the changes as well.

2025 Awards: Packaging Top 10 **rs
01/15/2026

2025 Awards: Packaging Top 10 **rs

Each year, we select our 10 favorite packaging items as part of awards. This year's list includes a humidor that moves, two different explosive-themed releases, and one item that is going to require multiple people to move.

Watch: Packaging Awards 2025 (12:00 P.M. CST) **rs
01/15/2026

Watch: Packaging Awards 2025 (12:00 P.M. CST) **rs

Tune in for the packaging winners, stay for the technical issues. Join Brooks, Patrick and me live on Facebook, YouTube and maybe Instagram.

Davidoff Releasing 11 Exclusive Editions for 2026 **rs
01/15/2026

Davidoff Releasing 11 Exclusive Editions for 2026 **rs

This year, there are three different vitolas for the Davidoff Exclusive Series. Each cigar is exclusive to either a retailer or distributor.

Employee Caught Stealing $9,000 Worth of Ci**rs from Best Cigar Prices **rs
01/15/2026

Employee Caught Stealing $9,000 Worth of Ci**rs from Best Cigar Prices **rs

Per police, he was caught on camera concealing ci**rs in his travel humidor. After an internal investigation, the store found that the employee took 600 ci**rs.

Casa Carrillo Creates Social Media Exclusive Collector’s Box **rs
01/15/2026

Casa Carrillo Creates Social Media Exclusive Collector’s Box **rs

Casa Carrillo is looking to reward its most engaged fans with a three-pack of rare blends. There's no voting on which one is the best, as the company says these ci**rs won't be part of a regular release.

STG Shuffles Portfolio: Sends Cohiba to Forged, Room101 to General **rs
01/14/2026

STG Shuffles Portfolio: Sends Cohiba to Forged, Room101 to General **rs

Partagas returns to the General portfolio, while Punch and Havana Honeys go to Forged. In addition, the Forged sales team will expand.

Viaje Super Shot Returning This Month **rs
01/14/2026

Viaje Super Shot Returning This Month **rs

The short robustos are some of Viaje's most popular offerings, perfect for the colder months or when out clay shooting, the activity that inspired their creation. Both the 10 Gauge and 12 Gauge are back this year, but as of now, none of the variants are returning.

2025 Awards: Company of the Year **rs
01/14/2026

2025 Awards: Company of the Year **rs

Hint: it's a repeat winner. Hint #2: the company makes ci**rs. Hint #3: just click the post.

Drew Estate Increase Prices for 2026 **rs
01/14/2026

Drew Estate Increase Prices for 2026 **rs

Drew Estate declined to talk details, but prices are going up. Expect this to be one of the first of many announcements for 2026.

State Court Denies Preliminary Injunction in California UTL Case **rs
01/14/2026

State Court Denies Preliminary Injunction in California UTL Case **rs

If you'd ever like to read a legal document that uses very plain language to describe things, this UTL lawsuit loss if for you. Unfortunately for the cigar industry, it's just another loss in court, albeit a different court.

Address

1325 E. Levee Street
Dallas, TX
75207

Telephone

+19725913876

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when halfwheel posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category