ENJOY THE TASTE
of
LONDON
Originally crafted for the British palate - just like most of our culture - the flavours, profiles and strength of our tobaccos have a special appeal beyond our borders.
For over 160 years, we have carried the essence of London, and London has taken us around the world.
From a modest pipe maker to a global icon of premium hand-crafted cigars, mini cigars, pipe tobacco, and, of course, quintessential Britishness.
The Charatan legacy IS BORN
It all starts a few streets away from the iconic Tower of London.
Football FINDS ITS FEET
The English Football Association (FA) is created in the same year. To this date, it's credited with inventing modern football.
The TUBE STARTs CHUGGING
The London Underground, the first of its kind worldwide, is inaugurated in 1863.
ESTABLISHED IN
1863
PROPER
HERITAGE
1910
CONSOLIDATING GLOBAL SUCCESS
When Frederick retired, his son Reuben Charatan stepped into leadership. Through two world wars, he guided the brand and established Charatan as a global name in fine pipemaking. Reuben remained at the helm until his sudden passing in 1963.
1990s
THE GREAT BRITISH CIGAR
Dunhill Tobacco of London introduced Charatan handmade cigars. They swiftly became the UK’s bestselling Nicaraguan premium cigars, expanding Charatan’s reputation beyond pipes.
2023
160 YEARS CELEBRATED
Charatan marked its 160th anniversary with a Limited Edition cigar, honoured as Cigar of the Year 2023 at the prestigious UK Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards by Boisdale. This marked a pivotal moment for the brand’s renaissance.
2025
PROVING OURSELVES RIGHT
Today, the Charatan team continues to share British elegance with cigar enthusiasts worldwide. Reception to the new lines has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming Charatan’s place as a modern icon of heritage and innovation.
1863
THE START OF A LEGACY
Frederick Charatan, a skilled artisan, established a modest pipe workshop on Mansell Street, London. His creations quickly became recognised as icons of English craftsmanship in an era dominated by imports.
In the early 1900s, Alfred Dunhill, drawn by their renowned quality, sourced his first branded pipes from Charatan before poaching key craftsmen to establish his own rival production.
1970s
A RIVALRY RESOLVED
After a century as a family enterprise, Reuben’s widow sold Charatan to Herman G. Lane, its U.S. distributor. In 1976, Dunhill acquired the brand from Lane’s heirs, relocating Charatan’s address to the prestigious Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, London.
2017
A FRESH CHAPTER WITH TOR
After Dunhill announced its exit from the tobacco industry, TOR Imports Ltd., the UK’s leading New World cigars distributor, acquired Charatan with the mission to expand its premium tobacco portfolio.
Under the leadership of Scott Vines, the brand redeveloped its principal cigar blend and introduced a distinguished collection of 16 pipe tobacco lines.
2024
A NEW UNICORN FOR A NEW ERA
Charatan appointed Carlos Zúñiga as Executive Vice President, ushering a bold new chapter in its journey.
Guided by Frederick Charatan’s original vision, Carlos spearheaded a transformation of both brand and product, creating blends and presentations that reflect the British palate while driving global expansion.
OUR MANIFESTO
We believe dreams aren’t merely envisioned but meticulously crafted with patience, passion, and perseverance.
Crafted by hand, that is, just like our cigars.
We believe in working hard to forge dreams into reality, just as Frederick Charatan did in 1863, when he opened a modest shop with the vision of delighting the most discerning tobacco enthusiasts.
Nestled in Mansell Street, near where the iconic Tower Bridge would rise decades later, Charatan became a steward of fine pipes, proper tobacco, rich flavours and enchanting smoke.
As guardians of his legacy, spanning over 160 years, we proudly present you with the quintessential British tobacco brand.
And along with it, we share Charatan's timeless credo:
PROVE DOUBTERS WRONG. YET, ABOVE ALL, PROVE YOURSELF RIGHT.
THE START OF A LEGACY
1863
Frederick Charatan, a skilled artisan, established a modest pipe workshop on Mansell Street, London. His creations quickly became recognised as icons of English craftsmanship in an era dominated by imports.
In the early 1900s, Alfred Dunhill, drawn by their renowned quality, sourced his first branded pipes from Charatan before poaching key craftsmen to establish his own rival production.
THE START OF A LEGACY
1910
When Frederick retired, his son Reuben Charatan stepped into leadership. Through two world wars, he guided the brand and established Charatan as a global name in fine pipemaking. Reuben remained at the helm until his sudden passing in 1963.
A RIVALRY RESOLVED
1970s
After a century as a family enterprise, Reuben’s widow sold Charatan to Herman G. Lane, its U.S. distributor. In 1976, Dunhill acquired the brand from Lane’s heirs, relocating Charatan’s address to the prestigious Grosvenor Street in Mayfair, London.
PROVING OURSELVES RIGHT
2025
Today, the Charatan team continues to share British elegance with cigar enthusiasts worldwide. Reception to the new lines has been overwhelmingly positive, affirming Charatan’s place as a modern icon of heritage and innovation.
THE GREAT BRITISH CIGAR
1990s
Dunhill Tobacco of London introduced Charatan handmade cigars. They swiftly became the UK’s bestselling Nicaraguan premium cigars, expanding Charatan’s reputation beyond pipes.
A FRESH CHAPTER WITH TOR
2017
After Dunhill announced its exit from the tobacco industry, TOR Imports Ltd., the UK’s leading New World cigars distributor, acquired Charatan with the mission to expand its premium tobacco portfolio.
Under the leadership of Scott Vines, the brand redeveloped its principal cigar blend and introduced a distinguished collection of 16 pipe tobacco lines.
160 YEARS CELEBRATED
2023
Charatan marked its 160th anniversary with a Limited Edition cigar, honoured as Cigar of the Year 2023 at the prestigious UK Cigar Smoker of the Year Awards by Boisdale. This marked a pivotal moment for the brand’s renaissance.
A NEW UNICORN FOR A NEW ERA
2024
Charatan appointed Carlos Zúñiga as Executive Vice President, ushering a bold new chapter in its journey.
Guided by Frederick Charatan’s original vision, Carlos spearheaded a transformation of both brand and product, creating blends and presentations that reflect the British palate while driving global expansion.