Cigar 101: An Introduction to Cigars for Everybody
When you enter our shop, you can see our passions. A passion for wine, of course. A passion for quality spirits. Then, our passion for fine cigars. Whether you’re just beginning your journey into the world of cigars or a seasoned cigar lover, this guide is designed to help your understanding and enjoyment of the unique world of cigars.
The Journey of Cigar Making
Crafting a premium cigar is a meticulous process that involves time, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Here’s a closer look at the journey from seed to smoke:
1. Cultivation:
The process begins in the tobacco fields, where the plants are grown with great care and attention. Tobacco seeds are typically sown in nurseries, where they grow into seedlings before being transplanted into the fields. Depending on the variety, tobacco plants can take several months to mature. During this time, they require specific conditions such as adequate sunlight, proper soil pH, and regular watering.
Once mature, the plants are harvested by hand to ensure the quality of the leaves. Leaves are picked based on their position on the plant: lower leaves (Volado) are mild, middle leaves (Seco) offer a balanced flavor, and the top leaves (Ligero) provide robust strength and spiciness.
2. Curing:
After harvesting, the leaves are hung in curing barns, where they undergo a transformation process. This step is crucial for developing the leaves’ flavor and aroma. Curing removes the moisture from the leaves, which can take from a few weeks to a couple of months. The leaves gradually change color from green to a rich brown, which signifies that the curing process is complete.
3. Fermentation:
Cured leaves are then stacked in piles called “pilones,” where they undergo fermentation. This process allows natural chemicals within the leaves to break down, reducing ammonia content and enhancing the tobacco’s flavor. Temperature and humidity levels are carefully monitored and controlled during fermentation to prevent mold growth and ensure even fermentation throughout the leaves.
4. Aging:
After fermentation, the leaves are aged to further develop their flavors. Aging can last from six months to several years, depending on the desired flavor profile. During this time, the leaves are periodically rotated and sorted to ensure consistent aging.
5. Blending and Rolling:
The blending process is where the magic happens. Master blenders combine different types of leaves to create unique flavor profiles. The art of blending involves a deep understanding of how various tobacco types interact with each other. Once blended, skilled rollers, known as “torcedores,” hand-roll the cigars with precision and care.
The roller starts by selecting filler leaves, which are then bunched together to form the core of the cigar. The bunch is then wrapped in a binder leaf, which holds the filler in place. Finally, a high-quality wrapper leaf is carefully applied to the cigar, giving it its final shape and look.
The Art of Rolling Cigars
Rolling a cigar is an art form that requires skill, patience, and a keen eye for detail. It all starts with the selection process.
Selecting the Leaves:
Each cigar is made up of three parts: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The filler leaves are the heart of the cigar and are chosen based on the desired strength and flavor. The binder leaf holds the filler together, and the wrapper leaf provides the cigar’s outer appearance and contributes significantly to the cigar’s overall flavor.
Bunching the Filler:
The roller carefully bunches the filler leaves together, ensuring an even distribution of leaves. The bunch is then placed on a binder leaf, which is rolled around the filler to create a cylindrical shape. This step is crucial for the cigar’s burn and draw.
Applying the Wrapper:
The wrapper leaf, often the most delicate part of the cigar, is rolled around the binder and filler with precision. The roller uses a flat wooden board to roll the cigar, ensuring a tight and even wrap. The cap, a small piece of wrapper leaf, is applied to the head of the cigar to seal it and add a finishing touch.
Quality Control:
Once rolled, cigars are placed in molds to ensure a uniform shape. They are then aged for a period to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Each cigar is inspected for quality, ensuring it meets the manufacturer’s standards before being packaged and shipped.
Tasting Profiles and Humidor Recommendations
Cigars offer a wide range of tasting profiles, each with its own unique characteristics and nuances. Here are some popular tasting profiles and our top recommendations:
Mild:
Mild cigars are smooth and creamy, making them a great choice for beginners or those who prefer a lighter smoke. These cigars typically have notes of cedar, nuts, and light spices.
Recommendation: Macanudo Inspriado Series White – Known for its beautiful and mellow, yet complex and flavorful. Creamy, with hints of spice. This award-winning blend results from over 50 years of excellence driving evolution in all of the best ways. Adorned with a golden Ecuadorian Connecticut wrapper aged for six years, Inspirado White offers approachability without sacrificing excitement.
