Columbus did not find the sumptuousness of the Orient his heart was inspired by. Instead, following his second landing in the New World, on the Island of Cuba, he discovered a race of Indians who were animatedly smoking rudely twisted tobacco leaves which they called "Cohibas", but which we would later come to know as Cigars. This was in 1492. Five centuries later, smoking Havanas is universally acknowledged as a superior form of pleasure and wellbeing. For many years, no few attempts have been made to imitate the delicacy and flavour of Cuban-grown tobacco. No-one has managed it. So what is it that makes the Havana Cigar so special? A great many things. A unique combination of sun, soil and wisdom. Infinite attention to detail. Strict quality control. The refusal to do things in a hurry or to set aside traditions. But, above all, the great wealth of human skill in each of the many steps that are involved in creating a Havana Cigar..
