Article by R. Abilash, Founder and CEO of CigarsIndia.in

Introduction

Few names in history are as synonymous with cigars as Winston Churchill. Britain’s wartime Prime Minister was not only a towering figure of politics and rhetoric but also of cigar culture. To this day, one of the most iconic cigar sizes — the Churchill — bears his name. For him, cigars were more than a luxury; they were a companion in moments of war, diplomacy, and reflection.

The Beginning of a Lifelong Affair

Churchill’s love for cigars began in the 1890s during his travels in Cuba as a young war correspondent. He quickly developed a taste for Cuban cigars, particularly Romeo y Julieta and La Aroma de Cuba. He was so captivated that he later ordered them by the thousands, ensuring he was never without his beloved smokes.

In fact, Churchill was said to have smoked 8–10 cigars a day, a habit he maintained throughout his life.

Cigars in the Midst of War

During World War II, Churchill’s image became iconic: a bowler hat, cane, and always a cigar in hand. It wasn’t just for appearances; his cigars were part of his personality.

• The Bunker Ritual: In the underground war rooms during the Blitz, he often conducted meetings with smoke curling around him. Aides noted that he would light a cigar before making crucial decisions — almost as if it helped him think more clearly.

• Cigars Under Pressure: On one occasion, while being flown across the Atlantic during wartime, Churchill smoked continuously inside a pressurized oxygen mask, specially adapted to allow him to puff on his cigar mid-flight.

A Man of Routine

Churchill had a strict daily rhythm, and cigars were woven into it. He would start his mornings with breakfast in bed, accompanied by a cigar and whiskey soda. Lunch, dinner, and even late-night hours were marked with smokes. His cigars weren’t indulgence alone — they were ritual, comfort, and perhaps even armor against the stress of leadership.

Anecdotes That Live On

1. The Drenched Cigar: Once, while visiting FDR in Washington, a sudden rainstorm caught Churchill unprepared. Instead of worrying about his drenched clothes, he lamented that his cigar had gone out and insisted on replacing it before continuing his conversation.

2. The Endless Supply: It’s estimated that Churchill received over 250,000 cigars as gifts throughout his life, from dignitaries, businessmen, and admirers. One visitor even remarked that Churchill’s study looked more like a cigar warehouse than an office.

3. The Size Named After Him: The Churchill cigar size — typically 7 inches long with a 47 ring gauge — was named in his honor. To this day, it remains one of the most iconic vitolas in the world of cigars.

Churchill’s Favorites

His preferred brands included:

• Romeo y Julieta (especially the Churchill line, naturally)

• La Aroma de Cuba

• Cohiba (later in life)

He reportedly kept humidors in multiple residences, including Chartwell Manor, and often traveled with a personal stash to ensure he was never without.

Conclusion

For Winston Churchill, cigars were more than tobacco leaves rolled by hand — they were symbols of power, resilience, and personal joy. They accompanied him through war rooms, state dinners, and quiet evenings of reflection. In many ways, the enduring image of Churchill with a cigar in hand is not just a portrait of a man, but of a lifestyle — one that celebrates indulgence, ritual, and strength in the face of adversity.

Even today, lighting up a Churchill-sized cigar is more than an act of smoking. It is an homage to one of history’s greatest figures, and his enduring love affair with cigars.