02 August 2016
Why are Cuban cigars so famous?
When the topic of cigars comes up, people are almost always quick to refer to the famed ‘Cuban cigar’. While this is a widely enjoyed cigar by smokers, many of those that do not smoke are relatively familiar with the concept and popularity of cigars from this region.
As we delve deeper into Cuban cigars, it is nice to uncover the real reasons to which the Cuban cigar gained such popularity. Here we will detail some information about what has made the Cuban cigar so special.
Much of what makes these cigars so desirable is the quality of the tobacco used. We don’t quite know exactly when tobacco plants were first grown in Cuba, but we do know that they grow incredibly well. It was long before Spanish settlers arrived on the island that Aztecs were known to be fond smokers of the local tobacco, largely for medicinal reasons. It was in fact them who we can credit for the introduction of smoking tobacco to the western world – as detailed in this article: A history of tobacco.
Though smoking spread at an incredibly quick rate, not everyone took to it as easily as New World smokers. King Phillip II of Spain and King James I both denounced it as an evil habit. Consequently, many countries made smoking illegal and introduced harsh penalties to those caught smoking.
King Felipe V, saw the economic and enjoyment potential in smoking tobacco and placed large interest into the development of the cigar industry. He soon developed somewhat of a monopoly over the tobacco growing areas of Cuba. As such, the monopoly lasted from 1717 to 1817, at which point a countermandate freed the trade up.
Later, the USA placed a trade embargo on produce from Cuba which made it illegal to have Cuban cigars in the USA. This of course turned the heads of world media, driving the words 'Cuban cigar' to be heard in all corners of the globe.
Tobacco and in particular, cigars remain a major part of the Cuban culture to this day – and in fact, since the 1990s, have enjoyed a slow be steady increase in demand in their cigars. When those that get a chance to visit Cuba first hand go, they will see for themselves the landscape, culture, climate and set up that contributes to their truly fantastic cigars.
The cigar makers in Cuba are incredibly skilled when it comes to making cigars. This ensures all those that buy and smoke a cigar will enjoy so thanks to the work of the local workers, ensuring that high standard of quality is kept along the way.
As we delve deeper into Cuban cigars, it is nice to uncover the real reasons to which the Cuban cigar gained such popularity. Here we will detail some information about what has made the Cuban cigar so special.
Much of what makes these cigars so desirable is the quality of the tobacco used. We don’t quite know exactly when tobacco plants were first grown in Cuba, but we do know that they grow incredibly well. It was long before Spanish settlers arrived on the island that Aztecs were known to be fond smokers of the local tobacco, largely for medicinal reasons. It was in fact them who we can credit for the introduction of smoking tobacco to the western world – as detailed in this article: A history of tobacco.
Though smoking spread at an incredibly quick rate, not everyone took to it as easily as New World smokers. King Phillip II of Spain and King James I both denounced it as an evil habit. Consequently, many countries made smoking illegal and introduced harsh penalties to those caught smoking.
King Felipe V, saw the economic and enjoyment potential in smoking tobacco and placed large interest into the development of the cigar industry. He soon developed somewhat of a monopoly over the tobacco growing areas of Cuba. As such, the monopoly lasted from 1717 to 1817, at which point a countermandate freed the trade up.
Later, the USA placed a trade embargo on produce from Cuba which made it illegal to have Cuban cigars in the USA. This of course turned the heads of world media, driving the words 'Cuban cigar' to be heard in all corners of the globe.
Tobacco and in particular, cigars remain a major part of the Cuban culture to this day – and in fact, since the 1990s, have enjoyed a slow be steady increase in demand in their cigars. When those that get a chance to visit Cuba first hand go, they will see for themselves the landscape, culture, climate and set up that contributes to their truly fantastic cigars.
The cigar makers in Cuba are incredibly skilled when it comes to making cigars. This ensures all those that buy and smoke a cigar will enjoy so thanks to the work of the local workers, ensuring that high standard of quality is kept along the way.
