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When thinking of cigars, domestic products may not immediately come to mind. In fact, the selection from Germany is limited but diverse: Tropenschatz, Dannemann, or the ubiquitous Independence – German brands are encountered more often than you might think.
German Cigars – A Long Tradition
Ludwig Erhard and his Handelsgold – few things symbolize the economic miracle years as much as this iconic image. But the history of cigars in Germany goes back much further.
Tobacco cultivation in Germany began as early as the 16th century. It was likely monks who cultivated tobacco as a supposed medicinal plant. Today we know that tobacco isn't as healthy as some other plants, but it certainly provides much more enjoyment. During the Thirty Years' War, smoking became highly fashionable, and tobacco became a significant agricultural product.
Not only in sun-drenched Baden but also in northern Prussia, tobacco cultivation took place. However, it required labor-intensive adaptations to grow the sun-loving plant in regions like Uckermark or Pomerania. Tobacco does not germinate directly in the field but is first grown for four weeks in a seedbed before being planted out. The planting time must not be too early in the year, as late frosts could destroy the crop.
Cigars from Bünde – Germany's Tobacco Metropolis
By the end of the 19th century, tobacco cultivation in Germany reached its peak, and at the same time, a significant cigar industry developed. The center of this industry was Bünde in Westphalia. In the heyday of the cigar trade, over 80 factories were located here – cigars were to Bünde around 1900 what cars are to Wolfsburg today.
However, it wasn’t just domestic tobacco that was processed. It was mainly imported tobacco that reached Germany via the port of Bremen and was then transported to Bünde along the Weser River. Terms like Brazil and Sumatra reflected the exotic origins of the wrapper leaves and simultaneously revealed the longings of the time.
German Cigar Brands Today
Of the many companies that once existed, only three remain today. One of them is Arnold André, the company behind the Handelsgold brand. The affordable cigars for a few pennies shaped the street scenes of the post-war years, and despite the massive competition today, they remain popular. Proven quality at a fair price simply pays off. The same applies to Independence, also made by Arnold André. This popular brand, often found at gas stations, is often ridiculed but also frequently purchased – because why not? A short filler from the gas station can indeed provide some enjoyment from time to time.
Another traditional company is the one founded by August Schuster in 1909. Like Arnold André, Schuster is today a busy importer, but still sells its own cigars and zigarillos, such as the Partageno brand. In the nearby town of Rödinghausen, the third manufacturer, Woermann, is based. Their brands, including Woermann Cigars Seefahrer, stand for mild, uncomplicated cigars.
Old and New Federal States
Not far from Bünde, also in East Westphalia, lies the headquarters of Dannemann in Lübbecke. The company is best known for its Zigarillos and the popular Moods brand, but cigars are also part of the traditional house's range.
Don Stefano from Wettenberg in Hesse, known for the Happy Hour series, is also one of the German manufacturers. After reunification, several names from the new federal states joined as well. One such example is Candlelight from Dingelstädt, Thuringia, which, in addition to Candlelight Aromatic, also produces good cigars. Also noteworthy are Christo cigars, which are made in a workshop for the disabled run by the Diakonie.
An especially interesting example of using tobacco from German production is the cigars of our own brand Cigarworld by Tabac Benden. These affordable short fillers come from a factory operated by the company Kleinlagel in Baden-Württemberg. While the wrapper comes from Brazil or Sumatra, the filler comes from southern Germany – a truly regional and sustainable cigar!
