The Names Behind Cigars

If you're an avid cigar smoker, chances are you havepleasantries and a gambler, having twice fought in a
pondered the question on the minds of many: whatduel. It was probably his taste of the good life, as well
would I call my cigar line if I suddenly found myselfas the fact that he represented a state where
rolling tobacco? Some of you might name it after yourtobacco was grown, that led to a cigar line being rolled
mom, others may name it after a childhood pet, callingin his name
it something like Smokey. Some of you may name itMonte Cristo - This cigar brand was named for The
after a specific region, and others may simply love it,Count of Monte Cristo, a novel written by Alexandre
hug it, and name it George.Dumas. Legend states that this novel was very well
Those who do roll their own tobacco ponder this veryliked among cigar rollers; it was often read aloud in the
same question; they often find their answers in afactories while the rollers worked. Considered to be
plethora of places. Attesting to the variety andone of Dumas' best books, The Counte of Monte
individuality each line of cigars possess, the namesCristo involves the supposedly true tale of a man
maintain a similar sense of originality. The following is aimprisoned for a crime he didn't commit; he was
list of some of the names of cigars on the market andframed by four jealous friends. While in prison, he was
the reasons for their declaration.befriended by a dying man and told of the location of
Romeo Y Juliet - Most of us know the story ofa treasure. After his release, this man found the
Romeo and Juliet, the tale of two ill-fated peopletreasure, adopted a new identity and began plotting his
trapped between the conflict of dueling families.revenge.
Known as one of the most stunning love stories of allMike Ditka - Da, Cigars! The Mike Ditka cigar line is
time, William Shakespeare's portrayal of two innocentnamed for, who else, Mike Ditka. Born in 1939, Ditka
lovers put Romeo and Juliet on the map, making themmade a name for himself as a player, a coach, and a
representative of both a true love lost and the problemtelevision commentator. He's best known as coach of
with communication between those who are dating.the Chicago Bears and remains one of only two
As cigars, Romeo and Juliet fair much better; thepeople to have won a Super Bowl as a player, an
tragedy lies in not smoking them.assistant coach, and a head coach. Mike Ditka cigars
William Penn- Born in 1644, William Penn founded thecontain a cigar band that is a duplication of the 1985
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a colony in NorthSuper Bowl ring. The cigars, like the man they are
America that became the state of Pennsylvania.named for, contain a bit of bite.
Overseeing the affairs of the Commonwealth, PennDon Juan - As legend states, Don Juan was a man
became influential to the US Constitution. A bitwho courted a girl of noble blood, killing her father
overzealous, Penn also composed and published Thewhen he interfered. Much later, when Don Juan saw a
United States of Europe, a plan to unify Europe instatue of the man he had killed, he irreverently invited it
American fashion. William Penn was particularly notableto come over to dine. The statue gladly accepted and
because, in a time of oppression, he treated Nativethe ghost of the murdered man arrived for dinner
Americans with the respect they deserved. In fact, he(don't you hate when that happens?). As this ghost
often served as a mediator whenever a dispute cameshook Don Juan's hand, Don Juan was dragged into
about.Hell.
Winston Churchill - The name Churchill has become soSimon Bolivar - Often credited with liberating Colombia,
synonymous with the word cigars that some peopleVenezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Panama, and Bolivia, Simon
may forget Winston Churchill was actually aBolivar is one of the most renown figures in South
statesman, an orator, and a Prime Minister. However, aAmerican history. Having freed these countries from
cigar smoker first a prime minister and all the restSpanish rule, he is known as The Liberator.
second, there are very few men in history who wereSeventy-one years after his death, in 1901, the Roche
as enthusiastic about cigars as Winston. His insistenceCompany in Havana honored him by placing his name
on rarely being photographed without a cigar in handon their cigar brand.
led one London cartoonist to dub him "Cigarface."Having a cigar named after you is a huge honor; few
Henry Clay - An American politician and the founder ofpeople have the ability to look in a cloud of cigar
the Whig Party, Henry Clay served in the House ofsmoke and see their reflection. Whether a brand is
Representatives and the United States Senate.named for a historical figure or a figure of literary merit,
Elemental in fighting for modernization and economicthe names behind each brand of cigars all serve a
development, Henry Clay was also known as Thepurpose, and they all tell a story, forever perpetuating
Great Compromiser for his ability to remain clam andthe unique culture that only the luxury of tobacco can
composed when facing issues of extreme duress. Inpossess.
his personal life, Henry Clay was a seeker of