Defining Boutique: Past, Present, and the Road Ahead

Tonight’s episode of Protecting the Legacy brings together the founding voices of the Boutique Cigar Association — Dr. Gaby Kafie, Armen Caprielian, Rob Loud, and Steve Young, for a powerful roundtable discussion on what truly drives a cigar's success in today’s marketplace.

Is it the branding? The marketing? The tobacco? The blend? The owner ? The stringent focus on quality ? Together, we unpack the layers behind consumer choice in the humidor and explore the deeper meaning behind the word boutique — a term we’ve carried with pride for nearly a decade.

As curators and advocates for fine boutique cigars, we reflect on how the term has evolved and what it must represent moving forward. This conversation isn't just about cigars, it's about legacy, responsibility, and redefining our role as stewards of the boutique cigar movement.

The future holds challenges, but with clarity and purpose, we stand ready to ensure our segment not only survives, but thrives.