John F. Kennedy and His Cigars
President John F. Kennedy, remembered as one of the most charismatic leaders of the 20th century, was also a devoted cigar smoker. His fondness for Cuban cigars became an enduring part of his legacy, immortalized in photographs, personal anecdotes, and even a famous late-night scramble to secure a stash before signing a historic trade ban. Kennedy’s cigar story is one of personal taste, political history, and cultural influence.
Early Introduction to Cigars
John F. Kennedy’s cigar journey began long before his presidency. Introduced to cigars by his father, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., JFK developed a taste for premium smokes while still a young man.
Cuban cigars, with their rich aroma and craftsmanship, quickly became his preference. By the time he reached the White House in January 1961, cigars were a familiar comfort during moments of leisure and high-pressure decision-making.
The Cuban Embargo and a Legendary Stash
In April 1961, the United States faced the disastrous Bay of Pigs invasion, a failed attempt by Cuban exiles, backed by the U.S. government, to overthrow Fidel Castro. The political fallout eventually led Kennedy to sign the Cuban Embargo, banning all Cuban imports, including cigars.
But before enacting the embargo, Kennedy made a famous request. Late one evening, he summoned his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to the Oval Office, as detailed by Cigar Aficionado.
"Pierre, I need some help," he said solemnly.
"I'll be glad to do anything I can Mr. President," I replied.
"I need a lot of cigars."
"How many, Mr. President?"
"About 1,000 Petit Upmanns."
Salinger worked through the night, buying up stock from cigar shops across Washington, D.C. By 8 a.m., he had secured 1,200 of JFK’s favorite cigar, the H. Upmann Petit Corona. With his personal supply secured, Kennedy signed the document making Cuban cigars illegal in the United States.
What Cigar Did JFK Smoke?
The cigar most closely associated with JFK is the H. Upmann Petit Corona, a Cuban classic known for its smooth, medium-bodied profile. Its refined flavor and modest size made it ideal for quick breaks between meetings or long hours in the Oval Office. Reports suggest Kennedy often left partially smoked cigars in ashtrays when abruptly called to handle urgent matters.
While the H. Upmann Petit Corona was his mainstay, Kennedy enjoyed Cuban cigars more broadly, often sampling them during trips abroad. Destinations such as France, Austria, and Great Britain provided rare opportunities for him to replenish his stock after the embargo.
JFK Smoking Cigars: Iconic Imagery and Public Persona
The image of JFK smoking a cigar became part of his public charm. Black-and-white photographs capture him holding a cigar with casual elegance, embodying the mid-century ideal of confidence and sophistication. These images reinforced his aura as a relaxed yet commanding figure, even in the midst of global tension.
Cigars in Kennedy’s Speeches
Kennedy’s awareness of tobacco’s cultural and economic significance even made its way into his speeches. In his 1962 address at Rice University, best known for the “We choose to go to the moon” line, he compared the cost of the space program to what Americans spent on cigarettes and cigars each year. It was a playful yet telling nod to the everyday role tobacco played in American life.
The Pawn Stars JFK Cigar Box
Decades after his death, Kennedy’s cigar legacy surfaced in unexpected ways. In one memorable episode of Pawn Stars, a JFK cigar box, reportedly presented to him as a gift, was offered for sale.
The box, with its historical connection to the president’s well-known cigar habit, became a sought-after collectible. While the asking price sparked debate, its value lay less in the cigars it once held and more in the piece of presidential history it represented. It was ultimately sold to a customer for a whopping $75,000.
Legacy of JFK’s Cigar Era
Although Kennedy’s signing of the Cuban Embargo ended legal access to Cuban cigars in the United States, his personal connection to them left an indelible mark. The embargo shifted the premium cigar industry toward countries like Nicaragua, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic, birthing the Cuban legacy cigar and shaping the market for generations.
Today, smoking a Petit Corona, especially an H. Upmann, offers a tangible link to an era when the leader of the free world found solace and satisfaction in the same ritual enjoyed by countless cigar lovers. More than 60 years later, the image of JFK smoking a cigar remains one of the most enduring symbols of presidential style.
