In this no-holds-barred episode of Protecting the Legacy, we pull back the curtain on what it really takes to launch and sustain a boutique cigar company. From the romanticized idea of blending cigars in paradise to the cold reality of financial burn rates, inventory costs, and brand building — we’re talking hard numbers and harder truths.

We kick things off by defining what boutique truly means in today’s cigar industry. Then we go deep into the financials — both short term and long term — that separate fantasy from sustainability. Spoiler alert: $10,000 isn’t getting you past the starting line. If you’re not thinking in seven figures, you’re not playing the game.

Whether you’re a dreamer, an investor, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes world of premium cigars, this episode is your wake-up call.

🔗 Tune in and ask yourself: Are you wealthy enough — or wise enough — to get into the cigar business?

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.

In this episode of Protecting the Legacy, we take a deep dive into the origins of the show's name and what it truly means to us. It's a conversation rooted in purpose, passion, and pride for the premium cigar industry—but, as always, things take a few hilarious turns along the way.

From behind-the-scenes stories to a now-infamous trade show incident involving red toenail polish (yes, you read that right), we explore the lighter side of our journey while never losing sight of the bigger picture. Through all the laughs, jokes, and unexpected moments, one thing remains crystal clear: our commitment to upholding the highest standards and ethics in everything we do.

Tune in for a blend of insight, legacy, and just the right dose of cigar lounge chaos.

Join us for a special episode celebrating the 30th anniversary of Garo Cigars as we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Garo Bouldoukian and his son, Harout Bouldoukian.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Bouldoukian shares his extraordinary journey from chiropractor to cigar industry pioneer, reflecting on three decades of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. Discover the stories behind Garo Cigars' premium selections and learn about the future from the next generation. Don't miss Garo Cigars at booth 4525 at the 2025 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans.

Explore more at garocigars.com and follow them on Instagram @garocigars and Facebook Garo Cigars.

In this very special episode of Protecting the Legacy, we’re proud to welcome Dwight Atkins and Stephen Wray of Fat Ash Cigar Lounge—hosts of the upcoming My Old Kentucky HERF, happening May 9th & 10th, 2025 at the Boyd Convention & Arts Center in Ashland, Kentucky.

This year’s HERF promises to be the biggest yet, featuring 25 premium and boutique cigar companies—with many of the owners in attendance—to celebrate the strength, unity, and passion of the cigar community.

🎟️ Get your tickets now: www.fatash.com/events

We dive into all the exciting details of the event, including:

• What attendees can expect from this year’s HERF
• Who will be in attendance
• The growth and vision behind Fat Ash Cigar Lounge
• And why this event is a must for every cigar lover

Joining the conversation tonight are:

🔥 Armen Caprielian, BCA President (DAV Cigars)

🔥 Dr. Gaby Kafie, BCA Founder (Kafie 1901 Cigars)

🔥 Greg Free, BCA Board Member (Fortaleza y Libre Cigars)

🔥 Rob Loud, Traveling Cigars

🔥 Steve Young, our brand new Producer

It’s an informative, entertaining, and community-focused episode you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re planning to attend MOKH or just want to learn more about one of the finest cigar lounges in the country, this one’s for you.

Tune in and light up with us!

In this special episode of Protecting the Legacy, we bring together four influential voices from the Boutique Cigar Association’s Board of Directors. Featuring renowned South Florida retailer and serial entrepreneur Rob Loud, alongside esteemed cigar company owners Armen Caprielian (DAV Cigars), Dr. Gaby Kafie (Kafie 1901 Cigars), and Greg Free (Fortaleza y Libre Cigars), this conversation dives deep into the heart of the boutique cigar industry.

We discuss the power of relationships, the pursuit of quality, and what truly sets boutique cigars apart from mass-market brands. From craftsmanship to camaraderie, this is a must-listen episode for every cigar aficionado who values tradition, passion, and authenticity in the industry. Don’t miss this insightful and engaging discussion with the pioneers shaping the future of boutique cigars! 

Email: [email protected]

We have big news! We're excited to introduce Steve Young as the newest addition to our podcast team. Steve joins us as a content creator, interview scheduler, and podcast producer, bringing incredible talent and a fresh perspective to our platform.

In this episode, we also welcome Rob Loud, our newest Board Member, along with Armen Caprielian, Chairman of the BCA, and our Founder, Dr. Gaby Kafie. Together, we dive into some of the most pressing topics in the premium cigar industry, including:

✅ The latest updates on FDA regulations

✅ The ongoing lawsuit impacting boutique cigars

✅ Key insights on PCA, CRA, and the definition of "premium cigars"

✅ And much more!

This is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about the premium cigar world. Tune in now! 🔥🎧

Hey gang, tonight we have a very special guest Rob, the Cigar Traveller and Alan Rouleau from Alan Rouleau Couture (custom tailer), today we broke down the term boutique. New year, new mission, new agenda ... Tonight we break down the term Boutique ? What does it mean ? Has it been over used ? Does it still have value ? Tune in great show.

🎙 Protecting the Legacy – A Deep Dive into the Boutique Cigar Industry with Rob Loud

In this episode, we sit down with Rob Loud of Traveling Cigars, a major player in both the Atlanta and Miami cigar markets, for a raw and thought-provoking conversation. We asked the tough questions, and he did the same in return. Together, we pull back the curtain on the cigar industry—discussing the real, unfiltered topics that insiders usually keep behind closed doors.

🔥 The good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly—though we kept it respectful.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by Dr. Gaby Kafie, Mr. Armen Caprielian, and our guests are their own and do not reflect those of the Boutique Cigar Association (BCA). While this podcast is proudly sponsored by the BCA, all views shared are personal.

Tune in for an inside look at the industry like you’ve never heard before!

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Thank you, PTL by BCA

In this episode, we explore the unique challenges small, family-owned boutique cigar brands face at major trade shows. From navigating exhibitor systems to securing prime booth space, we discuss how these hurdles impact visibility and opportunities for smaller companies and what changes could help create a more inclusive environment for all cigar makers.

All of the comments share by our hosts are designed to create dialogue to improve not only our industry, but also how small companies can navigate the competitive industry of premium cigars.

If you have any feedback you would like to share with us please do so at [email protected] , Thank you.

Please take time to visit our website at www.boutiquecigarassociation.com

Also take the time to visit our sponsors.

www.kafiecigars.com , www.kafie1901coffee.com www.davicigars.com www.garocigars.com www.boutiquesmoke.com www.otrcigars.com www.fylcigars.com