Cigars have always been a lavish accessory flaunted by celebrities for decades. From the dawn of time cigars have been associated with prestige and luxury.
Critically acclaimed celebrities from the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pierce Bronson, Sylvester Stallone and many more, have all been involved or accompanied by the renowned addition that is the Cuban cigar.
The association with smoking and its unfortunate health risks has amplified enormously over time. The cigar has since earnt the title of a gourmet product. While the act of smoking a cigar is the same as smoking cigarettes, the two do not share the same entities. Almost like a fine wine, they are indulged on special occasions.
While the immoral status of smoking continues to occur, it doesn’t override that the cigar is still a prestige item shared by the wealthy.
The infamous Cuban cigar is the particular favourite of many. The Cuban soil has the best fundamentals for the tobacco grow in. Cuba’s environment and weather are the key attributes in allowing the tobacco to grow at the highest quality. The key element of the Cuban cigar is the leaf wrappers that surround the tobacco. Humidity and the act of perfect picking contribute to the process.
These attributes allow the leaves to grow to their full potential and therefore stay intact, which then makes them perfect for rolling. The drying process and weather temperatures in Cuba are what contribute to its unique flavour and ultimately is the most important aspect of the ensemble.
Over the transition of the Cuban cigar, the varieties available have expanded. Exclusive editions are constantly being created to best suit their formal buyers. Limited editions, regional editions and the gold class of cigars, the Reservas. The Reserva is tobacco grown and aged in bales for a period of over three years. Gran Reserva, the flavour representation of an original, authentic, Cuban cigar is aged for a minimum of five years, allowing it to dry to its maximum level.
In America the sale and purchase of Cuban cigars to the country are illegal. In 1962, John F. Kennedy put a firm trade restriction on all imports from Cube to take a stand against the communist government. The act of attempting to smuggle illegal Cuban cigars and getting caught can result in a fine of up to $55,000. As for the sale of Cuban cigars in Australia, there are a number of distributors across the nation that sell the luxury amenity.
Australia offers many devoted spaces for the exclusive, cigar enthusiast. Cuban cigars can be found throughout the country, in multiple cities, such as Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and right here in Sydney. There are two places in particular that take the cake. Cohibar, located in Sydney’s Darling Harbour, is a stylish little bar overlooking the spectacular views of the harbour.
Fortified with a menu that recommends cigars matched with suggested drinks, this place is an A-class experience. Hemmesphere, a petite bar that aches the epitome of smoking cigars. Indulge in a Japanese style gourmet menu while you are sat in a dim lit room in silence all whilst puffing on your limited edition cigar, true Sylvester Stallone style!
Cigars have come a long way, evolving from a rich man’s accessory to a high-class delicacy. No matter what is said it is hard not to envision luxury when you hear the words Cuban cigar. This article does not condone the act of smoking. This article is to praise the art of how far the industry has come and what we associate the act of smoking cigars with.