Tariffs, Taxes & Tobacco: The Pressures Facing the Premium Cigar Industry
- S7E150
- 1:45:23
- October 21st 2025
In this episode of the Protecting the Legacy podcast, hosted by the Boutique Cigar Association (BCA), Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 Cigars and Greg Free of Fortaleza y Libre Cigars dive deep into two major issues impacting the premium cigar world — the new California UTL regulations that have recently gone into effect, and the growing concern over import tariffs on handmade cigars.
Together, they unpack how these policies are reshaping business operations, distribution, and pricing for boutique manufacturers across the United States and beyond. This candid conversation sheds light on the challenges small family-owned cigar companies face — and how unity and advocacy are more crucial than ever to protect the artisanal spirit of our craft.
The Kafie Chronicles
The Kafie Chronicles with Dr. Gaby Kafie explores the people, places, traditions, and stories behind tobacco, coffee, business, culture, and craftsmanship.
From the tobacco fields and cigar factories of the New World to the ancient traditions, trade routes, and cultures of the Old World, each episode is a conversation about history, entrepreneurship, family, quality, and the pursuit of excellence.
Hosted by Dr. Gaby Kafie, founder of Kafie 1901, the podcast brings together cigar makers, coffee producers, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, craftsmen, historians, and fascinating people from around the world.
Tobacco. Coffee. Culture. People.
The Kafie Chronicles is intended for an adult audience. Tobacco-related discussions are intended for adults 21 years of age or older. This program does not encourage or promote tobacco use by minors.
Support Us
Welcome to Protecting the Legacy, a podcast sponsored by the Boutique Cigar Association. Our Association was developed to create a unified voice for small family owned boutique cigar companies. Each week we will publish a new podcast to go over topics that affect each and every one of us.
For more information please take the time to visit our website www.boutiquecigarassociation.com