In our society, there has always been a connection between great men and smoking fine cigars. So it will surprise very few people to know that some of the most influential men in our history enjoyed smoking as a pastime.
Al Capone
The most infamous gangster to ever rule the streets of New York City. During the prohibition era, he supplied alcohol to the American people; cementing his status as a true crime boss. The cigar smoker was a notorious gang fanatic, but imagine the iconic look of carrying a Tommy gun in one hand, and taking a puff of a cigar in the other.
Winston Churchill
A former Prime Minister of Great Britain, the man who managed to defeat Hitler and the Nazis. Winston Churchill is without a doubt, the most iconic figure to be associated with cigars. The statesman changed the very course of our history, but not without the calming effects of his favourite Romeo Petit Julieta.
Charlie Chaplain
The silent film star and worldwide icon began his acting career when he was 19 in America, and also fell in love with cigars. Through his silent films he expressed his views and mocked real world issues through the medium of comedy.
John F. Kennedy
Beloved former President of the United States was a lover of cigars; despite declaring the Cuban embargo! Although he was clever, and 24 hours prior to announcing the new legislation he ordered his aide to fetch as many Petit Upmann cigars as he possibly could.
Fidel Castro
This is a no brainer. It’s hard to think or picture Fidel Castro without a cigar in his mouth. The creation of Cuba’s top line, the Cohiba was down to Castro. The Cohiba Corona Especial went on to become his favourite cigar.
Che Guevara
You can’t mention Fidel Castro without giving an honourable mention to Che Guevara. Despite his health condition, asthma, the Argentinian quickly took up the Cuban custom of cigar smoking and began to enjoy it.
Michael Jordan
Quite possibly the most iconic basketball player of all time, his career was ultimately cut short by his love of cigars. By swinging a cigar cutter around his finger, he cut a ligament which caused his initial retirement.
Rudyard Kipling
This British author’s writing will remain in high esteem all over the world for many centuries to come, and he couldn’t have written them without the help of a trusty cigar. HIs love for tobacco can be defined by one of his very best quotes, ‘a woman is a woman but a good cigar is a smoke’.
King Edward VII of England
In Victorian Britain, smoking was heavily frowned upon and in some places it was completely banned. However, at the coronation of King Edward VII he announced to the congregation, ‘Gentleman, you may now smoke’, and this put a welcome end to the years of persecution that smokers had been subjected to.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Whether he is fulfilling his duties as Governor of California or as a bodybuilder, the contents of his humidor are often ignited whenever and wherever possible. Starring in films during the late 80’s meant he could enjoy his passion for cigars on and off screen.The cigar has been a mark of sophistication, good taste and authority in our society for many years. The artistry involved in preparing the selected leaves, the drying process and the rolling. With such a refined and elegant product, it is any wonder that these influential men would take up smoking cigars as a hobby?
