Cigars have long been associated with the rich and powerful, along with relaxation and rich flavor. Cigar aficionados have created a culture around the art of smoking, assembling numerous theories and accessories to debate and facilitate smoking. Much like wine tasting, cigar smoking has been seen as a diversion of the upper echelons of society.

    It is believed that cigars were most likely first manufactured in Spain, and then quickly caught on in other European countries. Although many different countries produce cigars, Cuban cigars have long been highly regarded as one of the most flavorful and rich of all cigars. This is because of regional microclimates which are said to produce the highest quality tobacco, as well as the skill of the country's cigar makers. Other countries that produce considerable amounts of tobacco and cigars include Brazil, Mexico, Honduras, Ecuador, Cameroon, Dominican Republic, Indonesia, and the United States. Why have cigars long caught the attention of so many? Many speculate that the cigar's primary attraction is in the way it is manufactured. High quality cigars are invariably wrapped by hand. Unlike cigarettes, cigars experience a lengthy procedure of fermentation and aging(much like wine) , resulting in subtle flavors and textures. They are highly individual and the best cigars will give no smoky aftertaste at all.

    The taste of cigars is much more complex than cigarettes. The majority of cigars are formed by wrapping three different layers of tobacco leaves together. High quality cigars usually contain long leaves of nicotine as the filler, although they may also contain a combination of scraps. This results in subtle variations, different textures, and complex flavors. Cigarettes, on the other hand, are mass produced and usually only contain one kind of tobacco. Cigars also come in an incredible assortment of flavors. The devoted cigar aficionado can find chocolate, vanilla, apple, and even coffee flavored cigars!