Cigar History Archives - Page 5 of 7

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>

The Sopranos Smoke Cigars

Posted on July 12, 2020 by Staff

We are truly blessed today with what television has to offer. The amount of content available is astounding. Much of our focus, however, is on the godfather of the television show, “The Sopranos.” It is an unrestricted look into the life of a dysfunctional family of New Jersey mobsters. It’s gritty and realistic, and captivating. You might even call it must-watch television. Cigars factored heavily into the series, both on and off the set. So, considering the Sopranos smoke cigars, the show is an excellent topic for Cigar Life Guy readers.

The Sopranos Smoke Cigars Like a Boss

James Gandolfini played the iconic role: of the cigar-loving Tony Soprano. The part was easy for the late Gandolfini; He was also a long-time cigar aficionado. Gandolfini often smoked three to four cigars weekly. He loved the ability to relax for 45 minutes without care. Regarding cigars and cigarettes, he said, “Cigarette smokers try to get through the smoke as quickly as possible, whereas cigar smokers let the taste and experience linger.”

Wiseguys Know What they Are Doing

The opening credits feature Tony Soprano driving through the Lincoln Tunnel with a thumping baseline and a cigar blazing. Vinny Pastore, who played Big Pussy, often smoked intimidating-sized cigars. But, he said, “It’s more than a prop. Its symbolism. People who smoke cigarettes are nervous. A cigar is a personal thing. An extension of character.”

According to the show’s creator, David Chase, cigars weren’t accidental. They served as intended props. Cigar smoking invokes power and a level of authority. The cigars, like authority, were wielded with a heavy hand.

Sopranos Smoke Cigars: From Boss to V.P.

Jim Gandolfini smoked a cigar a couple of times a week. Yet, Joe Pantoliano’s habit is more voracious. He smokes a couple of sticks a day. Pantoliano was an early investor and vice president of L.A.’s Grand Havana Room, a prestigious smoking lounge. He jokes that he’s a compulsive guy; when Pantoliano gets into something, he takes it to heart. Pantoliano loves everything about cigars, including all of the accessories. He also praises his amazingly tolerant wife, who lets him smoke anywhere he wants around the house.

Pantoliano played in many other movies, such as” Bad Boys” and “Steal Big, Steal Little.” For each show, he made a great effort to acquire a supply of good sticks he could smoke onscreen. He even made advance calls to cigar companies to make his requests. Both Davidoff and Fuente quickly obliged. In addition, his relationship is so close with the Fuente family that they sent him a unique anniversary release cigar for his wedding.

Life Imitates Art

Both Gandolfini and Pantoliano have expressed a love of Cuban cigars. Pantoliano loves the Bolivar Gigante, a massive cigar fit for a king. Or at least a Mob boss. Cigar maker CAO created a line of cigars in conjunction with the show.

Like the bold, showy attitude of the Sopranos, it comes in a flashy cherry-red box designed to look like a car’s trunk. The cigars came in three sizes; Associate, Soldier, and Boss reflecting the mobster hierarchy. Of course, any diehard Sopranos fans will immediately associate a car trunk and its implications with mob life.

Away from the set, the actors agree on the same thing; cigars, like the show, are about family. Getting together and just relaxing. So, you got a problem with that?

Photo credit: “James Gandolfini Sept 11,” by GDC Graphics, Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 2.0

Jack Nicholson Movies and His Love for Cigars

Posted on June 14, 2020 by Staff

Regarding true Hollywood royalty, few stars garner instant recognition simply by mentioning their first name. “Marty” for Martin Scorsese, “Bobby” for Robert De Niro, and of course, “Jack” for Jack Nicholson. Nicholson has three Oscars, multiple Golden Globes, floor seats for Lakers games, and ownership of some of Hollywood’s most memorable lines ever uttered. You can’t spell Nicholson without “I-C-O-N.” By the way, the man LOVES his cigars, and you’ll often see them in Jack Nicholson’s movies, too.

Here’s Johnny!

In the beginning, Jack Nicholson was a cigarette smoker. However, he eventually had an epiphany and decided it was best to replace one bad habit with one slightly better practice and converted to cigars. He grew up in Asbury Park, New Jersey, surrounded by “wise guys “who played cards and favored Muriel’s and White Owls. However, in 1973 he played a petty officer who devoured Cuban cigars in the movie “The Last Detail.” And a love affair was born. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that he made the full-time switch to cigars, all because of golf. A fresh cigar on the fifth hole became a ritual, and it’s been only cigars since.

