Dominique London Acquires Cigar Inspector

Dominique London, Europe’s leading premium cigar, spirits and luxury-accessories retailer, announced the acquisition of Cigar Inspector, one of the world’s most-read cigar news and review platforms.

The acquisition positions Cigar Inspector to significantly enhance its editorial capabilities through expanded resources, deeper industry access, and support from the world’s largest premium cigar retailer—while fully maintaining editorial independence. Unlike acquisitions by cigar manufacturers, Dominique London is a retailer representing numerous cigar brands across virtually all origins, enabling Cigar Inspector to remain impartial. The publication will gain unprecedented access to Dominique London’s extensive industry connections and unique locations, helping it to create even more compelling and detailed stories.

The move signals the group’s first major investment in owned digital media and complements an estate that now exceeds 31 brick-and-mortar boutiques, sampling lounges and private members’ clubs across six European countries.

A Strategic Move

Founded in 2021 through the merger of Belgium’s La Casa del Tabaco and the United Kingdom’s C.Gars Ltd, Dominique London has rapidly expanded its physical footprint from 18 boutiques at launch to 31 locations today, including La Casa del Habano franchises, Turmeaus cigar & whisky stores, and Puffin Rooms cocktail lounges.

Over the past twelve months the group has:

• Entered Germany with the twin acquisitions of La Casa del Habano Nuremberg and Casa del Puro, its first retail presence in the country.
• Partnered with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer to create the 200 m² Monte-Carlo Cigar Club on the first floor of Monaco’s iconic casino.
• Invested heavily in hospitality, spirits production (Snowdonia Distillery and the Mash Tun boutique hotel) and e-commerce, laying the groundwork for a 360-degree customer experience that blends in-person service with online engagement.

“Adding a respected digital voice like Cigar Inspector allows us to tell those stories in real time,” said Dominique Gyselinck, Founder of Dominique London. “Our vision is simple: whether you are sitting in the Monte-Carlo Cigar Club, browsing a humidor in London, or reading a review on your phone, the Dominique London standard of expertise and hospitality will follow you everywhere.”

What the acquisition means for Cigar Inspector

For nearly two decades Cigar Inspector has published in-depth reviews, industry interviews and breaking news to a global readership of aficionados. The editorial team, led by photographer, technology journalist and long-time cigar writer Usman Dawood, will remain independent while gaining access to Dominique London’s network.

“This is an incredible moment for me personally and for our publication,” said Usman Dawood, Editor of Cigar Inspector. “Dominique London’s resources and retail heritage give us the freedom to chase bigger stories, test rarer cigars and bring our audience behind the scenes in ways we’ve only dreamed of.”

About Dominique London

Dominique London is Europe’s premier family-run cigar, spirits and luxury accessories group, operating 31 retail locations and employing more than 200 specialists across the UK, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain’s Canary Islands and Germany. Its portfolio includes La Casa del Habano, La Casa del Tabaco, Turmeaus tobacconists, Puffin Rooms cocktail bars, the Mash Tun boutique hotel and Snowdonia Distillery.

About Cigar Inspector

Founded in 2007, Cigar Inspector delivers impartial cigar reviews, industry analysis and lifestyle features to a monthly audience of 110,000 in 180 countries.

Media enquiries
Dominique London – [email protected]
Cigar Inspector – [email protected]