Cigars 101

What are Stogies?

Q. My friends and I were wondering about the origin of the term “stogies.” We have no idea what it means.
Thanks,
– George K.

A. The term stogie is actually named after Conestoga, Pennsylvania where one of the first cigar factories was built (in Pennsylvania). I suppose you could call a brand like Parodi cigars “stogies” since they’re made in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but it’s now just a generic, slang term that refers to any cigar.

The Lancaster-to-Philadelphia region was renowned for tobacco growing and cigar making. Hundreds of brands were made there at that time, the most popular cigars of which included names like Bayuk Brothers, Henry Clay, Theobold & Oppenheimer, and Topper. The stogie is also derived from the wagon masters who would often smoke long cigars, resembling the spokes of the wagon wheels.

Conestoga stogie

Though traditionally used as a filler leaf up until the 1970’s, Pennsylvania Broadleaf is mostly used as a wrapper leaf in modern cigars. Due to the heavy soil and high humidity during Pennsylvania’s growing season this special tobacco is known for its rustic appearance, heavy body, and a gummy-thickness which can make things tricky for rollers. You’ll see it used on Camacho American Barrel Aged cigars, as well as Southern Draw’s Jacob’s Ladder; Bishop’s Blend by Black Label Trading Company has revived PA Broadleaf’s use as a filler in the blend.