Swisher Sweets are a well-known cigar company today, but David Swisher did not start out to become an international cigar manufacturer. The brand is now made by Swisher International, which is based in Jacksonville, Florida. Swisher Sweets are sold in just about every tobacco shop and most convenience stores and super markets. If you are a long-time fan or are simply curious about this pop culture icon, read a little about the history of the brand and varieties available.
History of Swisher Sweets Cigars
Swisher International makes several brands of cigars, smokeless tobacco, and electronic vapor products. David Swisher, a merchant, acquired a small cigar business in 1861 as part of a settlement for debts. Its first cigar line was made back in 1871 and the popular Swisher Sweets began production in 1958.
What made Swisher successful was surprisingly, the stock market crash of 1929. While almost every company in the United States was laying off employees in droves, Swisher hired several hundred people to work in his factory. There, he used the newly invented rolling machines to wrap each cigar individually in cellophane that could easily be removed with the cigar band.
The company has grown since and seen almost nothing but success. Modernly, Swisher is the largest cigar exporter in the United States. It keeps up with manufacturing trends and in spite of changing hands a few times, has maintained much of the original style.
Varieties of Swisher Sweets Cigars Available
Swisher Sweets makes dozens of varieties of tobacco products in natural and artificial flavors. Most varieties are wrapped in foil to extend their short-term shelf life without need for a humidor.
Sizes include:
- Cigarillos
- Cigars
- Little cigars
- Mini cigarillos
- Tip cigarillos
Flavors vary by size, but the most widely available are the following:
- Black
- Blueberry
- Cherry
- Chocolate
- Grape
- Menthol
- Peach
- Sweet
- Strawberry
- Tropical fusion
- White grape
- Wine
King Edward Nursery
The Swisher brand has an odd claim to fame with a blend of good marketing and philanthropy. In 1939 Swisher International built a children’s nursery, the period equivalent of a daycare, on the top floor of the building for the children of its primarily-female employees. It was named the King Edward Nursery, which is also the name of one of the company’s cigar varieties. The nursery was the first of its kind, with trained nurses on staff 24/7. Incidentally, the following year King Edward became the best-selling cigar in the world.
Shopping for Swisher Sweets Cigars
Swisher Sweets are notably low priced compared to most other cigar brands. stocks a wide range of them, ensuring that your favorite varieties are always available. The most common size is the five-pack, but they can also be purchased in cartons of up to 200.
