Exploring the Rich Heritage of Tobacco in the United States

We've explored the history of perique tobacco and the connection between the Choctaw Indians and current pipe smokers. We've even explored premium tobacco being grown in multiple spots across the United States. JC Newman recently started releasing a multi-part YouTube series that convinced us to do some more exploring, or to dig in again.

The JC Newman series is entitled The American Story. Chapter One was just released, and it is worth taking five minutes to view. We're already looking forward to the next chapter in this history of tobacco in the United States. Ybor City may be an obvious place to connect with tobacco for many, but other places across the United States don't get the same treatment.

The Connecticut River Valley has a history with tobacco farming that predates European settlers. PBS aired an excellent documentary on Connecticut's tobacco industry. Most premium cigar smokers will associate this part of the United Staes with Foundation Cigars. Another premium cigar company, though, connects all three of these areas of the United States.

Drew Estate hosts Barn Smokers at tobacco farms in both Florida and Connecticut. These events allow you the opportunity to tour tobacco farms and learn behind-the-scenes information. There was even a Barn Smoker in St James Parish for a few years, but no more. "Why St James Parish", you ask. Now we've come full-circle!

St James Parish, LA is the only place where perique tobacco is grown. Most tobacco grown in the United States is used primarily for cigarettes, then pipe tobacco, and very little for premium cigars. Perique is different, with the majority being used in pipe tobacco. You'll also find perique in some premium cigars, less so in cigarettes. Cornell & Diehl presents a brief but informative piece from some current St James Parish tobacco farmers.

There you have it, a few videos and some light reading to enhance your knowledge of premium tobacco in the United States. We look forward to bringing you more releases in The American Story series. More importantly, we look forward to visiting with you as we discuss tobacco's history in and importance to our United States.