Cigars have been enjoyed for centuries, but the culture surrounding cigars has evolved dramatically over time. They were first popularized in the 15th century when Christopher Columbus returned from the Americas with tobacco leaves. Smoking tobacco in cigars and pipes spread across Europe and eventually to the rest of the world. In the beginning, cigars were quite primitive – just tobacco leaves rolled together. They were harsh and uncured. But over time, methods for fermenting and aging tobacco improved, leading to higher quality cigars with better flavor.
The first cigar factories opened in Cuba in the early 19th century, standardizing production techniques and bringing cigars to a wider market.
Rise of the Cigar Gentlemen’s Club
For much of history, cigars were associated with power and status. After Columbus, cigars caught on rapidly with Spanish nobles who formed gentlemen’ clubs centered on conversing and smoking the best cigars. Later, during the Victorian era, the practice of retiring to the smoking room after dinner became fashionable in elite British social circles. Smoking fine cigars was seen as an upper-class male pastime.
Cigar Renaissance in America
The modern cigar culture first blossomed in the U.S. after the Cuban revolution. When Fidel Castro’s regime resulted in a trade embargo with Cuba in 1962, Cuban cigar imports were banned. A few Cuban cigar rollers fled to other countries and started making cigars in exile. This gave rise to the first boutique, non-Cuban cigar brands catering to aficionados.
At the same time, cigar smoking gained popularity across American society. Celebrity trendsetters like Jack Nicholson and Arnold Schwarzenegger helped give cigars a cool, macho image. Cigar lounges and events catering to men sprouted up around the U.S. Cigar-focused magazines like Cigar Aficionado (launched in 1992) connected cigar smokers from around the country. The 1990s represented a cigar renaissance in America.
Cigars Become More Inclusive
In recent decades, cigar culture has continued expanding beyond its stereotypical male aficionado roots. Boutique cigar brands for every taste and budget are now widespread. Cigar lounges are more upscale and welcoming to diverse clientele. The historic Farm Bill in 2022 finally allowed U.S. cigar makers to sell new products for the first time since 2007, unleashing further innovation in the industry.
Women Embrace Cigar Culture
Women have also been increasingly making their mark in cigars over the last 20 years. Female celebrities like Whoopi Goldberg have publicly embraced cigars. Women now account for over 20% of cigar smokers in the U.S. And more women are entering the traditionally male-dominated cigar business, becoming tobacconists, cigar influencers, and even master cigar blenders like Joya de Nicaragua’s Jennifer Oliva.
The Future of Cigars
While cigars have an extensive history, cigar culture continues evolving in new, more inclusive directions while still retaining all the indulgent pleasure and intricate craft that makes fine cigars special. Blending past tradition with boundary-pushing innovation, the world of cigars promises to keep developing in fascinating ways for generations of aficionados to come.
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