Cigars: A Symbol of Prestige and Craftsmanship

by Gusti Rayi | Oct 8, 2025 | blog

We have just discovered a secret menu named “Angel Shot”. Now, we will try to savor the rich, worldly taste of Indonesia through cigars, a symbol of prestige and craftsmanship.

Although cigars are not as popular as cigarettes, cigarettes itself is not a new thing in Indonesia. This is proven by the many photos of Indonesian officials and figures from the past who are seen smoking cigars.There is a proper way to smoke a cigar, and it is not as casual as you might think. Check it out below…

Source : koransulindo

Cigars and Their History

Cigars were first made by the ancient Mayans, who called them ‘sikar’, meaning ‘to smoke rolled tobacco’. Later, in 1492, Christopher Columbus received tobacco leaves from the natives of El Salvador, Bahamas.

Source : cigarpublic.

About a month after that, cigars arrived in Indonesia during the Dutch colonial era and soon became a symbol of elite lifestyle. By 1918, Indonesia started producing its own cigars for both export and personal consumption.

Source : harapanrakyat

Types of Cigars

There are six types of cigars based on size that you can enjoy, namely:

-Churchill:

The cigar measures 18 cm with a 20 mm ring (diameter), making it a long and thick cigar.

-Panetela:

It measures 17 cm long and 13 mm in diameter.

-Corona:

This type measures 14 cm long with a 16 mm ring and is a popular cigar.

-Robusto:

This cigar is short and thick, measuring 12 cm long and 19 mm ring.

-Lancero:

This cigar is usually long and slender, and its unique flavor comes from its distinctive tobacco blend.

Source : komunitaskretek

How to Smoke a Cigar

When you smoke a cigar, you are about to experience an artistic experience, so you should not be careless. Therefore, carefully consider the following steps:

-You cut a cigar with a guillotine cutter or punch cutter, this helps the air flow better when you light it.

-Then, using wooden matches or a butane lighter, you hold the cigar just above the flame and slowly turn it so it lights evenly.

-When smoking, you should take slow puffs and let the smoke stay in your mouth to enjoy the flavor ( do not inhale it into your lungs).

-Cigar connoisseurs will stop smoking when only about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) are left, because the taste gets too strong and bitter.

-If the cigar goes out, simply brush off the ash at the end and relight it the same way.

-When you are done, just leave the cigar in the ashtray because it will go out on its own without being pressed.

Source : martinezcigars

Indonesia Cigars

Indonesia is known for producing high-quality cigars, and one standout brand is BIN (Boss Image Nusantara) Cigar from Jember. BIN Cigar uses top-grade Besuki Na-Oogst (BNO) tobacco, which has long been valued by international cigarette and cigar makers. Thanks to this, BIN cigars can compete with famous Cuban brands like Cohiba and Montecristo, and are now exported to 15 countries.

Source : 10/10 Pool Bar

That’s a taste of Indonesia, wrapped in a roll of tobacco. Indonesia truly is full of surprises, who would have thought that one of the world’s best cigars comes from Jember? So, are you curious to try it, or have you already had a taste?

Source : 10/10 Pool Bar

Here’s an idea, let’s unwind with a cigar by the pool while watching the sunset, or take in the afternoon view of Yogyakarta city. Sounds good, right? If you are in, just head over to the 10/10 Pool Bar on the rooftop of Novotel Suites Yogyakarta Malioboro.

There, you can enjoy a variety of cigars, including BIN Cigar, along with great drinks and delicious food. Want to see more of what they offer? Check out their Instagram @1010poolbar and @novotelsuitesmalioboro, be sure to give them a follow as well.