Michael Jordan isn’t just the greatest basketball player of all time. He’s also one of the most iconic cigar smokers on the planet. What started as a post-game indulgence quickly turned into a full-blown lifestyle. These days, if you see Jordan without a cigar in hand, it probably means he’s indoors or someone told him no.
Michael Jordan’s favorite cigar is the Partagas Lusitania, a classic Cuban known for its rich, full-bodied flavor and long, luxurious burn. His love for cigars runs deep, and the Lusitania is a perfect match for his refined taste. Alongside this standout, Jordan also enjoys a variety of other premium cigars, including bold Dominican blends.
In this article, we’ll explore the cigars he actually smokes, what sets them apart, and how Jordan helped bring cigar culture into the spotlight.
A Love for Cigars: From Courtside to Leisure
Michael Jordan’s cigar journey started in 1991 after he won his first NBA championship. That post-victory cigar was not just a one-time celebration. It marked the beginning of a ritual that became part of his daily life. What began as a symbol of success turned into a personal way to unwind from the constant pressure of competition and celebrity.
During his time with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan was known to light up a cigar during long drives to home games. It was not about making a statement. It was about finding a moment of calm before stepping onto the court. The smoke, the quiet, the routine all helped him focus.
That habit continued long after his playing days ended. On the golf course, cigars are as common in his hand as a putter. Today, Jordan is reported to smoke up to six cigars a day. For him, cigars are not just for celebration. They are part of a lifestyle centered around relaxation, mental clarity, and enjoying life on his own terms.
Michael Jordan's Favorite Cigars
As we mentioned before, Michael Jordan’s favorite cigar is the Partagas Lusitania, a Cuban double corona known for its rich and balanced flavor. The Lusitania is a large-format cigar that delivers a slow, extended smoking experience, something Jordan enjoys during his long, unhurried sessions. Its complex notes of earth, spice, and cedar match his refined palate and his preference for bold, full-flavored cigars.
But the Lusitania is far from his only choice. Jordan is known to keep a deep rotation of premium cigars, many of them Cubans. He frequently smokes Cohiba and Hoyo de Monterrey, two of Cuba’s most celebrated brands. Cohiba offers a full-bodied, smooth profile that has long been associated with Cuban prestige. Hoyo de Monterrey provides a lighter, more delicate flavor, offering a change of pace while still meeting Jordan’s high standards for quality.
Outside of Cuba, Jordan’s humidor reportedly includes some of the finest non-Cuban cigars as well. The Arturo Fuente Opus X is a standout, known for its strength, spice, and rarity. He also enjoys the Davidoff Royal Release, a high-end Dominican cigar crafted with precision and elegance, perfect for someone with a taste for luxury. The Montecristo No. 2, another classic Cuban, is a torpedo-shaped cigar that delivers creamy, peppery flavors and is widely regarded as one of the best cigars in the world.
Impact on Cigar Culture
Michael Jordan’s influence on cigar culture is hard to ignore. His public love for cigars brought mainstream attention to a hobby once seen as exclusive or old-fashioned. Whether on the golf course or in magazine spreads, Jordan helped redefine cigars as a symbol of success, style, and personal reward.
He made cigars feel more accessible, especially to sports fans and younger audiences. What was once seen as a luxury for boardrooms and backrooms started to look a lot more appealing on a fairway with Jordan lighting up. His impact helped cigar culture grow, evolve, and reach a wider audience than ever before.
Wrapping Up
Michael Jordan’s connection to cigars is nearly as legendary as his basketball career. From his early championship days to his life after the NBA, cigars have remained a steady presence. They represent focus, luxury, and personal enjoyment. His preference for bold, high-quality cigars like the Partagas Lusitania is well known, but it is his influence on the culture that truly stands out. Jordan did not just enjoy cigars. He helped redefine them, turning a private indulgence into a public statement of style and success.
