Smoke Inn Cigars Acquires Protocol Cigars — A New Chapter Begins

Big news out of the boutique world: Smoke Inn Cigars has officially acquired Protocol Cigars, the brand formerly owned by Cubariqueño Cigar Company.

If you’ve followed Protocol over the years, you know this isn’t just another small label getting shuffled around. Protocol built a serious following thanks to bold blends, personality-driven branding, and a tight relationship with its production partners. Now, the goal of this acquisition is clear: production stability and long-term availability.

And honestly? That’s something Protocol fans have wanted for a while.

What’s Actually Changing?

Here’s the important part:
The cigars themselves are not changing.

Production will remain exactly where it has been:

• La Zona Cigar Factory
• San Lotano (AJ Fernandez)

That means the same factories, the same blending partners, and the same approach that made Protocol what it is in the first place.

According to Smoke Inn owner Abe Dababneh, the acquisition is about stewardship — not reinvention.

“Our focus is on supporting the brand by improving production stability and availability, so enthusiasts can confidently find the Protocol cigars they love.”

Translation: less hunting, more smoking.

Juan Cancel Isn’t Going Anywhere

One of the biggest questions anytime a brand changes hands is whether the creative force behind it stays involved.

Good news for Protocol loyalists — co-founder Juan Cancel remains part of the brand, continuing as brand ambassador and creative contributor.

That’s huge.

Cancel’s personality and creative input have always been a core part of Protocol’s identity. Keeping him involved signals that this is about strengthening the foundation, not erasing it.

What About Cubariqueño?

According to sources, Cubariqueño Cigar Company will be dissolved as part of this transition.

That officially closes one chapter — but it opens another.

Exclusive Distribution Going Forward

Protocol Cigars will now be sold exclusively through Smoke Inn Cigars, both online and at select retail locations.

That’s a significant shift. It centralizes distribution and could mean tighter inventory control and improved consistency — which seems to be the whole point of this move.

And yes, new blends are still expected under the new ownership structure.

The Bigger Picture

Boutique brands often struggle with production bottlenecks, limited runs, and inconsistent availability. Protocol has always had demand — sometimes more than supply.

If Smoke Inn can deliver stability while preserving what made Protocol unique, this could be a win for everyone:

• Fans get consistent access
• The brand keeps its identity
• Production remains in proven factories
• Creative leadership stays involved

That’s a rare combination in acquisitions.

Final Thoughts

Change in the cigar industry can be risky — but this feels more like reinforcement than overhaul.

Protocol built something special. Now it looks like Smoke Inn is stepping in to make sure it stays special — and actually stays on shelves.

Time will tell, but for now, Protocol fans can breathe easy.