Everything You Should Know About Cigars

Few indulgences in life have the aura, history, and ritualistic reverence that cigars possess. From the great generals of history to modern entrepreneurs celebrating a deal, cigars have been symbols of power, celebration, reflection, and camaraderie. Beyond their image, cigars embody a rich craft honed over centuries. This guide takes you deep into the world of cigars — from the leaves of the fields to the curl of smoke in a dimly lit lounge.

A Brief History of Cigars

Cigars trace their roots back to the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, Central, and South America, long before Europeans set foot in the New World. The Taíno people, encountered by Christopher Columbus in 1492, were among the earliest known to roll and smoke tobacco leaves.

Columbus and his crew brought tobacco back to Europe, where it rapidly gained popularity. By the 16th century, smoking had become fashionable among European elites. Spanish colonies in the Caribbean — particularly Cuba — became central to tobacco cultivation and cigar production.

By the 19th century, cigars had exploded in popularity worldwide. Cuba, often referred to as the Mecca of cigar making, established itself as the global benchmark for quality cigars, a reputation it largely retains today. The cigar industry later spread to the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and other nations, creating a competitive, diverse market cherished by enthusiasts globally.

How Cigars Are Made: The Craft Behind the Smoke

A premium cigar’s creation is a meticulous, labor-intensive process, often involving hundreds of skilled hands from seed to store.

1. Cultivating Tobacco

The process starts with the selection of tobacco seeds, which are sown in seedbeds and then transplanted to fields. The conditions of the soil, weather, and altitude dramatically influence the tobacco's flavor profile — known as terroir, borrowing from winemaking terminology.

There are different types of tobacco plants, but the most commonly used for premium cigars is Nicotiana tabacum.

2. Harvesting

Tobacco plants are harvested in stages. The leaves ripen from the bottom up:

• Volado (bottom leaves): Mild and burn well.

• Seco (middle leaves): Balanced flavor and aroma.

• Ligero (top leaves): Strong, full-bodied flavor.

Some leaves are left to grow under shade cloths to create a smoother texture for wrappers.

3. Curing

Freshly picked leaves are cured to remove moisture and prepare them for fermentation. Leaves are typically hung in curing barns for 45-60 days, during which they turn from green to golden brown.

4. Fermentation

After curing, the leaves are piled in large stacks called pilones, where controlled fermentation occurs. This process removes impurities, enhances flavor, and reduces harshness. The temperature, moisture, and duration of fermentation are critical variables, and multiple fermentations might be necessary for optimal quality.

5. Aging

High-quality tobacco is aged for several years before being used. Aging mellows harsh flavors and deepens the complexity of the leaf’s natural aromas and taste.

6. Blending

Cigar makers — called tabaqueros or master blenders — combine various types of tobacco leaves to achieve a specific flavor profile. A single cigar may incorporate leaves from different regions and plant positions.

7. Rolling

Cigars are typically rolled by hand, especially in premium brands. The process involves:

• Filler: A blend of tobacco leaves rolled into a cylindrical bunch.

• Binder: A leaf that holds the filler together.

• Wrapper: The outermost, aesthetically pleasing, and flavorful leaf.

Skilled rollers can craft hundreds of cigars daily, with strict quality control ensuring consistency.

8. Aging (Again)

Once rolled, cigars are often aged further to allow the tobaccos to marry and the flavors to harmonize.

Types of Cigars

Cigars come in various shapes, sizes, and blends, each offering a unique smoking experience.

By Shape (Vitola)

• Parejo: Straight-sided cigars, the most common form. Examples include Robusto, Toro, and Churchill.

• Figurado: Irregularly shaped cigars such as Torpedoes, Belicosos, Perfectos, and Pyramids.

By Size

Cigars are measured by length (in inches) and ring gauge (diameter in 64ths of an inch). Common sizes include:

• Corona: 5.5-6 inches, 42-44 ring gauge.

• Robusto: 4.75-5.5 inches, 48-52 ring gauge.

• Churchill: 6.75-7 inches, 47-50 ring gauge.

• Toro: 6 inches, 50-54 ring gauge.

By Strength

Cigar strength generally falls into three categories:

• Mild: Subtle, smooth flavors, ideal for beginners.

• Medium: Balanced, flavorful with moderate strength.

