The “Before”: When Cuban Cigars Set the Global Standard

Prior to the 1990s, Cuban cigars were widely regarded as the gold standard of cigar making. Tobacco from regions such as Vuelta Abajo was cultivated using generations-old methods, with long fermentation and aging processes that emphasized balance and refinement.

For official background on the origin story and heritage of Cuban cigars, see the Habanos S.A. site: https://www.habanos.com/en/origen/

Major cigar publications have also explored the historical reputation of Cuban cigars and their role in shaping modern cigar culture. For additional context: https://www.cigaraficionado.com/article/cuban-cigars-history

Collectors often refer to this period as a “golden age,” defined by deeply aged tobacco, consistent construction, and an elegant expression of strength rather than raw power.

The Turning Point: The 1990s Cigar Boom

The global cigar boom of the early 1990s dramatically altered the Cuban cigar landscape. Demand surged worldwide, driven by increased international exposure and growing scarcity.

For a broader look at the cigar boom era and the market forces that shaped production and consumer behavior: https://www.nytimes.com/1997/09/14/magazine/the-cigar-boom.html

As demand accelerated, the industry faced the challenge of scaling output while dealing with economic constraints. This moment marked the beginning of the “after.”

The “After”: A New Reality for Cuban Cigars

Modern Cuban cigars still carry prestige, but today they exist in a more complex environment. Multiple industry reviews and consumer reports note increased variability in construction and performance across production.

For ongoing review coverage and reference archives related to Cuban cigars:

• Halfwheel (Cuba tag): https://halfwheel.com/tag/cuba
• Cigar Coop (Cuban Cigars tag): https://cigar-coop.com/tag/cuban-cigars/

Common themes cited in modern discussions include younger tobacco entering production cycles, greater box-to-box variability, and intermittent construction or draw issues. When modern Cuban cigars are exceptional, they can still be remarkable—but consistency is no longer guaranteed, often leading enthusiasts to rely on careful sourcing and extended aging.

How the Market Responded

The shift in Cuban cigar consistency occurred alongside the rise of premium cigar production in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras—regions that invested heavily in fermentation science, quality control, and broader distribution.

For a global overview of cigar-producing regions and modern market context: https://www.cigarjournal.com/cigarjournal-world-cigar-map/

Today’s premium cigar consumer increasingly evaluates cigars not only by origin, but by consistency, construction, aging practices, and proven performance over time.

The Lesson of “Before and After”

The story of Cuban cigars is not simply one of decline—it is one of transformation. The “before” era shows what is possible when time, tradition, and restraint align. The “after” era reminds us that heritage alone cannot sustain excellence without structural balance.

Cuban cigars remain iconic—but their context has changed, and with it, the way enthusiasts interpret quality and value in the modern cigar world.