Karen Berger Connecticut

Karen Berger Connecticut cigars offer a pleasantly approachable smoking experience. They’re aimed at aficionados seeking a milder cigar and serve as an elegant introduction to the Nicaraguan cigar range. All vitolas in this light Connecticut line are box pressed—unlike the traditional Karen Berger Classic Cigars. As with many things in life, the box press format comes down to personal taste. Some manufacturers claim it significantly changes the flavor. Theoretically, this could be due to the different shape and the altered way the smoke hits the palate—but in our opinion, that’s more of an academic point. The high-quality Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper, paired with Nicaraguan binder and filler, results in a smooth smoke with delicate notes of vanilla, chocolate, and almonds, rounded off with just a hint of pepper.

Origin and Distinctive Features

Don Kiki cigars were long regarded as a hallmark of solid craftsmanship and consistent quality. The brand featured a wide range of lines that appealed to both newcomers and seasoned aficionados. Around the mid-2000s, imports to Germany came to an end, though remaining stock was still available until roughly 2015. But the brand’s legacy was far from over.

K by Karen Berger: A Personal Legacy and New Paths in the Cigar World

During his time in Nicaragua, Enrique “Don Kiki” Berger met his future wife, Karen. Their connection was built not only on a shared passion for tobacco but also on a deep personal partnership. As Enrique’s health declined in the 2000s, Karen donated a kidney to him in 2009—a gesture that gave him several more precious years. Enrique Berger passed away in September 2014, leaving behind a well-known brand and a dedicated partner who had come to know the cigar business inside out.

Mild Karen Berger Connecticut Cigars: Well-Balanced Flavors for Newcomers

Just two years later, at the 2016 IPCPR trade show, Karen Berger launched her own cigar line: K by Karen Berger. Initially, the cigars were developed for the U.S. market, where Karen sold them directly through her own shop in Daytona Beach, Florida. The Karen Berger Connecticut cigars featured here made their debut in the U.S. in 2018. After early success, international expansion followed—and since March 2023, these cigars have also been available in Germany, distributed by the Kleinlagel siblings from Bruchsal. All Karen Berger cigars are produced in Estelí, in the heart of Nicaragua.