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 had a certain stigma about it; one of wealth, success and prestige. If you take a short trip down memory lane, having a good look at influential figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, you will find that they all loved this particular pastime. Winston Churchill was rarely photographed without a cigar in his hand for example, so much so that a brand was named after him.
In fact, you could say that the smoking of a cigar is almost a male rite of passage. Perhaps not so much these days, but just one hundred years ago it was pretty much common practise for men to 'retire to the smoking room' after dinner. In some of the oldest hotels and restaurants left in Britain, you can still see these rooms 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 had a certain stigma about it; one of wealth, success and prestige. If you take a short trip down memory lane, having a good look at influential figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, you will find that they all loved this particular pastime. Winston Churchill was rarely photographed without a cigar in his hand for example, so much so that a brand was named after him.
In fact, you could say that the smoking of a cigar is almost a male rite of passage. Perhaps not so much these days, but just one hundred years ago it was pretty much common practise for men to 'retire to the smoking room' after dinner. In some of the oldest hotels and restaurants left in Britain, you can still see these rooms 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 uniqueness. Quite unlike many other private members clubs in Mayfair, Home House is a place to relax or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House also hosts London's best Cigar Evenings.
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