PCA Announces 2026 Best of the Leaf Award Winners at New Orleans Trade Show

With the 2026 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show underway in New Orleans, the organization has officially announced this year’s Best of the Leaf Award winners, recognizing standout retailers, lounges, and cigar bars across the U.S. and international markets.

Presented during the annual awards reception, the Best of the Leaf Awards continue to highlight businesses that set the standard for customer experience, product curation, and community engagement within the premium cigar industry.

Background / Context

The Best of the Leaf Awards have grown in visibility and importance in recent years, becoming one of the few industry-recognized programs focused specifically on brick-and-mortar excellence.

As the PCA continues to advocate for retail tobacconists, the awards reinforce the role of physical shops and lounges as the foundation of the premium cigar ecosystem—particularly as competition from online sales continues to shape the market.

“By recognizing leading premium cigar shops, lounges, and bars both nationally and internationally, these awards deliver a definitive message: the future of premium tobacco retail resides with those who excel in customer service, hospitality, and community engagement,” said Maria, PCA’s Director of Membership.

2026 Best of the Leaf Award Winners

Cigar Shop Category

• Midwest Region: Norwood Royal Cigars — Chicago, Illinois
• South Region: Neptune Cigars — Pinecrest, Florida
• International: The Leaf Master — Dubai, UAE

Cigar Lounge Category

• West Region: Stanley Pappas Cigars DTC — Denver, Colorado
• Northeast Region: Kapnos Cigars — Seven Fields, Pennsylvania
• South Region: Industrial Cigar Co. — Frisco, Texas
• International: The Cabinet Club — Kuwait City, Kuwait

Cigar Bar Category

• Midwest Region: Tasting Room of Monona — Monona, Wisconsin
• South Region: Vintage Cigar Lounge — Huntsville, Alabama
• West Region: Pivat Cigar Lounge — Rancho Mirage, California

Event Details

The awards ceremony took place on April 17, 2026, at The Warehouse in New Orleans, as part of PCA’s annual trade show programming. The event was sponsored by Arango Cigar Co.

Why It Matters

The Best of the Leaf Awards serve as more than recognition—they reflect where the industry is placing its value.

Across all categories, the common thread is clear:

• Strong in-store experience
• Community-driven engagement
• Consistency in service and selection

In an environment where pricing competition continues to challenge retailers, these awards reinforce that experience—not just product—is what differentiates successful shops and lounges.

They also highlight the increasing global reach of premium cigar culture, with international winners continuing to gain prominence alongside established U.S. retailers.

For retailers, the program offers both recognition and a benchmark. For consumers, it provides a curated list of destinations that represent the best of what the industry has to offer.

Congratulations to all of this years award winners!