Publisher helped bring premium cigars to a wider audience and left a lasting mark on the industry.

Marvin R. Shanken, founder of M. Shanken Communications and editor and publisher of Cigar Aficionado, died on October 29, 2026, at age 83, the magazine announced. His publishing career spanned more than five decades, connecting consumers with the people and products behind cigars, wine and spirits.

Shanken launched Cigar Aficionado in the fall of 1992, pursuing his passion for cigars despite concerns from his management team about whether enough readers would support it. The magazine became an influential voice during the cigar resurgence of the 1990s, introducing readers to premium tobacco, cigar makers and the culture surrounding the humidor.

His interviews brought together personalities from entertainment, sports and the cigar industry. Among his subjects were Michael Jordan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robert De Niro, Carlos Fuente Sr., Carlos Fuente Jr., José Orlando Padrón and Ernesto Perez-Carrillo. He also expanded the magazine’s connection with enthusiasts through the Big Smoke, which debuted in New York City in 1993.

Shanken’s publishing business began in 1972 with his purchase of Impact, a newsletter covering the beverage alcohol industry. He acquired Wine Spectator in 1979 and developed a portfolio that also included Market Watch, Shanken News Daily and Whisky Advocate. Consumer education remained a central part of his company’s work.

His work extended into philanthropy. Shanken established the Wine Spectator Scholarship Foundation in 1983 to support education in winemaking and hospitality. He and his wife, Hazel, also joined Ernie and Liezl Els in founding the Els for Autism Foundation in 2009.

Shanken is survived by Hazel; his sisters, Elaine and Susan; his daughters, Samantha Shanken Baker, Allison Cohen and Jessica Shanken Reid; and four grandchildren.

ChiTown Cigar Podcast extends our condolences to the Shanken family, his colleagues and the Cigar Aficionado team. His enthusiasm for sharing the stories behind premium cigars leaves a legacy that reaches across the cigar community.