Do you know the history of that cigar you’re puffing away on? Here are a few facts about cigar smoking that may surprise you!
Columbus’ Travels
Whilst Christopher Columbus is generally credited with discovering tobacco, cigar smoking is thought to have originated in Mayan times. The Mayans were puffing on crude versions of cigars, made with tobacco leaves bound with string, as far back as the 10th century. The Mayans may even be responsible for the name ‘Cigar’, with their word for smoking, ‘Sikar’ giving rise to the Spanish word ‘Cigarro’. It was in 1492 that Columbus discovered the Americas, and found the natives smoking cylinder shaped tobacco bundles wrapped in corn husks or palm leaves – the cigar was born.
Cuban Delicacies
Cuban became the major exporter of cigars thanks to the country’s temperate climate. Cuban tobacco was exported from Europe to Asia, although the Spanish put a stop to this in the 17th century, forbidding Cuban tobacco growers to sell their product to anyone but them. This ban lasted until 1817!
A Bright Future
By the mid 1800’s, cigars had gathered a worldwide following, with the USA alone consuming 300 million! Cuban cigar makers set up shop in Tampa, Florida, earning the city its nickname, ‘Cigar City’. The cigar quickly became a must-have accessory for the refined and wealthy gentleman – Freud, King Edward VII and Ulysses S. Grant all famously smoked cigars. Today, the cigar is as much a luxury item as it is a statement of success – Michael Jordan, Rush Limbaugh and Arnold Schwarzenegger are all fans – with brands such as Black & Mild Cigars and handmade cigars such as Rocky Patel Vintage all enjoying their 15 minutes of fame.
Popular Culture
Today, the cigar shows up frequently in gangster films or our favorite westerns, adding an air of masculinity (and menace) in films such as Cape Fear, X-Men and, perhaps most famously, Scarface. The popularity of the cigar remains somewhat of a mystery – perhaps it’s the masculine edge that Black & Mild Cigars give the smoker, compared to being seen puffing on a cigarette, or perhaps it’s the air of authority that a cigar smoker appears to have.
Whatever the reason for their popularity, cigars are here to stay, and with so many different brands and varieties to choose from, we’re really spoilt nowadays!
LLBJ Corporation is a wholesale distributor of cigars, carrying leading brands such as Splitarillos and Black & Mild Cigars. Located in Miami, FL, they pride themselves on their high level of customer service and their competitive prices, shipping most orders the same day.
