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Have you ever lit a cigar and wondered about its origins? The story of cigars is as rich and layered as their flavours. From sacred rituals to European salons, cigars have travelled through time, cultures, and even controversies.

 

Let’s unravel the smoky tale of when cigars were invented and how they became symbols of sophistication. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a curious newcomer, this journey through cigar history will deepen your appreciation for every draw.

 

What is a Cigar? When Were Cigars Invented?

A cigar is more than just a rolled tobacco leaf, it is also a carefully crafted product composed of three main parts that work together to create its unique character. The core of the cigar is the filler, which consists of aged tobacco leaves that provide the primary flavor. Surrounding the filler is the binder, a sturdy leaf that holds the filler together and maintains the cigar’s shape. Finally, the wrapper is a delicate outer leaf that not only protects the cigar but also enhances its flavor and appearance.

 

But when were cigars invented? The answer isn’t a single date but a timeline spanning centuries.

 

• Ancient Roots (Pre-1492): Long before Columbus sailed to the Americas, indigenous tribes like the Taíno in Cuba and the Maya in Mexico were rolling tobacco leaves into primitive cigars. Archaeologists have unearthed 10th-century Mayan pottery depicting figures smoking cigar-like rolls, and traces of nicotine residue in ancient pipes confirm tobacco use as early as 500 BC.

 

• European Adoption (15th–16th Century): When Columbus arrived in Cuba in 1492, his crew observed locals smoking rolled tobacco leaves. By the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors like Hernán Cortés brought cigars back to Europe, where they became a curiosity among the elite.

 

• Modern Evolution (18th–19th Century): The cigar as we know it today took shape in 18th-century Cuba, where Spanish colonists established factories to mass-produce hand-rolled cigars. By the 1800s, brands like H. Upmann and Partagás turned Cuban cigars into a global luxury.

 

Cigars are a fusion of ancient tradition and colonial innovation, evolving from sacred rituals to symbols of status.

 

Who Smoked Cigars First?

The first known cigar smokers were the indigenous peoples of Central America and the Caribbean, notably the Mayans and the Taino people. 

 

When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas in 1492, he encountered the Taino smoking tobacco rolled in leaves. Columbus and his crew adopted this practice, bringing tobacco back to Europe, where it gained popularity, especially in Spain and Portugal. 

 

The French ambassador to Portugal, Jean Nicot, helped popularise tobacco smoking in France, and the term “nicotine” derives from his name.

 

The Maya and Aztecs used cigars in rituals to communicate with gods, bless crops, and heal the sick. The Taíno people of Cuba even believed tobacco smoke carried prayers to the heavens.

 

 By the 1600s, cheroot cigars became a status symbol in Spain and France. King Louis XIII of France was an avid smoker, and Spanish nobles flaunted cigarillos wrapped in gold leaf.

 

 

 

What Do Cigars Consist Of?

A cigar consists of three primary components, each playing a crucial role in its flavour, burn, and overall smoking experience:

 

Filler

What is in a cigar? The innermost part of the cigar is composed of a blend of various tobacco leaves. The filler significantly determines the cigar’s strength, complexity, and flavour profile.

There are two main types of filler:

• Long filler: whole tobacco leaves running the length of the cigar, typically found in premium hand-rolled cigars.

 

• Short filler: bits or scraps of tobacco leaves packed together, often used in less expensive or machine-made cigars.

 

The filler leaves are carefully selected and blended to create unique tastes and aromas.

 

Binder

The binder is a tobacco leaf that wraps around the filler, holding it together and maintaining the cigar’s shape and structure. It provides the cigar with proper density and ensures a smooth, consistent burn.

 

The binder leaf is typically a strong, elastic leaf that may be of slightly lower quality than the wrapper, but it is still essential for construction.

 

Wrapper

The wrapper is the outermost leaf of the cigar and the most visible part. It significantly contributes to the cigar’s flavor and aroma. Wrapper leaves are carefully cultivated and fermented to be smooth, elastic, and visually appealing, with an even colour.

 

The wrapper often determines the final flavor nuances and character of the cigar, despite being the smallest component by volume. Wrappers come in various colours, from very light to very dark , each imparting different flavour notes.

 

Additionally, a cigar has various parts, including the cap, the head, the body, and the foot; however, the filler, binder, and wrapper are the fundamental tobacco components that define a cigar’s quality and smoking experience.

 

In summary, a cigar is a carefully crafted product.

 

 

What is the 135 Rule for Cigars?

The 135 Rule for cigars is a guideline used to maintain optimal storage conditions by balancing temperature and relative humidity in a humidor. The rule states that the sum of the temperature and the relative humidity should equal 135. For example, if your humidor is kept at 70°F, the ideal relative humidity would be 65% (70 + 65 = 135).

 

This balance helps keep cigars fresh, flavorful, and aged adequately by preventing them from becoming too dry or too moist.

 

This rule is considered an improvement over the older 70/70 rule (70°F and 70% relative humidity), allowing for more flexibility depending on your environment and cigar preferences. It helps avoid issues like harshness from dryness or uneven burning from excess moisture.

 

 Maintaining this balance ensures cigars retain their structural integrity and flavour character over time.

 

How Early Cigars Differed from Modern Cigars?

The cigars of yesteryear were raw, rustic, and worlds apart from today’s polished products. Let’s compare:

 

Tobacco Quality

Early cigars were made from wild, unfermented tobacco, which had harsh, bitter notes. Modern cigars utilise hybridised, fermented leaves to achieve smoother, sweeter flavours.

 

Rolling Techniques

Pre-1800s cigars were hand-rolled unevenly, often with gaps or loose draws. Today’s cigars are rolled with precision; for example, Cuban torcedores train for years to master consistency.

 

Purpose

Early cigars were ritualistic or medicinal. Modern cigars are luxury items associated with leisure, celebration, and social status.

 

Cultural Perception

Indigenous tribes saw cigars as sacred; early Europeans dismissed them as “savage” until royalty embraced them. Today, cigars symbolise sophistication, with lounges and pairing guides elevating the experience.

 

Modern cigars prioritise craftsmanship and consistency, while early versions were raw, ritualistic, and unpredictable.

 

Summary

From the ancient Mayan temples to the cobblestone streets of Havana, cigars have fascinated people for thousands of years. Understanding when cigars were invented involves more than pinpointing specific dates. It requires appreciating the artistry, history, and culture that are intricately woven into every leaf.

 

Buying Tips for Beginners:

• Start with a mild cigar, such as Macanudo Café, to acclimate your palate.
• Store cigars in a humidor at 70% humidity and 70°F to preserve freshness.
• Pair with a drink that complements the cigar’s profile, for example, rum with a sweet Maduro.

 

Lighting a cigar is like stepping into a time machine; each puff carries echoes of ancient rituals and colonial adventures.

 

FAQ

Were there cigars in the 1700s?

Absolutely! By the 1700s, Cuba had established numerous cigar factories, including La Corona, which supplied Europe with hand-rolled cigars.

 

Who smoked 20 cigars a day?

While Winston Churchill famously smoked 8–10 daily, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud reportedly chain-smoked 20 cigars a day, even during patient sessions!

 

What’s the oldest cigar brand still operating?

Por Larrañaga, founded in Havana in 1834, is one of the oldest surviving brands known for its creamy, medium-bodied blends.