Cigar in a brass ashtray beside round spectacles and a felt hat on a wooden desk

Born Nathan Birnbaum in 1896, George Burns rose to fame as a legendary comedian, actor, and cigar aficionado. Through his vaudeville, radio, television, and film career, Burns became known for his quick wit, comedic timing, and of course, his ever-present cigar. 

Today, we take a closer look at the cigars that George Burns favored and the brands that became synonymous with his iconic image.

George Burns’ Favorite Cigars Unveiled 

George Burns appreciated many cigar brands, but 3 of them seemed to be his most common choice:

  • Arturo Fuente
  • El Producto
  • Hoyo de Monterey

Let’s discuss them in more detail.

One of George Burns' favorite cigar brands was Arturo Fuente. Known for their quality craftsmanship and rich flavors, Arturo Fuente cigars were a staple in Burns' collection. He particularly enjoyed the smooth draw and consistent quality of cigars from this renowned brand.

Another brand that found a spot in Burns' rotation was El Producto. These affordable, American-made cigars were a favorite for everyday smoking, offering a reliable and enjoyable smoking experience that complemented Burns' laid-back style.

When it came to indulging in a more luxurious smoke, Burns often reached for Hoyo de Monterrey. These Cuban cigars, known for their complex flavors and exquisite construction, appealed to Burns' refined palate and were reserved for special occasions or moments of celebration.

Notable special occasion cigars:

  • Davidoff Diademas: Epitomized luxury and sophistication.
  • Cohiba Behike: Known for unrivaled quality and flavor.
  • Padron 1926 Anniversary Series: Celebrated for its exceptional blend and deep flavors.

These cigars were reserved for moments of great significance, reflecting Burns' taste for the finer things in life.

The Legacy of George Burns' Cigar Collection

George Burns' love for cigars not only fueled his on-stage persona but also left a lasting impact on popular culture and the cigar industry. His image as a cigar-smoking icon endures today, with many still associating him with the timeless appeal of a well-crafted smoke.

The cigar brands that George Burns favored continue to hold a special place in the hearts of cigar enthusiasts, with Arturo Fuente, El Producto, Hoyo de Monterrey, Davidoff, Cohiba, and Padron maintaining their reputation for excellence and quality.

Discover More About George Burns' Cigar Choices

Exploring George Burns' cigar collection offers a glimpse into the sophisticated tastes and preferences of a comedic legend. Through his choice of cigars, Burns crafted an image that became synonymous with charm, wit, and a touch of elegance.

Visit Online Cigars today and embrace the opportunity to smoke the same cigars that this legend smoked. Embrace the legacy of George Burns by indulging in the cigars he cherished and experiencing the rich tradition of premium craftsmanship.

George Burns Cigar Questions We Get Asked All the Time

The questions readers ask most about George Burns and his cigars.

What cigars did George Burns smoke?

He was famously loyal to El Producto, an American machine-made cigar rather than an expensive Cuban. He smoked them daily for decades and credited them, only half-jokingly, with his longevity.

How many cigars did George Burns smoke a day?

By his own accounts, around ten a day for most of his adult life — and he lived to 100, which is why the story is retold so often.

Who smoked 20 cigars a day?

Winston Churchill is the name attached to that figure. Burns smoked fewer, but for a remarkably long time.

Did smoking cigars really help George Burns live to 100?

There is no evidence it helped, and plenty that smoking harms health. Burns enjoyed the joke himself, and the honest reading is that he lived a long life while smoking, not because of it.

What should I smoke if I like the El Producto style?

Look for mild, cedar-forward cigars with an easy draw rather than anything full-bodied. A gentle Dominican or Nicaraguan robusto gets you close with far better construction.

Are Robert Burns cigars still made, and were they George Burns' brand?

These are two different things that people routinely confuse. Robert Burns was a separate American cigar brand named after the poet, not after the comedian. George Burns is associated with El Producto. Robert Burns has not been in meaningful production for years, which is why searches for it tend to lead nowhere useful.

Did George Burns really smoke on stage, or was it a prop?

He genuinely smoked, and he famously used the cigar as a comic timing device, drawing on it to stretch a pause before a punchline. That is why the cigar is inseparable from his act rather than incidental to it.

How long did George Burns smoke for?

He smoked cigars for the better part of seven decades and lived to 100. It is a striking piece of biography and nothing more than that. A single long-lived individual tells you nothing about risk, and cigar smoking carries serious, well-documented health consequences.

What kind of cigar holder did George Burns use?

He was associated with a plain cigar holder rather than an ornate one, in keeping with the everyday, unshowy brand he smoked. The prop was chosen to be unremarkable, because the joke was always the timing rather than the accessory.

If that mild, everyday style appeals, our New World cigars range is the natural place to start.