The Borons Cigar Blog

If you’re serious about cigars, there’s no better way to connect with the culture than by hitting the road and attending a live event. Whether it’s a full-on festival in the sun, a boutique-style gathering with select makers, or a cigar lounge networking night, the second half of 2025 is shaping up to be one to remember.

From August through December, the US will host a range of top cigar events—each offering something distinct. We’re talking premium sticks, expert pairings, rolling demos, music, conversation, and the kind of community you just can’t get online.

So whether you’re traveling cross-country or just hopping over to your local lounge, here’s your curated guide to the cigar events in the US that deserve a spot on your calendar for the rest of 2025.

Cigar events in August

Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival

Date: August 16, 2025

Location: Broomfield, Colorado

The Rocky Mountain Cigar Festival is one of the standout cigar events in the US calendar. Hosted at the Omni Interlocken Resort in Broomfield, this one-day event draws 3,000+ cigar lovers from across the country.

Attendees can expect a full lineup of premium cigar brands, plus craft beer, fine spirits, and live music—all in the fresh Colorado air. Whether you’re looking to meet makers, sample new blends, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this is one of the must-see cigar events 2025 has to offer.

Beale Street Cigar Festival

Date: August 30–31, 2025

Location: Memphis, TN

This Labor Day weekend event offers a lively Southern spin on the cigar festival experience. Held in Handy Park on world-famous Beale Street, this 10th annual bash draws thousands—including sports icons and local celebrities.

With music, food vendors, and a full slate of big cigar brands, Beale Street Cigar Festival brings flavor, rhythm, and community together for two packed days. VIPs enjoy early entry, custom travel cases, and covered seating.

Cigar events in September

Coastal Virginia Cigar Festival

Date: September 6, 2025

Location: Norfolk, Virginia

The Coastal Virginia Cigar Festival returns to Norfolk’s Maker’s Craft Brewery with a strong regional following and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. This one-day event blends great sticks with local brews, food trucks, and live music, creating a low-key but vibrant environment.

Expect to meet familiar names in the cigar world and discover boutique gems while soaking up the East Coast energy. If you’re mapping out your cigar events 2025 calendar, this one earns its spot.

Cigar events in October

Smoke ’N The Desert 2025

Date: October 9–12, 2025
Location: Chandler, Arizona (Phoenix area)

Smoke ’N The Desert 2025, part of PHX Cigar Week, brings a different kind of flair to the fall festival season. Combining cigars with exotic cars, rooftop lounges, and curated experiences, this four-day event leans into lifestyle as much as it does tobacco.

Attendance is intentionally capped (only 150 tickets are sold—100 GA, 50 VIP) to keep things intimate, making it one of the more exclusive cigar events in the US.

Come for the big-name brands—stay for the desert nights and like-minded crowd.

Also in October: October 31, 2025—Big Smoke Las Vegas, Day 1
See November for more on this iconic two-day event.

Cigar events in November

Big Smoke Las Vegas

Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada

Big Smoke Las Vegas continues into November with Day 2 of this flagship experience hosted by Cigar Aficionado. Held at the Horseshoe and Paris resorts, Big Smoke offers seminars, tastings, and a rare chance to meet some of the biggest names in the business, including Carlito Fuente and Rocky Patel.

It’s one of the top cigar events in the US—and often a bucketlist trip for longtime aficionados. If you’re attending, expect limited-edition releases, expert pairings, and a weekend of serious indulgence.

Cigar Business Networking

Date: November 3, 2025

Location: Pawtucket, RI

Held at White Ash Cigar Lounge, Cigar Business Networking focuses on connecting professionals in a laid-back setting. It’s more intimate than the big festivals, but ideal for building relationships within the cigar community.

Cigar events in December

Ybor City Cigar Festival

Date: December 7, 2025
Location: Tampa, Florida

Closing out the year is the Ybor City Cigar Festival, also known as the Tampa Cigar Festival. Established in 1994, this free community event turns Centennial Park into a living tribute to Tampa’s cigar soul.

