Posts
Cigar tobacco is mainly grown in the South-American colonies, countries such as Brazil, Cuba and Mexico, as well as the Philippines and the Canary Islands of Spain. It wasn't until the infamous explorer, Christopher Columbus, encountered cigars for the first time on the island of Hispaniola in the fifteenth century that they became introduced to England.
In England, cigar smoking has always been associated to the upper classes, men of power and financial position. Take a look at historical figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, as well as celebrities such as George Burns, Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and you will find that they all enjoyed a cigar or several every now and then. For example, Winston Churchill was rarely seen without a cigar in his hand, so much so that a brand was actually named in his honour.
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.
It is true to say that cigars are not as heavily popular as they once were, probably down to the fact that we now know more about the repercussions of smoking, not to mention the financial implications. This change in approach to smoking in general has only really come into play over the last fifteen years. Even in the 80's and 90's, the American and European media generally portrayed cigar smoking as a trendy habit. Nowadays, we seem to save it for special occasions and celebrations instead.
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.
In England, cigar smoking has always been associated to the upper classes, men of power and financial position. Take a look at historical figures such as King Edward VII, Sigmund Freud and Winston Churchill, as well as celebrities such as George Burns, Mark Twain and Bill Cosby, and you will find that they all enjoyed a cigar or several every now and then. For example, Winston Churchill was rarely seen without a cigar in his hand, so much so that a brand was actually named in his honour.
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.
It is true to say that cigars are not as heavily popular as they once were, probably down to the fact that we now know more about the repercussions of smoking, not to mention the financial implications. This change in approach to smoking in general has only really come into play over the last fifteen years. Even in the 80's and 90's, the American and European media generally portrayed cigar smoking as a trendy habit. Nowadays, we seem to save it for special occasions and celebrations instead.
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 social club for people from all walks of life, which is part of its uniqueness. Quite unlike many other exclusive venues in London, Home House is a place to relax or the perfect spot for a working day. Home House also hosts London's best Cigar Masterclass.
No comments:
Post a Comment