Charatan was founded in London in 1863 and began as a pipe manufacturer. The company gradually started producing cigars and  gained a strong presence in the UK market during the 90s. Now distributed by Tor Imports Ltd, which acquired the brand in 2017, Charatan is stepping onto the global stage with new offerings that reflect its British roots and quality.

Scott Vines, Managing Director of Tor Imports, emphasized the careful planning behind the international launch. “When we acquired Charatan from Dunhill, we made a commitment to preserve and grow the brand’s legacy in our market,” Vines said. “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.”

Leading the relaunch is Carlos Zúñiga, Strategic Development & Marketing Director at Tor Imports and Executive Vice-President of Charatan London. With his background in premium cigar development and his dual identity as a Londoner from Nicaragua, Zúñiga brings a unique perspective to the brand. “This is the Great British cigar experience, created in London, England, and hand-crafted in Estelí, Nicaragua,” he remarked.

The new blends—Claro, Colorado, and Maduro—offer a range of strengths from mild to medium-plus, with flavor profiles spanning from creamy and mild to rich and spicy. The cigars come in three sizes: Robusto, Toro, and Half-Churchill, all hand-rolled at Fábrica Joya de Nicaragua, S.A., a respected name in premium cigar manufacturing.

Charatan’s updated branding, featuring a blue-themed design and a refined prancing unicorn logo, aims to connect the brand’s historical legacy with a modern audience. The unicorn, a symbol from the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, reflects Charatan’s deep ties to British heritage and culture.

With this launch, Charatan is looking to build on its UK success and make a mark on the global premium cigar scene. The brand’s rich history, commitment to quality, and strategic market expansion signal a new chapter in its longstanding tradition of British tobacco craftsmanship.