JFK and Cigars: A Love Affair. Then the Embargo Changed Everything
Few American presidents are as closely associated with cigars as John F. Kennedy. Known for his charm, sophistication, and cool demeanor, JFK was an avid cigar smoker, with a particular preference for Cuban cigars. Yet, ironically, it was Kennedy who signed the Cuban trade embargo in 1962, cutting off America’s access to the very cigars he enjoyed.
How did a cigar lover like JFK navigate this contradiction? And did he really secure a secret stash of Cubans before signing the embargo? Let’s explore the facts, myths, and lasting impact of JFK’s relationship with cigars.
JFK’s Love for Cigars
Unlike some of his predecessors, JFK wasn’t a heavy smoker of cigarettes or pipes, but he did have a well-documented appreciation for fine cigars. Reports from close aides and White House staff indicate that he smoked several Cuban cigars daily, with his favorite being the H. Upmann Petit Corona—a mild but flavorful Cuban cigar.
What We Know for Certain
JFK frequently smoked cigars in the White House. Many of his staff recall him enjoying cigars in his office, particularly during moments of relaxation or after dinner.
He had a personal humidor. A monogrammed, wood-paneled humidor containing his favorite Cuban cigars was kept in the White House. (This humidor was later auctioned for $575,000 in 1996!)
He preferred smaller, milder cigars. His favorite, the H. Upmann Petit Corona, is a light-bodied Cuban cigar, suggesting he enjoyed smooth and refined smokes rather than stronger, full-bodied blends.
The Cuban Trade Embargo: How JFK Cut Off America’s Cigar Supply
In the early 1960s, U.S.-Cuba relations were rapidly deteriorating. Fidel Castro’s rise to power in 1959 had led to increasing tensions, and by 1961, the failed Bay of Pigs invasion worsened the situation. The U.S. government, viewing Castro’s Cuba as a Soviet ally, decided to impose economic restrictions to weaken his regime.
On February 7, 1962, Kennedy signed Proclamation 3447, officially banning all trade between the U.S. and Cuba. This included sugar, rum, and, most notably, Cuban cigars.
The Famous Cigar Stash Story: Fact or Fiction?
One of the most enduring legends about JFK and cigars is that before signing the embargo, he instructed his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to secure as many Cuban cigars as possible.
The Story Goes Like This:
JFK allegedly asked Salinger to procure 1,000 of his favorite H. Upmann Petit Coronas before the embargo took effect.
The next morning, Salinger reported that he had successfully gathered 1,200 Cuban cigars.
With his personal stash secured, JFK signed the embargo, cutting off Cuban cigars from the U.S. market for decades.
What’s True?
Pierre Salinger personally confirmed this story in multiple interviews. As Kennedy’s press secretary and close aide, he had direct access to the president’s requests. However, there are no official White House records that confirm JFK placed this specific order.
So while the story is widely accepted as true, it remains based on Salinger’s testimony rather than official documentation.
The Lasting Impact of JFK’s Cigar Embargo
While JFK may have secured his private stash, his decision to sign the embargo permanently altered the U.S. cigar market:
The Rise of Non-Cuban Cigars
Before the embargo, Cuban cigars dominated the American market.
After 1962, cigar makers in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras stepped up, leading to today’s thriving non-Cuban cigar industry.
The Cuban Cigar’s “Forbidden Fruit” Status
The embargo elevated Cuban cigars to mythical status in the U.S.—making them highly sought after despite being illegal.
Even today, Cuban cigars are widely smuggled into the U.S., though many aficionados argue that non-Cuban cigars have surpassed them in quality.
JFK’s Enduring Cigar Legacy
JFK remains a cigar icon, with his name frequently linked to Cuban cigars and the embargo.
His personal humidor and memorabilia have been sold for hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions.
Final Thoughts: JFK, Cigars, and an Ironic Legacy
John F. Kennedy loved cigars—yet he is the reason Cuban cigars became illegal in the U.S.. Whether or not he really stockpiled 1,200 cigars before signing the embargo, his influence on the American cigar industry is undeniable.
Even today, when cigar aficionados light up a Cuban cigar, they might think of JFK—the president who both embraced cigars and ensured they remained out of reach for generations of Americans.