INSPIRATIONAL. PASSIONATE. TRUE CIGAR AFICIONADOS
Cuban Cigars and literature always shared a very strong bond – one constantly influencing the course of the other. For the cigars industry, and especially for brands like Romeo Y Julieta and Montecristo – which were named after acclaimed literary pieces, literature was and will always be a source of great inspiration. Without further ado, in today’s post we discuss three of the most successful cigar smoking writers and their intimate relationship with cigars.
“SMOKED A SINGLE CIGAR AFTER HIS MID-DAY DINNER”
RALPH WALDO EMERSON – Most known for his essays and poems, Ralph Waldo Emerson’s literary work embodied highly progressive and enlightening for his times themes. A true creationist, the poet believed that all existence - the universe and life as we know it, derives from specific acts of divine creation, a motif that characterises his literature.
Despite being a popular writer, Ralph Waldo Emerson was a cigar smoker too. As many of his close friends have noted, the author rarely finished a cigar when he was smoking by himself. On the other hand, when he was in good company, Ralph Waldo Emerson would generally smoke a single cigar after his mid-day dinner or after tea, and occasionally after both. Perfect for a post dinner smoke, the Montecristo Media Corona Cigar is capable of producing the full flavours found on larger puros. Due to its short length, this Regular Productions cigar is perfect to smoke at lunchtime too – following in the footsteps of the great author.
Essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson
“THE WRITER PREFFERED STRONG YET LONG CIGARS”
ERNEST HEMINGWAY – Known by the nickname “Papa”, Ernest Hemingway is another accomplished writer who was, also, a true cigars aficionado. Winner of the Pulitzer and Nobel prizes, the American writer amazed the world with his terse, abrupt and expository prose. Famous from his novels For Whom the Bell Tolls, The Sun also Rises, and the Old Man and the Sea, Ernest Hemingway's writing combines themes of masculinity, disillusionment, and heroism with elements of the American.
Hemingway was no stranger to an alcoholic drink and a fine Cuban puro. A true cigars enthusiast, the author divided part of his lifetime in Cuba, staying at his 21-acre estate, located only fifteen miles away from downtown Havana. The writer preferred strong yet long Cuban puros, like the Cohiba Lanceros Cigar. With 192 mm length and a 39 ring gauge, this long yet flavourful cigar is ideal for those who prefer a slim and elegant smoke - a perfect example of Hemingway’s cigar preferences too.
Left: A portrait of Ernest Hemingway, Top Right: Ernest Hemingway working at his typewriter, Bottom Right: Cohiba Lanceros Cigar
“CIGARS WERE OFTEN CALLED HIS MUSES”
MARK TWAIN – Samuel Langhorne Clemens, most widely known by his pen name Mark Twain, is considered as the Father of American Literature. The surroundings and overall setting of his hometown in Hannibal, Missouri served him as inspiration for his most celebrated works, Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Fin. Most of the author’s fictional figures are characterised by themes of humour, social critique, and progressiveness.
Like many of his fictional characters, Twain was also a smoker. In particular, many claim that cigars were often served him as muses. Familiar with strong and complex flavours, as the author used to smoke multiple cigars a day – Twain tried quitting from time to time but never managed to succeed. Robust and complex in aromas, the Partagas Aristocrats Cigar is an excellent smoke to enjoy after a meal or with a fine liquor – a puro that reflects perfectly the strong flavours that the famous author preferred to smoke.
Left: Mark Twain holding a cigar, Right: A portrait of author Mark Twain
Smoking cigars have been a soothing company to many successful writers - joining them in their journey of composing great literature. From strong and intense flavours to mild and light aromas, these accomplished writers managed to leave their mark in the world of Habanos. Check out our latest blogposts and learn more about Cuban Cigars Online.