On 7 February 1962, U.S. President John F. Kennedy signed one of the most consequential executive orders in cigar history — the United States trade embargo on Cuba. The embargo was meant to punish Fidel Castro’s communist government. Instead, it gave birth to a myth, elevating Cuban cigars from prized luxury to forbidden legend. But before he reached for his pen,…
Author: simplycigarslondon
Simply Cigars is one of the UK’s leading international online cigar retailers, specialising in premium Cuban cigars, New World cigars from Nicaragua, Honduras and the Dominican Republic, and a wide selection of non-Cuban international brands. With over 25 years of trusted experience in online cigar sales, we make it easy to buy cigars online in the UK and worldwide, ensuring fast delivery and exceptional service. Whether you’re looking for single cigars, cigar samplers, or full boxes, Simply Cigars guarantees quality, authenticity, and the finest smoking experience.
Fidel Castro, Cuban Cigars & Rolex Watches
Ever wondered why so many photographs pair Cuban cigars with Rolex watches? It all started with the man who made both into enduring symbols of power and precision — Fidel Castro. In one of the most famous images of the Cold War era, taken during a 1963 meeting with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev in the Kremlin, Castro is seen…
Famous Cigar Smokers: The Icons Behind the Smoke
From Churchill’s War Rooms to Hollywood backlots, cigars have been companions to history’s boldest characters. Some used them as a signal of victory, others as a stage prop, a thinking aid, or a simple pleasure after dinner. What unites them is the ritual: the cut, the light, the first aromatic draw. Here’s our curated roll…
Cuban Cigars and The Music of Cuba
Few places in the world embody culture as vividly as Cuba. The island is not only the birthplace of the world’s finest cigars but also of some of the most influential and recognisable music ever created. From the rolling fields of Pinar del Río to the lively streets of Havana, cigars and music share a deep cultural…
Habanos Authenticity Check: How to Verify Your Cuban Cigars
When buying Cuban cigars, authenticity matters. With counterfeits becoming increasingly sophisticated, Habanos S.A.has introduced a new Warranty Seal with enhanced security features, making it easier than ever to ensure that the cigars in your humidor are 100% genuine. The New Habanos Warranty Seal Each box of Habanos cigars now carries a redesigned Warranty Seal with two important additions: This seal…
The UK Cuban Cigar Portfolio
Cuba’s cigar heritage is unlike any other. Every hand-rolled Havana is said to pass through at least 222 stages of craftsmanship before it reaches the smoker, making them the most meticulously produced cigars in the world. The UK portfolio of Cuban cigars today includes 24 historic houses, each with its own style, story, and loyal following. Every cigar…
Have you Tried Cuban Coffee?
Cigars and Cuban coffee are natural companions—two timeless indulgences that seem made for each other. The bold richness of a handmade Havana pairs beautifully with the dark, potent shot of espresso locals call “un cafecito”. In Cuba, people have been enjoying this ritual for well over a century, and for many, it completes the authentic smoking…
The Best UK & International Cigar Information Sources
Cigar culture is global, but thanks to the internet it has never been easier to explore. From UK publications keeping local traditions alive to international magazines and online communities, these resources educate, entertain, and connect aficionados around the world. If you enjoy relaxing with a handmade cigar, here are some of the most useful and…
Our Favourite UK Cigar Venues – Reviews & Inside Guide
Cigar culture in the UK thrives in cigar terraces, sampling lounges, and private clubs. Whether you’re in London’s cigar quarter of St. James’s or exploring regional hotspots, here’s our guide to the top places to smoke, complete with contact details so you can plan your visit. ⭐ London’s Finest Cigar Venues The Wellesley Knightsbridge Review: Art…
Why Do I Need a Cigar Humidor?
If you’re new to cigars, there comes a moment when you realise that keeping your prized sticks in a desk drawer or cupboard just won’t do. Maybe you’ve reached for a cigar only to find it dried out, cracked, or worse—mouldy. Cigars are living, breathing things; they react to their environment. Without proper care, they…