The term "ciquar" originates from the Maya culture; it means "that which is combustible, and which smells and tastes delicious". Consequently the history of the cigar began at least 1700 years ago.
In 1492 Columbus was the first Europeans to make the acquaintance of "men, who had a certain leaf in their hands and breathed in the smoke." The Spanish soldiers and sailors introduced tobacco into Europe, although the tobacco plant initially became known largely as a result of its supposed medicinal qualities. As time passed by the elite and the nobility, in particular, discovered and introduced the enjoyment of smoking. Around 1800 pipe smoking led to the popularity of cigar smoking in Europe.
The tobacco plant thrives in tropical or sub-tropical climates. On the large-scale expansion of the tobacco industry Brazil and Cuba were rapidly supplemented by Indonesia as a supplier of the most refined types of tobacco. The Dutch made grateful use of their colony for the cultivation of somewhat lighter and more aromatic types of tobacco - tobaccos that would lead to the fame of the "Dutch" cigar throughout the world.