Medium:
Medium-bodied cigars offer a balance of flavor and strength. They often feature notes of coffee, cocoa, leather, and earth, making them a versatile choice for any occasion.
Recommendation: Arturo Fuente Hemingway – This medium-bodied cigar is crafted with a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler. It offers a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of cedar, spice, and a hint of sweetness, providing a satisfying smoke from start to finish.
Full:
Full-bodied cigars are bold and robust, delivering intense flavors of spice, pepper, leather, and dark chocolate. These cigars are best enjoyed by experienced smokers who appreciate a strong and complex smoke.
Recommendation: Padron Serie 1926 – The Padron Serie 1926 is a full-bodied cigar that offers a luxurious smoking experience. It features a Nicaraguan wrapper and filler, providing a rich and complex flavor profile with notes of coffee, cocoa, and spice.
Infused:
Infused cigars are as the name suggests infused with a flavor that isn’t always naturally occurring in tobacco. There is a wide range of flavors including those of fruits such as cherry or blueberry, to flavors of mint, cinnamon, or Irish cream, to flavors such as coffee, mocha, and honey.
Recommendation: ACID Kuba Kuba – This infused cigar from Drew Estate features a Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and a unique blend of herbs, oils, and botanicals. The ACID Kuba Kuba is known for its sweet and aromatic flavor, with notes of coffee, earth, and a hint of spice.
Recommendation: CAO Flavours Moontrance – The CAO Moontrance is a popular choice for those who enjoy a fruit-infused cigar. It features a Cameroon wrapper and Dominican filler, infused with flavors of exotic fruit and bourbon vanilla. This cigar offers a smooth and creamy smoke with a sweet and aromatic finish.
When Cigars Dry Out
Even the most carefully stored cigars can dry out if not properly maintained. Dry cigars can become brittle and lose their flavor, but there are ways to revive them:
Rehydration:
The first step in reviving a dry cigar is to rehydrate it. Place the cigar in a humidor with the proper humidity level (around 70%). If you don’t have a humidor, you can use a sealed plastic bag with a humidification device. Be sure to monitor the humidity levels regularly to ensure the cigars are rehydrating properly.
Patience:
Rehydrating cigars takes time. It’s essential to let them gradually regain their moisture over a few weeks. Avoid rushing the process by adding too much humidity too quickly, as this can cause the cigar to become overly moist and potentially moldy.
Checking the Progress:
Periodically check the cigars for pliability. When they feel supple and flexible, they are ready to be enjoyed. If the cigars still feel dry or brittle, continue the rehydration process until they reach the desired moisture level.
Where to Buy Cigars
Finding the right cigar can be an enjoyable journey, and there are several great places to purchase premium cigars:
Local Cigar Shops:
Visit us at our location in Ozark, MO by Lambert’s Cafe, where our knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect cigar for any occasion. Our humidor is stocked with a wide selection of cigars, and we are always happy to offer recommendations and advice.
Online Retailers:
Many reputable online retailers offer a vast selection of cigars and accessories. Shopping online allows you to explore a wide range of brands and blends from the comfort of your home. However, we want you to be cautious and make sure to choose a reputable retailer that offers quality products and reliable customer service. Most customers will choose to go through an online retailer to buy in bulk their favorite cigars. If you’ve had trouble with this, come see us and talk to Luke, our certified tobacconist, and we would be happy to get you boxes of whatever cigar you’d like as long as we have the ability to do so.
Cigar Lounges:
Our Mayor’s Cigar lounges provide a comfortable and relaxing environment where you can enjoy your purchase. Many lounges offer a selection of premium cigars, as well as a variety of drinks and snacks to complement your smoking experience. However, we are slightly different as we offer a full-service cigar lounge. Drinks, snacks, meals, coffee, and a cigar club.
The Final Puff
Whether you’re exploring cigars for the first time or looking to expand your collection, understanding the intricacies of cigar making, rolling, and tasting can significantly enhance your enjoyment. Stop by and visit us, where our humidor is stocked with a variety of premium cigars to suit every palate. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the perfect smoke for your next special occasion or quiet evening. If you want to go one step further, join our Cigar Society, where we curate a new selection of cigars each month for you to enjoy.
Remember, Sip, Smoke, Savor. See you soon friends!
