New Brand Added to Cigar World – Civil Pleasures

We have always wanted to add new brands to our library of cigars, and we have got a new one here with Civil Pleasures. Read below for more about their brand. I have a feeling, we can expect to see much more from this group of New Yorkers.

Jean: Hey guys! So excited to chat with you today. Why don’t you start off by telling the Cigar World audience a bit about your brand and how you guys got started.

CP: Our love of cigars, connection to the New York hospitality community, and a relationship with to Joya de Nicaragua coalesced into throwing cigar events at hotels and night clubs in NYC. In 2018/2019, we began designing and producing collaborative cigars with hospitality brands which eventually evolved into designing our own cigar brand. Civil Pleasures is based around this New York hospitality culture influenced by music, art, fashion, sports, and the like. Our first cigar, the “CP1”, was officially released in 2023.

Jean: There are three of you working on this brand, correct? How do you know each other, and what brought you all together to start a cigar brand?

CP: We met socially in New York. We share backgrounds in creative, music, design, and hospitality and realized there was a common vision and passion to build a New York City cigar brand. 

Jean: What is the meaning behind the name Civil Pleasures?

CP: Cigars are the epitome of Civil Pleasures. 

Jean: I love that you are based out of New York. We normally talk to brands in Central America or Miami/Tampa, so it’s interesting that you are located in the Big Apple. Do you think that has any disadvantages for you?

CP: We appreciate that! We feel blessed to be living and building a company in the cultural capital of the world, and New York City is the core of our brand.  While New York is not the easiest state in which to operate a cigar business, we couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

Jean: You currently have one cigar, right? Can you tell us about this cigar?

CP: CP1 has a Criollo wrapper from Jalapa aged 5 years, the binder is a Dominican Volado, and the Nicaraguan fillers are 5-year vintages from Jalapa, Condega, and Esteli.  It is medium to full bodied cigar with some subtle dark cocoa and white pepper notes, but it is smoother and lighter than it appears.

Jean: And I think something that was really exciting was your most recent partnership with KITH and Taylormade. How did this come about, and what did it entail?

CP: The Civil Pleasures community of investors, advisors, and friends consists largely of fashion, art, music, sports, and creative professionals. Creative collaborations are integral to this community, and this is an example. The KITH golf tournament was a very Civil Pleasures way to enjoy cigars.

Jean: What is the next step? More blends? Sizes? Partnerships? What are you able to share with us?

CP: Our second cigar, CP2, will be released later this year. We are very excited about it and will be sharing more details in the Fall. We have a full schedule of events for the rest of the year spanning hospitality, sports, entertainment, art, fine foods, and more, as we continue to carve out our place in the cigar world and beyond.

Jean: Well, I ask every person I interview, what is your favorite cigar at the moment, when do you enjoy smoking a cigar the most and what do you like to drink with it?

CP: We really enjoy the recent Foundation Ruben Dario/Aksum cigar, pairing them with Café Integral coffee from Nicaragua is a perfect pairing. 

Jean: That’s fantastic! Thanks again for taking the time to chat with me, and we look forward to seeing what comes next for Civil Pleasures!

Check out their website, https://www.civilpleasures.com/ and if you have had the opportunity to smoke one, please head to our cigar section and give them a review!