Attendees bring folding chairs and settle in under palms and banyans, watching live cigar-rolling demos while sipping local brews. Carlito Fuente called it “the most incredible cigar event I have ever attended.”

For those looking to round off their cigar events 2025 journey with something a little more relaxed and community-driven, Ybor City delivers the goods—and the gar.

Light Up Your Calendar

With a lineup like this, there’s no excuse to miss out on the cigar events 2025 has to offer.

Whether you’re new to the scene or a longstanding aficionado, these gatherings are where the culture thrives—where brands share their latest offerings, and where the true heart of the cigar community reveals itself.

From high-end Las Vegas nights to down-home festivals in Tampa, there’s a venue and a vibe for every smoker. Mark your calendars, secure your tickets, and keep your travel humidor stocked—these cigar events in the US are where memories are made, one draw at a time.

The post Top Cigar Events for 2025 first appeared on JR Blending Room.

Ron Perlman is a larger-than-life persona, best known to many as the title character in the Hellboy movies. More recently, he starred as the voice of Optimus Prime in the 2023 movie Transformers: Rise of the Beasts.

Photographers often capture Perlman with a cigar in hand. Brian Bowen Smith took an iconic shot of the star perched on a motorcycle and lighting a cigar for a 2014 Cigar Aficionado cover.

Let’s briefly tour the actor’s career before diving into some candidates for Ron Perlman’s favorite cigar.

Who is Ron Perlman?

Ronald N. Perlman was born on April 13, 1950. He grew up in Washington Heights in New York City and struggled with his self-image because he was overweight as a child.

Perlman turned this into a strength, feeling drawn towards acting roles featuring “deformed people who are very endearing.” Hellboy is one example of this, but the best is his role as the Beast in the 1987–90 TV series Beauty and the Beast. The actor won the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series for that role in 1989.

How is Ron Perlman Famous?

People know Perlman for his acting work. He’s a talented character actor, often appearing in significant leading and supporting roles.

Other career credits include:

• Police Academy: Mission to Moscow (1994).
• Alien: Resurrection (1997).
• Enemy at the Gates (2001).
• Star Trek: Nemesis (2002).

Does Ron Perlman Smoke?

Ron Perlman said, “Smoking a cigar, you have to take your act down a notch. It’s such an esoteric thing; it demands that you give it your attention. Some people meditate; I smoke cigars.”

The actor explained to Cigar Aficionado how a friend introduced him to high-quality smokes, which deepened his love for cigars. “I branched out and became a serious fan of cigar smoking,” he said. “It felt right; it did so much for me spiritually.”

An ‘almost’ moment for Ron Perlman cigars

After a local tobacconist inspired him by hand-rolling leftover leaves into great blends, Perlman considered becoming a cigar maker. “It was like turning water into wine—it tasted that good,” the actor told the lifestyle magazine.

He spent a week in the Dominican Republic tasting tobaccos as he planned a line of smokes. But Hollywood had other plans, and his acting career soon took over his time.

“I got distracted and never did end up developing it,” he admitted. “But my love for cigars was such that I wanted to present the world with my version of the cigar you could smoke every day.”

What are Ron Perlman’s favorite cigars?

If you’re looking for the perfect Ron Perlman cigar, here are a few linked to the actor in articles, interviews, and acting roles over the years.

Arturo Fuente Corona

Perlman started with the Arturo Fuente Corona, which he described as “not too big, not too small, not too intimidating.” But he also explored other vitolas in the Arturo Fuente Cigars family.

“I became obsessed with Fuente cigars,” he told Cigar Aficionado. “I discovered many different sizes through Fuente: the Hemingway, the Corona, the Churchill. That’s where I developed my taste for certain sizes and styles.”

Joya de Nicaragua Antano Gran Consul

The Joya de Nicaragua Antaño Gran Cónsul is a 4.75 x 60 full-flavor smoke with a cedar, espresso, and earth flavor profile. Perlman smoked it in character as Clay Morrow, president of the motorcycle club in the TV series Sons of Anarchy.

“It’s the perfect size with incredible flavor,” he stated in the same interview. “It may be the best value on the market. It’s what Clay smokes on the show. Although the Churchill is delicious, you want to be able to take your time and smoke it and just let life happen.”

Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona

Later in the interview, Perlman professed his love for the Hoyo de Monterrey Double Corona, although he admitted “they’re hard to get.”

Ron Perlman’s favorite cigar is the Cuban Hoyo de Monterrey Churchill, as noted in several previous interviews.

Cohiba Cigars

Perlman shared a photo of himself with a cigar-smoking woman on Facebook in 2017. He captioned it, “I break for Cohibas.”

The US embargoes Cuban Cohibas, but authentic recreations like the JR Edición Limitada Alternative Cohiba Behike Laguito No. 6 are available. These are the next best thing, readily available, and won’t break the bank.

The post Celebrities Who Smoke: Ron Perlman first appeared on JR Blending Room.

Rare cigars are like fine vintage wines. By definition, they offer the smoker a snapshot of time, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the luxury of smoking high-end cigars.

Join us as we explore some of the rarest cigars ever made. As you might expect, this list doubles as a who’s who of all-time great cigar companies.

First, let’s look at what makes high-end rare cigars different from mass-market ones. In other words, what makes a cigar rare?

What makes a cigar rare?

There are many reasons why certain cigars aren’t available everywhere.

Boutique cigars

Master rollers hand-roll boutique cigars in smaller batches, which limits the number of sticks available.

Smaller boutique cigar makers focus on quality over quantity. Collectors snap up popular new releases so quickly that almost no singles or boxes ever reach the resale market.

Limited edition cigars

Limited edition cigars and special edition cigars differ from boutique cigars. With these, the manufacturer limits production to a specific number of cigars or boxes.

Examples include the Arturo Fuente Rare Pink cigar, one of the top 25 cigars of 2022. Arturo Fuente launched this special edition to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research, wrapping each cigar in vivid pink packaging.

Old/vintage cigars

Collectors consider many cigars rare because enthusiasts have smoked almost all of them. The number of sticks remaining from any year will decrease over time, as you can’t smoke the same cigar twice.

This raises the value of rare, high-end cigars from top years. It also affects cigars made by well-known brands that have retired or exited the market.

Five of the rarest high-end cigars

1.   Cohiba Behike 54

With only a tiny annual run, the Cohiba Behike 54 ranks among the world’s rarest regular-production cigars.

The Behike 54 is 5.625″ long and has a ring gauge of 54. Artisans make this Cuban cigar from four distinct filler tobaccos, which is what makes it so rare. It includes the prized medio tiempo leaves from the top of the tobacco plant, alongside the more common volado, seco, and ligero leaves.

Cohiba Cigars is one of the most famous and respected brands on the market, and smokers see it as a heritage brand. However, the company began trading after the 1962 U.S. embargo on Cuban cigars.

If you want to experience the closest you can get to the Behike in the U.S., try the JR Edicion Limitada Alternative Cohiba Behike Laguito No. 5 5.75 x 54. It’s a hand-rolled cigar made from luxurious long-filler tobaccos at a fraction of the price of the rare cigars it’s inspired by.

2.   Arturo Fuente OpusX

We’ve already mentioned Arturo Fuente Rare Pink cigars, but they’re not the only Arturo Fuente cigars on our list.

Cigar enthusiasts consider Arturo Fuente OpusX cigars the premier line from the factory. The brand calls them “the standard by which all cigars are measured.”

The story behind Arturo Fuente OpusX cigars is a surprising one. They became the first Dominican Republic puros, crafted from tobacco that farmers grew in the mineral-rich soils around Château de la Fuente.

In particular, the Fuente family sought to prove that Dominican soil could grow wrapper tobacco. With OpusX, they succeeded in creating one of the most celebrated high-end cigars in history.

3.   Gurkha Black Dragon

The Gurkha Black Dragon is a rare, ultra-premium cigar. It features Dominican filler tobacco, a Cameroon binder, and an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper. The brand packages each 7.5″ × 52 tubo stick in a protective tube.

Gurkha offers other rare, dragon-themed cigars for sale. One is the Gurkha Year of the Dragon, which sold out quickly after its launch in early 2024.

