Cigar History Archives - Page 5 of 7

Cam Newton’s Cigar Club, Football, and Smokes

Posted on October 18, 2020 by Staff

There are few things competitive athletes love more than a victory cigar. Sometimes, you need a consolation cigar after a particularly tough loss. When Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers lost to the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50, Newton turned to cigars for relaxation. Some folks embrace a hobby; Cam Newton turned his love of cigars into a business — the ultimate cigar club, to be exact.

Love Your Cigar Club

Cam Newton established the intimate lounge and restaurant, “Fellaship,” in Atlanta, near the Mercedes–Benz Stadium. Never content to settle for the status quo, Newton set out to build a gastronomic experience complete with food, wine, and cigar pairings. However, Newton recognized there was more to smoking a cigar. So, he enlisted top chefs to find fantastic food, wine pairings, and specialty cocktails to enhance the cigar experience.

Cam Newton Knows About Winning

Newton was the first player chosen in the 2011 draft, following up on his Heisman Trophy-winning season at Auburn. Auburn was in complete control in 2010, winning the BCS National Championship after an undefeated season. Since joining the NFL, Newton has earned multiple Pro Bowl nominations and set the league record for rushing touchdowns by a quarterback; This earned him the nickname Superman. However, the 2015 MVP Award is bittersweet; Newton wanted the Super Bowl ring to go with it.

Cigar Club Smoking Tradition

For Newton, the lounge is a therapeutic refuge with a speakeasy vibe where friends can unwind, reflect, and truly socialize. One of those friends was Michael Jordan, who gave Newton one of his first cigars ever. The image of Jordan smoking a victory cigar after the NBA championship stuck with him. So, Newton wanted a place that celebrated traditions. He also wanted a cool lounge where women smokers could be just as comfortable smoking as men. So, Newton designed the lounge for cigar smokers to avoid losing themselves in a rushed world. Newton knows about rushing, and you can’t rush smoking a cigar.

Cam Newton’s Sense of Style in Cigar Clubs

Cam Newton’s outrageous outfits and attention to detail from his numerous postgame press conferences don’t go unnoticed. That same attention to style finds its way into the lounge. However, Newton differs from other athletes who walk away and attach their names to something. Instead, Newton approved every design decision, from color schemes and furniture to the artwork featured by local artists; This extends to the extensive, eclectic cigar club collection. He wanted it to reflect the range of cigars he favored — a solid mix of high-end trophies and many sought-after brands like Liga Privada and Fuente Opus X. His lounge features boutique brands from up-and-coming cigar companies as well.

Maintaining His Balance

Newton is one of the most giving athletes out there. The Cam Newton Foundation has donated significant time and money to children’s causes, including frequent surprise visits to kids’ hospitals. He understands that cigars are something to be enjoyed in moderation. While cigars are better than cigarettes, which he never smoked, Newton is mindful about making sure kids are aware of this. Part of the goal of his lounge includes hosting events to raise funds for various community and foundation initiatives. So, this proves that Cam Newton lives up to the nickname Superman.

Photo Credit: “CAR vs. WAS (50121548877),” by All-Pro Reels from District of Columbia, USA, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 2.0.

LeBron James Knows About Winning and Cigars

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Staff

When it comes to winning cigars, there are legends and those who have earned the right to be called a king. LeBron James is one of them. At 6-foot-8 inches and 250 pounds, he is built like a king. He also has a fine collection of NBA championship rings befitting of royalty. LeBron James displays swagger on and off the court, even more so when he enjoys one of his favorite cigars.

The Tradition of Winning and Cigars

The internet contains iconic images of athletes celebrating significant victories with a cigar. Babe Ruth occasionally showed up at the home plate with a cigar in his mouth. The Canadian Women’s Olympic Hockey team caused a stir after they posed with cigars and the gold medal. Hall of Fame Basketball coach Red Auerbach was such a fan of the victory cigar that he often lit one up during a game when his Celtics were winning.

The King and his Court

Unlike basketball legend and fellow cigar lover Michael Jordan, LeBron James is not shy about smoking cigars in public. Although you can catch a glimpse of Jordan on the golf course casually smoking, James differs. Instead, James often takes to social media, enjoying a Cuban cigar and puffing away with friends. One viral video from a birthday party shows James sitting with Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and other non-teammates with a humidor on the table, lighting cigars. It’s a great scene of off-the-court friendship over cigars with on-court rivals.

Even LeBron Can Throw up a Brick

Sometimes social media can blow up in your face. For example, in another video where King James is enjoying a cigar holding four-inch ash, he posts the word “Officiatio.” But we believe he meant “Aficionado.”

