The Premium Cigar Association (PCA) has announced a partnership with acclaimed British author Nick Hammond to produce a new book: Around the World in 80 Cigars – The American Dream.

This work will serve as the third volume in Hammond’s celebrated “Around the World” series, following Travels of an Epicure and There and Back Again. While previous instalments chronicled global adventures, this edition turns its focus specifically to the United States, which Hammond describes as “the beating heart of the cigar world — diverse, passionate, and deeply rooted in tobacco history”.

A fusion of literature and advocacy

The collaboration represents a strategic shift for the PCA, viewing storytelling as a vital tool for industry advocacy. Joshua Habursky, CEO of the PCA, emphasised that the project is designed to go beyond standard trade association work. “Education and storytelling are two of the most powerful tools we have in advocacy,” Habursky stated, noting that the book aims to highlight “artistry, heritage, and human connection” rather than just statistics.

Ricardo Carioni, the PCA’s Director of International Education, described the project as a “cultural ambassador” intended to transcend policy and retail by awakening a deeper understanding of the industry’s identity. The association views this initiative as a multi-year campaign to memorialize the stories of the industry as the PCA approaches its 100th anniversary in 2033.

Inside the pages: Structure and scope

Unlike a standard directory, the book is structured as a narrative journey. Scheduled for work beginning in early 2026, the book will feature 16 chapters:

• Ten chapters will focus on U.S. retailers or retail events.
• Five chapters will feature manufacturers, tracing the industry from the soil of producing nations like Nicaragua to the American shelf.
• One chapter will be dedicated to the PCA Trade Show in New Orleans, the largest premium cigar trade show in the world.

While the physical book concentrates on these specific stories, the project maintains Hammond’s “80 Cigars” theme through a digital component. The PCA confirmed that a companion digital site will feature profiles of 80 cigar lounges, ensuring a broader representation of the brick-and-mortar community.

Education and availability

The book is positioned as a key pillar in the PCA’s educational mission. It will become required reading for the Luxury Marketing & Experiences Masterclass at Florida International University (FIU).

Hammond, a former winner of the Spectator Cigar Writer of the Year award, views the project as a “love letter” to the cigar world. “My goal is to take readers beyond the smoke — and into the heart of what makes this culture so meaningful and so enduring,” Hammond said.

Watch this recent interview with PCA and Nick Hammond here:

Around the World in 80 Cigars – The American Dream will be available in print, digital, and audio formats. The project will include special presentations and member events throughout 2026 and 2027, culminating in an official pre-launch at the 2026 PCA Trade Show in New Orleans.