Art Imitates Life

There is no shortage of characters that Jack has played who enjoy cigars. Those cigars aren’t as much a prop but an extension of the character itself. As Colonel Jessup in “A Few Good Men,” his military rank has been upgraded since the “Last Detail.” The gruff, cigar-chomping exterior wouldn’t be the same without the cigars. He has maintained that he never came anywhere near the 15 cigars a day that George Burns was rumored to have smoked but has gotten close to those numbers by smoking between takes and during filming. He is also notoriously generous with his cigars on set.

What Does an Icon Smoke?

In 1973, while filming “The Last Detail,” his character only smoked Cuban Cigars. Almost 50 years later, Jack’s opinion of Cuban cigars hasn’t changed. “They are simply the best.” When it was still difficult to bring cigars into the States, he took advantage of film locations in Canada to stock his home humidor with some trophies.

He reportedly says, “I read a lot. I may not be an expert on a given subject, but I can hold a conversation on just about everything.” That knowledge extends to cigar-making, even down to opinions on what regions in Cuba grow the best tobacco. His go-to cigar? Romeo y Julieta, Cohiba Robustos, or Montecristo. From Cuba. He has occasionally favored Macanudo Maduros from the Dominican Republic, but none compare to his favorite Cubans.

Jack Nicholson is a Perfectionist

In every role he has played, Jack Nicholson’s movies have always reflected a complete focus on effort. It stems from an inherent desire for Nicholson to perfect his craft. That same dedication to perfection even extends to the way he lights his cigars. He is a firm believer in a method that famed director Roman Polanski taught him; running a flame around the entire edge of the cigar. Then, when lighting the entire tip, blow out initially, then inhale. It’s the only way to lock in the flavor, and it makes a difference! So who are we to argue with an icon like Jack Nicholson?

Photo Credit: “Jack Nicholson signing autographs at a ceremony for Dennis Hopper to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” by Angela George (Cropped 2019 by LeeGer), Wikimedia Commons license CC BY-SA 3.0

Rise of the Best Mexican Cigars

Posted on May 31, 2020 by Staff

When pressed to name where the best cigars come from, the almost unanimous response is Cuba. Nicaragua is usually a fairly close second, followed by the Dominican Republic. Mexico typically doesn’t immediately jump to mind. That has been changing over the last several years. The cigar industry in Mexico is recognizing a true renaissance. Much of this is due to enhanced measures focused on quality control. Well-established producers recognize the fine quality that Mexican-grown tobacco can provide. If you enjoy Maduro cigars, chances are you have smoked some of the best Mexican cigars made with the jet black San Andres Negro wrapper from Mexico.

A Rich History of the Best Mexican Cigars

The San Andres valley is the most notable area for quality Mexican cigar production. This area has a rich history of growing tobacco dating back to the ancient Mayans.

In 1880, the Turrent family arrived in the San Andreas Valley. Here, the soil is rich in volcanic ash and offers one of the best places for growing tobacco in Mexico and along the Gulf Coast. It was here the Mexican tobacco Industry was born. Te-Amo cigars were established 80 years later. They became the leading brand of some of the best Mexican cigars. The casual cigar enthusiast has loved Te-Amo cigars for years. They treasure these cigars for their smooth blend and wallet-friendly price.

Beyond the Working Man’s Cigar

Te-Amo cigars enjoyed a reputation as a working man’s cigar. This is because they are affordable and have a growing ubiquity at deli counters, especially in New York City. Yet, the Turrent family still makes them. The Turrent family maintains a careful eye on the quality of the tobacco that goes into the cigars.

Many fine producers such as Partagas and Romeo Y Julieta recognize the quality and potential of Mexican tobacco. They use Mexican wrappers and filler in some of their cigars. Mexican cigar makers want to be more than an everyman cigar. Their focus is on premium trophy cigars. They often blend their Mexican tobacco with Nicaraguan, Cuban, or Dominican seed.

The Best Mexican Cigars

The Turrent family has been making cigars for five generations in Mexico under the Te-Amo brand. So, they launched their own family label of premium cigars and named it Casa Turrent. The line that bears the family name aims to produce a premium brand Mexican cigar with attention to detail and the rich history of Mexican tobacco.

Of the roughly 400,000 kilos of tobacco produced in Mexico, 60% finds its way into well-known brands. A strong selection process allows the finest leaves to find their way into Casa Turrent. The Casa Turrent line has been received favorably by reviewers and aficionados since its release. That’s particularly true of its box-pressed line, which is compared favorably to Padron.

