Cigars are more than just a smoke—they’re a symbol of tradition, luxury, and identity. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just stepping into the world of premium cigars, these 25 interesting and surprising facts will enhance your appreciation.
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1. Cigars Date Back Over 1,000 Years
Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean and Central America smoked rolled tobacco leaves long before Europeans arrived.
2. Christopher Columbus Introduced Cigars to Europe
In 1492, Columbus and his crew brought tobacco back to Spain after witnessing natives smoking it.
3. Not All Cuban Cigars Are Equal
Even within Cuba, cigars vary by region, soil, and producer. Brands like Cohiba and Montecristo differ in strength and flavor.
4. Premium Cigars Are Always Hand-Rolled
Machine-made cigars lack the craftsmanship, flavor control, and quality of hand-rolled premium cigars.
5. Cigars Have Vintage Years—Like Wine
Just like fine wine, cigars have specific harvest years, and aging dramatically improves flavor.
6. One Cigar Can Take Over 300 Hands to Make
From planting to rolling, hundreds of skilled workers are involved in producing one cigar.
7. The Wrapper Leaf Is the Most Expensive
Though it’s the outer layer, it’s often the most fragile and beautiful—responsible for most of the cigar’s flavor.
8. Not Inhaled—Just Savored
Unlike cigarettes, cigars are meant to be puffed, not inhaled. The taste is savored on the palate.
9. Fidel Castro Had His Own Private Cigar Roller
His favorite? The Cohiba, originally made exclusively for him and high-ranking officials.
10. Cigars Can Age for Over a Decade
Stored properly, cigars can improve over time, developing complexity like fine scotch or wine.
11. Nicaragua Now Rivals Cuba in Quality
Nicaraguan cigars are known for bold flavors and often top rankings in global cigar awards.
12. Winston Churchill Smoked Up to 10 Cigars a Day
The term “Churchill cigar” refers to a specific large cigar size, named in his honor.
13. Cigars Have Their Own Glossary
From “draw” and “burn” to “torpedo” and “maduro,” cigar culture has its own lingo.
14. There Are Over 60 Cigar Shapes
Known as “vitolas,” they range from robustos to torpedoes to panetelas—each offering a unique smoking experience.
15. The Cigar Lounge is Sacred
Venues like DT1920 are designed for relaxation, sophistication, and shared experiences.
16. Scent Can Reveal Cigar Quality
Before lighting, cigar lovers often “nose” the cigar to get hints of what flavors await.
17. Lighting a Cigar is a Ritual
Matches or butane lighters are preferred—never regular gas lighters which alter the flavor.
18. Humidity Is Everything
Ideal cigar storage is at 70°F and 70% humidity—hence the invention of humidors.
19. Cigar Bands Were Invented in the 1830s
To prevent staining ladies’ gloves, bands were placed to avoid direct contact with the cigar.
20. Women Are Entering the Cigar World
An increasing number of women are becoming avid cigar smokers and even cigar makers.
21. The U.S. Still Bans Cuban Cigars (Mostly)
Despite loosened restrictions, Cuban cigar imports into the U.S. remain highly regulated.
22. Pairing Is an Art Form
Fine cigars are often paired with whiskey, rum, cognac—or at DT1920, rare Japanese spirits.
23. Cigar Ash Tells a Story
Long, firm ash is often a sign of quality construction and careful rolling.
24. Each Draw Matters
Cigars are meant to be smoked slowly—about one draw per minute for an even, cool burn.
25. Cigars Are a Lifestyle
They symbolize patience, celebration, culture, and craftsmanship—and they are a ritual worth savoring.
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Conclusion:
At DT1920 Beirut, every cigar we offer tells a story—from the tobacco fields of Cuba to your table at our luxurious lounge. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a curious beginner, there’s always something new to learn, taste, and enjoy.
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