In the past, sports teams celebrated victories with a shower of Gatorade on their coaches. Today, while that tradition remains, athletes have embraced a new ritual: lighting a premium cigar. From Babe Ruth to Michael Jordan, generations of athletes have marked their biggest moments with a cigar in hand. Despite shifting cultural trends and stricter regulations, premium cigars endure as a timeless symbol of achievement.
For Douglas and Bryant Bocock—the brothers behind Bocock Brothers Premium Cigars—that enduring symbolism inspired a new approach to blending the worlds of sports, hospitality and premium tobacco. What began as a passion project rooted in Honduran pride has evolved into one of the most unique and experience-driven ventures in the cigar industry.
From Honduras to the Humidor
The Bocock brothers’ story starts with a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and a love for their homeland.
“We added a humidor and started experimenting with blends. We spent time in Danlí, immersing ourselves not just in the tobacco leaf but the entire business ecosystem,” says Douglas Bocock. “Cigars always fascinated us. Our father once spoke about visiting pre-Castro Cuba, and his stories, filled with scent and soul, stayed with us. The real spark came from our love for Honduras. The country produces phenomenal tobacco, and we knew early on we wanted to showcase its richness in our blends.”
From the start, the brothers knew that building a true premium cigar brand required a hands-on approach. Bryant now spends nearly seven months a year in Honduras overseeing production and ensuring that every cigar meets their uncompromising standards. That commitment to quality—rooted in proximity to the fields, factories and people who make the cigars possible—became the cornerstone of their company’s philosophy.
As they developed their first blends, another idea began to take shape: using cigars not just as products, but as vehicles for connection.
Lighting Up a New Audience
The Bocock brothers recognized early that long-term success in the premium cigar industry would come from expanding the culture, not just selling cigars. While most brands sought distribution deals or celebrity endorsements, the brothers imagined a new kind of collaboration, one that merged the pride of collegiate sports with the artistry of cigarmaking.
Their first partnership came with Louisiana State University (LSU), resulting in the first officially licensed, LSU-branded premium cigar.
“We had deep roots with LSU through family and years of supporting various departments,” explains Bryant. “Over time, we built trust and elevated the level of hospitality around those relationships. It was a perfect storm of timing and opportunity.”
Creating a university-branded cigar, however, required navigating complex approval processes that went well beyond standard production logistics.
“Once institutions are involved, the pace and priorities shift,” says Douglas. “Legal reviews, brand alignment, internal approvals—it becomes a different world entirely. Over time, we’ve adapted to that cadence. It’s become part of who we are, even though it doesn’t follow a traditional business model.”
Today, the Bocock brothers are the go-to collaborators for universities seeking to create a premium cigar experience that reflects their school’s pride and tradition. Each project demands patience, communication and collaboration, qualities that have come to define the Bocock Brothers approach.
From Fans to First-Time Smokers
The brothers’ growing list of collegiate partnerships now includes Mississippi State University, whose cigar debuted at the 2025 Premium Cigar Association (PCA) Trade Show, and Texas A&M, whose release was announced later in the year. The Bocock brothers also have partnerships and cigars with Florida, Wake Forest University, Missouri, Syracuse, Florida State and Texas Tech.
These cigars are far more than licensed collectibles. They are gateways, designed to invite new people into the premium cigar world. Many non-smokers first buy them as keepsakes, only to later light up in moments of celebration, transforming from collectors to first-time enthusiasts.
“At the core, it’s an artisanal product designed to be enjoyed,” says Bryant. “Schools buy these cigars for alumni events or team celebrations, while fans purchase them to represent their alma mater with pride. Some people just want to hold a piece of their team’s legacy, but more often than not that curiosity turns into experience.”
That blend of storytelling and hospitality lies at the heart of the success of Bocock Brothers Cigars. Each partnership tells a new story through design, blend and presentation, all rooted in authenticity. The cigars become an extension of the institutions themselves, a tactile symbol of community and shared identity.
Crafting Experiences, Not Just Cigars
For Douglas and Bryant, their collegiate cigar partnerships are not about chasing profit margins but about cultivating experiences that bring people together.
“Every touchpoint, from the blend to the box, is a reflection of who we are,” Douglas explains. “We don’t chase volume; we build experiences. Whether it’s a flagship cigar or a collegiate release, nothing gets approved unless it meets our standard. Consistency allows us to grow.”
Their process combines artistry with hospitality, creating a product that is as much about storytelling as it is about tobacco. Each collaboration involves university representatives, from athletic departments to alumni associations, ensuring that the cigar embodies the spirit of the institution.
This emphasis on relationship-building has not only expanded the Bocock brothers’ reach but also strengthened their reputation across the cigar industry. Retailers who carry their collegiate lines report strong engagement from customers who might never have walked into a humidor otherwise.
Legacy in the Making
As the brothers continue expanding their collegiate partnerships, their commitment to quality and authenticity remains unwavering. Recent projects include the Dak Prescott tribute cigar, created in collaboration with Mississippi State University, a nod to one of the school’s most celebrated athletes and a symbol of pride for Bulldog Nation.
While the brothers keep future collaborations close to the chest, they remain focused on crafting cigars that embody excellence and connection. Their work underscores a simple but powerful idea: Premium cigars can be more than luxury goods. They can be experiences that build community and celebrate shared values.
For Douglas and Bryant Bocock, this isn’t just about cigars. It’s about hospitality. It’s about taking an ancient craft and using it to create new traditions for a new generation of enthusiasts.
As Douglas reflects, “We’re not just in the cigar business; we’re in the business of connection. Every cigar we make carries a story, one that brings people together. That’s what drives us, and that’s what keeps us inspired.”
In a world where many chase growth through scale, the Bocock brothers are doing something different—growing through relationships. Their collegiate collaborations don’t just celebrate sports victories, they honor the shared moments that define them. Each cigar tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship and camaraderie. And for Douglas and Bryant, every puff taken in celebration, whether by an athlete, an alumnus or a first-time smoker, is a reminder that true success isn’t measured in sales but in the experiences shared along the way.
Learn more about Bocock Brothers Premium Cigars and see their full portfolio of premium smokes at bocockbrothers.com.
– Photography courtesy of the Bocock Brothers. Story by Antoine Reid, content director at Premium Cigar Association (PCA). You can reach him at antoine@premiumcigars.org.
This story first appeared in PCA The Magazine, Volume 4, 2025. To receive a copy of this magazine, you must be a current PCA member. Join or renew today at premiumcigars.org/membership.