LeBron James can throw up an airball now and then. Most folks remember the image of James walking into the press conference after the Cleveland Cavaliers won their first championship. He had a net around his neck, a massive Yaxel Ortiz Torpedo, and a bottle of rose champagne. The king knows how to celebrate in style!

Winning and Cigars Fit for a King

When Miami lost to the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, James watched Mark Cuban, the Mavericks owner, fly home with a championship trophy on the seat and a cigar in hand. Winning and cigars were part of the lifestyle he wanted.

Fellow Miami Heat players Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh were big cigar fans and introduced James to Camachos. James did not attempt to hide his love of enormous ring-gauged Cubans like the H Upmann Magnum 50 and Cohiba Behike. Yet, you can sometimes spot him smoking Rocky Patel Javas and Drew Estates Acids. His taste is eclectic and broad and perfectly fitting for a king.

Long Live the King

Bill Russell holds the record for NBA championships with 11. Still, LeBron James is also climbing that ladder and expanding his talents outside the court. James has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the comedies Trainwreck and Smallfoot. Keeping an eye on the future, James launched the SpringHill Entertainment Company. It’s a production company that debuted its first documentary on Netflix.

Yet, let’s not stop there because when you’re a firm believer in winning and cigars, there’s always so much more to the story. The same is true of James, who has also been a strong voice in the battles against racism and political injustice. That leads many to wonder whether he may also have political aspirations. But, regardless of the future, it’s a safe bet that LeBron James will gladly embrace it with a massive cigar and a winning personality!

Photo Credit: “LeBron James (2017),” by Erik Drost, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY 2.0.

101 of the Best Cigar Quotes From Alfred to Zino — Part 4

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Staff

Are you ready for the final part in our four-part series of top cigar quotes? We’re taking you on a tour of cigar enthusiasts from Alfred to Zino. So, get ready for even more great cigar quotes.

If you’re reading this, then, chances are you’ve already read the previous posts in our four-part series of the best cigar quotes ever. But, if you need to catch up, we’ll drop the links below. For now, it’s time to resume your journey.

Now, on to more cigar quotes. Coming to you from Cigar Life Guy™, here are the next 26 quotes we have lined up for you. In this finale, we’re beginning with another literary approach on the leaf. We’re starting you off with a great quote from American poet, Robert Frost. Then, we’ll have you smoking through a fine quote from Zino Davidoff, himself. So, grab your stick, kick back, and read on.

And now, for the grand finale of our top cigar quotes

#1 “The difference between a man and his valet: they both smoke the same cigars, but only one pays for them.” — Robert Frost

#2 “I would rather smoke one cigar than hear two sermons.” — Robert Green Ingersoll

#3 “Lastly (and this is, perhaps, the golden rule), no woman should marry a man who does not smoke.” — Robert Louis Stevenson

#4 “Some people meditate; I smoke cigars.” — Ron Pearlman

#5 “I’ve got a great cigar collection – it’s actually not a collection, because that would imply I wasn’t going to smoke every last one of ’em.” — Ron White

#6 “A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke.” — Rudyard Kipling

#7 “A woman is just a script, but a cigar is a motion picture.” — Samuel Fuller

#8 “Cigars served me for precisely fifty years as protection and a weapon in the combat of life… I owe to the cigar a great intensification of my capacity to work and a facilitation of my self-control.” — Sigmund Freud

#9 “My boy! Smoking is one of the greatest and cheapest enjoyments in life, and if you decide in advance not to smoke, I can only feel sorry for you.” — Sigmund Freud

#10 “On a cold winter morning a cigar fortifies the soul.” — Stendhal

#11 “Sometimes a cigar is just a smoke and a coincidence is just a coincidence.” — Stephen King

#12 “A handmade cigar is a rebellion against frenzy and insanity; it means supporting contemplation over rash impulse, and represents a civilized revolution.” — Steve Worthington

#13 “I believe that a good cigar, a glass of wine and a good conversation is as close to euphoria as you can get in a legal sense.” — Sylvester Stallone

#14 “You better take advantage of the good cigars. You don’t get much else in that job.” — Thomas “Tip” O’Neill (referring to being Vice President)

#15 “I never can understand how anyone can not smoke. It deprives a man of the best part of life. With a good cigar in his mouth, a man is perfectly safe, nothing can touch him, literally.” — Thomas Mann

#16 “Break windows, smoke cigars, and stay up late. Tell ’em to do that, they’ll find a little pot of gold.” — Tom Waits

#17 “Cheap cigars come in handy; they stifle the odor of cheap politicians.” — Ulysses S. Grant

#18 “I’m too young to consider myself a connoisseur. I just enjoy smoking cigars.” — Usher

