The Iconic Puff Behind the Prime Minister
Sir Winston Churchill: a wartime hero, a master of speeches—and one of the most iconic cigar smokers of the 20th century.
But what exactly did Churchill smoke? And how did he become synonymous with long, bold cigars and even bolder opinions?
Let’s take a look behind the plume of smoke.
Churchill reportedly smoked 8 to 10 cigars per day—sometimes more. To him, cigars weren’t a luxury; they were part of his armour. In his own words:
“I drink a great deal. I sleep a little, and I smoke cigar after cigar. That is why I am in two-hundred-percent form.”
Talk about commitment.
Churchill's undisputed favourite was Romeo y Julieta. He discovered them during a 1946 visit to Cuba and fell hard. So hard, in fact, that the Romeo y Julieta Churchill vitola was named after him.
Size: 7" x 47 ring gauge
Strength: Medium
Flavour profile: Creamy, nutty, and complex—perfect for long reflection (or long speeches).
💡 Shop the Romeo y Julieta Churchill
While not a Churchill-size cigar, Partagás was another favourite of the British bulldog. Known for its bold character and Cuban spice, the Serie D No. 4 offers a powerful, shorter-format smoke.
Size: 4.9" x 50 ring gauge (Robusto)
Strength: Full
Flavour profile: Rich earth, black pepper, cedar, cocoa
Legacy: A go-to Cuban cigar for experienced palates, and very much in the Churchillian spirit
💡 Shop the Partagás Serie D No. 4
Churchill also enjoyed H. Upmann cigars during his many trips to Havana. The Sir Winston vitola (named after him, of course) reflects his taste for elegance and refinement.
Size: 7" x 47 ring gauge
Strength: Light to medium
Flavour profile: Cream, almond, floral, mild spice
Vibe: Aristocratic, understated, and deeply enjoyable
Churchill rarely appeared without a cigar in hand—or in his mouth. He used a cigar holder, typically made of amber or Bakelite, to keep his cigars dry and elegant.
Whether delivering rousing speeches, painting landscapes, or lounging in a bathtub (yes, really), Churchill always had a cigar by his side.
You don’t need to run a country to enjoy a Churchill. But you can smoke one like a statesman.
Try these Churchill-inspired cigars available at The Smoking Jacket:
H. Upmann Sir Winston (on request)
🔥 Visit our Earls Court shop or sign up for our Box of the Month to discover cigars with Churchill-worthy character.
Churchill didn’t just smoke cigars—he immortalised them. Lighting up a Churchill today is more than a habit. It’s a heritage.
So next time you enjoy a long, smooth smoke, raise a glass (and a cigar) to the man who made puffing a symbol of power, poise, and perseverance.
Proud members of the A.I.T.S.
