By Phillip Akhzar, Founder + CEO of Arka
Dead Leaf Cigar Club started life as a group of cigar enthusiasts— now it’s evolved into a community that has built its identity around inclusivity, shared experiences, and a love for cigars. Founded by a breakaway group of members from another club, Dead Leaf Cigar Club has quickly become a welcoming space for people from all walks of life. We recently got the chance to speak with Darnell Hawe, Vice President of Dead Leaf Cigar Club’s East Coast chapter, about the club’s origins, its unique approach to cigar culture, and their exciting new collaboration with Arka.
A Smooth Draw
Dead Leaf Cigar Club started as a response to a need for something different in the cigar world— a more diverse and inclusive space. “We spun off from another club, because a few members felt we could bring more diversity into cigar culture,” Darnell shared. With roots in Northern California, the club has now spread to all 50 U.S. states and even includes international members. The focus is on friendship and hanging out, with the opportunity to smoke together virtually while building a group of members who are united by their love for cigars.
Rolling With The Times
One of the unique features of Dead Leaf Cigar Club is how it keeps members connected regardless of location. The club uses a “Virtual Herf” where members can gather on Discord to enjoy cigars together remotely. This innovative approach has helped build a strong sense of community across distances, but it doesn’t stop there— members frequently meet up in person at events and when traveling. "We’re just a social club,” Darnell explained, emphasizing the simple joy of connecting over a shared passion.
A Cut Above
A major milestone for Dead Leaf Cigar Club is the launch of their exclusive cigar, fittingly named Diversity. The club wanted this cigar to symbolize its core mission of inclusivity. “Diversity is one of our key tenets— everyone is welcome to hang out and enjoy cigars,” Darnell said. This message is even reflected in the design of their cigar box, where the word Diversity takes center stage.
But Dead Leaf Cigar Club didn’t just want any cigar box; they wanted something that embodied both their values and their commitment to quality.
“When I started looking at packaging, I knew I wanted something that met sustainability standards, whilst also allowing us to showcase the full-color design.”
The result is a stunning, high-quality box that is both practical and reusable, rather than to just be recycled. Once the cigars are done, the design has been cleverly thought out so that it can be used as a poster or even frame it— it’s designed for reuse as artwork. It’s this desire to be mindful of the environment while delivering a premium experience, that makes us at Arka proud to showcase their work.
Keeping the Flame Alive
With exciting plans to continue growing their membership and expanding their reach, there is a continued focus of bringing members together and they will get the opportunity with Charlotte Cigar Week next year, as well as other events. The club’s social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@deadleafcigarclub), is a hub where new members can join the family and stay connected with all the latest news and happenings.
Dead Leaf Cigar Club has crafted a community where diversity, camaraderie, and a shared love for cigars come together. They're delivering a premium cigar experience with packaging that mirrors their values of sustainability and inclusivity. As the club continues to burn bright, its dedication to welcoming all and fostering meaningful connections remains central to its identity. Whether through virtual gatherings or in-person meetups, Dead Leaf Cigar Club is more than just a group— it's a family, uniting people one cigar, one story, and one shared experience at a time.
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