#19 “Tobacco is the plant that converts thoughts into dreams.” — Victor Hugo

#20 “I never smoked a cigar in my life until I was nine.” — W. C. Fields

#21 “Our country has plenty of five-cent cigars, but the trouble is they charge fifteen cents for them.
” — Will Rogers

#22 “No cigar-smoker ever committed suicide.” — William Maginn (1855)

#23 “If your wife doesn’t like the aroma of your cigar, change your wife.” — Zino Davidoff

Bonus Top Cigar Quotes

Before we say good-bye, we couldn’t resist throwing in a few extra top cigar quotes. So, we’ve curated a couple of Churchills. No, not the sticks. Although, we’d gladly smoke a couple of those with you, too. We’re talking about their namesake — Winston Churchill, a man who was serious about his smokes. And, we love Zino so much, we had to throw in one more because … why not? So, here they are.

#24 “My rule of life prescribed as an absolutely sacred rite smoking cigars.” — Winston Churchill

#25 “Smoking Cigars is like falling in love. First, you are attracted by its shape; you stay for its flavor, and you must always remember never, never to let the flame go out!” — Winston Churchill

#26 “A cigar ought not to be smoked solely with the mouth, but with the hand, the eyes, and with the spirit.” — Zino Davidoff

Well, there you have it. Finally, we have come to the end of our list — the final part of our four-part series for your reading pleasure. We hope you enjoyed these top cigar quotes brought to you by Cigar Life Guy™ as much as we enjoyed bringing them to you.

Want to look back at Our Cigar Quote Series?

Yes, this is the end. But, we don’t want to leave you hanging in a trail of smoke if you haven’t had a chance to read the first three parts of this series. So, if this is your first time reading our carefully curated quotes, be sure to check out our previous posts, which we happen to think are the best spoken words of men and women of the leaf. Here’s a breakdown of what we covered.

Part One starts you off with Aldous Huxley. Huxley was an English writer best known for the dystopian novel, “Brave New World” back in 1932. But, the man also adored great smokes.

Part Two has you smoking with Frank Sinatra. And, rumor has it that Sinatra couldn’t resist a good De Nobili. Smoke on and smoke well, Frank.

Finally, Part Three begins with Kelsey Grammer, who played Dr. Frasier on “Cheers.” Grammar is known for his love of Davidoff sticks and we can’t fault him for that because we don’t know anyone who doesn’t appreciate a good Davidoff now and then. From there, part three takes you all the way through to Rick Pitino, currently the head basketball coach for Iona College in New York. Rumor has it, Pitino favors the Partagas 150 Signature Series.

Got an idea in mind for something more you’d like to read about or see in our blog? Then, drop us a line! We love hearing from our fans and fellow cigar enthusiasts.

101 of the Best Cigar Quotes From Alfred to Zino — Part 3

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Staff

Are you ready for more famous cigar quotes? We hope you’ve enjoyed the first two parts in our four-part series of the best cigar quotes ever. There are few things better than enjoying a great smoke and learning about the cigar lifestyle. So, it’s time to continue our journey through our third installment of some of the best cigar quotes ever. And they’re all carefully curated for your reading pleasure from the team here at Cigar Life Guy. So, you know you’re getting the good stuff.

Now, if you’re ready to continue your journey from Alfred to Zino, then grab your favorite stick and get ready for more cigar quotes. Here are the next 26 famous cigar quotes we couldn’t resist including. This time, we’re kicking it off with Kelsey Grammer as Dr. Frasier Crane from “Cheers.” So, without further ado, it’s time to light your favorite smoke and read on.

Famous Cigar Quotes, Take Three

#1 “There is nothing like a good cigar, and this is nothing like a good cigar.” — Kelsey Grammer as “Dr. Fraiser Crane” on “Cheers”

#2 “Gentlemen, you may smoke.” — King Edward VII

#3 “Throughout my life, cigars have played different roles for me. They fit easily and well in the various stages and experiences I’ve had — like a companion, almost. If you’ve smoked a long time, as I have, they become part of you.” — LeRoy Neiman

#4 “What is the difference between a $10 (cigar) and a $2 cigar? Eight bucks.” — Lou Rothman

#5 “It has always been my rule never to smoke when asleep, and never to refrain when awake.” — Mark Twain

#6 “No one can tell me what is a good cigar for me. I am the only judge. People who claim to know, say that I smoke the worst cigars in the world. They bring their own cigars when they come to my house.” — Mark Twain

#7 “Eating and sleeping are the only activities that should be allowed to interrupt a man’s enjoyment of his cigar.” — Mark Twain

#8 “If heaven has no cigars, I shall not go there.” — Mark Twain

#9 “I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.” — Mark Twain

#10 “There’s a ritual about smoking a cigar that slows my clock down.” — Matthew McConaughey

