The best cigar producing regions of the world

Y'all ever been hit with the urge to dive deep into the world of cigars? Well, strap yourselves in, folks, 'cause this brother from the Aye is about to take you on a wild ride through the colorful, smoky wonderland of cigar-producing regions!

First off, picture this: me, Lem Mo, a proud black man from the ATL, with a glimmer off of my shades, a stogie in my hand and libations in the other, setting out on a quest to explore the far reaches of the globe in search of the perfect puff. And let me tell you, folks, it's been one heck of an adventure!

We start our journey in the lush valleys of Cuba, where the air is thick with the scent of sweet tobacco and the sound of salsa music fills the streets. Here, in the heart of cigar country, you'll find legendary factories like Partagás and Cohiba, churning out some of the finest cigars known to man. And let me tell you, ain't nothin' quite like kickin' back with a Cohiba Robusto and letting the rhythm of Havana sweep you away.

But we ain't stoppin' there, oh no! Next up, we're jet-setting on Latam Air over to the Dominican Republic, where the sun will burn you like a muthafucka and the cigars are smooth as silk. Places like Arturo Fuente and Davidoff have put this Caribbean paradise on the map, crafting cigars that'll make your taste buds sing with joy. And let me tell ya, folks, there's nothin' quite like sittin' on a sandy beach with a glass of spiced rum in one hand and a Davidoff Millennium Blend in the other.

Now, if you're feelin' a little adventurous, we might just hop on a plane to Nicaragua, where the cigars are bold, spicy, and packed with flavor. Factories like Padron and Drew Estate are pumpin' out some seriously kickass sticks, guaranteed to set your soul on fire. And let me tell you, friends, there's nothin' quite like smokin' a Padron 1964 Anniversary Series and catching a vibe on the patio at the Nicaraguan jungles edge and listening to howler monkeys in a distance.

But enough about me, let's end this shit with a quote from, General Colin Powell, who once said, "A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work." And let me tell you, folks, ain't that the truth! So go on, chase your dreams, explore the world, and never forget to savor the journey, one puff at a time.

Explore the origins and evolution of cigar smoking throughout history.

As a brother who grow up in the USA (United Streets of Atlanta,) the history of cigar smoking runs through my veins like the rhythm of a soulful Toni Braxton melody. It’s a journey that intertwines with the very fabric of my culture, connecting me to my roots and the resilience of my ancestors.

I imagine them, back in the days of old, tending to the tobacco fields under the scorching sun of Africa. Their hands worked the soil with pride, cultivating the sacred leaf that would one day find its way across the Atlantic, carried by the winds of fate and the waves of history.

In the tumultuous days of slavery, cigar smoking became more than just a pastime—it was a symbol of defiance, a way for black men to assert their humanity in the face of oppression. With each puff of smoke, they reclaimed a sense of agency, refusing to be defined by the chains that bound them.

As the years passed and freedom rang out across the land, cigar smoking evolved into a celebration of culture and community. From the jazz clubs of Harlem to the juke joints of New Orleans, it was a ritual of fellowship, where stories were shared, dreams were nurtured, and bonds were forged in smoke-filled rooms.

Today, in the bustling streets of Atlanta, cigar smoking remains a cherished tradition, a nod to the past and a celebration of the present. In the dimly lit lounges Cam Newton’s Fellaship or the Red phone booth in Buckhead and corner barbershops, patrons gather to indulge in the simple pleasure of a fine cigar, their laughter mingling with the fragrant smoke as they toast to life’s blessings.

As I take a long draw from my cigar, I can’t help but recall the words of Andre 3000, whose music echoes the fiber of Atlanta. “Smoke it like a player, puff, puff, give,” he once said, encapsulating the essence of the cigar-smoking experience… he could've been easily talking about something else. In those words, I find a mantra for life—a reminder to savor each moment, embrace each puff, and share the joy with those around me.