About Us
story of Victory
Our Mission: To Provide Affordable Luxury For All
2009 was an important year for many reasons, both known and otherwise. For example, 2009 had the longest total solar eclipse of the 21st century (6 minutes and 38.8 seconds), and paleontologists announced the discovery of the fossil skeleton Arthripidicus ramidus, deeming it the oldest remains of a human ancestor yet found. But for us, the year 2009 (the 9th year of the 3rd millennium, the 9th year of the 21st century, and the 10th and last year of the 2000’s) was important because history was made.
Victory Cigars opened its doors for business in Oshawa!
We have brothers-in-law Julian Luke and Kevin Newell to thank for this extraordinary feat. Family men, the guys are alike in many ways yet have their differences. Julian loves premium cigars, good novels and hanging out with his family. His favourite quote is “If there are no cigars in heaven, I shall not go,” Mark Twain. Kevin loves cooking, sports and travel. If he were to quote you something it would be this: “The strong take from the weak, but the smart take from the strong.”
To open the store, the fellows selected a building at 215 King Street East in Oshawa, Ontario. It’s a circa 1923 house, formerly the home of Oshawa’s Cutler family, with historic ties to General Motors and the Oshawa Public Library.
Julian and Kevin are both premium cigar enthusiasts from way back. Prior to Victory Cigars they each had full careers (spanning over 45 years between them); when they both took retirement at a relatively young age they knew their purpose in the community was only just beginning. They dreamed of opening a premium cigar store, so together that’s just what they did. As fully licensed tobacconists their mission is to bring you the best selection of cigars in the country, to introduce you to diverse brands and unique products.
The premium cigar selection in the walk-in humidor is diverse and ever-evolving. Think you’ve tried them all? Pop in and see what’s new, they are always stocking new cigars for you, their valued client. Victory Cigars also stocks over 40 flavours of loose pipe tobacco, including a variety of aromatics and English mixes. You can purchase by the gram in any quantity you desire. And the adventurous client can even design a custom blend!
Julian and Kevin and the entire team at Victory Cigars would love to welcome you if you have yet to see their bricks and mortar location. Stop in and see what’s in store.
A Victorious History
There is a reason for selecting the name Victory Cigars. The shop has adopted Admiral Horatio Nelson as its patron and there is a portrait of Nelson in the store. In 1759, two hundred and fifty years before Victory Cigars opened, the keel of Nelson’s flagship HMS Victory was laid. As commander, Nelson went on to defeat the combined French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. This victory, during which Nelson was killed, prevented the invasion of Britain by Napoleon; had Nelson been defeated, the course of history would have been altered, and Canada may not have become the country it is today. Our immediate family includes a great Uncle who was a submariner in the Royal Navy; legend has it that one of his relatives was a gunner on the HMS Victory. So that’s the story behind the shop’s name. (As a side note, during 2010 we celebrated our first year of operation, the same year Canada’s Navy celebrated its centenary).