Winston Churchill and His Imperial Preference for Cuban Cigars
Winston Churchill, the renowned British Prime Minister who lived a life as versatile as his influence, had a deep and enduring association with cigars, particularly Cuban cigars. His preference for these luxury tobacco products helped to popularize several brands, but none was as closely associated with his legacy as the H. Upmann No. 2.
The Royal Preference: H. Upmann No. 2
Churchill was famously linked with H. Upmann, and his preference for the brand had an immeasurable impact on the cigar industry. The H. Upmann No. 2, a double corona sized cigar, was a favorite of his. This preference helped to popularize the brand and cemented a legacy of luxury and sophistication. While Churchill was known for his love of cigars throughout his life, he also smoked cigars from other brands, but H. Upmann remains the most closely linked with him.
The Birth of the Churchill Cigar Size
During an official visit to Cuba, Churchill expressed his desire to have a larger cigar. The Cuban government responded to his request by creating a new cigar, which was named the Churchill after him. The Churchill cigar size, slightly larger than a double corona, was an innovation that showcased the blend of Churchill's personal taste with the technical capabilities of cigar manufacturers.
Churchill's Choices and Preferences
Churchill's cigar preferences were known to change over time, reflecting his evolving tastes and the financial realities of his life. In Churchill Style: The Art of Being Winston Churchill by Barry Singer, detailed accounts of his cigar choices are meticulously documented. It was revealed that Churchill had a particular fondness for Cuban cigars, brands like Romeo y Julieta and Camacho, which were on the higher end of the premium spectrum.
During the financial challenges of the 1930s, Churchill had to economize. In New York, he discovered the Royal Derby Longfellows brand, a cost-effective alternative that featured a larger cigar size known as a Churchill. These cigars were purchased discreetly by an associate and shipped to him, ensuring a steady supply for the next decade. The Churchill size became so popular that it was named after him, marking a significant moment in cigar history.
Health Considerations and Personal Choices
In 1936, Churchill faced significant health issues that prompted him to cut down on his cigar consumption from around eight to ten per day. Doctors advised him to use a cigar holder to mitigate some of the digestive problems he was experiencing. While occasionally seen using a cigar holder in photographs, Churchill often found it unnecessary, indicating his continued preference for smoking without one.
During World War II, Churchill's need to fly in unpressurized aircraft led to the creation of a specially constructed oxygen mask that allowed him to smoke a cigar while receiving supplemental oxygen. This decision brought into question his addiction to the nicotine. The quip made by Groucho Marx on his TV show, "You Bet Your Life," where he remarked, "I like a cigar but sometimes I take it out of my mouth," underscored the humorous and ironic nature of his personal choices.
Despite his health concerns and the economic incentives, Churchill continued to smoke cigars even while serving as Prime Minister in 1952. His determination to address the UK's economic issues through smoking cessation was evident, but eventually, he opted to keep smoking instead of setting a precedent for his country.
In conclusion, Winston Churchill's relationship with cigars was complex and dynamic, reflecting his multifaceted personality as a political leader and a man of luxury. His lifelong preference for Cuban cigars, his influence on the cigar industry, and his evolving choices throughout his life offer a fascinating insight into the world of high-end tobacco connoisseurs.