For centuries, the cigar has been a symbol of power, status, and leisure—but almost always through a male lens. The image of a man with a Havana between his fingers has dominated the culture of cigars, while women have often been spectators rather than participants. Today, however, more women are stepping into this traditionally male world, not only as workers and artisans in Cuba’s tobacco industry but also as consumers.
Habanos’ Julieta: A Cigar for Women?
In recent years, Cuba’s state-owned cigar company, Habanos S.A., has made efforts to market cigars specifically to women. Their launch of the Julieta, a smaller and milder version of the famous Romeo y Julieta brand, was designed to challenge the notion that Cuban cigars are “only strong tobacco for men.”
But not everyone agrees with this approach. As Lindsay Heller, a tobacconist in New York, points out:
“The women who work in the industry smoke exactly the same cigars as the men. To market differently feels insulting—we want the same quality, not a weaker version.”
Women and Cigars Through History
The association between women and cigars is far from new:
- Ancient Mayans: Anthropologists believe women smoked dried tobacco alongside men in early Mayan society.
- 1920s Berlin: Women’s cigar clubs flourished in secret, giving progressive women both a social and political space.
- 1930s Hollywood: Stars like Marlene Dietrich helped make female cigar smoking glamorous, using it as a symbol of rebellion and allure.
- 1990s revival: A wave of celebrity smokers—from Demi Moore and Madonna to Whoopi Goldberg and Drew Barrymore—briefly made cigars fashionable among women. Magazines hailed cigars as the new symbol of female success, an equal to the “power lunch.”
The Modern Reality
Despite these cultural moments, cigar smoking today remains largely a male pursuit. In the US, only a small percentage of cigar smokers are women. Cigar Aficionado magazine estimates that women make up about 5% of their readership, while global analysts suggest women account for less than 1% of the market.
Even so, women are not absent:
- In Denmark, where smoking culture is more gender neutral, women represent a noticeably higher share of cigar smokers.
- In Japan, around 10% of cigar smokers are female, though they often prefer flavoured varieties like cherry, apple, and maple.
- In Brazil and South Africa, a growing middle and upper class of women—economically empowered and aspirational—are embracing cigars as a luxury lifestyle symbol.
The Double Standard
When women do smoke cigars publicly, controversy often follows. At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada’s women’s hockey team sparked headlines when they celebrated their gold medal with beer and cigars. Critics argued it was inappropriate; defenders called out the hypocrisy, noting male athletes have long done the same without comment.
As Lindsay Heller observes, there’s still a strong “machismo factor” in cigar culture:
“Women who smoke cigars are often teased. Many prefer the privacy of home rather than dealing with stigma.”
Top 5 Cigars Women Actually Smoke
While some brands try to market “lighter” options, many women enjoy the same full-bodied classics as men. Here are five cigars frequently enjoyed by female aficionados:
- Romeo y Julieta Petit Julietas (4″ x 30) – A mild, approachable Cuban perfect for shorter smoking occasions.
- Montecristo No. 4 (5 1/8″ x 42) – The world’s best-selling Havana, offering medium-bodied balance that appeals to both men and women.
- Cohiba Siglo II (5″ x 42) – Creamy, complex, and elegant, this iconic Cohiba is a favourite for those wanting sophistication without heaviness.
- Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 (4 7/8″ x 50) – A smooth Robusto with floral and cedar notes, ideal for a relaxed evening smoke.
- Drew Estate Java Latte (5″ x 50) – A non-Cuban option: coffee-infused, sweet, and aromatic, popular among women exploring flavoured cigars.
These choices show that women don’t just reach for “mild” options—they appreciate variety, from classic Cubans to modern infused blends.
The Allure Remains
Despite social barriers, many women continue to enjoy cigars for the same reasons as men: the flavour, ritual, and prestige. Premium cigars are not just about smoking—they’re about experience, craftsmanship, and connection.
Gordon Mott of Cigar Aficionado puts it simply:
“These are women who appreciate the complexity and flavour of the same cigars that men smoke.”
The trend may be small, but it is real and growing, particularly among women seeking to redefine luxury and celebrate independence.
Conclusion: More Than a Trend
From Mayan priestesses to Marlene Dietrich, from secret cigar clubs to modern lounges, women have always found ways to claim a place in the cigar world. While cigar smoking remains a male-dominated space, the rise of women cigar smokers—though still modest—is changing perceptions.
Whether through Habanos’ attempt to create the Julieta or through women simply choosing the same powerful cigars as men, one thing is clear: cigars are no longer exclusively a man’s world.