Payne-Mason Cigars

What Payne-Mason Cigars does

Payne-Mason Cigars (legal entity PAYNE-MASON INC.) is a privately-held, family-owned boutique cigar manufacturer headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Founded around 2000, the company produces 100% handmade cigars rolled by Cuban Master Rollers using traditional techniques, with no machines involved at any production stage. Its product portfolio spans eight branded cigar lines — Black Lion, Reserva Selecta, Habana Unos, Golf Classics, Connoisseur Collection, WC53 (Winston Churchill 1953 commemorative), Habana Estilo Corona, and Habana Estilo Reserve — alongside more than 15 co-branded collaboration lines and a Monthly Cigar Club subscription service. Every cigar is individually encased in a pharmaceutical-grade glass tube designed to preserve freshness for years without a humidor, which the company positions as a primary product differentiator versus mass-market competitors.

The company operates five revenue streams: (1) direct e-commerce cigar sales through paynemason.com at $12-$24 per single cigar and up to $997 for collector editions, (2) the Monthly Cigar Club subscription at $15.50/month (Solo Mio) and from $42/month (Silver Club), (3) nationwide Cuban Master Cigar Roller event services at a $1,545 base package with 50-cigar minimum, (4) custom cigar band design services from $200 for templates and $150 design fee for fully custom work, and (5) a brand ambassador affiliate program offering up to 15% commissions. Distribution combines owned e-commerce with placement at 21 casinos (MGM, Bellagio, Wynn, Pechanga), 18 golf clubs (Pebble Beach, Bighorn, Indian Wells), 8 resorts (Omni, Fairmont, Hilton), 8 wineries, and 7 luxury automotive brand collaborations (Bentley, Ferrari, Bugatti, BMW, Maserati, Porsche). The company maintains no institutional funding, no disclosed patents or trademarks, no API offering, and no AI/ML capabilities, and is led by founder and CEO Bob Payne.

Customer segmentation spans affluent individual cigar enthusiasts, prestige golf clubs and casinos, luxury resorts and wineries, corporate brand collaborators across automotive/spirits/lifestyle, and wedding/event planners. The portfolio of over 100 custom cigar band clients represents a structural B2B revenue engine, while the recurring subscription base and nationwide event calendar anchor ongoing demand. Despite marquee logo relationships, no single enterprise customer is disclosed as material, and the underlying business model remains diversified across many small transactions rather than a few large enterprise contracts.

Name

Payne-Mason Cigars

Legal name

PAYNE-MASON INC.

Website

https://paynemason.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Payne-Mason Cigars is a Carlsbad, California-based boutique cigar manufacturer producing 100% handmade cigars by Cuban Master Rollers, distributed via e-commerce, luxury venue partnerships, subscription clubs, custom co-branded collaborations, and nationwide live rolling event services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Premium Handmade Cigars

NAICS

Tobacco, Electronic Cigarette, and Other Smoking Supplies Retailers (459991)

SIC

Tobacco Products (2100)

akta.pro primary industry

Cigars & Cigarillos Manufacturing & Brands (CRADAJAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Tobacco & Nicotine Specialty Shops (Tobacconists) (CRANADAE), Tobacco & Nicotine Accessories (Filters, Tips, Cases, Lighters) Manufacturing & Brands (CRADAJAK)

Keywords

• Handmade cigars
• Premium cigar manufacturing
• Custom cigar bands
• Cigar rolling events
• Monthly cigar club

Headquarters

HQ city

Carlsbad

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Cigar Sales: Direct sale of handmade cigars through e-commerce storefront. Products sold in individual units, multi-packs, and collections. Premium pricing with cigars ranging from $12 to $997 depending on size, blend, and packaging.
2. Monthly Cigar Club Subscriptions: Recurring monthly subscription service delivering premium cigars to members. Solo Mio plan offers 1 cigar per month at $15.50; Silver Club offers 3 cigars per month starting at $42. Members receive 20% discount on online orders and first delivery includes cutter and matches.
3. Cigar Rolling Event Services: Live Cuban Master Cigar Roller performances booked for events nationwide. Packages include appearance fees, per-cigar pricing (50 cigar minimum), custom cigar bands, and concierge services. Full package pricing at $1,545 for 3-hour events.
4. Custom Cigar Band Design: Custom design service creating branded cigar bands for events and private label products. Template design starts at $200 (50 bands plus $50 design fee); fully custom designs include $150 design fee. Minimum cigar purchase required.
5. Brand Ambassador/Affiliate Program: Commission-based affiliate program allowing brand ambassadors to earn up to 15% commissions from qualifying purchases. Open to content creators, brand collaborators, and wholesale clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Payne-Mason manufactures and sells 100% handmade premium cigars, exclusively rolled by Cuban Master Rollers using traditional techniques and aged longleaf tobacco. The company sells its cigars directly through an e-commerce storefront, multi-pack and collection SKUs, and a recurring Monthly Cigar Club subscription, complemented by live Cuban Master Cigar Roller event services and a custom cigar band design service for corporate branding, weddings, and private labels.

