The Blend
Cigar News, Culture and Lifestyle
Relive the highlights of ProCigar Festival 2026 with Cigar World and Cigar Coop. Experience an exclusive look at Dominican cigar culture, factory tours, and event coverage through the eyes of William Cooper.
If you consider cigarmaking an art, then pairing your cigar intentionally with the right beverage can take your enjoyment level from good to unforgettable. Medium in body and with a highly nuanced flavor profile, Made Man is ideally suited to enjoy alongside a variety of beverage types, each lending themselves beautifully to pairings that highlight nuance, depth, and balance.
Enjoy a curated guide to pairing Made Man cigars with a mocktail, a cocktail, a bourbon, and a coffee, each designed specifically to enhance this time-honored ritual.
In the world of premium cigars, where craftsmanship and character define legacy, Made Man emerges as a boutique brand of remarkable poise. Born from a partnership with the esteemed artisans at Aganorsa in Nicaragua, the portfolio embodies a philosophy of refinement rooted in both tradition and an unwavering pursuit of excellence designed for the modern palate.
The brand’s inspiration—the concept of the “Made Man”—is more than a stylistic gesture. It symbolizes a rite of passage, an elevation into trusted ranks, and the promise of true quality. Every vitola within this terroir-driven blend honors that pledge with discipline and authenticity.
How did Evil 3mpire Cigar 5ociety start? Joe Fiatoa shares the story of turning a local cigar lounge poker group into a major online presence featuring interviews with big-name cigar brands. Read the full interview here.
Meet your Cigar Smoking DJ: DJ Eli
Posted in Culture
If you have ever attended a larger scale Drew Estate event, you have more than likely gotten your dance on to the music of your cigar smoking DJ, DJ Eli. Eli is a professional DJ who is also a cigar enthusiast, so he has combined his passions into a career, and a fun career it is. I was able to get some time with Eli and ask him some questions about what he does, how he started and more! Plus you will be able to enjoy a monthly playlist, created by DJ Eli, on cigarworld.com in our new Smoke and Sound Sessions.
Welcome to the official home of Smoke and Sound Sessions, curated by the one and only DJ Eli. Known across the industry as the "Cigar Smoking DJ," Eli brings over 22 years of professional experience—from touring with legends like Paul Wall and Tech N9ne to setting the mood at Drew Estate events—directly to your speakers.
Check back every month for a new curated playlist designed to be the perfect companion for your next cigar. Turn it up, light it up, and enjoy the session.
Often, when we think of different pro athletes that we are used to seeing with a stogie in hand, we think of basketball players or football players; golfers for sure, but do you ever think about a skateboarder? Probably not! Well, we have a pro skateboarder with us today who not only is a cigar enthusiast but had a skateboard deck created with a cigar band graphic on it. (We might actually have one to give away… wink wink)
This past year has been packed full of amazing interviews and articles from folks that we met at PCA, and this article is no different. As a matter of fact, Charlie Albanetti is the first interview that I conducted at PCA this past April. I was so excited to sit down with Charlie because I had never heard of a zero-proof soda that was crafted specifically to pair with cigars. Let me introduce you to Abbina Sipping Sodas.
In the ever-expanding world of premium cigars, there’s no shortage of voices sharing stories, reviews, and industry insights. But few bring the same energy, humor, and authenticity as the Leaf Cutters Podcast. Whether they’re diving into cigar culture, trading personal stories, or sparking lively debates, the hosts cut straight to the heart of what makes this community so special. Each member brings a unique perspective and personality to the mic, creating a dynamic blend that resonates with both seasoned smokers and curious newcomers.
When we think about pairing a cigar, we usually think about what we are going to drink while we enjoy that delicious stick, but we were able to meet a man who thought differently. Mac, the Willy Wonka of cigar pairing chocolates, had the idea of using a sweet treat to pair with a cigar, and he hasn’t looked back since.