#11 “No cigar or pipe smoking, except for Red Auerbach.” — the menu at Legal Seafood in Boston

#12 “Cigar smoking by its very nature is much more reflective than interactive.” — Michael Douglas

#13 “It is the most relaxing thing. Every time I get to a point where everything is coming at me, I would rather just sit back and smoke a cigar and relax.” — Michael Jordan

#14 “Well, grab a cigar, boys. Yeah. It’s time to celebrate.” — Michael Richards as “Kramer” on “Seinfeld”

#15 “Cigars solicit conversation. You see someone smoking a cigar and you feel instantly closer to them.” — Michael Stahan

#16 “Tobacco is the passion of honest men and he who lives without tobacco is not worthy of living.” — Moliere

#17 “Cigars force me to slow down and live in the present.” — Muata Onyemachi

#18 “My favorite cigar is a free cigar.” — Nelson Monteiro

#19 “Right now, we are technologically stressed, and people want to take a break from that stress and reward themselves with a great cigar.” — Nestor Andres Plascencia

#20 “Personally, I believe a rocking hammock, a good cigar, and a tall gin-and-tonic is the way to save the planet.” — P. J. O’Rourke

#21 “I’ll smoke anything anybody gives me.” — Peter Falk

#22 “Puffing on a good cigar just slows everything down and allows me to relax.” — Phil Jackson

#23 “A cigar is as good as memories that you have when you smoked it.” — Raul Julia

#24 “Why pay $100 on a therapy session when you can spend $25 on a cigar?” — Raul Julia

#25 “I am sure there are many things better than a good cigar, but right now, I can’t think of what they might be.” — Richard Carleton

#26 “Cigars are great tools for socializing and celebrating the good times. They also help you to reflect and relax during difficult ones.” — Rick Pitino

Did You Miss Our Previous Quotes?

Before you go, have you had a chance to read parts one and two of our cigar quote series? If not, we promise these are not something you’ll want to miss. So, we’re linking the first two parts below in case you want to go back and check them out.

Part One starts you off with Aldous Huxley, an English writer, and author who also loved a great cigar. Then, we dive into Part Two to get you smoking with ‘the man,” the legendary entertainer extraordinaire, Frank Sinatra.

When you’re ready for more, watch for our next and final post of this 101 of the best cigar quotes series. It’ll keep you smoking and appreciating the span of cigar lifestyle from famous cigar enthusiasts long into the evening.

101 of the Best Cigar Quotes From Alfred to Zino — Part 2

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Staff

Ready for more cigar quotes? We’re taking you on a tour of cigar enthusiasts from Alfred to Zino. So, if you’re reading this, chances are, you’ve already read the first post in our four-part series of the best cigar quotes ever. But, if you haven’t, then be sure to check it out. And, while you’re at it, be sure to let us know what you think.

Now, on to more cigar quotes. Coming to you from Cigar Life Guy™, here are the next 26 quotes. We’re starting you with Frank Sinatra. He was one of the most popular and influential entertainers of the 20th century and, like you, loved a great cigar. So, light your favorite smoke, and read on.

More Cigar Quotes for Everyone

#1 “Fresh air makes me throw up. I can’t handle it. I’d rather be around three Denobili cigars blowing in my face all night.” — Frank Sinatra

#2 “I don’t trust air I can’t see.” — Gene Hackman in Crimson Tide, smoking on a submarine

#3 “A wild and crazy weekend involves sitting on the front porch, smoking a cigar, and reading a book.” — General Robert M. Gates

#4 “I smoke cigars because at my age if I don’t have something to hang on to I might fall down.” — George Burns

#5 “If I had taken my doctor’s advice and quit smoking when he advised me to, I wouldn’t have lived to go to his funeral.” — George Burns

#6 “I also smoke when I’m by myself and it makes me feel like I’m not by myself. If you have a cigar, it’s like a little bit of company.” — George Lopez

#7 “The cigar is the perfect complement to an elegant lifestyle.” — George Sand

#8 “A cigar numbs sorrow and fills the solitary hours with a million gracious images.” — George Sand

#9 “If you can’t send money, send tobacco.” — George Washington

#10 “Given the choice between a woman and a cigar, I will always choose the cigar.” — Groucho Marx

#11 “A woman is an occasional pleasure but a cigar is always a smoke.” — Groucho Marx

#12 “A good smoker, like a good lover, always takes his time with a cigar.” — Guillermo Cabrera Infante

#13 “There are no ugly cigars, only ugly smokers.” — H. L. Mencken

#14 “What I like most about cigars is simply sitting and talking with other men… Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had with men have been over a cigar.” — James Belushi

#15 “Aficionado my ass…I just love to smoke cigars.” — James Woods

#16 “A good cigar is like a beautiful chick with a great body who also knows the American League box scores.” — Jamie Farr as “Klinger” on M*A*S*H

