The cigar industry boasts a fascinating history, tracing back to the era of Christopher Columbus and Spanish settlers in Cuba who introduced tobacco to Europe. Here are several intriguing, though unconfirmed, cigar myths:

The Ghost of the Cohiba Factory

In Havana, there’s a legend about a ghost haunting the famous Cohiba cigar factory. Workers and visitors have reported eerie occurrences, like unexplained noises and sudden cold drafts. The story suggests that the ghost is of a former worker, deeply devoted to his craft, who now watches over the production of these world-renowned cigars.

JFK’s Cuban Cigar Stockpile

One of the most well-known tales in Cuban cigar lore involves the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy. Despite his opposition to Fidel Castro, JFK had a fondness for Cuban cigars. As the story goes, before enforcing the Cuban trade embargo, which would halt all Cuban imports including cigars, JFK purportedly tasked his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to procure as many of his beloved H. Upmann Petit Coronas as possible. Salinger allegedly secured 1,200 cigars for JFK’s exclusive use. Interestingly, it’s said that JFK attempted, unsuccessfully, to exempt cigars from the embargo.

FDR’s Exploding Cigar Prank

Another presidential anecdote features Franklin Delano Roosevelt. According to legend, FDR, known for his humor, gifted a cigar to a dean, an old war comrade, during a graduation ceremony. The dean, treasuring the gift, displayed it rather than smoking it, unaware it was a trick cigar. The prank was only revealed when the cigar exploded as the dean’s descendant attempted to smoke it.

The Lost Cigar of Churchill

Winston Churchill, known for his love of cigars, is at the center of this tale. It’s rumored that during a visit to Cuba, he left behind a partially smoked cigar which was said to be extraordinarily unique in flavor. This cigar reportedly became a treasured item, passed down through generations, with its possessors claiming it carried historical significance and a unique taste that no other cigar could match.

The Cig-arsonist

This tale from Charlotte, North Carolina, recounts a man who insured a box of fine cigars against fire. After reportedly smoking them all in a series of ‘fires,’ he claimed the insurance. The man initially won his lawsuit against the insurance company for not specifying the type of fire covered. However, the twist came when he was later arrested for arson and fraud, earning him the nickname ‘Cig-arsonist.’

Cigars Rolled on the Thighs of Virgins

An enduring myth in the cigar world claims that Cuban cigars were rolled on the thighs of virgins. This tale, fueled by a journalist’s imaginative reporting, has been debunked by cigar experts who point out the impracticality and untruth of such a practice.

The Secret Recipe of the Montecristo

A legend surrounds the famous Montecristo cigar brand, suggesting that its original blend recipe was lost for decades. The story goes that the recipe was hidden during a tumultuous period in Cuban history and was only rediscovered years later, locked away in an old vault. This rediscovery is said to have revived the true essence of the Montecristo cigars, much to the delight of aficionados worldwide.

Cigar Label Hoarding

Lastly, there’s the peculiar rumor from a century ago about cigar label collecting. It was believed that accumulating vast amounts of cigar labels could entitle one to healthcare benefits in the U.S., such as a hospital bed or wheelchair. This bizarre myth led to some people obsessively hoarding labels, though no evidence supported the rumor’s validity.

The Vanishing Cigar of Hemingway

This legend revolves around the renowned author Ernest Hemingway, a known cigar enthusiast. According to the tale, Hemingway once received a special batch of cigars made exclusively for him during his stay in Cuba. However, after his departure, these cigars mysteriously vanished, leading to speculations that they were either stolen or hidden away. Some believe that these cigars are still out there, waiting to be discovered, carrying the legacy of Hemingway’s time in Cuba.

Each of these stories, whether true or embellished, contributes to the rich tapestry of cigar culture and its historical allure.