Cigars

Cuban Cigars – A Legacy of Luxury and Craftsmanship

Cuban Cigars – A Legacy of Luxury and Craftsmanship

A Brief History of Cuban Cigars

Cuba has been cultivating tobacco for over 500 years, long before cigars became a global symbol of sophistication and leisure. The island's unique climate, soil composition (known locally as terroir), and generations of expert rollers—torcedores—have made Cuban cigars world-famous.

The post-revolution period in the 1960s saw the nationalisation of all cigar production, giving rise to government-controlled brands that are still internationally celebrated today: Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagás, Romeo y Julieta, and Hoyo de Monterrey, to name a few.

Why Cuban Cigars Are So Highly Regarded

  1. Ideal Growing Conditions: The Vuelta Abajo region in Pinar del Río is often cited as the best tobacco-growing area in the world.

  2. Full-Cycle Production: From seed to smoke, Cuban cigars are entirely handmade, with traditional methods passed down through generations.

  3. Complex Flavour Profiles: Cuban cigars are renowned for their balance, smoothness, and complexity—offering everything from earthy and woody notes to hints of cocoa, coffee, and spice.

For Beginners: How to Choose Your First Cuban Cigar

Starting with Cuban cigars can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are a few beginner-friendly recommendations:

  • Romeo y Julieta No. 2 – Mild to medium in strength, with approachable flavours of cedar and leather. A great place to start.

  • Montecristo No. 4 – A true classic, offering rich flavour without being overpowering.

  • H. Upmann Half Corona – Small in size, big on flavour. Ideal for a short smoke.

Tips for Beginners:

  • Don’t inhale. Unlike cigarettes, cigars are about tasting the smoke, not drawing it into your lungs.

  • Use a proper cutter and light with a butane torch or wooden match.

  • Store your cigars in a humidor (65–70% humidity is ideal).

For Aficionados: Exploring the Depth of Cuban Craft

If you’ve already dipped your toes into Cuban cigars, consider exploring:

  • Cohiba Behike – Arguably the most luxurious line of cigars in the world. Rich, creamy, and complex.

  • Bolívar Belicosos Finos – Full-bodied, bold, and packed with peppery character. Not for the faint-hearted.

  • Trinidad Fundadores – A connoisseur’s delight with its medium body and evolving floral and sweet spice notes.

Advanced Tips:

  • Pair your cigars with drinks like aged rum, single malt whisky, or even a rich espresso to enhance flavours.

  • Age your cigars—Cuban cigars can improve dramatically over time when stored properly.

  • Rotate your cigars in the humidor to keep ageing consistent.