Lounge
May 1, 2015
Part 3: The Allure of Cigars
The Allure of the Cigar: Part 3
Why Do People Smoke Cigars?
Churchill lighting up after dinner
Cigars named 'Churchill' can be found from every brand, and they are, of course, named in honor of Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister who was instrumental in the Allied victory in World War II.
He loved cigars so much that he was rarely seen without one.
American novelist Mark Twain was also a passionate cigar aficionado. He famously declared, "If there isn't any smoking in heaven, I don't want to go."
He was likely contemplating his next adventure for Huck Finn while leisurely puffing on his favorite cigar.
Mark Twain enjoying a cigar in his rocking chair
British author W. Somerset Maugham extolled the pleasures of cigars, describing them as "one of the greatest luxuries." Hollywood legends like John Wayne and Orson Welles were also devoted cigar smokers. Everyone knows about Charlie Chaplin's fondness for cigars, and his smoking scenes frequently appeared on screen.
Cigars have captivated so many people… what is it about them that is so alluring? A cigar is, quite literally, a tobacco product made by rolling tobacco leaves. However, it stands apart from cigarettes and pipe tobacco, often described as the "aristocrat" of tobacco products. This is because cigars are made using large tobacco leaves without any added substances, and their rich aroma and full-bodied flavor invite us into a state of contentment.
The finest wrapper leaves require beauty and elasticity
Cigars are sometimes spoken of in the same breath as fine wine. This is because, unlike other tobacco products, cigars are "pure agricultural products" containing no chemical additives, and they continue to age slowly even after being boxed. These qualities are a significant part of a cigar's charm and likely the reason so many people are drawn to them.