As far back as the mid-1800s, records exist describing the pre-meeting tradition of Brethren smoking cigars during and after gatherings. To this day, the practice of smoking cigars remains very much alive in many lodges. This custom is considered a time for Brethren to relax, exchange ideas, and enjoy the simplicity and fellowship that is the very essence of Brotherhood.
This is what Hiram & Solomon Cigars is all about. Our starting principles are to bring Mason brothers together in the harmony of a good cigar. Pull up a chair, sit back, light up any of our premium quality cigars, and enjoy the history.
As fellow Brethren WB Fouad Kashouty and Brother George Dakrat enjoyed cigars together, the discussion would eventually lead to the same realization: there was no accessible cigar on the market for Freemason smokers that carried the square and compass, nor any other Masonic Emblem. Upon coming to this conclusion, the topic of the conversation shifted into countless private meetings. The symposium consisted of talk concerning the possibility of creating not only a Masonic-themed cigar, but a quality cigar that would not just physically represent Freemasons all over the world but contain within it a quality that could match the caliber of excellence that the Brethren themselves contain. The dream of creating and proudly possessing such a cigar was never extinguished in WB Fouad Kashouty’s and Brother George Dakrat’s hearts.
The idea continuously reinvented itself over and over in their minds. As avid cigar smokers, each time they held a cigar in their hands, they’d imagine a cigar that would be made as a symbol of the Brotherhood, yet available for all. As the ambition continued to grow inside them, they researched and studied, searching for the right place to begin the creation of their shared dream, Masonic Cigars.
In the beginning, WB Kashouty and Brother Dakrat established their first location in the beauty of the Dominican Republic, before moving shortly after to Nicaragua, harvesting shockingly delicious and complex-bodied tobacco to rival the flavors and quality of the world’s best cigar brands.
In 2020 as Brother Dakrat retired, WB Kashouty took over the company along side his wife Romy. As an avid cigar smoker herself and also having experience in world markets , Romy helped expand Hiram & Solomon Cigars portfolio to more international countries and enforced the image that Hiram & Solomon Cigars is not just for Freemasons smokers but for all to enjoy.
Additionally, being one of the most fundamental aspects of Freemason Teachings, a way to incorporate charity into such a meaningful company was a must. In order to have the opportunity to give back to our supporters, Hiram & Solomon Cigars donates part of the sales profits to various Masonic and non-Masonic community charity events.
Our only hope is that creation of these cigars will bring positive experiences to all types of people the world over. Perhaps it will bring Brethren closer together as they bond over smoke after a meeting. Maybe it will bring a non-Brother a drive to learn about Freemasonry and its history. Perchance our experience inspires someone else to follow their dream and never give up. At the very least, we can rest assured that we have provided a consistently tasty, quality cigar that can appeal to everyone’s palate and represent Freemasons all over the world with pride.
Learn more about the deep history of Hiram & Solomon Cigars and the values we hold closest to us, worked into every cigar we produce. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter!