Smoke Local Cigars on Vacation!

Numerous stories circulate about tourists getting ripped off in places like Cabo San Lucas and Cancun with counterfeit Cuban cigars. Why not smoke locally? If there’s one thing any aficionado can’t argue with, it’s the quality and freshness of Turrent cigars. Turrent Cigars wants you to lavish every moment of your premium smoke. So, they also offer many high-end lounges — Casas, to suit your pleasure. Here, you can kick back and relax. Bask in the comfort of a premium local cigar and some equally indulgent house-made tequila to pair with them. Can’t make it to Mexico? Soak up the rich local tradition at home and enjoy one of the best Mexican cigars available!

photo credit: commons

Cigars and Baseball: A Beautiful Combination

Posted on April 26, 2020 by Staff

Baseball has always been America’s favorite pastime. The leisurely, thoughtful pace of the game made cigars the perfect companion to the sport. Going back to the late 1800s when baseball first began, players often smoked cigars while they were in the middle of a game. Almost one hundred and fifty years later, cigars and baseball are still enjoyed by players and fans alike. There’s even a team called the Atlanta Cigars, an amateur men’s baseball team that features former and future major league baseball players.

Cigars and Baseball Cards

Antique baseball cards were always sponsored by major tobacco producers. The famed “T-206” set from 1909 featured a Honus Wagner card that has sold for millions of dollars at auction. Cigar boxes frequently featured prominent players.

White Owl Invincible Cigars which were created around the same time as baseball, was roundly endorsed by none other than Babe Ruth. Every time you bought a pack of Worch Cigars, you could send in a coupon for a card from the set they created. So, you might say that cigars and baseball have been a perfect pair since the dawn of the game.

Sultans of Swat

Babe Ruth was one of the most famous players ever to smoke cigars. Yet, he also knew how to roll them and often stepped up to the plate with one. In a way, cigars and baseball were and still are much like Spinach to Popeye.

Some of the most notable home run hitters were big-time cigar fans. Roger Maris once held the single-season home run record. Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield, and David “Big Papi“ Ortiz all hit the long ball and also loved cigars. Sheffield and Ortiz even have their own lines. Sammy Sosa loved Fuente Opus X so much, that Carlos Fuente Jr. made baseball bat-sized cigars for him.

World Champions

It’s not just the power hitters who are big fans of cigars. Jack McKeon, who won the World Series in 2003 managing the Marlins, has been smoking cigars since 1949. The story is that he’s such a big fan that if you were looking for him in the clubhouse, you only had to follow the cigar smoke!

Legendary manager Joe Torre knows a thing or two about winning and victory cigars! He has smoked plenty of victory cigars after the game but has said his real joy is smoking one before the game to relax and focus. When the San Francisco Giants went on their World Series-winning run in 2010, 2012, and 2014, the players were all rewarded with cigars during the celebration.

The celebrations following the Red Sox 2018 win were legendary. Let’s just say there an excess of cigars and champagne played a major role that day. It’s very possible that a few Big Papi Cigars were enjoyed that night.

Enjoy Cigars and Baseball on Opening Day

The average time of a baseball game has stretched to more than three hours. While you can’t enjoy cigars and baseball at the stadium, you can light up a good smoke and watch the game at home or your favorite cigar lounge. Three hours is enough time for two cigars and a few cocktails to pair with them.

Extra innings? Sounds like a bonus smoke to us! You have to choose your lineup carefully. We like to start the game with a nice mellow smoke to get through the first several innings. Then, follow that by a real, full-throttled closer to properly end the game. However you pick your lineup, you can’t go wrong when you’re enjoying two of America’s favorite past times.

Photo Credit: Thompson Cigar

Babe Ruth and a Roaring Cigar Lifestyle

Posted on March 15, 2020 by Staff

The Great Bambino. The Sultan of Swat. The King of Swing enjoyed a roaring cigar lifestyle. I speak, of course, of legendary baseball player Babe Ruth.

Born in 1895, Ruth played for 22 seasons. Between the years 1919 to 1935, he hit over 700 home runs and became a baseball icon—more than that, a legend.

The King of Swing: Babe Ruth

There is something about baseball that goes deep into the American psyche. No other professional sports have lasted as long in this country. But, of course, no other sports have inspired so many movies, TV shows, and books. When you look at a baseball game today, you can see the game’s depth. The players wear uniforms that look nothing like those of other athletes. The stadiums bounce with old-fashioned carols. And it’s all surrounded by more than a century of history. A history which, for many, began with Babe Ruth.

