Restoring a Vintage Humidor: A Buyer’s Guide

Have you ever been tempted to buy a vintage humidor on eBay, but worried about how effective it might be? Many of these classic humidors were crafted by English cabinet makers long before cheap imports from China, and the equivalent today would cost thousands from luxury makers like David Linley. If the condition doesn’t put…

How to Clean, Maintain & Use Your Cigar Cutter Like a Pro

A cigar cutter is one of those essential accessories every aficionado owns — and often forgets about. It’s pulled out for every smoke, yet rarely cleaned or maintained. Over time, you may notice: Sound familiar? Before you toss your cutter in the bin and splash out on a new one, hold fire. A simple clean…

The History of Tobacco in London – From Drake to the Cigar Divan

The story of tobacco in London stretches back over four centuries — a tale of adventure, craftsmanship, and refined indulgence. It begins in 1573, when Sir Francis Drake returned from the New World with a strange new leaf that would soon captivate the capital. Though English sailors had already bartered for tobacco with Spanish and Portuguese crews, Drake…

Alternatives to Cuban Cigars: Nicaragua, Dominican Republic & Honduras

Looking for an alternative to a Cuban cigar? Try a Nicaraguan. Just because a cigar says “Cuban seed tobacco” doesn’t mean it will taste like the real thing. The magic of a Cuban cigar lies in its soil and climate, not just the seed. You won’t exactly match a Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No.1 or a Cohiba Esplendido, but you will…

Can I buy Tobacco over the internet from another EU country?

We are often asked questions about buying tobacco over the internet from another EU country so we We are often asked about the rules for buying tobacco over the internet from other EU countries. Here’s what you need to know: Buying Tobacco Online from the EU Gifts from the EU Even if tobacco is sent…

Winston Churchill’s 50th Anniversary: Biography, Legacy & Quotes

Few figures in modern history loom as large as Sir Winston Churchill. Statesman, writer, soldier, painter, and above all Britain’s wartime leader, Churchill’s influence continues to echo across generations. On the 50th anniversary of his death, London Mayor Boris Johnson—himself raised in a household where Churchill’s words were often quoted—was invited by Churchill’s estate to…

Have a Cigar: Madison Avenue Managing Equality

With International Women’s Day behind us, it feels fitting to take a puff of nostalgia and look back at the smoky swagger of the 1960s — an era when Madison Avenue men sold everything from lipstick to lawnmowers with equal parts confidence and condescension. Back then, the “modern woman” apparently knew her place: in the…

Cuban Cigar Pronunciation Guide : Learn How to Say Your Favourite Cigar Names

At Simply Cigars, we believe knowledge enhances enjoyment — and nothing should stand between you and the confidence to order your favourite smoke. Have you ever hesitated before asking for a Por Larrañaga or stumbled over Ramon Allones while the cigar merchant raised an eyebrow? You’re not alone. Many of Cuba’s most historic cigar names are steeped in Spanish tradition…

The Stories Behind Cuba’s Oldest Cigar Brands

Cuban cigars are more than just a luxury product — they are pieces of history, with brands that stretch back nearly two centuries. Each has a story shaped by ambition, innovation, and resilience in the face of political upheaval. Have you ever wondered which was the first Cuban cigar brand, and how these names became…

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…