A Brief History of Cigars

What’s the history of cigars? Many who use cigars don’t seem to have information about the history of the product. Therefore, if you’re trying cigars for the first time, it’s essential to invest some time to try and learn a few details about cigars. Here are some of the crucial information you need to know about cigars.

When Were Cigars Invented?

The current understanding is that the native people of the Americas probably invented cigars. These people rolled tobacco leaves and smoked them for religious and medicinal purposes. There’s also evidence to suggest that ancient Egyptians smoked tobacco, although it’s unclear if they rolled them into cigars. The first written reference to cigars comes from Christopher Columbus, who observed the natives of Cuba smoking them. He brought tobacco back to Europe, where it quickly became popular. By the early 1500s, cigars were being made in Spain and Portugal.

Different Types of Cigars

Essentially, there are two main types of cigars — those made with natural tobacco leaves and those made with flavored tobacco leaves. Most cigars on the market today are made with natural tobacco leaves. Flavored cigars were popularized in the early 1800s by Cuban cigar makers. They used different flavors to mask the harsh taste of tobacco. Today, flavored cigars make up a small minority of the cigar market.

How Are Cigars Made?

The process of making cigars has changed very little over the centuries. The first step is to select the tobacco leaves that will be used. The leaves are sorted and trimmed before being rolled into cylindrical shapes. Once the cigar is rolled, it is placed in a mold to hold its shape. After that, the cigar is left to dry for several weeks. Once it is dried, it is ready to be smoked. The early Native Americans followed this practice, which is still used today.

The Length of a Cigar

Cigars come in all different shapes and sizes. The length of a cigar is measured in inches, and the width is measured in a ring gauge. The vast majority of cigars today are between four and eight inches long. The most popular size is the Robusto, five inches long with a 50-ring gauge.

The strength of a cigar is determined by the amount of nicotine it contains. Nicotine is a natural substance that is found in tobacco leaves. The higher the nicotine content, the stronger the cigar will be. Cigars are generally classified as mild, medium, or full-bodied. The vast majority of cigars on the market today are medium-bodied.

Conclusion

Understanding the history of cigars can help you appreciate them more. This is a product that is currently enjoyed by millions of people all over the world. It’s also a product with a long and exciting history. Next time you light up a cigar, take a moment to think about the people who first invented them and the journey that cigars have been on over the centuries. Contact Emporium Tobacco & Gifts for all your cigar needs.