Heritage

Heritage

Heritage: A Look into the History of Cigars

Cigars have been a popular pastime for centuries, enjoyed by people all over the world. The rich flavors and aromas of cigars are unmatched by any other tobacco product. However, the history of cigars is one that is rife with fascinating stories and turning points. In this article, we will explore some of the key points in the history of cigars.

Turning Point #1: The Creation

The very first cigar was only conceptually like the ones we’re enjoying today. At least, that’s the case if we’re to believe that Central American Mayans (probably in Guatemala or the Mexican Yucatan) in or before the 10th century lit up tobacco leaves bound together with string. It’s not until the arrival of the Spanish explorers that we see anything resembling the modern cigar.

Turning Point #2: The 'Discovery'

During Columbus's voyage to the New World, his crew witnessed the native people smoking tobacco. In 1492, on Columbus's second voyage to the New World, he brought tobacco seeds and introduced them to Europe. The popularity of smoking tobacco spread throughout Europe and eventually led to the creation of the cigar.

Turning Point #3: The Cuban Legend

Cuba is renowned for its cigars and is often considered the birthplace of the modern cigar. In the early 1800s, tobacco production began to rise in Cuba. By the 1850s, Cuba was producing over 100 million cigars annually. Cuban cigars became popular among the wealthy, and their reputation for quality and taste continued to grow.

Turning Point #4: Coming to America

As demand for cigars grew in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, production in Spain struggled to keep up. As a result, the cigar industry eventually found its way to the United States. In the 1830s, the first cigar factories were established in Key West, Florida, and New York City.

Turning Point #5: The Cuban Revolution

The popularity of Cuban cigars skyrocketed in the mid-1900s. This was largely due to the reputation of Cuban cigars for quality and taste. However, the Cuban Revolution in the late 1950s would have a significant impact on the cigar industry. Following the revolution, many of the tobacco fields were nationalized by the government, leading to a decrease in the production of Cuban cigars.

Turning Point #6: The Boom

Despite the decrease in Cuban cigar production, the demand for cigars continued to increase. This led to an increase in production in other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Nicaragua. The 1990s saw a rise in the popularity of cigars, known as the “Cigar Boom.” The demand for premium cigars resulted in an influx of new cigar brands and increased production from established cigar makers.

Turning Point #7: An Opening

The United States embargo on Cuban cigars has been in effect since 1962. This has made it difficult for Americans to obtain Cuban cigars legally. However, in 2014, the Obama administration eased travel restrictions to Cuba, allowing individuals to bring back up to $100 worth of cigars. This has led to an increase in the availability of Cuban cigars in the United States.

In conclusion, the history of cigars is full of fascinating stories and turning points. From the creation of the first cigar to the rise in popularity of Cuban cigars, the cigar industry has evolved significantly over the years. Today, cigars are enjoyed by people all over the world and remain a popular pastime.