#17 “A cigar is like a gift you give yourself.” — Jay-Z

#18 “A cigar lets me slow it down every now and then. I can reflect on what’s important.” — Jennifer Lopez

#19 “Only fine cigars are worth smoking and only men who smoke fine cigars are worth kissing.” — Joan Collins

#20 “There are two things a man never forgets – his first love and his first cigar.” — John Bain

#21 “I need a lot of cigars… About 1,000 Petit Upmanns.” — John F Kennedy, before signing the Cuban embargo

#22 “By the cigars they smoke, and the composers they love, ye shall know the texture of men’s souls.” — John Galsworthy

#23 “Let’s fire up a cigar and go for a walk.” — John Grisham

#24 “I love to smoke. I wish I had more than two hands so I can hold more cigars.” — Johnny Depp

#25 “Do not ask me to describe the charms of reverie, or the contemplative ecstasy into which the smoke of our cigar plunges us.” — Jules Sandea

#26 “As soon as I lit that cigar up, the pressure that I was feeling disappeared.” — Karl Malone

Want more of Cigar Life Guy?

Now that you’ve finished reading part two, be sure to watch for parts three and four in our series of cigar quotes. Want even more of Cigar Life Guy? Then click on over to social media and connect with us. You’ll find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. And, we love hearing from you. So, feel free to drop us a line, a comment, or a tweet.

101 of the Best Cigar Quotes From Alfred to Zino – Part 1

Posted on September 22, 2020 by Staff

The Cigar Life Guy daily cigar quote on social media has received a fantastic response since it debuted in 2019. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Now, we’re pleased to present you with the first 26 quotes in our carefully curated, four-part series — 101 of the best cigar quotes of all time. By the time you’ve read the full series, you will have journeyed from A to Z through the list. Or, in our case from Alfred to Zino.

Cigar Quotes for Every Smoker

There truly is something here for every smoker. We’ve created a purposefully diverse list of the best cigar quotes around. So, there’s a little something for everyone. Some cigar quotes are deep. Some are sad. Yet, others are funny. You’ll find some delivered by fictional characters from the big or small screen. Some quotes are very old – from long-dead figures whom you may have to Google. Finally, others are iconic figures who require no introduction at all.

One theme, however, emerged more than others while we compiled this list. It came particularly from individuals reflecting on why they smoke. These quotes speak volumes about cigars offering relaxation, or a break, from the stresses of daily life. The words used vary and reflect the diversity of the speakers.

Quotes for Our Sisters of the Leaf

Here’s another note about the list (and this reflects some of the feedback from the series that has appeared on social media). Admittedly, some of these quotes are quite sexist. We made no attempt to change these quotes – words actually uttered by and attributed to historical figures. So, please consider the era (often many years ago) and the context (often meant as an attempt at humor) of each quote. One of the things Cigar Life Guy and the entire cigar community pride themselves on is our inclusiveness. We love our Sisters of the Leaf. Wherever a quote says “he,” silently allow your mind to insert “cigar smoker” instead.

With no further ado, it’s time to light up your favorite stick and ready a good beverage. Then, kick back and enjoy the first twenty-six best cigar quotes about our wonderful lifestyle.

#1 “You should hurry up and acquire the cigar habit. It’s one of the major happinesses. And so much more lasting than love, so much less costly in emotional wear and tear.” – Aldous Huxley

#2 “Any cigar smoker is a friend because I know how he feels.” – Alfred de Musset

#3 “They had no good cigars there, my Lord; I left the place in disgust.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson

#4 “Of course it’s a good cigar Edith, it came in its own test tube.” – Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O’Connor)

#5 “I’ll use a cigar to pause before I jump to a conclusion.” – Armand Assante

#6 “I smoke every day!” – Arturo Sandoval

#7 “Close, Colonel, but no cigar!” – Barbara Stanwyck in “Annie Oakley”

#8 “When I get a chance to play golf or go on a boat with good people, take the boat out and put some lobsters on the grill, get the ice-cold beer and the cigars – that’s heaven here.” – Bernie Mac

#9 “Everything looks nicer when you win. The girls are prettier. The cigars taste better. The trees are greener.” – Billy Martin

#10 “Cigarettes are a habit; cigars are an event.” – Brad Paisley

#11 “After a truly good meal, an outstanding cigar is still the most satisfying after-dinner activity that doesn’t involve two human beings.” – Brad Shaw

#12 “The cigar business is a passion, a way of life.” – Carlos “Carlito” Fuente Jr.

