Damien Black Talks About the Cigar Lifestyle
By Cigar News Exchange Staff
For Damien Black — founder of Cigar News Exchange and lifelong cigar enthusiast — the cigar lifestyle is more than just smoke and leaf. It’s ritual, reflection, and connection.
In a recent conversation, Black shared how cigars represent a slower rhythm in an otherwise fast-paced, digital world.
“Every cigar tells a story,” Black says. “From the hands that rolled it to the moment it’s lit, it’s a symbol of patience and craft — something that deserves to be experienced, not rushed.”
For Black, the lifestyle extends far beyond the cigar itself. It’s about atmosphere and connection — the conversations sparked over a shared draw, the way a good lounge feels alive with laughter and quiet moments alike.
He sees cigar culture as an intersection of tradition, craftsmanship, and personality, where history meets hospitality, and every aficionado finds their place.
As Cigar News Exchange continues to grow, Black’s goal is to highlight the people, places, and brands that shape this community — from master rollers and boutique blenders to lounges that define cigar culture in cities across America.
“It’s about community,” he adds. “The cigar lifestyle isn’t exclusive — it’s inclusive. It brings people together, no matter where they come from. That’s the real beauty of it.”
From the humidor to the lounge, Damien Black continues to champion a refined yet welcoming culture — one rooted in authenticity, respect, and passion for the leaf.
