If you love cigars and are all about the very best, look no further. There are few places in the world that are better for high-quality, hand-rolled cigars than Bermuda. The island has a wealth of options available to the tobacco lover, including a fantastic selection of Cuban and Cuban-style cigars, courtesy of the various tobacconists which can be found here and a rich legacy of savoring cigars to boot.
Tobacco has a long history and while the exact origins of the cigar are lost to the mists of time, we do know that the Mayans, the Tainos and other civilizations smoked something a simpler version of our modern day cigars – dried tobacco rolled in leaves. Early European explorers reported seeing local tribesmen smoking these curious dried leaves and before long, they followed suit. The practice (along with tobacco seeds) was brought back to Europe, where people quickly fell in love with the flavor of tobacco and pastime of smoking.
And then there’s Cuba. Cuba's climate is perfect for farming tobacco, which is one of the reasons it was so quickly able to establish itself as the king of cigar making and the most widely sought-after cigars in the world. And as it's only a hop, skip and a jump away from Bermuda, is it any wonder that Bermuda has become a haven for cigar aficionados? This is particularly true for Americans who up until recently couldn't visit Cuba. But there’s no reason to be disappointed when Bermuda has it all and then some. White sand beaches, fantastic food and plenty of sights to see...plus the ever elusive Cuban cigar.
Once you arrive in Bermuda, you'll find that you'll have to go outside to smoke. As is the case in many places these days, smoking in bars, restaurants, hotels and other buildings has been banned. But this is Bermuda we're talking about! Day after day of gorgeous weather and sun-soaked streets mean you can puff away on your finest Cuban cigar while working on your tan.
Because it's such a haven for cigar lovers, Bermuda has a world-class selection of Cubans. When you're visiting, be sure to check out these can't miss tobacconists. Now that the embargo has been lifted, if you live in the US and are visiting Bermuda, you can safely take home a good supply of Cubans without worrying about getting them snatched and disposed of at customs. Here are some of the best places in Bermuda to pick up cigars.
Chatham House
Chatham House offers a wide selection – evident as soon as you walk through its doors. This family-run store has been around since 1895 and is currently in the capable hands of the fourth generation of the Pitt family. In addition to its massive cigar offerings (Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo Y Julieta, to name a few), Chatham House also carries other fine tobacco products — perfect if you happen to enjoy smoking the odd pipe now and again.
Churchill's
Churchill's is a tobacconist and fine wine merchant which sells wine, spirits, beer and drink accessories alongside its phenomenal selection of cigars from around the globe. And yes, that includes Cubans. It also boasts Bermuda's only walk-in humidor. If like the shop's namesake, you like a glass of brandy with your cigar, Churchill's should be your first port of call when you arrive. It's a must visit for the true cigar aficionado.
Bermuda Cigar Company
Interested in trying the local take on Cuban cigars? The Bermuda Cigar Company makes a range of hand-rolled Cuban-style cigars made locally on the island. Owner Grant Kennedy learned the art of rolling cigars from Cuban master rollers and crafts wonderful cigars, Cuban style with that Bermuda twist. Locals love them and you can find Bermuda Cigar Company products around the island, including at both Chatham's and Churchill's. Kennedy also does private rolling sessions where he imparts his wealth of cigar lore while showing off his masterful rolling techniques.
Our directory lists more choices where you can't go wrong for fine hand rolled Cuban cigars in Bermuda.
The world of fine cigars is alive and well in Bermuda and you need only to step off the plane (or cruise ship) to witness it firsthand. This truly is the place to go if you enjoy the good life, relaxing and taking it all in, cigar in hand.