Choosing your Cigar

Choosing your cigar is not a simply as it sounds. Cigars come in many shapes and sizes and colours. It is often difficult for a neophyte cigar smoker to get a complete understanding of the how these factors affect the taste. The shape of the cigar is perhaps the hardest thing to describe since there…

Cigar Etiquette Explained: From London Lounges to Global Customs

Cigars are more than tobacco — they are a ritual. From lighting and smoking to how we handle them in company, there’s an etiquette that has been passed down through generations of aficionados. In 1967, Zino Davidoff outlined a “charter” of cigar etiquette in his essay for connoisseurs. More than 50 years later, his guidance remains as…

The EMS Security Stamp for UK Cuban Cigars

Counterfeit Havana cigars are one of the biggest frustrations in the world of premium tobacco. From dodgy street deals in Havana to glossy online shops selling “Cohibas” that have never seen Cuban soil, fakes are everywhere. To protect UK smokers, Hunters & Frankau — the official importer of Habanos S.A. — introduced a special EMS Security Stamp back…

The Art of Cutting and Lighting a Cigar

Cutting and lighting a cigar is more than a routine—it’s a ritual. Done correctly, it maximises the enjoyment of your Havana and honours the craftsmanship behind every leaf. Understanding the Anatomy Every Havana is built from three key components: the filler, the binder, and the delicate wrapper leaf. The wrapper is sealed at the cigar’s head with a…

How can you tell the difference between Bloom (Plume) and Mold?

For any cigar smoker, few things are more worrying than opening a humidor and spotting white or coloured spots on a cigar. Is it plume (also called bloom) — a sign of fine ageing — or is it mold, which can ruin a cigar and even spread through your collection? Knowing the difference is essential for protecting your…

The History of Cuba’s Cigar Industry

Cuba enjoys one of the strongest reputations in the world for consistently producing high-quality cigars. Whatever one’s personal views on whether Cuban cigars are the very best, there is no denying that Cuba grows some of the finest tobacco on earth. The Early Roots of Tobacco in Cuba The origins of Cuban tobacco stretch back…

Where would we be without Cuba?

(And if you’re American… please, don’t answer that.) Cuba has given the world more than just music, dance, and politics—it has perfected some of our most indulgent habits. From rich rums to world-famous cigars, there’s an irresistible allure to the island’s craftsmanship that captivates collectors and connoisseurs alike. A Famous Cigars-and-Politics Story History is full…