Our History

Holt’s Cigar Company is among the oldest and most respected retailers of premium cigars in America. Established in 1898 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Holt’s Cigar Company has been a destination for cigar lovers for over 125 years. Our mission is to provide cigar enthusiasts with the finest cigars and customer service in the world. Whether you visit one of our historic retail locations in person, or order online or over the phone, we guarantee every product we sell and promise an exceptional consumer experience.

Holt’s Cigar Company is owned and operated by the Levin family in Philadelphia. Albert and Jean Levin purchased Holt’s in 1957. Following years of successfully growing the business, their son, Robert Levin, assumed company operations in 1974. Applying his passion for cigars and natural business savvy, Robert created the Ashton cigar brand in 1985. Today, Ashton is a perennial ‘Top 5’ brand in the U.S. market and is sold in the finest retailers in over 75 countries around the world. Ashton cigars are blended and produced by legendary cigarmaker Carlito Fuente in the Dominican Republic. In the early 2000s, the Levin family revived La Aroma de Cuba, a famous Cuban-legacy brand from the late 1800s. In 2007, they introduced San Cristobal cigars. La Aroma de Cuba and San Cristobal are produced in Nicaragua by world-renowned cigarmaker José ‘Pepin’ Garcia. In 2004, Robert’s son, Sathya Levin, joined the company on a full-time basis and now bridges the enterprise into its third generation as President & CEO. In 2007, Robert’s daughter, Meera Levin, also came on board full-time.

In addition to our flagship retail locations, Holt’s Cigar Company is home to an extensive ecommerce and catalog operation. We sell over 550 premium cigar brands and ship cigars across the country from our modern distribution center in Philadelphia. Visit our retail shops at 1522 Walnut Street in downtown Philadelphia, or at 12270 Townsend Road in Northeast Philadelphia. Both of our stores feature large walk-in humidors where you’ll find a courteous and accommodating staff of professional cigar connoisseurs to assist you. Holt’s is the premier cigar retailer for those in search of selection, value, knowledge, and unrivaled customer service. Relax and enjoy your cigar in an adjacent smoking lounge at each of our retail shops.

In 2013, the Levin family opened Ashton Cigar Bar directly above the Holt’s retail store on Walnut Street. A signature showpiece for the Ashton cigar brand, Ashton Cigar Bar features a world-class selection of 200 premium cigars, 450 whiskeys, and over 600 total spirits. Ashton Cigar Bar is the ultimate oasis where cigar lovers can savor their favorite cigars with a cocktail or vintage whiskey in a sleek and relaxing environment. Ashton Cigar Bar and our smoking lounges at Holt’s are outfitted with the most advanced air purification systems, custom-engineered for optimal comfort.  

The next time you’re in Philadelphia, visit us at one of our Holt’s retail establishments or Ashton Cigar Bar. We’d love to meet you in person. And if you live far away, we’re happy to assist you via phone, email, or chat. Call us directly or order online at your convenience. Thank you for your support!