Charatan London may be an unfamiliar name to many, but for more than 160 years it has quietly defined what a true British tobacco experience should be. Now, after decades as the best-selling New World cigar in the UK, Charatan is stepping confidently onto the global stage with a striking new identity, fresh blends, and international ambitions.
A Proud London Legacy
The Charatan story began in 1863 when Frederick Charatan opened a small pipe-making shop on Mansell Street, London. His dedication to craftsmanship and quality quickly established Charatan as a name respected by pipe enthusiasts across Britain.
For nearly a century, the company remained family-run, with Frederick’s son Reuben Charatan continuing his father’s legacy. After Reuben’s passing in 1962, the family business was sold and later acquired by Dunhill Tobacco of Londonin the late 1970s. Under Dunhill, the Charatan name evolved from fine pipes to fine cigars – a natural progression for a house built on tobacco mastery.
Britain’s Best-Selling New World Cigar
In the early 1990s, Dunhill developed a cigar under the Charatan banner. Hand-crafted in Nicaragua, it swiftly became the most popular Nicaraguan cigar in Great Britain, where it remains the category leader more than 25 years later.
Despite its success, Charatan remained something of a hidden gem – cherished by discerning smokers, yet little known beyond specialist circles. That changed in 2017, when Tor Imports Ltd, the UK’s largest premium cigar importer, purchased the brand from Dunhill and began charting a bold new future.
“When we acquired Charatan from Dunhill, we made a commitment to preserve and grow the brand’s legacy in our market,” said Scott Vines, Managing Director of Tor Imports. “Charatan has always been well regarded in the UK. In recent years, fellow distributors have increasingly asked us to supply their markets. We weren’t ready until now.”
A Union of British Elegance and Nicaraguan Craftsmanship
Guiding the relaunch is Carlos Zuniga, Strategic Development & Marketing Director at Tor and Executive Vice-President of Charatan London.
“As a Londoner from Nicaragua, I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce Charatan to the world,” Zuniga said. “This is the Great British cigar experience – created in London, England, and hand-crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua.”
Each Charatan cigar is rolled at Fabrica Joya de Nicaragua, S.A., Nicaragua’s first premium cigar factory. The result is a perfect marriage of British heritage and Nicaraguan artistry – refined, complex, and unmistakably distinctive.
A New Look for a Timeless Brand
Charatan’s refreshed branding introduces a prancing white unicorn, symbolising strength, purity, and untamed power. This mythical creature, part of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, has long been linked with Charatan and now proudly stands at the centre of its new blue-and-gold identity.
“Charatan London is a homage to this vibrant and brilliant city,” added Zuniga. “London is a melting pot of cultures and influence – an unforgettable destination and the place I proudly call home.”
Introducing the New Charatan Blends
The global launch introduces three new lines, each representing a refined and distinctive expression of flavour and strength:
- Charatan Claro – Mild, creamy, and beautifully balanced.
- Charatan Colorado – Mild to medium with a subtle spice and rounded profile.
- Charatan Maduro – Medium-plus, rich with notes of espresso and dark chocolate.
Available vitolas include:
- Robusto (5×52) – 12-count box
- Toro (6×50) – 12-count box
- Half-Churchill (3½x46) – 24-count box
Every cigar is hand-rolled using premium Nicaraguan tobaccos – the culmination of generations of craftsmanship and dedication.
Reviving Charatan’s Pipe Heritage
While Charatan is now best known for its cigars, its roots remain firmly in pipe tobacco. Following the rebrand, the company is launching six pipe tobacco blends for international markets: Black Flake, First Bowl, Eventide, No.10 Mixture and Rolls.
Expertly manufactured in Germany by Kopp, these tobaccos are inspired by classic British mixtures and crafted to delight traditionalists and newcomers alike.
The World Awaits
From a small London workshop to a globally recognised name in cigars and pipe tobacco, Charatan’s journey is one of endurance, authenticity, and quiet excellence.
With its new identity, premium blends, and international expansion, Charatan London stands today as one of the finest handmade cigars in the world – a true Great British success story that the rest of the world is finally about to discover.
Explore the Great British cigar experience – Charatan London.
The Rise of a New World Classic
In the early 1990s, Dunhill developed a cigar under the Charatan banner. Crafted in Nicaragua, it quickly became the best-selling New World cigar in Great Britain, a position it has maintained for more than 25 years. Despite this remarkable success, Charatan remained a hidden treasure – a connoisseur’s secret known mainly to those within the UK cigar community.
That changed in 2017, when Tor Imports Ltd, the UK’s largest premium cigar importer, purchased the brand from Dunhill. Tor’s Managing Director Scott Vines explains, “When we acquired Charatan, we made a commitment to preserve and grow the brand’s legacy. Charatan has always been well regarded in the UK. In recent years, fellow distributors have increasingly asked us to supply their markets. We weren’t ready until now.”
Craftsmanship and Passion from Two Worlds
With over a decade of experience in global cigar brand development, Carlos Zuniga, Strategic Development & Marketing Director at Tor and Executive Vice-President of Charatan London, has spearheaded the brand’s relaunch.
“As a Londoner from Nicaragua, I couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce Charatan to the world,” said Zuniga. “This is the Great British cigar experience – created in London, England, and hand-crafted in Esteli, Nicaragua.”
Charatan cigars are made at Fabrica Joya de Nicaragua, S.A., the country’s first premium cigar manufacturer. Each cigar is meticulously hand-rolled, embodying the perfect balance between British refinement and Nicaraguan artistry.
The Symbol of Strength and Heritage
Charatan’s new identity features a prancing white unicorn, symbolising strength, purity, and untamed power. The unicorn, an enduring element of the Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom, reflects the brand’s deep-rooted connection to British tradition.
“Charatan London is a homage to this vibrant and brilliant city,” added Zuniga. “London is a melting pot of cultures and influence – an unforgettable destination and the place I proudly call home.”
Introducing the New Charatan Blends
Charatan is launching three refined lines, each representing a unique balance of strength and flavour:
- Charatan Claro – Mild, creamy, and elegantly smooth.
- Charatan Colorado – Mild to medium, with subtle spices and depth.
- Charatan Maduro – Medium-plus, offering rich notes of espresso and dark chocolate.
Each blend is available in three vitolas:
- Robusto (5×52) – 12-count box
- Toro (6×50) – 12-count box
- Half-Churchill (3½x46) – 24-count box
Every cigar is hand-rolled using select Nicaraguan tobaccos, ensuring the craftsmanship and consistency that have defined Charatan for generations.
Pipe Tobacco Reimagined
Charatan’s heritage as a pipe manufacturer remains central to its identity. Although the brand produces over sixteen pipe tobacco blends for the UK market, its international debut will feature six distinguished mixtures:
Black Flake, First Bowl, Eventide, No.10 Mixture, Rolls, and No.10 Mixture.
Manufactured in Germany by Kopp, these tobaccos celebrate the classic British flavour profiles loved by pipe smokers around the world – rich, nuanced, and unmistakably refined.
The Next Chapter
Charatan’s evolution from a small London workshop to a globally recognised cigar and pipe brand is a testament to its craftsmanship, resilience, and authenticity. For over a century and a half, Charatan has been quietly shaping the British cigar experience – now, the world is finally taking notice.
With its new international identity, expertly blended cigars, and timeless dedication to quality, Charatan London stands as one of the best handmade cigars in the world – the best-selling New World cigar in the UK for over 25 years – that you have probably never heard of. Until now.