Ruth was the perfect candidate during the ideal time. He became so famous he actually propelled the sport. Mischievous and hard-living, Ruth got most of his home runs during the “roaring” 20s. It was a time that some deemed “excessive,” but it was perfect for Ruth.

Unlike most star players today, health and fitness were always far from Ruth’s mind. In-between innings or waiting to get up to bat, Ruth would eat hot dogs, sip on beer, and smoke cigars. At night he would stay out late having fun with women. Yet, he still would manage to be up the next day, cracking balls down left field.

When Ruth played for the Yankees, managers discovered they had to have the Great Bambino room with rookies or unimportant players. Why? Because Ruth would stay up so late and make so much raucous that he’d keep up with whoever was rooming with him. So, it was better for the team if rookies had to deal with that than other star players to keep the team playing its best.

The Good Life

Babe Ruth’s fame grew, and it eclipsed the likes of other star athletes like Jack Dempsey. So, too, did Ruth’s enjoyment of luxuries like good whiskey and great cigars. In New York, he often stayed at the opulent Ansonia Hotel. He’d show up waving to photographers in his giant 12-cylinder Packard with a cigar in his mouth and a girl on his arm.

His reputation and love of cigars were renowned. So, while in Boston playing for the Red Sox, he received an opportunity to invest in a small, local cigar company. Ruth enthusiastically agreed. The company capitalized on the player’s likeness by putting a picture of him on each of their cigars. Sales went through the roof.

If only a hot dog vendor had approached Ruth, he likely would have been happy to endorse that product, too. Instead, he was famous for eating six or more hot dogs during a single game. Back then, this was a lot. How our diets relate to our health was less evident in the 1920s. Considering Ruth’s devil-may-care attitude, it’s possible that knowledge wouldn’t have made a difference. Ruth liked what he liked. And, he was performing better than any baseball player while indulging his “vices,” or, as he would call them, the joys of life.

Teammate Jimmy Reese described Ruth’s eating by saying, “He’d eat two ham steaks at breakfast, have a snack before the game, and then ask for the ‘bi.’ If he struck out three times, he’d say, ‘I’ll get even tomorrow; don’t worry about that.’ “

A “bi” was a bicarbonate soda, something people used to drink for indigestion. Ruth, as it turns out, was human after all. A fact which, for many adoring fans, would first come to light when he died of cancer in 1948.

Babe Ruth’s Cigars

Babe Ruth enjoyed smoking his own cigars. He, in his own words, smoked them until he was “blue in the face.” Still, the Bambino seemed to enjoy that they were his more than anything. Ruth preferred larger, more expensive cigars like Cubans.

Ruth had reportedly traveled to Havana on more than one occasion to bring stockpiles of the famous cigars back to the U.S.

He was almost always smoking. Whether it was cigars, cigarettes, or even pipes. Usually, though, in public, he would stick to cigars as he preferred the image. He would put on a red dressing gown and slippers for parties, most of which he hosted in expansive hotel rooms before lighting up large 60-cent cigars. That was very expensive at the time. His teammate, the pitcher Waite Hoyt, said Ruth looked like “the Admiration Cigar trademark.”

All this large living came to a head during the 1922 season when Ruth played less than stellar. The Yankees failed, and Ruth was devastated for the first time in his career. Although not bad, Ruth’s season was unacceptable by his own standards. And it was such a big public ordeal that New York City’s mayor, Jimmy Walker, weighed in on the matter. He said Ruth had let down all the great city’s “dirty-faced kids.” While that might seem harsh, it lit a fire under the Bambino’s iconic butt.

Ruth practiced harder than ever. He was going to hit balls and exercise. Ruth even made significant cuts to his eating and late-night partying. According to records, though, he never stopped smoking cigars. Those were not merely a part of his image; they were also a part of his life.

Ruth returned more potent than ever and had some of the most productive years of his career. He was hitting an average of over 50 home runs per season every year from 1926 through 1931.

Robert Kahn described Ruth best. He said Ruth was “Somebody who wanted to drink up all the ale in New York and not let a cocktail waitress pass by untouched. He was a huge, excessive, barely believable fellow.”

Photo credit: “Babe Ruth cph.3b14910” cropped from “Babe Ruth and Tommy Gibbons Before the Start of the Yankee-Athletic Game at the Polo Grounds,” Public Domain, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-67435