For years cigars have been popular among all classes, especially to the affluent. Why, there’s even “Cigar Bars” carrying a wide selection of cigars to select from. Here cigar lovers can just sit down and puff a favorite brand while mingling with others.

History tells us that tobacco was originally cultivated and utilized by the Mayans which are native Mexicans. The cultivation and use of the said plant then spread to other areas, with other tribes learning how to tap its many uses. When the European Christopher Columbus arrived in the region, tobacco proved to be a vital product that he would take back to his continent and would then be loved by many of his compatriots. Soon even the French would develop a passion for smoking tobacco.

Tobacco is scientifically named Nicotiana tabacum. In the United States the earliest tribes to cultivate and use it resided along the banks of the Mississippi River. Then the plant would make its way in Maryland and nearby areas in the south.

Cigars were however developed in Spain, after the Peninsula War when soldiers picked up the idea of smoking rolled tobacco. This is the earliest recorded account of cigar smoking.

An army general, Israel Putnam, would then bring cigars to the US after enjoying it in Cuba. The earliest cigar factory was in fact established in Connecticut, which is near Putnam’s hometown of Hartford.

There are now many brands and types of cigars, proof of how it has evolved in recent years.