#13 “Any man who doesn’t partake in cigar smoking is nothing more than a weak-willed, meandering oaf, and I would never put my lips to those of any creature, man or beast, whose lips were not fresh awash in the currents of cigar smoke.” – Catherine the Great

#14 “I only play golf to smoke cigars and drink.” – Charles Barkley

#15 “I like that smoking a cigar takes so long.” – Chris Pratt

#16 “I have never met a cigar smoker who wasn’t a man of quality.” – Christophe Navarre

#17 “My favorite cigar is the one I’m smoking right now.” – Dave Arlinghaus

#18 “When I stopped smoking cigars it was the biggest mistake I made in my life.” – David Letterman

#19 “There’s something about smoking a cigar that feels like a celebration. It’s like a fine wine. There’s a quality, workmanship, a passion that goes into the smoking of a fine cigar.” – Demi Moore

#20 “[Smoking a cigar] It’s like taking a luxurious bath instead of a quick shower.” – Denzel Washington

#21 “With a cigar like in life, you got to have some length, and some girth.” – DL Hughley

#22 “Life’s too short to drink bad wine or smoke poor cigars.” – Don Johnson

#23 “A good cigar is as great a comfort to a man as a good cry to a woman.” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton

#24 “I spend a lot of time in the rough. So having that cigar kind of makes golf a little easier.” – Emmitt Smith

#25 “The most futile and disastrous day seems well spent when it is reviewed through the blue, fragrant smoke of a Havana Cigar.” – Evelyn Waugh

#26 “A good Cuban cigar closes the doors to the vulgarities of the world.” – Frank Liszt

If you enjoyed reading this, then be sure to watch for parts two, three, and four as we continue our series of the best cigar quotes from A to Z.

Do Astronauts Smoke Cigars in Outer Space?

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Staff

An asteroid named Oumuamua that distinctly resembled a cigar captivated the scientific world. It even had a reddish glow on one end, which made it appear lit as it traveled through space. The design so baffled scientists and amateur astronomers that many believed it was an alien vehicle on cruise control. While Oumuamua is the first known voyager from another universe, it was not an alien vehicle. It also wasn’t a cigar, which begs the question, “Do astronauts smoke cigars in outer space?”

The Right Stuff

Outer space has enamored Hollywood since the days of silent films. Blockbusters like The Right Stuff and Apollo 13 gave tremendous insight into the astronauts’ tastes and exercise routines. In 1959, NASA prohibited the “Original Seven” astronauts from smoking cigars and cigarettes. While that ban may have applied to the astronauts, it never prevented the Mission Control team from lighting up celebratory cigars – especially in the case of the nearly doomed Apollo 13 mission!

Heroes Smoke Cigars

The astronauts from the space program’s early days remain legends today. The first American in outer space, Alan Shepard, loved cigars as did the first man to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong. As the Cold War gathered steam, they adhered to a strict code; no Cuban cigars. However, when John Glenn completed the first Mercury orbital flight, he received his weight in Cuban cigars upon return.

The Space Race and Cigars

Just because astronauts can’t smoke cigars in space doesn’t mean they gave up cigars entirely. Many bring a trophy cigar to enjoy immediately upon splashdown. Cigar makers got into the space race as well. Alec Bradley was the first cigar maker to “officially” launch cigars into outer space. They attached 30 Alec Bradley Mundial cigars to a specially rigged weather balloon launched with the FAA’s blessing. They reached the stratosphere before plummeting to earth via parachute and immediately smoked in celebration!

Celebrating Dads in Outer Space

Randolph Bresnik became a father while stationed on the International Space Station. Videos surfaced of him “floating” cigars to his fellow astronauts while experiencing zero gravity.

The payloads for astronauts are scheduled down to the ounce to account for maximum capacity on long voyages. Still, Bresnik was given special clearance by NASA to celebrate the achievement. None of them lit up, as astronaut Wally Schirra once pointed out. The effects of the smoke and the trace chemicals in cigars are potentially corrosive. Aside from that, the enhanced oxygen atmosphere presents a significant fire risk and is incredibly dangerous!

To Smoke Cigars on Mars and Beyond

There has been discussion for decades about colonizing the moon and Mars. If cigar-loving astronauts have any say in the matter, one of the first buildings will be an exclusive cigar lounge! There are evident complications with smoking cigars in space due to the need for pure oxygen. Yet, there is one thing the Apollo 13 astronauts have taught us – difficult situations demand creative solutions!

Relations with Cuba are better than in the decades since the first astronauts went to outer space. So, it’s probably safe to assume that Cuban cocktails and cigars will eventually find their way to outer space!

Photo credit: “Neil A. Armstrong – Astronaut Edwin Eugene ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, Jr. on Moon (1969)” by luvi is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Terry Bradshaw Legit Loves His Prized Cigars!

