When we think of the quintessential cigar aficionado, who springs to mind? You’ve probably guessed it for us – we’re talking about the only Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This cultural icon, known for his roles in “The Terminator” and “Total Recall,” as well as his stint as governor of California, has an undeniable love for cigars.
His smoking habits have become as legendary as his movie lines, making him a real heavyweight in the cigar scene.
What’s Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Favorite Cigar?
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s preference for cigars is quite refined, displaying a particular fondness for Cuban varieties.
Schwarzenegger frequently smokes Cohiba and Punch cigars, two esteemed brands that have won over many a cigar smoker.
He’s also been known to enjoy other premium cigars from Davidoff of London, Hoyo de Monterrey, and Romeo y Julieta.
However, his all-time favorite is the Punch Punch, a Toro-sized cigar (48 x 5.625) considered medium-full in flavor.
This cigar holds a special place in Arnold’s heart.
It’s the perfect size for his first smoke right after lunch, kicking off the rest of his day on the right note.
Lately, in a conversation with the Cigar Aficionado magazine, he revealed his current favorite smokes, which are the Partagás Serie D No. 4 and Fuente Fuente OpusX.
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How Often Does Arnie Smoke a Day?
As for how many cigars Arnie smokes each day, the answer might surprise you.
Despite his well-known love for smoking cigars, Schwarzenegger has often shared that he doesn’t usually smoke more than one or two cigars a day.
He firmly believes in enjoying cigars in moderation, savoring each one as a special occasion rather than a frequent habit.
Unlike some other well-known smokers, like George Burns, who smoked 10-15 a day until he died at 100 years of age.
He frequently indulges while in Santa Monica, where he resides.
So, next time you light up a cigar, why not channel a bit of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s style and take the time to really enjoy it?
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Cigar Aficionado Named Arnie “Cigar Smoker of the Year”
In 2014, Schwarzenegger’s affinity for cigars earned him a notable distinction: Cigar Aficionado magazine named him “Cigar Smoker of the Year.”
In the accompanying interview, Schwarzenegger shared personal stories and insights about his passion for cigars.
He spoke about his interactions with other famous cigar enthusiasts, such as his friend Sylvester Stallone, and his fondness for the ritual of smoking.
Also, in 2019, Arnie received accolades from the magazine for his cigar passion, earning his fourth cover feature as an ambassador of the cigar lifestyle.
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The Story in Mexico City 1989
One of the most memorable anecdotes about Arnold Schwarzenegger and his love for cigars comes from a 1989 encounter in Mexico City.
Dining in a five-star restaurant, Schwarzenegger was about to enjoy one of his beloved cigars when a stranger approached him.
To Schwarzenegger’s surprise, the man took Arnold’s cigar from his hand and suggested spicing it up a bit.
He proceeded to drench the cedar in tequila and stroke the cigar, making it nice and moist before returning it to a stunned Schwarzenegger.
This unexpected but delightful twist on the usual cigar-smoking experience became a cherished memory for Schwarzenegger, demonstrating his open-minded approach to his beloved hobby.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger’s First Cigar
For Arnold Schwarzenegger, the journey into the world of cigars started with one significant figure: his father-in-law, Sargent Shriver.
Sargent, a cigar smoker himself, introduced Schwarzenegger to the pleasure of smoking cigars in the late 1970s.
Schwarzenegger’s first encounter with cigars wasn’t with premium varieties but with small cigars known as “little Virginians.”
His famous excuse to his wife, Maria Shriver, and her mother, Eunice Kennedy, when they questioned his new habit?
“It’s something that I picked up from your father,” he’d say, passing off his newfound love for cigars as a bonding experience with Sargent.
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Participating in a Cigar Smoking Competition in Split Croatia
In 2013, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s cigar journey led him to the picturesque city of Split, Croatia.
There, he attended the Cigar Smoking World Championship, taking his passion for cigars to a competitive level.
Schwarzenegger held his own in the competition, finishing in an impressive sixth place out of 18 contestants.
This experience was yet another testament to Schwarzenegger’s dedication to his love of cigars.
Competing in the championship was an opportunity for him to share this passion with fellow cigar enthusiasts and of course, to enjoy some excellent cigars along the way.
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Arnie’s Innovative Solution: The Iconic Cigar Tent at the California Capitol
When Arnold Schwarzenegger stepped into the role of California’s governor in 2003, he found a unique way to fuse his official duties with his personal passion for cigars.
Faced with the capitol building’s strict no-smoking rule, Schwarzenegger didn’t kick up a fuss.
Instead, he set up a tent on the capitol grounds, transforming it into his own bespoke cigar lounge.
This innovative space became his office and a meeting hub, even hosting legislators who were fervently against smoking.
Schwarzenegger’s move was so extraordinary that it prompted the California State Librarian Emeritus, Kevin Starr, to comment on its historical significance.
The tent, stocked with a large humidor, bottled water, bowls of peanuts, and an H. Upmann ashtray, bore testament to Schwarzenegger’s unyielding love for cigars – with Cohibas often being the brand of choice.
Arnie Signs Smoking Ban With Cigar Exemption in California Parks and Beaches
As the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger found a way to marry his political responsibilities with his passion for cigars.
In 2010, he signed a smoking ban that prohibited smoking in California parks and beaches, aiming to combat the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke.
However, in a twist that cigar lovers appreciated, Schwarzenegger included an exemption for cigar and pipe smoking.
While controversial for some, this decision highlighted Schwarzenegger’s dedication to the cigar community and his belief in the importance of personal freedom.
Hosted a Charity Auction that Involved Rare and Expensive Cigars
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s love for cigars extends beyond his personal enjoyment.
In 2017, he leveraged his fame and passion for cigars for a noble cause.
Schwarzenegger hosted a charity auction that featured a range of rare and expensive cigars.
The proceeds from this auction went to the After-School All-Stars program, a cause close to Schwarzenegger’s heart.
This event demonstrated how Schwarzenegger uses his love for cigars for personal pleasure and to give back to the community.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Invests in Hometown Cigar Company, Columbus Cigars
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s passion for cigars isn’t limited to just smoking them.
His love for these rolled bundles of dried and fermented tobacco leaves has also led him to invest in the industry.
Schwarzenegger has invested in Columbus Cigars, a cigar company based in his hometown of Graz, Austria.
This business venture strengthens his ties with the cigar community and brings him closer to his roots.
A move that reflects his deep-seated affection for his homeland and his love for cigars.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Generous Cigar Sharing and Pranks on Set
Known for his larger-than-life personality, Schwarzenegger is also known to share his love for cigars with his co-stars on set.
But that’s not all – Schwarzenegger has a playful side too.
He’s been known to pull pranks involving cigars, adding a layer of fun to the otherwise serious business of smoking.
On the set of “The Terminator,” it’s said that he once replaced Sylvester Stallone’s premium cigar with a cheaper, less tasty variety, leading to a memorable moment of surprise for Stallone.
His playful antics and genuine love for sharing a good smoke make Schwarzenegger a beloved figure both on and off-set.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Legendary Introduction of Jimmy Fallon to Cigars
One of Schwarzenegger’s most memorable cigar-related anecdotes involves late-night talk show host Jimmy Fallon.
When Fallon was a guest on “The Tonight Show” in the early 2000s, Schwarzenegger introduced him to cigars.
The encounter, which involved Schwarzenegger teaching a novice Fallon how to properly smoke a cigar, was both humorous and enlightening.
