CIGAR CIGAR - FINE Magazine

Seedling to Smoke Luxury Lifestyle LivingSeedling to SmokeCelebrate the art of a hand-crafted cigar.By Jeanne FerrisSometimes, a cigar is just a cigar. And sometimes, it’s awork of art.Cigars have retained a resilient following, remaining afavorite vice of the wealthy and discriminating. The inaccessibilityof Habanos, or Havana cigars, continues to perpetuate themystique, and nothing tops the boxes of hand-rolled cigars thatbear the phrase “hecho a mano”—made by hand.A Rich HistoryIn the early Americas, tobacco was considered so valuable, itserved as currency, was smoked as a peace offering and used bynative medicine men for shamanic ceremonies. The United States’founding fathers created a tradition of cigar culture in privatesalons—early cigar lounges that housed the fragrant smokes.Since the Cuban embargo imposed by President Kennedy in1962, a resilient industry by Cuban exiles—who survived theirrevolution and prospered despite invasive federal regulation—hassucceeded through several decades.Since as early as 1931, Hollywood has used the cigar as a propand accessory. In the silent movie classic “City Lights,” CharlieChaplin played an endearing tramp who struggled throughlighting a cigar. Fellow funnyman Groucho Marx was never seenCamacho CorojoConsidered one of the most unique cigars available, the blend is a1997 Vintage Jamastran Valley Corojo wrapper and includes genuine,first generation Cuban seed. This nostalgic hand-crafted Honduran hasa hint of cocoa. Although still managed by the Eiroa family, OettingerDavidoff acquired this company in 2008.Wrapper, Binder and Filler: Authentic CorojoFormat: NacionalesLength: 5½ inchesRing Gauge: 44Strength: Full30 FINEsd.com | facebook.com/FINEmagazines