Cigars have a long and illustrious history, stretching back centuries. Not only do they offer an enjoyable smoke, but also provide a great way to relax and unwind. However, with so many different types of cigars available on the market today, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing the right one for you. That’s why unpacking the lingo of cigars is essential if you want to make an informed decision about which cigar will suit your tastes best.
Contents:
From wrappers and fillers to vitolas and shapes, there are a number of terms used in the cigar world that may not be familiar at first glance. Wrapper refers to the leaf used on the outside of the cigar; this is usually dark in color as it has been fermented longer than other leaves used in making cigars. Fillers refer to what goes inside a cigar – either long filler or short filler tobacco leaves – while binder is another term for wrapper-grade tobacco leaves that are often employed as part of a three-leaf blend around fillers during rolling process.
Vitola is often used as another name for size or shape when describing cigars – whether small or large ring gauge or torpedo shape – while ‘plume’ refers to fine white crystals which form naturally over time on aged cigars due its oils evaporating from within them over time. Furthermore ‘smokehead’ describes someone who enjoys smoking their own handmade rolled cigars regularly; ‘stogie’ pertains more broadly anyone who smokes any kind of cigar; ‘chaveta’ references both tools used by rollers during production process and also experienced smokers who can identify various sizes & shapes without looking at them closely.
‘Puro’ denotes those special kinds of Cuban made purely from locally grown tobaccos (rather than blends) and ‘torcedor’ means roller in Spanish language: individuals responsible for creating hand-rolled pieces using these aforementioned components & techniques required craftsmanship involved throughout whole process. With all these terms defined now hopefully novices can better understand what makes each type unique before trying out their first stick – ultimately allowing everyone enjoy this classic pastime responsibly!
A Primer for Cigar Smokers
The world of cigars is one of tradition, luxury, and camaraderie. For the uninitiated, however, it can seem like a foreign language. This primer for cigar smokers is here to help.
Cigars are measured in length (in inches) and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch). Many cigars come in traditional sizes such as corona or robusto; others have more unique shapes such as lancero or figurado. The wrapper leaf on a cigar provides the majority of its flavor while the filler is what gives it body and strength. Wrapper leaves are often sorted by color from lightest to darkest: double claro/jade/candela, claro/natural, Colorado clara/Colorado natural/maduro, oscuro. Fillers can range from long-filler tobacco which runs through the entire length of the cigar to short-filler made up of bits and pieces that are mixed together with binders before being rolled into a cigar shape.
When smoking a cigar there are some terms worth knowing: puffing – taking smoke into your mouth without inhaling; resting – letting your cigar sit idle between puffs; retrohaling – exhaling smoke through your nose instead of your mouth; cedaring – lighting multiple matches at once so they burn together creating thick plumes of smoke that cover the surface area quickly; band removal – gently sliding off the paper ring at any time during smoking but usually when you reach halfway point. ashtray topping – adding new ashes to old ashes so it looks like there’s still ash left even if all was burned away earlier. Knowing these basics will help you understand how to enjoy each stick even more.
The Art of Rolling
The art of rolling cigars is an integral part of the cigar culture. While many connoisseurs may prefer to purchase pre-rolled cigars, hand-rolling has been a popular method for creating cigars since ancient times. The intricate craftsmanship involved in rolling tobacco leaves into perfect cylinders can be quite challenging, but also rewarding. It requires patience and attention to detail, as well as knowledge of proper techniques and tools.
To begin with, the type of wrapper used will determine the shape and size of a cigar’s body. Common wrappers include Connecticut Shade, Corojo or Habano. Each wrapper brings unique characteristics such as flavor and texture that should be taken into consideration when selecting one for your project. Blenders must decide on what type of binder leaf they want to use; this is important because it helps hold all the filler tobaccos together while providing structure during the rolling process. Choosing filler tobaccos allows makers to customize their own blend by mixing different varieties that produce desired flavors like sweet or spicy notes in each puff.
Once all components are chosen then comes time to actually roll them up. This step begins with forming small bundles called ‘bouquets’, which consists of placing three-to-five individual leaves on top of each other before bunching them tightly together with both hands until they form a cylindrical shape about half an inch in diameter–this is referred to as ‘tying off’. From there makers use special wooden molds known as ‘matafuegos’ that help keep their bouquets firm while shaping them into classic cigar shapes like Torpedo or Robusto using skilled fingers and thumbs pressure along its length until reaching desired dimensions (typically 6 – 7 inches long). Afterward comes inspection for any imperfections before being placed in humidors where they can rest peacefully until ready for smoking enjoyment!
Exploring Flavors and Fragrances
Exploring the flavors and fragrances of cigars is a major part of enjoying them. When trying out different brands, you may notice that they all have their own distinct characteristics. You might come across descriptions such as ‘earthy’, ‘woody’ or even ‘spicy’. All these words can help to give you an idea of what the cigar will taste like.
When smoking a cigar, it’s important to take your time and pay attention to its aromas. The smoke will often carry with it hints of coffee, chocolate, nuts or even leather. Different tobaccos are used in making each type of cigar so there can be quite a variation in flavor between different brands. Knowing which types of tobacco are used by manufacturers can be helpful when deciding on which cigars to buy.
Cigars also come in various shapes and sizes that affect how quickly they burn and how strong their aroma is when lit up. For instance, larger ring gauge cigars tend to produce more smoke than smaller ones due to the increased amount of filler inside them. So if you’re looking for something bolder then opting for one with a larger size could be beneficial for enhancing your smoking experience.
