The best-selling Nicaraguan cigar in the UK for over 25 years - that you have probably never heard of - is now launching in international markets.
September 2024, London, England. - Charatan London may be an unfamiliar name to many, but the brand has been delivering an authentic British tobacco experience to enthusiasts since 1863.
Following its 160th anniversary last year and the accolade of Cigar of the Year UK with a limited-edition release, Charatan is stepping onto the global stage. The brand is introducing three new refined cigar blends, six pipe tobacco mixtures, and a striking new blue identity and packaging.
The brand was originally founded as a pipe manufacturer by Frederick Charatan, who opened a modest shop on Mansell Street, London, over 160 years ago. For nearly a century, the company remained family-run, with Frederick’s son, Reuben, continuing his legacy. After Reuben’s passing in 1962, his widow sold the business, which was later acquired by Dunhill Tobacco of London in the late 1970s.
It was in the early 1990s that Dunhill developed a cigar under the Charatan umbrella, very quickly becoming the most popular Nicaraguan-origin cigar in Great Britain, where it remains today. Tor Imports Ltd, which had been distributing Charatan, purchased the brand in 2017, soon adding a traditionally British selection of pipe tobaccos to its portfolio, further connecting the brand to its rich heritage.
“When we acquired Charatan from Dunhill, we made a commitment to preserve and grow the brand’s legacy in our market,” said Scott Vines, Managing Director of Tor Imports, Ltd. “Charatan has always been well regarded in the UK. In recent years, fellow distributors have increasingly asked us to supply their markets. We weren’t ready until now”.
With more than a decade of experience in product and brand development for premium cigars, Carlos Zúñiga, Strategic Development & Marketing Director at Tor and Executive Vice-President of Charatan London, has led this ambitious relaunch.
“As a Londoner from Nicaragua, I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce Charatan to the world. This is the Great British cigar experience, created in London, England, and hand-crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua,” said Zúñiga.
Charatan’s new branding features a prancing white unicorn, a symbol of strength, purity, and untamed power. This mythical creature, part of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, has been associated with the brand since its inception, reflecting Charatan’s long-standing connection to British heritage.
“Charatan London is a homage to this vibrant and brilliant city, this melting pot of cultures and undeniable global influence. London is an unforgettable destination for so many, and the place I proudly call home,” added Zúñiga.
New Charatan Blends
The three new lines – Charatan Claro, Charatan Colorado, and Charatan Maduro – vary in strength from mild, mild to medium, and medium-plus. The flavour profiles range from creamy notes to spices and rich dark chocolate notes.
The cigars are available in three vitolas: Robusto (5x52, 12-count box), Toro (6x50, 12-count box), and Half-Churchill (3½x46, 24-count box), all hand-rolled at Fábrica Joya de Nicaragua, S.A., Nicaragua’s first premium cigar manufacturer.
New Pipe Tobacco Packaging
Although the brand has over 16 blends domestically, it will launch six lines internationally: Black Flake, First Bowl, Eventide, No.10 Mixture, Rolls, and No.10 Mixture. The pipe tobaccos honour and enhance the classic British pipe tobacco profiles cherished by connoisseurs globally. They are expertly manufactured in Germany by Kopp.
Official Launch in Dortmund
Charatan is set to make a grand international debut this September at Intertabac, in Germany, featuring an 8.5ft tall prancing unicorn at its booth in Hall 4, Stand D13. The brand will update its domestic UK offering in 2025.
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