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| HISTORY OF CIGARS |
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| Early Cigar History | Later Cigar History |
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| MOST POPULAR DISCUSSIONS ON HISTORY OF CIGARS |
1. Cigar History I (14th Century - 19th Century)
Perhaps there is a historical basis for the almost sacred quality that cigars have for so many people. To experience each puff is a moment to be cherished, somehow holy in its own right - a meditation in the midst of the chaos of our everyday lives. It is no surprise, then, that the origins of tobacco are rooted in sacred Native American tribal customs. When Cortes, de Balboa and Pizarro swept through the Americas in the 14th century they found the magic of the Tobacco leaf. It was smoked, chewe...click for complete discussion
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| Questions regarding Early Cigar History? |
2. Cigars in Connecticut
Unless a person has lived in Connecticut, it is probably lost on them that this little state produces some of the finest cigar wrappers found outside of Cuba. As tobacco plantations where introduced in the American colonies by European settlers in the 17th century, the predominant market was for pipe tobacco. This all changed when Israel Putnam ventured to Cuba only to return with the some of the finest Cuban tobacco seed. The introduction of this premium seed revolutionized everything. T...click for complete discussion
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3. History of Cigars II: Cuban Cigars
Arguably, Cuba is the birthplace of the cigar. In the 15th century, It was the first region in the new world to understand and take advantage of the impending explosive demand for the tobacco leaf throughout Europe, and the innovation of the cigar itself virtually cemented Cuba's leading position in Tobacco exports after the 18th century.
Cuban tobacco exports encountered a bit of rough period during the first have of the 19th century, as large factories began to push out small, peasa...click for complete discussion
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4. The Origins of the Cigar Store Indian
For some cigar and tobacco shops, a Cigar Store Indian sits outside the door. While some of these wooden Indians appear inviting, happily greeting any incoming customers, others appear defensive, as if guarding the store from shop lifters, thieves, and No Smoking ordinances. However they appear, they appear often: Cigar Store Indians have become advertising icons in the world of tobacco.
Just like candy-caned barber poles have become synonymous with barber shops, and talking lizards ...click for complete discussion
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5. Ybor City: The History of Cigars in America
There are many places in the world that are seemingly built for cigars, places with factories and roads paved of tobacco, places where leaves blossom freely and cigars are always lit. One of these places is Ybor City. Known now as a hotspot for bars and nightclubs, Ybor City was once known as the Cigar Capital of the World.
Ybor City is a historic district in Tampa, Florida. It was named after Vincent Martinez Ybor, a Spaniard who immigrated to Cuba at the age of 14. Starting off as ...click for complete discussion
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6. Cigar History: Fidel Castro
Many cigar lovers who form their roots in the United States view Fidel Castro as an enemy. He is, after all, partly to blame for Cuban cigars being banned from the US quicker than a classic novel. But he is not limited to Cuban cigars, his influence transcends cigar types: many Cuban citizens came to America to flee Castro’s reign. In one way or another, he took some cigars away from the US and gave some back. In the end, it is hard to think about cigars without visions of Castro dancing in ...click for complete discussion
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7. The Sidekicks of Cigars
by Jennifer Jordan
When it comes to heroes, sidekicks are often overlooked. Goose was killed off halfway through Top Gun, Virgil stayed in Purgatory while Dante got to go to Paradise, and Batman, throughout the series, got all the glory, leaving Robin to wonder why the heck he was wearing tights. This sidekick phenomenon is true in so many areas, including cigars: Christopher Columbus is generally credited with being the man who introduced the world to the concept of smoking, ...click for complete discussion
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8. Arturo Fuente: Head of the Family
In our culture, hearing someone say “head of the family” often makes people think of Vito Corleone: images of Marlon Brando fill our head, our voices deepen and our stomachs pang with an unflinching desire to eat a cannoli…or twelve. “Head of the family“ reminds so many of us of The Godfather. This is, of course, unless we are cigar fans. Then, “head of the family” garners up a whole different image. Sorry Vito…er, Mr. Corleone, but, when it comes to tobacco, there is another family heads...click for complete discussion
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9. The Cigar Box Guitar
by Jennifer Jordan
Music and cigars aren’t something I usually equate with each other. In fact, cigars are almost the last type of smoke I think of when I turn the dial of the radio. If I hear Ryan Adams, I imagine him on stage surrounded by a grayish cloud, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. If I hear Bing Crosby, I imagine that his White Christmas also involves a black pipe. And, if I hear Willie Nelson, I think of a type of smoke sure to make him hungry for some Kenny Rog...click for complete discussion
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10. H. Upmann: Tobacco Bands of Brothers
by Jennifer Jordan
It’s hard to think about good cigars without doing two things: thinking of H. Upmann, and drooling. To many cigar lovers, H. Upmann is the cream of the crop, the apex of ashes. Sold under two brands, one made by Habanos SA in Cuba and the other made by Altadis SA in the Dominican Republic, H. Upmann provides smokers with an experience unlike any other. To not smoke an H. Upmann is to be let down. To not smoke an H. Upmann is also to miss out on one of the most int...click for complete discussion
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11. Cheroots: The Real Stogies
by Jennifer Jordan
Many of us, myself included, who talk about smokes – either behind their backs or as we are inhaling - use the term "stogie" interchangeably with the word “cigar.” But, from a technical stance, this is incorrect; to avoid angering both Merriam and Webster and having them throw their book at us, we shall correct ourselves. A stogie is actually not just any ol' cigar; a stogie is a Cheroot, a cylindrical cigar that – during manufacturing - has both ends clipped, maki...click for complete discussion
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12. Tobacco: The Subtle History
by Jennifer Jordan
From a wrapper with the roots of an industrializing Nicaragua, to a filler from the fields of a revolutionizing Cuba, from a binder with the seeds of an ever changing Dominican Republic, to an old yearbook photo a Montecristo is embarrassed about, we all know that tobacco has a history and a past. What we might not know, however, is that tobacco in history goes far beyond Christopher Columbus…very far beyond. Perhaps you don't believe me, and instead think that may...click for complete discussion
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13. Cigar History: Red Auerbach
by Jennifer Jordan
It’s hard to think about celebratory cigars without thinking of Red Auerbach. A man known as much for his cigar smoking as his command of the court, Auerbach went down in history as one of the most colorful basketball coaches of all time. He also knew a thing or two about success: under Auerbach, the Boston Celtics won nine NBA championships and finished with a record of 1037 wins and 548 losses. Still to this day, the 1960’s Celtics team remains one of the most ...click for complete discussion
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14. Castro Out; Cigars Back In?
by Jennifer Jordan
Hanging up his shoes for a final time, Fidel Castro has stated he will retire. On February 19, 2008, just five days before his current term's expiration date, he announced that he would not seek a new term as the leader of Cuba. Cuban cigar lovers living in America practically feel the drool falling from their mouths. This might be the first step in removing the trade embargo.
As those who didn't sleep through high school history will remember, the Emba...click for complete discussion
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