• Full-bodied: Rich, bold, often with intense spice and complexity.

By Origin

• Cuban: Known for their richness, complexity, and strict government control.

• Dominican Republic: Milder, often creamy and smooth.

• Nicaragua: Full-flavored, spicy, and earthy.

• Honduras: Medium to full-bodied, sometimes earthy and peppery.

Selecting the Right Cigar

Choosing a cigar can be overwhelming, but keeping a few principles in mind helps simplify the process.

1. Consider the Occasion

A quick lunch break might call for a Petit Corona, while an evening celebration might merit a Churchill or Torpedo.

2. Know Your Preferences

New smokers should start with mild cigars to develop their palate. As you gain experience, explore medium and full-bodied varieties.

3. Look for Quality Indicators

A premium cigar should have:

• An even, supple wrapper with few veins or blemishes.

• Consistent color.

• A firm, but not hard, construction.

• No soft spots, cracks, or tears.

4. Ask for Recommendations

Cigar lounges and tobacconists often have staff who can suggest cigars based on your tastes and experience level.

How to Smoke a Cigar Properly

Smoking a cigar is a ritualistic experience meant to be savored, not rushed.

1. Cutting the Cigar

Use a sharp guillotine cutter, punch, or V-cutter to remove the cap — the closed end you draw from. Aim for a clean cut to avoid unraveling.

2. Toasting the Foot

Hold the cigar at a 45-degree angle and gently toast the foot (open end) using a butane lighter or wooden match. Rotate the cigar for an even burn.

3. Lighting

Once toasted, bring the cigar to your lips and draw gently while continuing to rotate the cigar in the flame until fully lit.

4. Puff, Don’t Inhale

Cigar smoke is typically not inhaled into the lungs. Draw the smoke into your mouth, savor its flavor, and exhale.

5. Pacing

A good rule of thumb is a puff every 30 to 60 seconds to keep the cigar burning evenly and to avoid overheating the tobacco.

6. Letting the Ash Hold

Premium cigars hold a firm, long ash, which insulates the ember and promotes even burning. Tap it off gently when it reaches about an inch long.

7. Stopping

You can put out a cigar naturally by letting it rest in the ashtray. Crushing it creates unpleasant odors.

Cigar Etiquette

Cigar smoking comes with its own set of unspoken rules:

• Avoid relighting a cigar the next day. Once extinguished, it loses its character.

• Don’t dunk cigars in liquor. Despite cinematic depictions, it ruins the cigar’s balance.

• Be mindful of smoke. In public spaces or among non-smokers, always ask permission.

• Don’t chew or bite the cigar. It’s not a toothpick.

• Never stub out a cigar. Let it die naturally.

Proper Storage: The Humidor

Cigars are delicate, organic products requiring controlled humidity (65-72%) and temperature (65-70°F).

A humidor — a sealed box with a humidifying element — is essential for preserving cigars. Quality humidors are lined with Spanish cedar and can range from small travel cases to large walk-in rooms.

Famous Cigar Aficionados

Throughout history, cigars have been favored by influential figures:

• Winston Churchill: Known for his namesake Churchill cigars.

• Fidel Castro: A lover of Cohibas.

• Mark Twain: Reportedly smoked 20 cigars a day.

• Alfred Hitchcock, Sigmund Freud, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Michael Jordan are also noted enthusiasts.

The Modern Cigar Renaissance

Despite a more health-conscious era, cigar culture has seen a resurgence. New boutique brands and small-batch cigars have invigorated the market, offering unique blends and profiles. Cigar lounges have evolved into refined, welcoming environments fostering conversations, networking, and camaraderie.

Online communities, cigar festivals, and social media influencers have further expanded the culture, attracting a younger, diverse demographic to what was once seen as an older gentleman’s pursuit.

Conclusion: A Journey Through History, Craftsmanship, and Culture

Cigars are far more than rolled tobacco leaves — they’re a crafted experience steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Whether marking a milestone or unwinding at day’s end, a well-chosen cigar offers a moment of reflection, a taste of craftsmanship, and a connection to a timeless ritual.

As you delve deeper into this world, you’ll discover that cigar appreciation is less about nicotine and more about nuance — the interplay of flavors, the patience of a slow burn, and the shared bond of good conversation between friends.

So light up, savor the moment, and join a legacy centuries in the making.