The premium cigar world has lost one of the voices that helped give it a modern identity. Marvin R. Shanken, founder, editor and publisher of Cigar Aficionado, died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 83, according to the magazine he created.

His legacy is larger than any single cover, interview or issue. For decades, Shanken helped bring the craftsmanship of handmade cigars into a broader cultural conversation—one that connected tobacco growers, cigar makers, retailers and enthusiasts with an appreciation for tradition and the people behind it.

A Magazine That Changed the Conversation

When Shanken launched Cigar Aficionado in 1992, a magazine devoted to fine cigars was far from an obvious commercial bet. Yet he recognized something enduring about the experience: the stories, relationships, rituals and workmanship that make a handmade cigar more than a product on a shelf.

With its distinctive photography, long-form interviews and attention to the art of cigarmaking, the publication became an important voice in the cigar renaissance of the 1990s. It introduced readers to makers and personalities, while giving enthusiasts a shared language for discussing the cigars they enjoyed.

Shanken was a publisher of Wine Spectator as well, and his editorial career reflected a consistent fascination with the craftsmanship and communities behind life’s cultivated pleasures.

The Enduring Influence of Marvin Shanken

For those who write about cigars, sell them, make them, or gather with friends to enjoy them, Shanken’s impact remains visible. He helped establish premium cigar culture as something worthy of serious reporting, beautiful imagery, thoughtful debate and genuine celebration.

At Broward Cigar Board, a community built on the camaraderie of premium cigars, that legacy feels especially meaningful. The conversations across a lounge table, the stories exchanged over a first or final cigar, and the sense of connection between people of different backgrounds are all part of the culture he helped bring to a wider audience.

We extend our condolences to the Shanken family, his colleagues at Cigar Aficionado and M. Shanken Communications, and the many friends and readers who knew his work.

Source and credit: Death announcement and biographical reporting credited to David Savona and Mitch Frank, Cigar Aficionado, October 29, 2026. This tribute is original editorial commentary by Broward Cigar Board.