Smoke Inn Cigars has acquired the Protocol Cigars brand formerly owned by Cubariqueño Cigar Company, a move aimed at improving long-term production stability and product availability of Protocol.
According to the companies, the acquisition is intended to help ensure more consistent access to Protocol cigars for consumers, while keeping the brand’s identity and production approach intact.
Despite the ownership change, production will remain unchanged. Protocol Cigars will continue to be made at La Zona Cigar Factory and at San Lotano by AJ Fernandez, maintaining the same factories and blending partners that have defined the brand to date.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Protocol Cigars to the Smoke Inn Cigars family,” said Smoke Inn Cigars owner Abe Dababneh. “Our focus is on supporting the brand by improving production stability and availability, so enthusiasts can confidently find the Protocol cigars they love. This acquisition is about stewardship—protecting what makes Protocol special while ensuring it remains consistently accessible to its fans.”
Protocol Cigars co-founder Juan Cancel will remain involved with the brand, continuing in the role of brand ambassador and creative contributor.
“I’m excited to work with Smoke Inn Cigars as we enter this next chapter for Protocol,” Cancel said. “This move allows us to better manage production and availability while maintaining the integrity, creativity, and quality that our customers expect. Most importantly, it ensures that Protocol fans can more consistently enjoy their favorite cigars without sacrificing the standards we’ve built the brand on.”
Going forward, Protocol Cigars will be sold exclusively through Smoke Inn Cigars, both online and at select retail locations. The brand is expected to continue releasing new blends under the new ownership structure. According to sources Cubariqueño Cigar Company will be dissolved and therefore no longer exist.
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