The secrets of immortality. How cigars survived centuries and became iconic
The enduring allure of cigars
Cigars - these are one of the most recognizable and revered symbols of luxury and sophistication around the world. Iconic brands like Cohiba, Trinidad, Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, and others have long won the hearts of fine tobacco connoisseurs. We enthusiastically and lovingly smoke these exquisite cigars, savoring their rich aroma and unparalleled flavor.
The global spread of cigars
The great age of discovery also marked the arrival of cigars in Europe. In 1492, Christopher Columbus found them on one of the Caribbean islands and brought them to the Old World. It would take centuries before the iconic Cuban cigar brands we know today, such as Cohiba, Trinidad, Montecristo, and Romeo y Julieta, would be brought together under the global marketing and distribution company Habanos S.A. This state-owned enterprise was formed in 1994 as a joint venture between the Cuban company Cubatabaco and the Spanish firm Altadis, combining Cuba's cigar-making heritage with international business expertise. The Indians called the cigars "tzibat" - a term used to designate both the smoking device and the rolled tobacco. The Spaniards translated this word as "tobacco", while the Portuguese called it "tabago", after the name of the island.
The rise and fall of the Cuban cigar empire
The word "cigar" itself comes from the Mayan "sikar", meaning "to smoke". The first cigars, similar to modern ones, began to be produced in Spain from Cuban tobacco in the 18th century. Production then spread throughout Europe, and by the 19th century, Cuba had become the world leader in this industry. Cuban cigars enjoyed incredible popularity across all social strata - from common workers to royalty. Even the King of England, Edward VII, was a well-known cigar aficionado. However, the use of slave labor on the plantations led to the decline of the Cuban tobacco industry.
The emergence of the American cigar industry
Parallel to Cuba, cigar production was also actively developing in the United States, especially in Tampa, Florida. An important milestone was the introduction of machine cigar rolling, which made the process faster and more efficient. By 1905, there were around 80,000 cigar factories in the US, mostly small family businesses.
The cigarette takes over
In the early 20th century, cigars gave way to cigarettes, especially popular among soldiers fighting in World War I and World War II. Yet cigars retained their prestigious status in society, and the Cremo Cigars brand became one of the most successful in America during that period. Cuban cigars, known as Habanos, continued to be highly prized throughout the 20th century. The Cuban cigar industry was nationalized after the Cuban Revolution in 1959, creating Cubatabaco (later Habanos S.A.) to oversee production and export. Despite the U.S. trade embargo imposed in 1962, Cuban cigars maintained their reputation for quality and exclusivity in other parts of the world.
The cigar renaissance
Despite ups and downs, the cigar industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience. In the early 1990s, it even experienced an unexpected renaissance, marked by the emergence of new, innovative brands and accessories, as well as a surge in interest in cigar culture and cocktail bars.
Cigars today
Today, we are witnessing another surge in the popularity of premium, handmade cigars produced according to ancient traditions. The import of premium and ultra-premium cigars in the US has skyrocketed in the second half of 2020, reaching the levels of the "golden" 1990s. The quality, variety, and availability of these products are unmatched in history. This trend has led to the rise of dedicated cigar-buying websites and online cigar stores, making it easier than ever for enthusiasts to purchase the finest cigars from the comfort of their homes.
The enduring allure of cigars
What explains the everlasting allure of cigars over the centuries? What makes them such a unique cultural phenomenon, surviving eras and political regimes? Perhaps the secret lies in the combination of ancient traditions, meticulous handcraft, and an unparalleled flavor profile. Or perhaps it is the fact that cigar smoking is not just a habit, but a whole ritual that connects generations of aficionados. In any case, cigars continue to be an integral part of the culture and lifestyle of many people around the world. Their history is full of ups and downs, but they invariably maintain their appeal, as if reminding us of the enduring value of tradition and mastery.
*This article was crafted by the experts at Cigarlands, using verified information from different sources.
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