Posted on August 16, 2020 by Staff

Terry Bradshaw has been the face of the NFL for almost forty years; first, as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback, then as a commentator and welcome studio sidekick. When he’s not in the studio, you can find him hard at work doing commercials or movies, playing the role of the lovable oaf, and laughing to the bank. Along the way, he frequently pauses to enjoy prized cigars.

Super Bowl-Winning Quarterback

Some players would have bristled at being labeled “too stupid” to call their plays. Bradshaw, however, has turned it into his brand. It all stemmed from his crazy scheme to intentionally tank a college entrance exam required by the University of Louisiana. He wanted to play for Louisiana Tech instead, hoping to thrive in a more minor, less competitive program. The rest, as they say, is history. Terry went on to win four Super Bowl Championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s.

Terry Bradshaw Takes Command

Bradshaw’s heroics on the field were legendary. His command of his teammates and the respect he earned made for a smooth transition to the commentator booth. Even his down-home demeanor, vast knowledge of statistics, and tireless work ethic contributed to his off-field success. And his love of the game resonated with fans and players alike. Bonding with players or fellow analysts after the game often involves a cigar.

All in the Family Smoking Prized Cigars

Terry Bradshaw’s father and grandfather always enjoyed cigars. In fact, ‘devoured’ might be a better description. They were both “chewers,” an old farm habit of chewing rather than smoking the King Edwards cigars they enjoyed.

Terry occasionally falls into the old family habit of chewing. Still, his taste in cigars has changed since “Mr. Rooney” gave him his first trophy cigar. Mr. Rooney owned the Pittsburgh Steelers and had a prized humidor full of Cubans and other trophy cigars in his office. A cigar from the team’s owner was the best reward you could get after a Super Bowl ring!

Flashy Clothes and Mild Prized Cigars

Like his taste in clothing for his on-air appearances, his taste in prized cigars tends to run towards the higher end. While his clothing may be flashy, his cigars are typically mild and as smooth as he can get them. He is partial towards Griffins and Connecticut shade-wrapped cigars made by Davidoff. Following Mr. Rooney’s example, he is extremely generous with his cigars. He typically buys three boxes monthly during football season. He gives away two of them to friends and staff at his favorite lounges.

The Champ Remains Humble

Despite the heights he has reached on and off-field, he remains incredibly humble. He has been candid, lamenting his lack of family time due to the rigors of the grueling road schedule once football season gets into full swing. Yet, while he is listed among some of football’s greatest players, he doesn’t linger on the past and his endless victory cigars and celebrations with Franco Harris and Lynn Swann.

These days he is more content to share cigars with the guys who prep him for his studio appearances. Instead, he’s happiest with his family on his country ranch in Roanoke, Virginia, raising prized quarter horses and trying to properly enjoy his prized cigars without chewing them!

Photo Credit: “Terry Bradshaw, Louisiana,” by Betty Wills (Atsme), Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 4.0

Hockey and Cigars: A Fascination With Smokes

Posted on August 2, 2020 by Staff

In the rough and tumble-world of hockey, cigars have always held a special place. Few sports take victory cigars as seriously as hockey does. That’s especially true when it comes to the Stanley Cup. Former player and famed Hockey analyst Barry Melrose loves the camaraderie of cigars and is often found smoking in the studios with colleagues after a game. As a former coach, he has talked about the bonding over cigars with his players- in both victory and defeat. His choice of cigars? The Fuente Opus X.

Hockey and Cigars: The Gold Medal Scandal

When the 2010 Canadian Women’s Olympic team beat the U.S. for the gold medal, they received chastisement for their exuberant celebration, which involved plenty of cigars and champagne. It caused such an uproar that the International Olympic Committee investigated the “offensive” behavior. (They were cleared of any wrongdoing). Some players argued it was a double standard compared to the men’s teams. Countless Stanley Cup championship teams have enjoyed trophy cigars while posing with the cup for photographs.

What Does the Great One Smoke?

Few professional athletes attain true greatness. Only one is called “The Great One.” Wayne Gretzky has been the face of hockey even after nearly 20 years of retirement. To this day, he still holds or shares over 60 NHL records. He started playing hockey at age 2, taught by his father.

When he turned 27, he smoked his first cigar, once again, with his father. He has long since traded his skates for golf spikes. Nevertheless, you will always find him with a mild, creamy cigar on the golf course. As a Canadian, he has enjoyed access to Cuban cigars; his preference is Hoyo de Monterey, 44-ring size.

Does the Art of Hockey and Cigars Imitate Life?

