Cuban Cigars

Why The Best Cigars Are Made In Cuba

What do Arnold Schwarzenegger, Michael Jordan, and John F. Kennedy all have in common? A love of Cuban cigars. Yes, that’s right. Even Kennedy, who, in January of 1962, created an embargo to stop the importation of Cuban goods and cigars into the United States, was a regular Havana smoker. That’s why he gathered over a thousand of his favorite Cubans (H. Upmann’s Petit Corona) before he signed it. Maybe you’ve already tried a Cuban, or maybe not, but either way you’re probably curious as to whether they’re actually worth the hype. Are Cuban cigars just a status symbol? Why choose Cuban when so many other producers from other countries are making top-quality cigars? Let’s do a little snooping around to find out.

A Rich History of Cigar Making

Truthfully, no one really knows how long civilization has been cultivating the tobacco plant but it’s said to be anywhere from 5000 - 3000 BC. Cigars have long been part of the culture of native Americans and around the Caribbean. The plant wasn’t known to Europeans until Christopher Columbus made his voyage to discover the new world. Even then, Cigars wouldn’t become popularized in North America until 1762. That was when General Israel Putnam returned home to Connecticut with a box of cigars after aiding the British with the capture of Havana. Before that, American colonists only smoked pipe tobacco, even though some Europeans had been smoking cigars since the 1500s.

When Did They Begin Producing Cigars in Cuba?

The ancient Mayans are thought to have been making cigars thousands of years ago and spread this practice as far north as Canada. In Cuba, the native Taino people were the first to introduce cigars to Europeans through Christopher Columbus in 1492. The Spanish had set up a factory in Cuba by the mid-1500s. However, Large scale industrial cigar production, creating the cigars that we know today, didn’t begin until the early 1800s. Since then, the Cubans have been continually refining their methods and craft to create even better products.

The Modern Cuban Cigar

Of course, It isn’t just Cuba that produces cigars. Honduras, Nicaragua, and even the Philippines produce cigars, and that’s just to name a few countries. The Dominican Republic, where Winston Churchill’s favorite Romeo y Julieta cigars come from is thought to now be producing even more than Cuba. Each country produces its own unique blend of premium cigars. There’s something out there for every cigar connoisseur. And with all these fantastic brands and variety available, it begs the question, why do so many of the most famous cigar smokers choose Cuban?

What Makes Cubans So Special?

There are two main factors that make Cuban cigars so sought after. In the first place, true Cuban cigars typically only use Cuban leaves. They’re not a blend of different leaves from other countries. Arguably, this doesn’t make them better than other cigars but it does ensure that they have a powerfully unique flavor that can’t be recreated.

Secondly, other cigar producers simply can’t match the Cuban climate. The western region of the island is the perfect temperature for growing tobacco, and the soil, which can change the flavor of tobacco immeasurably, is inherently unique. When you take all this and combine it with hundreds, possibly thousands of years of cigar-making expertise, you can see why Cuba is renowned for its cigars. It’s the birthplace of the modern cigar. They’ve had a lot of time to get it right.

Some of the World’s Most Famous Cigar Brands

Ever heard of Montecristo or Diplomáticos cigars? What about Cohiba, created first as private cigars for Fidel Castro himself? Wherever you turn, Cuba is producing some of the top brands. Even some brands from other countries have their origins in Cuba such as Romeo y Julieta which was first established in Cuba and is now manufactured in the Dominican Republic. It’s no surprise when you think about it. They are, after all, producing anywhere from 100 - 300 million hand-rolled cigars every year. And that’s just inside Cuba. It’s not just business for Cubans, it’s a matter of national pride that their cigars be of the finest quality.

How to Enjoy a Cuban Cigar

A good quality Cuban cigar is going to cost a pretty penny but not every Cuban cigar is necessarily going to be good. So in the first place, don’t be tempted into getting a cheap Cuban cigar, or even worse, be fooled into buying a knock-off. Look for a reputable cigar retailer, and when in doubt, double-check the manufacturer’s website for how to authenticate your cigars to ensure that they’re the real deal. For example, Habanos offers the ability to check the barcode on their website.

The usual cigar diligence is required. Check for soft spots and anything out of place. Follow your gut. If the quality doesn’t feel right, ask your retailer to give you another one. Most will be happy to oblige. You won’t enjoy yourself you feel like you’ve been ripped off. Half the pleasure of a cigar is in relaxing and being in the moment.

The Experience

It’s a good idea not to contaminate the experience with anything else. You may be tempted to pair your Cuban cigar with a nice whisky or even a beer (and who could blame you?) but it’s better not to. If you’re going to eat or drink anything, it’s best to do it before you enjoy your cigar. This is no smoke for a beginner. Cuban cigars tend to be powerful and full of flavor. All you need is a glass of water and plenty of time to relax. That’s because other strong flavors or aromas might be too overwhelming. You wouldn’t mix your single malt with coke, would you? A Cuban cigar in particular is something to be savored. Start simply by smelling the cigar and taking a few cold draws to acquaint yourself with the unique aromas. You’ll want to notice the subtle flavor changes that happen as the cigar burns. Let your troubles melt away and enjoy the cigar. That’s how you’ll discover that the best cigars are made in Cuba.