4.   Davidoff Oro Blanco

Davidoff Cigars is also known for its Chinese Zodiac limited releases, such as 2025’s Davidoff Year of the Snake. But even rarer is Davidoff Oro Blanco, partly due to the tobacco used in its construction.

Collectors hail the Davidoff Oro Blanco Special Reserve 111 Years as one of the market’s rarest high-end cigars. Like the Arturo Fuente OpusX, it’s a Dominican puro made with rare tobaccos cultivated in five terroirs in the Dominican Republic.

Tobacco growers no longer harvest from one of those regions, so these cigars represent the final batch from that terroir. With 111 years among the seven tobaccos used in the filler, binder, and wrapper, it’s no wonder aficionados see them as exceptional smokes.

5.   Royal Danish/King of Denmark

Royal Danish cigars are fit for a king. They honor Denmark’s cigar heritage, which began in 1665 when King Frederik III granted the nation’s first tobacco license.

The Royal Danish Regal Blend Queens #1 cigar is stunning. It’s finished with 24k gold leaf and dotted with Swarovski crystals. This makes it the most visually striking cigar ever made. Royal Danish founder Jan Vistisen decorates each cigar by hand, limiting the output to 10 cigars daily.

If you’re looking for rare cigars, these 5″ x 52 torpedoes are among the most exclusive on the planet.

Bonus ‘Cuban Classics’

Finally, we must mention classic Cuban cigars from Dunhill and H. Upmann, launched before the U.S. embargo.

Collectors prize these well-preserved “Cuban classics” because low supplies and enduring demand keep them scarce. President John F. Kennedy had an aide buy about 1,200 H. Upmann Original Petit Coronas one night before signing the Cuban embargo the next morning.

Manufacturers produce some classic Cuban cigars in non-embargoed locations. For example, H. Upmann manufactures the Original in the Dominican Republic for the U.S. market, making it easier to experience the next best thing.

With the JR Cuban Alternative Cigars series, you can experience the taste and feel of Cuban cigars without spending a lot.

The post 5 of the rarest cigars ever made first appeared on JR Blending Room.

An outdoor cigar lounge is a dedicated space to enjoy cigars in the open air. For many aficionados, smoking outside is the best way to savor a cigar. This is especially true first thing in the morning or at sundown when the heat gives way to the cool evening air.

You might already have a favorite outdoor cigar chair to sit in while you smoke, but this is about going beyond the basics. If you get it right, a luxury outdoor cigar lounge at home can resemble a professional place to light up.

To achieve that, you’ll need to consider the ambiance of your cigar oasis and furnish it for comfort during your smoke. You might spend anywhere from 60 minutes to three hours there, depending on whether you’re smoking coronas or presidentes—and longer if you’re socializing.

Join us as we explore outdoor cigar lounge ideas to create a relaxation retreat for blissful smokes. Whether you prefer to light up solo or host an outdoor cigar bar party with friends, we have ample tips and inspiration.

Consider your design and aesthetic preferences

Remember, as you read through outdoor cigar lounge ideas online, the final choices are up to you. It’s your space, so tailor it to suit your taste. For some people, that’s a rustic and traditional cigar lounge style with lots of wood and leather furniture. But that’s not the only way to create a luxury outdoor cigar lounge.

You could go tropical, with palm trees and an outdoor cocktail bar, especially if you have a pool in your backyard. Or consider a contemporary patio area with all-weather seating, Bluetooth speakers, and lighting. This setup creates an ideal space for year-round smoking enjoyment.

Whatever route you go down, you need to consider several essentials. For instance, if you plan to smoke in company, ensure there’s enough seating. Add attractive decor, and explore ways to cover the space so you can smoke outdoors in winter.

Get the practical essentials

Here’s our checklist of five practical essentials for your outdoor cigar-smoking space.

Comfortable seating

It’s worth repeating. A comfy place to sit (with space for all your guests) is the best planning decision you can make ahead of an outdoor cigar party.

