The tobacco used to make cigars is mainly grown in South-American colonies, such as Mexico, Cuba and Brazil: this is in large due to climate and tradition. The Europeans, however, first encountered cigars in the fifteenth century, courtesy of the legendary explorer, Christopher Columbus.
Cigar smoking has always been associated to the upper class and those in power / financial position. If we look back in history to figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, as well as celebrities such as George Burns, Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, we find that they all loved a cigar or a two, or several. Winston Churchill, for example, was rarely seen / photographed without a cigar in his hand, so much so that a brand was actually named in his honour.
You could say that the act of smoking a cigar is a somewhat male rite of passage, especially when you consider that a hundred years ago it was common practise for men to 'retire to the smoking room' after dinner. You can still see these rooms in all their original splendour at some hotels and restaurants in the UK to this day.
Of course, as time has moved on and we have become more aware to the perils of smoking, cigars have become less and less favourable. This has only really been in the last decade or so as even in the 1980s and 1990s, the American and European media portrayed cigar smoking as a trendy habit and certainly not a health risk. Nowadays, cigar smoking is saved to celebrate special occasions only, not purely because of the health implications, but also because of the sheer cost.
If you want to experience a little of what it was like to be a gentleman one hundred years ago then why not head on down to the lavish Cigar Snug at private members' club, Home House in Portman Square, London, next month. Enjoy an indulgent evening in a warm, comfortable and relaxed 'smoking room,' where a cheroot afficionado will guide you through the world of Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Trinidad, Bolivar, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Santa Damiana. The luxury Cognac, Hennessey XO will be served alongside the cigars for a real sense of the high-life.
Cigar smoking has always been associated to the upper class and those in power / financial position. If we look back in history to figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, as well as celebrities such as George Burns, Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, we find that they all loved a cigar or a two, or several. Winston Churchill, for example, was rarely seen / photographed without a cigar in his hand, so much so that a brand was actually named in his honour.
You could say that the act of smoking a cigar is a somewhat male rite of passage, especially when you consider that a hundred years ago it was common practise for men to 'retire to the smoking room' after dinner. You can still see these rooms in all their original splendour at some hotels and restaurants in the UK to this day.
Of course, as time has moved on and we have become more aware to the perils of smoking, cigars have become less and less favourable. This has only really been in the last decade or so as even in the 1980s and 1990s, the American and European media portrayed cigar smoking as a trendy habit and certainly not a health risk. Nowadays, cigar smoking is saved to celebrate special occasions only, not purely because of the health implications, but also because of the sheer cost.
If you want to experience a little of what it was like to be a gentleman one hundred years ago then why not head on down to the lavish Cigar Snug at private members' club, Home House in Portman Square, London, next month. Enjoy an indulgent evening in a warm, comfortable and relaxed 'smoking room,' where a cheroot afficionado will guide you through the world of Cohiba, Montecristo, Partagas, Trinidad, Bolivar, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Santa Damiana. The luxury Cognac, Hennessey XO will be served alongside the cigars for a real sense of the high-life.
About the Author:
Home House is an exclusive members club for people from all walks of life, which is part of its charm. Quite unlike many other private members clubs in Soho, Home House is a place to relax or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House also hosts London's best Cigar events.
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