Basics About Tobacco And Premium Cigars
Landing in the world of premium cigars, also known as cigars, inevitably goes through a stage of adaptation to the vocabulary and understanding of the words that make up the jargon of the sector. As in any professional group, the terminology is broad and the concepts can be complex for the newcomer. Nothing that cannot be overcome with some time dedicates to theoretical and practical learning. Enlivened by talks with fans and readings (or visual reviews) in the different media of the sector.
We will start with the basic definitions of the glossary of terms most used in the premium cigar sector, which are the following:
Basic Definitions or Terms Used in the Cigar Sector
PREMIUM CIGAR OR CIGAR:
Roll of tobacco leaves that is lit at one end and inhales at the other. Unlike cigarettes, it does not incorporate elements foreign to the leaves of the tobacco plant itself.
LIGA:
Specific combination of tobacco leaves for each cigar. It is the formula for the composition of each cigar, obtained according to the specifications set by the mixture of different leaves that make up the cigar, depending on the variety of tobacco plant, leaf layer it occupies, geographical origin, etc.
FILLER:
Filler refers to the interior, the tobacco content with which it is form and constitutes the body of the cigars. The cigar can be long filler, when filles with whole tobacco leaves, and ties by hand; or it can be short filler, when its interior is compose of fragments of broken tobacco leaves or small fragments thereof. Cigars that makes with whole tobacco leaves manually are Premium.
BINDER:
It is the tobacco leaf that wraps the filler. For this reason, it must be resistant, as well as consistent in type (flavour and aroma) with the tobacco used for the interior.
WRAPPER:
The most superficial part of the cigar and of great importance, since it is the letter of presentation of each unit. The first impression it will provide to the smoker largely depends on it, which is why the highest quality leaves are specially reserves for it based on their softness and color. However, its function is not merely aesthetic because, like all elements of the premium cigar, it also contributes to its flavour. The task of placing it is reserved for the roller, a true master craftsman in the making of a great cigar.
HEAD:
Upper third of the cigar through which the end is inhaled when it is lit.
BODY:
Middle third of the cigar where we hold it.
FOOT:
Lower third of the cigar where it is lit at the end to be able to smoke it.
CANYON:
The barrel is the cigar itself, comprising the three parts of head, body, and foot.
CALIBER:
Measurement of the diameter of a cigar, known as ring gauge. The gauge dimension is obtains by measuring in 1/64 of an inch (1 inch = 25 mm).
RING:
Printed strip of paper that places on the cigar to identify the brand.
KNOB:
It is the round part of the cigar where the cut is construct to smoke it.
NOZZLE:
It is the part of the cigar through which you light it to smoke it.
BONCHADO:
Action of placing the cigar filler leaves and then rolling them under the binder leaf (or band).
BONCHE or BONCHO:
Unfinished form of the cigar that contains the grouping of filler tobacco leaves held by the binder. This is also the name given to the utensil that boncheros use to group the tripe leaves. And wrap them with the binder.
ROLLING:
Action of rolling or wrapping the bonche in a spiral shape with the cape sheet.
VOLADO:
Tobacco leaves from the lowest part of the plant, thin in texture.
SECO:
Tobacco leaves from the middle-lower part of the plant, with a thin-medium texture, which contributes to the combustibility of the cigar.
VISO:
Tobacco leaves from the middle-upper part of the plant, with a medium texture, which contributes to the aroma and flavour of the cigar.
LIGERO:
Tobacco leaves from the uppermost part of the plant, with a thick to medium texture, which contributes to the strength of the cigar.
MEDIO TIEMPO:
In some plants, the tobacco leaves that grow above the light. Where the flavour and strength are concentrate with more intensity. When delving into the world of cigars, the allure of Cuban Cigars is often irresistible. Which is important for their rich history and unparallel craftsmanship. These cigars are a perfect embodiment of tradition, with each leaf meticulously selected to offer an extraordinary smoking experience.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What distinguishes a premium cigar from a regular cigarette?
Premium cigars, unlike regular cigarettes, constructs entirely from tobacco leaves without any additional elements. They are hand-round and consist of a specific combination of tobacco leaves, known as liga, which contributes to their unique flavor and aroma.
2. What is the significance of the wrapper on a premium cigar?
The wrapper is the outermost part of the cigar and is crucial for both aesthetics and flavor. High-quality leaves are specially use for the wrapper to ensure a smooth texture and appealing color, enhancing the smoker’s first impression and contributing significantly to the cigar’s overall taste.
3. How is the filler in a cigar different from the binder?
The filler is the interior content of the cigar. Made up of either whole tobacco leaves (long filler) or fragments of leaves (short filler). The binder is a tobacco leaf that wraps around the filler, providing structure and consistency in flavor and aroma. The binder must be durable and compatible with the filler to ensure a quality smoking experience.
4. What does the term ring gauge or caliber mean in relation to cigars?
The ring gauge or caliber measures the diameter of a cigar, calculated in 1/64 of an inch. It helps determine the size of the cigar, which can affect the smoking experience in terms of duration and draw.
5. Why are Cuban cigars consideres so special in the world of premium cigars?
Cuban cigars are renown for their rich history and unparalleled craftsmanship. Each leaf in a Cuban cigar is meticulously select and hand-rolled to offer an exceptional smoking experience, embodying a deep tradition that many cigar aficionados find irresistible.