Former UFC champion Conor McGregor has officially launched his own line of cigars called Notorious Cigars. After debuting in the United States, the cigars are now in the UK and will be available soon. This new venture follows the successful releases of Proper No. Twelve whiskey, Forged Stout beer, and the opening of his pub, The Black Forge Inn, located in Dublin.
Judging by the response and traffic to my recent blog posts, there appears to be huge interest in this release, and I have to say, this is one of the most anticipated and controversial cigar releases I’ve seen and heard about for a while. Given the recent headlines and Conor’s larger-than-life persona, this level of interest was probably to be expected. While celebrity cigar lines can be a mixed bag, this one is creating such intrigue that it seems poised to stand out from the crowd!
I first heard about Conor McGregor’s cigar line last year, as he was often spotted with a cigar at various high-profile events.
In October, it was revealed that the cigar he was seen with belonged to the Notorious Cigars brand.
That’s when the slogan “Be Bold, Be Notorious” began circulating, along with the launch of dedicated social media accounts for the brand—something I blogged about at the time. Since then, as more details have emerged, the excitement surrounding the launch has only intensified.
I’ll share my review below!
Behind the blend
It appears that Conor and his team have teamed up with Miguel Frias of M.J. Frias Cigars (established in 1991) and House Blends Direct LLC, who played a key role in crafting this cigar.
Frias brings a wealth of expertise from both the Dominican Republic and Florida, and he also collaborates with Slapwoods, a brand recognised for its natural tobacco wraps. These companies are dedicated to providing high-quality and affordable smoking experiences, drawing on profound industry knowledge and the rich traditions of Dominican craftsmanship.
The cigars
I was already familiar with the Toro 6×50 cigars showcased on the notoriouscigars.com website. However, I recently discovered that this collection will also include other sizes, such as a Corona Gordo (5 1/4×46) and a Double Robusto (5×54).
The blend details are impressive:
- Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano 2000 Rosado Oscura (aged 4 years) – Deep, earthy notes with natural sweetness and balanced spice.
- Binder: San Andrés Mexican – Rich and bold, offering notes of dark cocoa and espresso.
- Filler: A powerful mix of Nicaraguan Corojo, Dominican Criollo 98, and Dominican Piloto Cubano – Full-flavored and complex.
A portion of the tobacco reportedly comes from the renowned AJ Fernandez farm in Nicaragua.
A bit of history about celebrity and cigars
Cigars have gone hand in hand with celebrity culture for decades, serving not just as a smoking choice but as enduring symbols of style, power, and success.
In the 1940s and ’50s, icons like Groucho Marx and George Burns helped cement cigars as cultural staples in entertainment. Cuban cigars—especially premium brands like Romeo y Julieta, favored by Winston Churchill—solidified their reputation as the ultimate status symbols. Churchill’s enduring love for cigars bolstered their image as markers of leadership and sophistication, even during wartime periods when imports were scarce.
In the 1980s, Scarface (1983) pushed the visual symbolism of cigars even further. Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, was frequently seen with a cigar—an image that became a striking emblem of power, wealth, and excess, cementing cigars as icons of unrestrained ambition in popular culture.
The 1990s ushered in a cigar renaissance. The launch of Cigar Aficionado magazine in 1992 showcased celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore on its covers, transforming cigars into bold statements of luxury and lifestyle. This era also saw cigars gaining popularity in business circles and hip-hop culture, adding new dimensions to their symbolism of success.
Today, cigars continue to be a key element of celebrity style, but many stars have taken it a step further by launching their own lines. Recently, several notable figures have partnered with master blenders and brands to create premium cigars, including: –
James Hetfield of Metallica with Drew Estate on the Blackened M81 (available in the UK)
Marlon Wayans with Liga Tridente
Eddie Hall with The Beast by Rebellion Cigars (also available in the UK)
Mike Tyson with Gurkha Tyson 2.0 Undisputed
For these celebrities, cigars continue to symbolise success and style—but increasingly, they also represent a commitment to craftsmanship. Conor McGregor has now joined this exclusive group with his own brand, Notorious Cigars.
And watch this space—it wouldn’t be surprising if the Tate brothers, Andrew and Tristan Tate, launch their own cigar line sometime soon.
First box: First impressions
I picked up a box of Notorious Cigars in the Toro size (6” x 50 ring gauge). The box design is eye-catching, referencing 1988 (McGregor’s birth year), the Irish map, and references to the Dominican Republic.
On the back of the cigar box it indicates that it is “Made by Hand” at Tabacalera MJ Frías, the master blender responsible for the blend, in the Dominican Republic. It also includes the website address notoriouscigars.com.
Inside the box, you’ll find:
- 10 cigars wrapped in cellophane
- A Boveda pack for humidity control
- A ribbon that reads “Be Bold. Be Notorious”
- A card stating: “Blending time-honoured traditions with contemporary elegance, we offer an experience where history meets the present”
- Under the lid: The Irish map, the Notorious Cigars crown logo, and a McGregor quote: “When you sign to fight me, it’s a celebration”, along with his signature.
Minor gripe: The box lid screws were a bit loose—but that aside, presentation is solid and premium.
My review
I cut the cap and lit up the first cigar at Vinters Yard which is connected to Davy’s Vine Vaults in Greenwich, London—great atmosphere to sample a cigar.
The wrapper is dark brown and very slightly oily.
The cigar band is thoughtfully designed, showcasing the Notorious Cigars logo alongside an Irish map, and cleverly resembles an MMA belt—a fitting tribute to McGregor’s fighting legacy.
First third:
- Slightly tight draw at the start
- Sweet, earthy flavor
- Plumes of smoke
Second third:
- Draw opened up nicely
- Woody cedar and floral notes
- Pleasant aroma and smooth sweetness
- Medium strength with good combustibility
Final third:
- Spice builds toward the finish
- Earthy and floral notes deepen
- Solid ash retention and even burn
Final verdict
I was genuinely impressed. Given the skepticism around celebrity cigars, Notorious Cigars turned out to be a pleasant surprise. While it might not win over hardcore Cuban cigar connoisseurs, I think this is a fantastic entry point for newcomers to the cigar world—especially fans of New World blends.
At $149.95 for a box of 10, this feels like excellent value. I’m unsure at what price these will retail at in the UK. But once they hit UK retailers, I imagine they’ll move quickly. With three sizes now available—Toro, Corona Gorda, and Double Robusto—it’s clear this brand isn’t a one-off gimmick. And I hear they have more up their sleeve too!
McGregor and MJ Frias have smashed it out of the park with this cigar – and yep well worth the hype. I’m saving the rest of the box for special occasions—perfect for fight nights in front of the TV or celebrations with mates.
My rating: 7.5 out of 10 (Keep in mind that reviews are subjective; my experience may differ from yours.)
Check out what our US buddies from across the pond at Cigars Daily are saying…
Want to be bold and notorious?
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This blog covers cigars from a cultural and historical interest perspective. All reviews reflect personal experiences and are not endorsements or encouragement to smoke. Smoking carries serious health risks.
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