Product overview

Payne-Mason Cigars is a boutique cigar manufacturer offering 100% handmade cigars crafted by Cuban Master Rollers. The company operates a multi-line portfolio of premium cigar collections (Black Lion, Reserva Selecta, Habana Unos, Golf Classics, Connoisseur Collection, WC53, Habana Estilo Corona, Habana Estilo Reserve) alongside complementary services including live Cigar Rolling Events for occasions, Custom Cigar Bands design service, and a Monthly Cigar Club subscription. The company also produces numerous brand collaboration cigar lines with luxury, golf, automotive, and lifestyle partners. Cigars are packaged individually in pharmaceutical-grade glass tubes to preserve freshness. All products are 100% handmade in the USA using aged longleaf tobacco from renowned growing regions.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Golf Classics: Cigar line featuring Churchill Golden, Churchill Maduro, Robusto Golden, and Torpedo Barber - designed for golf courses and country clubs
• Reserva Selecta
• Habana Unos
• Black Lion
• Connoisseur Collection
• WC53
• Habana Estilo Corona
• Habana Estilo Reserve
• Monthly Cigar Club

Products and services

• Black Lion Premium Cigar Line Premium cigar collection featuring distinctive blends including Puro Porto, Robusto Premiere, Robusto Negro, Pensal, and Double Corona Corojo variants, targeted at premium cigar enthusiasts.
• Reserva Selecta Cigar Line Aged Dominican tobacco collection featuring Robusto Maestro #3 (10-year-aged Maduro wrapper with chocolate and coffee notes), Ropito Porcino (pigtail cap, 10-year-aged Maduro), Double Corona #4 (long, refined Maduro), and Torpedo Barber (barber pole presentation combining Connecticut Natural and Corojo wrappers).
• Habana Unos Cigar Line Classic Cuban-style cigar line including Torito Lite (5-year-aged Connecticut Shade wrapper, mild), Corojo #5 (6-year-aged Dominican Corojo wrapper, bold/spicy), and Torito Maduro (8-year-aged Dominican Maduro wrapper, chocolate/coffee notes).
• Golf Classics Cigar Line Premium cigars designed for golf courses and country clubs, featuring Churchill Golden (5-year-aged Connecticut Natural wrapper, mild, 7x48), Churchill Maduro (8-year-aged Dominican Maduro, medium-full, 7x48), and Robusto Golden (5-year-aged Connecticut wrapper, mild, 5.5x50).
• Connoisseur Collection Cigar Line Premium cigar collection targeting experienced cigar enthusiasts, featuring complex flavor profiles and premium aged tobacco blends including Torpedo Presidente and curated selections.
• WC53 Winston Churchill 1953 Cigar Line Limited-production cigar honoring Winston Churchill's 1953 summit meeting, featuring premium aged tobacco and collectible packaging options including DNA Tomb Box; WC53 Smoker single at $24, 5-pack at $99, 10-count at $340, DNA Tomb Box standalone at $600, and combo with DNA Tomb Box at $997.
• Habana Estilo Corona Cigar Line Traditional corona-format cigars including Corona Golden, Corona Maduro, Corona Corojo, and Corona Barber variants, offering a range of wrapper options from Connecticut to Corojo.
• Habana Estilo Reserve Cigar Line Reserve-tier cigars featuring premium aged wrappers including Torpedo Golden (5-year-aged Connecticut Natural Shade), Torpedo Maduro (8-year-aged Dominican Maduro), Torito Barber (double-wrapped Connecticut/Corojo), and Siglo 6 (rare Dominican Corojo wrapper).
• Cigar Rolling Event Services Live Cuban Master Cigar Roller performances for events including weddings, corporate functions, golf tournaments, and private parties. Packages include 3-hour appearances with concierge service and optional custom cigar bands; Cuban Master Roller package $1,545 total with $895 appearance fee and $13 per cigar (50 cigar minimum), plus Cigar Concierge package at $595 with same cigar minimum.
• Custom Cigar Band Design Service In-house design service creating personalized cigar bands for branding, weddings, corporate events, and special occasions. Features template-based designs from $200 (50 bands plus $50 design fee) and fully custom designs with $150 design fee; minimum cigar purchase required.
• Monthly Cigar Club Subscription Recurring subscription service delivering premium handmade cigars monthly. Solo Mio tier offers 1 cigar/month at $15.50 with glass tube packaging; Silver Club tier delivers 3 cigars/month from $42 with mix-and-match options (mild/medium/full). Both tiers include 20% discount on online orders; first delivery includes cutter and matches.
• Cigar Accessories Supporting products sold alongside cigars including Guillotine Cutter ($20), 4 Count Wood Display ($89), 4 Cigar Gift Box ($95), Customized Lotus Torch Lighter ($45), and PAYNE-MASON Matches 5-Pack ($11.25).
• Brand Collaboration Cigar Lines Co-branded cigar lines with partner brands including KARMA Automotive (Maserati), Legends Distillery (bourbon-infused), Fuzzy's Vodka (vodka-infused), Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and Pebble Beach Golf Resort, Mike Shea's Coffee (coffee-infused), Third Alarm Cowboys, 1945 (Zack Bates), Los Magos Sotol, MLB Players Alumni Association, Diamond Youth Foundation, Gun Owners of California, Battleship IOWA, Raven23, Seek Battle, b.spoke, and Chi Phi International. Features custom cigar bands and exclusive blends.

