CIGAR PREFERENCE. FLAVOUR CHOICE. CUBAN CIGARS REIGN
Everyone has a preference. Whether you buy Cuban cigars from Montecristo or Partagas – perhaps both, the relationship between a person and their cigar is sacred and should not be judged. Be that as it may, new research has signalled preferences in particular countries. Culture, cigar consumption, and even the amount of cigar lounges, all play a role in whether or not certain populations smoke. Here are some fascinating insights worth knowing:
CIGARS ON THE RISE – The millennium brought in the introduction of smoking bans in public places for countries like the UK. Despite the emphasis on cigarettes, cigars saw a noticeable drop in consumption. That was short-lived however, as cigars have established themselves in the luxury market as a premium, sought-after product. According to statistica.com, “Revenue in the cigars segment amounts to US $2,966m”. They also note this year, how the market is expected to grow annually by 1.8%. In America especially, tobaccofreekids.org reported a study from 2014 noting “17.4 million US adults smoke cigars” with “7.3 percent of US adults” smoking either daily, frequently or on occasion. Globally, cigars are becoming a lifestyle for many. Several reports suggest cigar lounges are growing. The lounge culture in Italy for instance, has increased the amount of cigar parlours being opened. This is expected to push the cigar market in the country. Our 24 Hours in Milan Guide, tells you the exactly where to eat, drink and smoke – it’s a cigar smokers guide to Milan and we highly recommend you read.
Top Left: Corinthia Hotel Garden Lounge, Top Right: Barman at Hotel Nacional de Cuba, Bottom: Outside bar area at Milan's Ceresio 7. All fantastic places to smoke Cuban cigars.
"Demand for Cuban cigars rising in China"
CUBAN CIGARS REIGN – While cigars in general are not singularly produced in Havana, the best made and highest quality ones are. A cohesion of climate, land, flavour and craftsmanship have made Habanos the most attractive, and this shows throughout the world. In February of this year, Reuters.com put together a news piece on the demand for Cuban cigars rising in China. The surge has been so substantial, that “Habanos S.A’s global revenue rose 12 percent to a hit a record of around $500 million last year”. After Spain and France, China is their third biggest export. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jordon have helped make Habanos well-known in pop culture. Jay-Z and Beyonce have been photographed smoking within recent times. There’s now a classier ‘cool’ element to Cuban cigars. The 90’s were all about looking fashionable and being photographed holding, but today it’s about true cigar enthusiasts and stars who really admire the art form. Back in 2011, The Telegraph reported on a near 6 million extra Cuban cigars being rolled between 2009 and 2010. In 2015, Cuba Trade Magazine found “worldwide sales in 2016 came to $445 million”.
Top Left: Cohiba Maduro 5 Cigar, Bottom Left: Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cigar, Top Right: Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Prince Cigar, Centre Right: Por Larrañaga Montecarlos Cigar, Bottom Right: Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills Cigar
"Nordic population prefers tobacco/no flavour cigars"
FAVOURITE FLAVOURS – wiseguyreports.com, has a report which shares global cigar market insights, forecast to 2025. Part of the report suggests “nearly 90% of the Nordic population prefers tobacco/no flavour cigars followed by chocolate and vanilla flavoured”. Our Romeo y Julieta Petit Churchills Cigar has a deliciously divine taste of vanilla, with honey and coffee. The medium strength smoke also has elements of leather and earth in each section. Our Hoyo de Monterrey Le Hoyo du Prince Cigar meanwhile, is delectable and perfect for those who enjoy their vanilla with almond and nutmeg. For chocolate, you can’t go wrong with Cohiba Maduro 5 Magicos Cigar. If time is of the essence but you are craving a chocolate habano, this cigar infuses chocolate with coffee to create a sweet, tantalising smoke – the flavour is simply magic. Similar to Nordic countries, the report on wiseguys.com also reflects how in Switzerland, “around 80% of the population use tobacco/no flavour cigars”. If you are the same, try the Por Larrañaga Montecarlos Cigar. It is a true luxury and is hand made with tobacco leaves grown in Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region – arguably the world’s greatest tobacco area. Por Larrañaga Cigars are one of the only brands still producing traditional Havana cigars. Another option is Hoyo de Monterrey Epicure No. 2 Cigar which is overall mild and mellow in flavour. The habano is incredibly popular.
FEMALE PREFERENCE – We recently published our piece on Female Cigar Smokers: How They Broke Taboo which looks at how women – despite not commonly being associated, have long smoked and relaxed with a fine cigar. Looking at the research found on Wise Guy Reports, we can see cigar consumption among women in Sweden has been noted, and female cigar smokers in Russia and Poland are estimated to help drive cigar growth across Eastern Europe. The more cigars become accepted and loved in society, the more women are able to find freedom to smoke openly. Unlike cigarettes and other tobacco products, cigars are celebrated and viewed as an opulent way to de-stress and unwind.
Overall, the world is a hub of cigar aficionados who adore habanos. We believe you can’t measure a Cuban Cigars price however, all our cigars are sold at fantastic value and sourced from official Habanos SA importers.