Choosing the Right Humidor
Choosing the perfect humidor to store your cigars is an important step in cigar smoking. A quality humidor will ensure that your cigars remain fresh and enjoyable, while also providing a safe storage space for them. Humidors come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials to accommodate any lifestyle or budget.
Wooden humidors are the most popular choice among aficionados as they provide excellent insulation against changes in humidity levels and temperature fluctuations. Cedar wood is usually used because it naturally emits a pleasant aroma which can be beneficial when aging cigars over long periods of time. Some wooden humidors may include features such as dividers or drawers that can be used to separate different brands or varieties of cigars from one another.
Glass-top humidors offer great visibility into their contents without compromising on performance; however, they tend to have less interior space than their wooden counterparts due to their design style. They may also be more expensive than wooden models since glass is more costly material than wood itself. On the other hand, glass-top humidors are ideal for displaying collections of rare cigars in home bars or cigar lounges since these types often feature attractive finishes with brass accents that lend an air of sophistication wherever they are placed.
An Introduction to Aging
Cigar enthusiasts are passionate about their pastime and take great care in selecting the perfect cigar for each moment. The process of aging cigars is an essential part of this selection, as it affects the flavor and character of a cigar. Aging is the act of storing cigars in optimal conditions to allow them to mature over time. There are two types of aging: short-term and long-term.
Short-term aging involves storing cigars for several months in humidors, which keep humidity levels at a consistent 70% relative humidity (RH) or higher while providing proper air circulation. During this period, flavors develop as tobaccos react to their environment and gradually mellow out, resulting in more balanced notes when smoked. It’s recommended that aficionados sample cigars from different boxes at various points during the short-term aging process to assess how they’ve changed over time.
Long-term aging can be done either by leaving cigars in humidors for multiple years or through fermentation – an intense curing process where dried tobacco leaves are placed into large piles that cause heat and moisture buildup within them, allowing flavors to deepen further than with traditional methods alone. Many veteran smokers prefer aged tobacco due its smoothness on the palate, subtle complexities, and overall enhanced smoking experience compared to non-aged tobacco products.
Cutting and Lighting Tips
It is important to understand the basics of cutting and lighting cigars in order to get a good smoke. When using a guillotine cutter, it is important to make sure that the cut is clean and precise. Make sure that you are slicing off the exact same amount from both sides of the cap so as not to ruin your cigar. If there is any doubt about where exactly you should be making your cut, consult with an experienced smoker or tobacconist for guidance.
When it comes time to light up your cigar, don’t just use any lighter or match; you will want something special for this occasion. Try investing in a butane torch lighter which gives a very even flame and can light almost anything. Another option would be to buy long wooden matches as these can give more control over heat than standard matches while still providing enough heat needed to ignite your cigar properly. For those who prefer something different, cedar spills provide an interesting smoking experience due to their slow burn rate. Just take one end and hold it against the foot of your cigar until it starts burning and then blow out before taking a puff!
No matter what type of lighting device you decide on using, make sure that it doesn’t impart any flavors onto your smoke by testing them out on some scrap paper first before putting them anywhere near your premium tobacco leafs. When all else fails just ask someone nearby who looks like they know what they’re doing – chances are they have been in this situation many times before and will be able share some useful advice with you!
Socializing with a Smoke
For cigar aficionados, smoking isn’t just a solo activity. Lighting up can be an opportunity to socialize and enjoy the company of others. Gatherings centered around cigars are known as herfs, which stands for “here every Friday.” It doesn’t necessarily mean that it happens every week; it simply means that whenever people get together to smoke, they call it a herf. These events usually involve more than one person and can range from small gatherings in someone’s home or backyard to large conventions where hundreds of people congregate for the shared love of stogies.
At a herf, participants bring their own favorite cigars or trade with each other so everyone gets to experience different varieties and brands. There is also a time-honored tradition of passing around samples for the group to try before making a purchase decision on something new. A quality lighter is essential since you don’t want your flame going out in between puffs. Many cigar enthusiasts prefer butane lighters because they provide an even heat distribution without affecting the flavor of the tobacco like some types of matches do.
Most importantly though, at these events you will find passionate conversations about all things related to cigars: construction techniques, origins and blends of tobaccos used in various recipes, pairing drinks with particular flavors – there is no shortage of topics when talking shop with fellow smokers.
Cigars in Popular Culture
Cigars have a long history of being associated with the rich and famous. From politicians to athletes, celebrities and more, cigars are often seen as a status symbol or signifier of success. Whether they’re used in celebration or just for an enjoyable evening out, cigars continue to be popular among the well-to-do.
The image of smoking a cigar has become iconic in many ways over the years. In Hollywood films, one character is often seen puffing away on a cigar while planning his next move. This same visual can be found on television shows like “Mad Men” where Don Draper regularly enjoys an after work smoke break with clients. Many actors such as Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant and even former President Barack Obama were all known for their love of cigars during their time in office.
In addition to its celebrity following, cigars also carry with them certain cultural implications that make them attractive to some people from different backgrounds and walks of life. For instance, they may signify wealth or power within certain groups or communities; this could explain why someone might choose to light up at business meetings or social gatherings when trying to impress others around them. Cigars also come with various flavor profiles depending on what type you purchase which gives aficionados plenty of options when it comes to finding something that suits their taste buds perfectly.
