If you didn’t know, Intertabac is the biggest tobacco trade show in the world. Whilst it may have less in terms of cigar brands compared to the PCA show in Las Vegas, it has more in terms of shishas, cigarettes, vapes, E-cigarettes, weed, rolling papers, accessories along with cigars.
It’s been 3 years since we were last able to visit. Our hotel and flights have been carried over from 2020 to this month. We didn’t really make plans on who to see, other than our current brands. We had heard rumours of some rather significant absentees this year - Davidoff and Perdomo cigars jumped to mind.
Nonetheless, Joe and I got in a taxi on Thursday morning at 4am to begin our journey from Heathrow to Düsseldorf, train to Dortmund and then a taxi to the exhibition centre in Westfallen. 
We checked into our hotel opposite the exhibition centre and got hot-footed it over to the show. Westfallen is a huge exhibition space covering eight halls of various sizes. 
Over 500 exhibitors and over 14,000 visitors. The first day was a bit of a blur as we wandered a little aimlessly between halls before getting our bearings. Cigars are actually a smaller part of the show than you would expect, the show is dominated by shisha and cannabis products - Mike Tyson came to represent blunt wraps (think he’s made more money with cannabis than from his boxing career!)
Our main aims for the show were to catch up with the brands we represent and see what’s new and interesting. Sadly Dean from Epic Cigars, Dr. Gaby Kafie of Kafie 1901 cigars and Ian of Dapper Cigars couldn’t make it - we’ll get them next year! It was great to have a catch up with Daniel of El Viejo Continente as well as spend some time with Laurent of Skull 77.
Having been involved with cigars for the last 10 years, we’ve made a lot of friends and after this pandemic break, it was great to be able to say hi to them in person.
We noticed a lot of Intertabac first timers but, also the reduced size of several big stands previously. Shows we are still recovering from the pandemic. Next to PCA Las Vegas, Intertabac is the next biggest trade show.
Highlights of Intertabac 2022
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Seleccion Meerapfel - the new La Estancia line looks stunning
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Casa 1910 - Mexican cigars
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EP Carrillo - Allegiance cigar line
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Bousquet Paris - fine leather cigar accessories
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Escobar cigars - now part owned by Nas the rapper
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Despot Cigars - Serbian brand with the new Z line to go with the J and U lines
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Karen Berger cigars - great to see her brand at the show officially displaying
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El Viejo Continente giant desk top humidor
as well as chatting with; - West Tampa Tobacco - the new venture by Rick Rodriguez
- Angela Yue and her phenomenal cigar shop and lounge, Grand Cathedral Cigars in Tampa, Florida
A must attend event of the trade show is the annual Cigar Journal Awards, the only awards for the industry.
It’s amazing to see all the legendary producers, master blenders, brands of all sizes, shop owners, distributors and accessory makers together in one small venue waiting with baited breath for the announcement of each category winner. 
BEST BRAND 2022
Best Brand Cuba 2022: Partagás Serie D
Best Brand Dom. Rep. 2022: Davidoff Dominicana
Best Brand Honduras 2022: Rocky Patel Number 6
Best Brand Nicaragua 2022: Oliva Serie V Maduro
Best Brand USA 2022: The American
BEST CIGAR 2022
Best Cigar Cuba 2022: Partagás Serie D No.4
Best Cigar Dom. Rep. 2022: A. Fuente Don Carlos Presidente
Best Cigar Honduras 2022: Plasencia Cosecha 149 Azacualpa
Best Cigar Nicaragua 2022: Undercrown 10 by Drew Estate Toro
Best Cigar Italy 2022: Toscano Antico
BEST VALUE 2022
Best Value Dom. Rep. 2022: La Aurora 107 Nicaragua
Best Value Honduras 2022: C.L.E. Corojo
Best Value Nicaragua 2022: Padrón Classic Series
BEST CIGAR ACCESSORY 2022
Les Fines Lames Le Petit
BEST LOUNGE 2022
Grand Cathedral Cigars, Tampa | USA
CHARITY & COMMUNITY 2022
Escuela Oliva Estelí
AMBASSADOR 2022
Didier Houvenaghel
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
A.J. Fernandez
Overall it was a good show with quite a few new brands showcasing their products, We probably needed to stay another full day to get the best out of the show but we did find several interesting brands to talk to. It was good to see Laurent of Skull 77 and Daniel of El Viejo Continente and also to chat with our upcoming brand launch owner. Yes, finally we are ready to launch our 6th brand partner for the UK market very soon. Keep an eye out on our IG (@boutiquesmokes) and your email inbox for news on the new brand launch……….