Pittsburgh Penguins legend Mario Lemieux was also a very well-known cigar smoker. He smoked most of his career before giving it up during a scary fight with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

His love of cigars has manifested itself differently, with Oliva as the official cigar sponsor of his annual Mario Lemieux Foundation Celebrity Invitational golf fundraiser. All guests playing in the outing receive a box of Oliva’s Connecticut Reserve cigar, a well-crafted medium to full-flavored smoke.

Has Smoking Changed In Hockey?

Generations ago, clouds of smoke enveloped hockey arenas. Hall of Famers like Guy Lafleur, Denis Savard, and Mike Bossy smoked between periods. Former Toronto Maple Leaf Al Iafrate lit up while seated on the bench during a game. In the 1980s, the influx of Eastern European players saw cigarette smoking among players skyrocket. As habits changed and the debilitating effects of cigarettes became clear, players looked to the occasional post-game cigar to relax.

Mobile Cigar Lounge

Some former players have taken their love of cigars to the next level. When Florida enacted a smoking ban, players often smoked in the parking lot after the games. An idea was born, and it kept the players out of the stifling Florida heat.

Tampa Bay Lightning Stanley Cup winners Dave Andreychuk and Stan Neckar are co–owners of the Mobile Cigar Lounge. It is an exquisitely equipped mobile home retrofitted to feel like an upscale lounge with ostrich leather seats. Now the mobile home can be found outside games and golf events or rented for the day. So players and fans can enjoy cigars while playing hockey games in pure comfort.

Photo credit: “Gretzky Final,” by Troy Parla, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 3.0

Al Pacino Lives the Cigar Lifestyle

Posted on July 26, 2020 by Staff

The inimitable swagger. The boisterous, explosive dialogue. The ubiquitous cigar became an extension of himself and his personality. These are the hallmark traits of Al Pacino, the legendary actor who will be forever revered for his impassioned and nuanced roles. Off-screen, his passion for smoking Cuban cigars is equally legendary.

The Enduring Legacy of Scarface

Brian De Palma’s 1983 masterpiece, “Scarface” remains relevant nearly four decades later. It tells of the rise of a Cuban immigrant in Miami as he works his way up in the criminal and drug underworld. He becomes the “kingpin”, only to succumb to his own ego and dangerous behavior. Scarface remains a hallmark of the “mobster” film genre, beloved by critics and film fans alike. College dorm rooms still feature the iconic movie posters featuring Al Pacino as Tony Montana.

What Does a Kingpin Smoke?

A Cuban refugee smoking Cuban cigars would be considered sacrilegious. Not for Tony Montoya. The real question is, what brand of Cubans did he favor? There are numerous scenes that feature the troubled boss smoking menacingly or contemplatively, but it’s never revealed what brand he favors. Cohibas would have most likely been the cigar of choice since they were only available to government employees and soldiers. It is stated early on that he was in the Cuban army, therefore it makes sense that Cohibas were his trophy cigars.

Smoking Cuban Cigars are Consistent

In his most recent film, “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, Pacino plays Hollywood agent Marvin Schwarz. During a dinner with Leonardo Di Caprio, he tells a story about being able to sit back and enjoy one of his favorite Cuban cigars with a glass of cognac as he is about to screen a movie. They flash to a humidor stocked with Cuban trophies, and he casually clips and enjoys a Hoyo de Monterey.

Does Art Imitate Life?

Which cigar-smoking character most realistically represents Al Pacino in real life? Al Pacino is definitely a contemplative smoker. Having achieved so much in his cinematic career, the ability to sit back and reflect while enjoying the solitude of a cigar is what he treasures most. During the filming of “Scent of a Woman”, he smoked offset with other actors, but he remained in character pretending to be blind. He wouldn’t cut or light anyone’s cigars for them!

Does Al Pacino Only Like Smoking Cuban Cigars?

This is definitely a case of life imitating art. He doesn’t publicly endorse any specific brands, but he is never seen smoking anything other than a Cuban. In “Scent of a Woman”, Al Pacino’s character Colonel Slade dispatches “Charlie” from the Waldorf Astoria into a wintry New York City, to pick up medicine and Montecristo Number 1. In reality, he would not have been able to pick up a Cuban version. However, Montecristo Number 1s have left a lasting effect as they seem to be his trophy cigar of choice. Naturally, the Cuban version.

That’s a Wrap!

Al Pacino will forever be a legend in Hollywood. His choice of projects shows thoughtfulness and energy that represents the many facets of the man himself. Cigars have always been more than a prop for him; they are an extension of his personality. Even though he may have only been the king of Miami briefly, he remains forever, Hollywood royalty.

Photo Credit: <a title=”Georges Biard, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons” href=”https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Al_Pacino_Cannes_1996.jpg”><img width=”256″ alt=”Al Pacino Cannes 1996″ src=”https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d6/Al_Pacino_Cannes_1996.jpg”></a>