Crowned as Cuba’s most famous export, cigars play a huge role in the island’s heritage. Existing as part of the country’s armoury since the late 15th century, today you can’t walk down the cobbled streets, into a bar, or even look at a photograph of Cuba without this famous tobacco product stealing the show in some way. And we’re totally here for it.
With some of the most highly rated brands in the world crafted here, we thought it only fitting to share our finest cigar facts with you – so you can keep up with the local culture during your next visit to Cuba.
Cigars have a long history in Cuba
Smoking cigars has been a solid part of Cuban culture since time began (pretty much), well, dating back as far as 1942 prior to Christopher Columbus’ arrival, anyway. What started as a hobby quickly turned into an art form, with local’s hand rolling many of the cigars themselves – as of the 19th century, it developed into an official industry.
One of the country’s biggest exports
Alongside famous counterparts’ rum and sugar, Cuban cigars are one of the country’s biggest exports and make up an important part of the economy. It’s estimated that $500 million worth of cigars are exported every year – amounting to a quarter of Cuba’s total exports.
Impressive.
Most are still hand rolled
If you’ve been to Cuba, you’ve probably witnessed at least one local hand rolling a cigar (or habanos) in the street – perhaps surrounded by a group of tourists admiring their handywork? All premium cigars in Cuba are hand crafted by professionals known as torcedores, some of which can roll over 200 cigars per day! So it’s pretty normal to see them at work during your visit.
May contain traces of…soil
Yes, you read that correctly. To create a first-class cigar, you need a first-class tobacco plantation, and luckily for Cuban smokers there’s a few of them on the isle. One of the main factors to consider when growing tobacco is the quality of the soil and its minerals, and since many of the big brand’s source their tobacco at these plantations, the ash sometimes includes a little, well, soil. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe to smoke.
Tobacco and Tomatoes?
Did you know that the tobacco plant actually belongs to the same family as tomatoes and potatoes, known as Soleanaceae or Nightshade?
You say tomato I say tomato, you say cigar… no, it doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Cuban cigar shops are called “Casa del Habano”
Often located on the ground floor of hotels, you’ll find these specialised tobacco stores – officially named Casa del Habanos – dotted across tourist towns and cities like Havana. Whether you’re looking for a gift, want to hang out in the smoking lounge, or simply fancy watching the well-informed staff at work, they’re worth popping into.
Cigar bands were late to the party
Whilst we’ve established that cigars have been smoked in Cuba for centuries now, their colourful bands (the paper ring near the top housing the brand) didn’t come into the picture until the 19th century. Historians believe Dutch immigrant and cigar maker Gustave Bock first started the trend by putting his signature on paper rings to highlight their quality – little did he know it would take off!
You can visit tobacco plantations
Tobacco plantations are among the top tourist attractions to experience while in Cuba, with plenty to explore across the island. Vinales is one of the most popular; just a couple of hours from the bustling capital of Havana, this destination serves up a rolling landscape in the countryside sure to make visitors feel a million miles away.
Tobacco plantation in Vinales
They’re expensive
The well-known saying “you get what you pay for” certainly rings true in this scenario. Taking into consideration the quality craftmanship of the torcedores and farmers, Cuban cigars are one of the most luxurious artisanal products you can purchase. Pair this with the rise in prices after the country’s tobacco embargo (which saw bales skyrocket from £120 to £820!) and you’ve got a pretty pricey habit on your hands – but one we highly recommend you try if only the once. When in Cuba…
There’s a lot of brands
Who knew there were so many different brands of cigar out there? If you’re in the market, some of the big names include Romeo y Julieta, Cohiba, Partagas, Punch, Bolivar, H Upmann, the list goes on.
Winston Churchill was a huge aficionado and was known, on occasion, to smoke up to 10 in one day! The brand Romeo y Julieta even named one of their most famous cigars after him.
Love Cuba is the UK’s leading Cuba holiday specialist. Call us on 0207 071 3636 or email enquiries@lovecuba.com
