After the Cuban Embargo: Defining Moments & Figures
After John F. Kennedy and the Cuban Embargo (1962), there have been a few key figures and moments that significantly shaped cigar culture and the cigar market in the United States. While no single individual had quite the same impact as JFK, certain figures and events played pivotal roles in the evolution of cigar smoking post-embargo.
Watershed Moment 1: The Cigar Boom of the 1990s
What Happened?
The 1990s cigar boom was one of the most defining periods in modern cigar history. It marked a massive resurgence in cigar smoking, fueled by pop culture, celebrity endorsements, and economic prosperity.
Cigar sales skyrocketed between 1992 and 1997, growing from 100 million premium cigars per year to over 400 million.
Cigar Aficionado magazine launched in 1992, bringing cigars back into the luxury spotlight.
High-profile figures, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rush Limbaugh, and Michael Jordan, helped normalize cigars as a symbol of success and luxury.
Impact: The ’90s boom revitalized the cigar industry, leading to a flood of new brands, boutique manufacturers, and luxury cigar lounges across the country.
Key Figure 1: Marvin Shanken & Cigar Aficionado Magazine (1992)
Who is Marvin Shanken?
The founder of Cigar Aficionado, which transformed cigars from an "old man’s habit" into a modern luxury lifestyle.
Positioned cigars alongside fine wine, whiskey, and luxury living, making them appealing to a younger, wealthier audience.
Published exclusive interviews with high-profile cigar smokers, including Bill Clinton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jack Nicholson, further glamorizing cigar culture.
Impact: Shanken’s work helped rescue the premium cigar industry from decline, ensuring its survival after decades of stagnation post-embargo.
Watershed Moment 2: The Cuban Cigar Resurgence (2014–2016)
What Happened?
In 2014, President Barack Obama took steps to ease restrictions on Cuban cigars, allowing U.S. travelers to legally bring back up to $100 worth of Cuban cigars for personal use.
In 2016, the Obama administration lifted the dollar limit entirely, permitting American travelers to bring back an unlimited number of Cuban cigars (as long as they weren’t for resale).
This sparked a renewed interest in Cuban cigars, though many cigar aficionados now argue that non-Cuban cigars have surpassed them in quality.
Impact: While Cuban cigars remained banned from commercial sale in the U.S., the shift led to increased global demand for them, further fueling their reputation as a "forbidden fruit."
Key Figure 2: Arnold Schwarzenegger (1990s–2000s)
Why He Matters?
Schwarzenegger became one of the most famous cigar smokers of the modern era, frequently appearing in magazines, interviews, and public events with a cigar in hand.
As Governor of California (2003-2011), he was known to hold meetings in his outdoor "smoking tent", resisting state-wide smoking bans.
He was featured in multiple Cigar Aficionado covers and interviews, reinforcing cigars as a symbol of power and success.
Impact: He helped popularize cigar smoking among a younger, Hollywood audience, making cigars trendy again in pop culture.
Watershed Moment 3: The Boutique Cigar Movement (2010s–Present)
What Happened?
As cigar smoking became more niche after the 1990s boom, a wave of boutique cigar manufacturers emerged, focusing on craftsmanship, unique blends, and small-batch production.
This movement saw the rise of brands like Drew Estate, Tatuaje, and Illusione, which appealed to a new generation of cigar lovers looking for rare and exclusive smokes.
A renewed interest in American-grown tobacco also emerged, leading to cigars like J.C. Newman’s "The American," made entirely from U.S.-grown tobacco.
Impact: The boutique movement shifted the industry away from mass production, making cigars more about craftsmanship and exclusivity.
Conclusion: The Evolution of Cigar Culture Since JFK
While JFK’s embargo shaped the cigar industry by cutting off Cuban imports, the decades since have been defined by new influencers, market shifts, and cultural resurgences: