The first of the cigars which bore resemblance to the current breed of cigars were made from the fine tobacco of Cuba in the Eighteenth century in Spain. Those cigars looked more or less like today’s cigars. Then, the export of cigars from Cuba had not yet started. By the end of 18th century, many small Cigar factories were already being set up in Germany and France. Dutch too joined them bringing tobacco from their far eastern colonies.
After the peninsular war was over cigars were turned into a sort of a custom and the war veterans returning home had made cigars a fashionable habit. By twentieth century, smoking cigars had become so much popular in Europe that smoking cars were introduced in the trains and hotels brought special smoking rooms which also served wines or brandy with cigar as after-dinner custom. A cheap alternative of cigar made of paper was also introduced this time aptly called cigarette. It was due to the industrialization of cigarette making that also initiated an introduction of machines in the manufacturing of cigars. But, it also led to a slow decline in the demand of handmade cigars as the factory made cigars were a lot cheaper.
Cigars carry a very long and rich history that is filled with celebration, recognition and resting. Every time someone picks up a cigar a great tradition is carried on. Whether you’re smoking a cigar at the celebration of a new baby boy or smoking one to rest at the end of the day, you’re participating in the beautiful history of past generations.