Sturdy tables

Your guests will want to put down their drinks or smokes, and you might serve snacks, so a sturdy table or two can solve a whole heap of problems.

Windproof ashtrays

If you want to smoke outside comfortably, outdoor ashtrays that stop the ash from blowing on the breeze are essential. Invest in a few windproof ashtrays so everyone has one within arm’s reach.

Air and ventilation

When you plan a covered outdoor cigar lounge, leave somewhere for fresh air to blow through to disperse the smoke as you breathe it out.

Sun and shade

Pergolas and parasols provide excellent shade for outdoor smoking during the day, helping avoid excessive sun exposure.

Planting and greenery

Planting is a great way to bring any outdoor space to life. Greenery can also help filter cigar smoke, actively enhancing the ambiance of your smoking area.

Choosing hardy, low-maintenance plants is a good idea unless you have a green thumb. Ferns and potted palms shouldn’t take too much time out of your day. You could also plant herbs like lavender and rosemary—they’re easy to grow and have a pleasant aroma that will complement the flavor profile of your cigars.

Lighting

Soft, warm lighting can ease you through the evening in your outdoor smoking area.

Consider solar-powered lighting that comes on automatically at dusk. Many contemporary wall lights have hidden solar panels on top, making them look like regular electric lights.

String lights and lanterns are an excellent option for a relaxed party atmosphere. A fire pit can also make the space feel cozy and inviting and will have your guests sharing stories and anecdotes late into the summer evenings.

Guest considerations

We’ve mentioned seating plenty, but what makes a perfect outdoor party area for hosting cigar-loving guests?

An outdoor bar is a great idea—a place to store cold beers and ice, mix cocktails, or serve liquors that pair perfectly with the smokes in your humidor. Do the responsible thing and have sodas on hand, too, for anyone who’s driving or doesn’t want to drink.

Patio heaters and outdoor fans or air conditioning can keep you comfortable throughout the year or as the day transitions into the evening while you smoke.

A mix of different seating and table heights offer various choices for guests to socialize. Many smokers enjoy cozy, low-slung lounge chairs and couches for relaxing. However, high-top tables and counter-height stools work best when hosting a poker night.

Electrical luxuries

You can safely add electricals to outdoor spaces using the correct rainproof enclosures to seal any exposed wiring and power sources.

Audiovisual indulgences (and other electricals) you might want to add to your luxury outdoor cigar lounge include:

• a Bluetooth speaker system for music and sports commentary
• a weatherproof television for watching the game
• USB charging points for guests’ cell phones
• ceiling and wall fans for outdoor air-conditioning
• an outdoor mini-fridge to keep the beers cold all day long.

The list goes on, so grab a pen and paper, think about what’s non-negotiable in your outdoor smoking lounge, and make it your own. Your imagination, budget, and DIY skills are your only limits.

The post How to Create an Outdoor Oasis for Cigar Smoking and Relaxation first appeared on JR Blending Room.

If you’re looking for a stogie to celebrate the Lunar New Year, we’ve compiled some of the best Year of the Snake offerings.

The post Year of the Snake Cigars to Celebrate the Lunar New Year first appeared on JR Blending Room.

We're honoring these noteworthy cigars and explain why they’ll make a fine addition to your humidor.

The post JR Cigars’ Top Honorable Mention Cigars of 2024 first appeared on JR Blending Room.

Our top cigar companies released finely-constructed sticks with the best flavor profiles and smoking experiences that hit the shelves.

The post JR Cigars’ Top Cigar Companies of 2024 first appeared on JR Blending Room.

The most wonderful time of the year is here! JR Cigars Top 25 Cigars of 2024 is out now!

The post JR Cigars Top 25 Cigars of 2024 first appeared on JR Blending Room.

If you’re deciding on your goals for the new year, don’t forget to include some cigar resolutions on your list.

The post Cigar Resolutions for 2025 first appeared on JR Blending Room.

Let’s face it: shopping for Christmas gifts can be an absolute minefield. But with our Christmas cigars gift guide, you have the best chance to get it right for the aficionado.

The post Festive cigars for Christmas 2024 first appeared on JR Blending Room.