The art of cigar smoking is rooted deeply in history and tradition. An item of exceptional craftsmanship and pride, the cigar has a unique social and celebratory characteristic. Whether you light one up to celebrate a wedding, a new child, closing a business deal, or simply just the camaraderie of friends, the cigar marks many important events in our lives. Moreover, history, tradition, and pop culture have given cigars a special allure. Famous historical figures such as Churchill and Twain and fictional heroes like Clint Eastwood’s Blondie and the Wolverine have cemented the cigar in our imagination as a symbol of authority, sophistication, and mystery.
Like fine wine, cigars have a rich array of flavors and aromas, contributing to a unique smoking experience. If you’re new to the art of cigar smoking, we’ve written the ultimate guide to enjoying the perfect cigar. From understanding the components of a cigar to learning the different sizes, types, and brands, we’ll delve into the rich tradition of cigar smoking. Let’s begin with the basics: What is a cigar?
The Parts of a Cigar
A cigar is simply defined as “a small roll of tobacco leaf for smoking,” but in reality, it is so much more. The three primary components of a cigar are the wrapper, binder, and filler. These three elements make up the blend of the cigar. Cigar artisans create each cigar with a unique blend, carefully selecting three types of tobacco. They adjust the blend to ensure that every shape and size achieves the perfect ratio.
Wrapper Leaf
The wrapper is the outer leaf of the cigar and encompasses the other components. The wrapper is vital as it conveys the appearance of the cigar. Therefore, cigar makers are especially careful in selecting the right wrapper to give the cigar an enticing appearance. A wrapper should be a leaf with no holes, tears, or unsightly marks or veins. In addition to the appearance, the wrapper provides up to 60% of the cigar’s flavor. Therefore, the maker needs to select the perfect wrapper.
A few of the most common wrapper varietals include:
- U.S. Connecticut Wrappers
- Ecuadorian Connecticut Wrappers
- Connecticut Broadleaf Wrappers
- Corojo Wrappers
- Habano Wrappers
- Sumatran Wrappers
- Cameroon Wrappers
Two of the most common classifications are Maduro and natural. The fermentation process gives Maduro its characteristic dark brown color. They tend to be rich and often sweeter in flavor. On the other hand, natural wrappers are lighter in color, ranging from light tan to golden brown. Their flavor is more buttery, nutty, and even spicy.
Binder
The binder layer of a cigar holds the filler tobacco together. The binder surrounds the filler and helps hold the cigar’s structure. Its primary purpose is to help maintain a consistent burn. Binder leaves have a different and shorter curing process than the other components. The leaves are bunched in pairs to avoid holes in the leaves, which helps keep an even burn.
Filler
The innermost layer or core of the cigar is called the filler. The filler contributes to the cigar’s flavor, burn, and complexity. The two primary types of cigar fillers are long and short fillers. Long filler, sometimes called whole leaf filler, is made using the entire tobacco leaf and is considered to be more premium. It tends to provide a smoother smoking experience.
On the other hand, short filler is made with remnants of chopped leaves and is often used in less expensive cigars. However, some cigars, like the Cuban Sandwich Cigar, combine short-filler tobacco with long-filler leaves during the rolling process. While short-filler cigars may offer a more affordable option, they can burn less evenly and may have a different smoking experience compared to long-fillers.
Ready to Take a Puff?
Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or just beginning to appreciate the art, our curated selection awaits your discovery. Step into a world where every cigar tells a story, and every puff is a celebration of tradition. Explore our collection and elevate your cigar experience today. Your journey is just beginning—ignite the passion with Old Virginia Tobacco Company. Cheers to the timeless allure of cigars!