Leaf n Grain Society: Cigar Pairing Headquarters

Cigars: From Taino Tribes to the Modern Boom The history of cigars is steeped in cultural, political, and economic events that have shaped the way cigars are made, consumed, and valued today. From the early practices of the Taino tribes to the revival of the cigar industry in the late 20th century, cigars have a remarkable journey. Let’s dive deeper into each phase of cigar history, highlighting key figures, events, and brands that helped shape this iconic industry. The Origins: Taino Tribes and Tobacco Cigars have roots that date back to the pre-Columbian era, when indigenous tribes in the Caribbean and Central America first began cultivating and using tobacco. The Taino people of Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Hispaniola were known to roll and smoke tobacco leaves, a practice central to their religious and social customs. The word “tobacco” itself is believed to be derived from the Taino term “tabaco,” which referred not only to the plant but also to the tube-like rolls they smoked. Smoking tobacco was more than a recreational activity for the Taino; it was part of their spiritual practices. The Tainos believed that smoking tobacco helped them communicate with their gods and ancestors, and they often used tobacco in rituals and ceremonies. Early explorers like Christopher Columbus and his crew were first introduced to the cigar when they encountered the Tainos smoking crude versions of what would later become cigars. Columbus and the European Introduction to Cigars In 1492, when Columbus and his crew arrived in the New World, they observed the Tainos smoking their rolled tobacco. Columbus’s crew took samples back to Spain, and by the early 1500s, the habit of smoking had spread across Europe, particularly in Spain and Portugal. Tobacco quickly became a commodity of interest, especially as Spanish explorers continued to colonize parts…