A new cigar brand is set to enter the world of premium cigars, combining English heritage with Dominican craftsmanship. Barclay Cigars, which has been “15 Years in the Making,” is poised to launch its new line in London this September.

The venture is led by Sir Frederick Barclay (91) and his grandson, Frederick Barclay Lubin (21), a young British racing driver who shares his grandfather’s passion for cigars.

According to their website, Barclay Cigars embodies patience, precision, and quiet luxury, with a philosophy that champions timeless craft, slow processes, and the rare satisfaction of things done properly. Created for those who value presence, ritual, and stillness, the brand aims to be more than just a cigar – it’s a statement.

The cigars are born in London and hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic, utilising a hand-picked blend of aged tobaccos and traditional techniques passed down through generations. According to Cigar Journal, initial reactions from their availability in London’s hotel and club scene have been overwhelmingly positive, with the cigars described as perfectly constructed, light to medium-bodied, with a nice ash and a linear flavour profile – characteristic of a good Dominican cigar.

The master blender

A crucial figure in this new venture is Maurice Koks, also known as Big Mo, who serves as the Master Blender for Barclay Cigars. Koks brings over 25 years of experience to the table and is highly sought after for his exceptional knowledge of blending and well-executed workmanship, particularly by prestigious Dominican cigar manufacturers. He compares the art of making a cigar to creating music, highlighting his passion and dedication. The producers ensure the cigars are aged for between six and 12 months before packaging to ensure they are ready for immediate enjoyment.

The cigars

The new Barclay line features three distinct ranges, the Classic line, the Series F, and the exclusive Family Reserve.

The Family Reserve is specifically reserved for events and special occasions, while the Classic and Series F lines will be more widely available.

Each line features four formats, with ring gauges ranging from 54 to 60. The prices for these cigars are expected to fall between USD 20.00 and 40.00 per cigar, which would be approximately £15 to £30 per cigar if they are sold at the same price in the UK.

Freddy Barclay noted, “Our goal is to sell around 72,000 cigars in the first year”. Recognising London’s traditional dominance by Cuban cigars, Barclay Cigars plans to concentrate its market efforts on the United States, the Middle East, and China, leveraging the “Barclay” name as a guarantee of quality and English heritage. Maurice Koks further emphasises the brand’s commitment to quality, stating, “Only the best of everything comes to Barclay”.

The Ritz Connection

You may recognise Maurice Koks’ name from The Ritz London, where he was brought in as the master blender for their prestigious Ritz London Cigars. Much like Barclay Cigars, this collection reflects a commitment to craftsmanship and tradition, with each cigar hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic.

With the official launch just around the corner, Barclay Cigars is poised to make its mark on the premium cigar market. It will be fascinating to see how the brand performs—and we can only hope a few well-timed cigar events accompany its debut.

For more information about Barclay Cigars, visit https://www.barclaycigars.com/ and subscribe to their mailing list!