Quantifiable outcome

• Glass tube packaging maintains cigar freshness for years without requiring a humidor

Named customers20 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• KARMA AutomotivecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar line collaboration featuring KARMA Automotive branded cigars. Includes Torito Barber, Siglo 6, Torpedo Maduro, and Torpedo Golden varieties sold as combo packages and monthly cigar club.
• Legends DistillerycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBourbon-infused custom cigar collaboration featuring Legends Distillery branded Siglo 6 cigar with bourbon flavor profile.
• Fuzzy's VodkacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVodka-infused custom cigar line featuring Fuzzy's Vodka branded Torpedo Golden with unique spirit-infused flavor profile.
• Pebble Beach Concours d'ElegancecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerOfficial cigar collaboration for Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance automotive event. Features Torpedo Golden, Torito Barber, Torpedo Maduro, and Siglo 6 varieties.
• Mike Shea's CoffeeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoffee-infused custom cigar line featuring Mike Shea's Coffee branded varieties including Perfecto Maduro and Siglo 6.
• Third Alarm CowboysminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFirefighter tribute custom cigar line honoring brotherhood and service. Features multiple varieties including Captain Torito Barber, Firefighter Torpedo Golden, and Engine Operator Siglo 6.
• 1945 (Zack Bates)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar line collaboration with personal branding for Zack Bates featuring Churchill Corojo, Torpedo Golden, Torpedo Maduro, and Siglo 6 varieties.
• Los Magos SotolminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSotol-infused custom cigar collaboration featuring Los Magos branded Desert Spirit Torpedo Golden, Torito Barber, Torpedo Maduro, and Siglo 6.
• Major League Baseball Players Alumni AssociationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMLB Players Alumni Association custom cigar line honoring baseball heritage. Features multiple varieties including monthly cigar club subscription.
• Diamond Youth FoundationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar line collaboration honoring mentorship and opportunity for youth. Features multiple varieties and monthly cigar club option.
• Gun Owners of CaliforniaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom branded cigar line for Gun Owners of California membership organization featuring Torpedo Golden, Torito Barber, and Siglo 6 varieties.
• Battleship IOWAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMilitary tribute custom cigar line for Pacific Battleship museum. Features Torpedo Golden and Torpedo Maduro varieties with monthly cigar club option.
• Pebble Beach Golf ResortcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar line for Pebble Beach Golf Resort featuring Torpedo Barber and Torpedo Presidente varieties sold at resort pro shop.
• The CAVE at Oak Mountain WineryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar collaboration with The CAVE at Oak Mountain Winery featuring branded cigars sold at the winery venue.
• Raven23minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMilitary tribute custom cigar line honoring four Blackwater USA contractors. Features Torpedo Golden, Torpedo Maduro, Siglo 6, and Torito Maduro varieties with monthly club option.
• Seek BattleminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMilitary-themed custom cigar line featuring multiple varieties including Switchblade Torito Barber, Marauder Siglo 6, and 4-cigar combo with humidor option.
• b.spokeminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLifestyle brand collaboration featuring b.spoke branded cigars including Siglo 6, Torito Barber, and Torpedo Maduro with monthly cigar club option.
• Chi Phi InternationalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFraternity organization custom cigar line featuring Torpedo Golden, Torito Barber, Torpedo Maduro, and Siglo 6 with monthly cigar club option.
• Bentley MotorscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band design for luxury automotive brand. Portfolio showcase of Bentley branded cigar bands.
• BugatticoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band design for luxury automotive brand. Portfolio showcase of Bugatti branded cigar bands.
• Ferrari (Casa Ferrari)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Ferrari San Francisco featuring Casa Ferrari branded cigars.
• MaseraticoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band design for luxury automotive brand as part of KARMA Automotive partnership.
• PorschecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar bands and event services for Porsche brand events and experiences.
• BMWcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band design for luxury automotive brand. Portfolio showcase of BMW branded cigar bands.
• MGM GrandcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with MGM Grand casino featuring branded cigars for resort venues.
• Pebble Beach ResortscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar bands and product placement at Pebble Beach luxury golf resort venues.
• Wynn CasinocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Wynn Las Vegas casino featuring branded cigars.
• Palms Casino ResortcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Palms Casino Resort featuring branded cigars for resort venues.
• Pechanga CasinocoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar bands and event services for Pechanga Casino featuring branded cigars.
• Fairmont Grand Del MarcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Fairmont luxury hotel featuring branded cigars for resort and events.
• Estancia La JollaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Estancia Hotel & Spa featuring branded cigars.
• Roger DubuisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with luxury watchmaker Roger Dubuis.
• Patron Silver TequilaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Patron spirits brand.
• Remy MartinminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Remy Martin cognac brand.
• Kentucky Owl BourbonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Kentucky Owl Bourbon spirits brand.
• Corona ExtraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Corona Extra beer brand.
• Green Valley GroceryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration with Green Valley Grocery retail chain.
• Netflix (The Irishman)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCustom cigar band collaboration featuring Netflix The Irishman film branding.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Arturo Fuente: Family-owned premium handmade cigar manufacturer with multi-generational master rollers, comparable in heritage-driven positioning, premium ASPs, and limited-edition/celebratory lines (e.g., Fuente Fuente OpusX) that parallel Payne-Mason's WC53 commemorative SKUs.
• My Father Cigars: Boutique handmade cigar maker specializing in full-bodied, aged-tobacco blends with a strong family/legacy narrative similar to Payne-Mason; operates in overlapping price tiers and serves enthusiast retail and B2B custom-brand collaborations.
• Padrón Cigars: Family-owned Nicaraguan boutique cigar producer with strong focus on aged tobacco, traditional hand-rolling, and limited production runs — directly comparable in craftsmanship narrative, premium pricing, and cigar-of-the-month / collector demand.
• Ashton Cigars (Artista Family): Premium handmade cigar producer known for boutique positioning, aged wrappers, and tight tobacconist distribution; overlaps with Payne-Mason's premium cigar club and specialty retail channel strategy.
• Rocky Patel Premium Cigars: Boutique-to-mid-market handmade cigar manufacturer with extensive product portfolio and event/experiential marketing (lounges, golf sponsorships) — closely parallels Payne-Mason's golf-course and luxury-venue placement strategy.

Broad incumbents

• Davidoff of Geneva (Oettinger Davidoff): Global luxury cigar and tobacco accessories brand; competes in the ultra-premium handmade cigar tier Payne-Mason targets and shares a luxury-venue distribution and experiential retail strategy (Davidoff lounges, flagship stores).
• CAO Cigars (Scandinavian Tobacco Group): Multi-line premium cigar brand with broad distribution and co-branded/special-edition releases; overlaps with Payne-Mason in the custom-band and limited-edition segment but at meaningfully greater scale and retail reach.
• Altadis U.S.A. (Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta): Major U.S. premium cigar manufacturer and distributor behind heritage brands like Montecristo and Romeo y Julieta; overlaps in the Cuban-heritage and premium handmade category but at mass-premium scale with national wholesale distribution Payne-Mason lacks.

Emerging players

• Foundation Cigars: Younger boutique cigar brand emphasizing limited production, themed releases, and strong social/community engagement — comparable to Payne-Mason in narrative-driven positioning and limited-edition SKU strategy.
• Crowned Heads: Boutique handmade cigar maker known for narrative-driven, limited-edition releases and lifestyle/cultural collaborations; comparable to Payne-Mason in storytelling, custom brand work, and small-batch premium positioning.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/paynemason
• Xx.com/paynemason
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/payne-mason-cigars

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Payne-Mason Cigars