Posts Tagged ‘hand rolled cigars’

Understanding Cigar Types

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

505074_hand_made_cigars

Most people assume that cigars come in two types: handmade and factory made. The truth is that there is a third type of cigar available for sale: hand rolled. Handmade and hand-rolled cigars are not the same. Here are some differences to keep in mind when choosing what to buy:

  • Handmade cigars are made with 100 percent tobacco and built completely by hand. A hand-rolled cigar, on the other hand, is actually filled by a machine and then handed over to a roller, who will finish the process by closing and sealing the cigar by hand.

  • Hand-rolled cigars sometimes contain fillers (as do factory-made cigars), which can vary from preservatives to small pieces of paper or a number of chemicals.
  • Handmade cigars are the most expensive kind you can find.
  • Handmade cigars burn more uniformly and much slower. They also may need to be relit if you leave it on the ashtray for some time.
  • Both machine made and hand-rolled cigars may have flavors added, while handmade cigars contain no additives.
  • Top-of-the-line cigars are always handmade. They will be a more appropriate gift for true aficionados and are more likely to be sold as units (since they’re expensive). If you’re trying to build a box mixing a variety of different flavors and textures, handmade cigars are your best bet for variety and quality.
  • Handmade cigars look more “rustic.” Their construction is more uneven than those made with machines.

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The Inner Workings of a Cuban Cigar

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Cigar Tobacco

Cuban cigars are in a category of their own. Maybe it’s the embargo against Cuba that’s made them so appealing or maybe it truly is their incomparable quality. Whatever the reason is, each Cuban cigar is specially made and designed with specific qualifications. Here are the qualities that make an authentic quality Cuban cigar.

The wrapper.

A fine Cuban cigar’s wrapper will be grown under a cheese cloth canopy, cutting out about a third of the sunlight giving the leaf a very fine texture. A true Cuban wrapper will be created with a large tobacco leaf, less visible vein patterns, leaves that are more fine, no visual evidence of damage, highly oily that allows the leaf to be rolled and perfect and consistent color throughout. These qualities will provide one of the best Cuban’s you can buy.

The filling.

The cigar wrapper is mainly for visual appeal but the real test is in the filler. Of course the filling should be made of 100% Cuban tobacco; no blends or mixtures of various tobaccos. The filling should be high in nicotine, full flavors, the appropriate characteristics of region it was grown, a perfect balance of oils and resins and flexibility.

The binding.

In order to get the most of a Cuban the binding of the handmade cigar must have porous leaves, the perfect amount of nitrogen, a wonderful aroma, immature vein patterns and durability and flexibility.

Always make sure you are purchasing an authentic 100% Cuban cigar. There are many imitations that attempt to sell a blended cigar made with less than 10% of Cuban tobacco.

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How to Choose the Best Cigar

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Choosing the right cigar for you is based on preference. Some people prefer a short smoke while others want a long lasting handmade cigar. There are those that like a dark and full flavor and others who would rather have a light and timid taste. The best way to get to know the myriad of cigar possibilities and which ones suite you the best is to experiment. You’ll want to try variations, sizes, brands, origins and so to get a good handle of what’s available on the market and which you prefer.

The first step in choosing the best cigar for you is talk to the workers at the tobacco shop or cigar parlor you frequent. Most cigar aficionados are over joyed to share their wealth of knowledge and experience. They take great pride in their product and will be able to answer any questions and assist you in discovering the best fit for you. Who knows maybe the shop owner will give you few to try!

Next purchase a few cigars that are different diameters to see which size suites you. The larger the diameter of the cigar, the more complex and full bodied the taste will be. Also, the larger the cigar the more smoke it will produce. For those who prefer a light and simple cigar a small to medium diameter will work best.

One last factor you should notice is the shape and color of the cigar. It’s difficult to know exactly how different shapes affect the taste so you may need to try a few to get a good handle on them. The color is obvious. If you like to drink your coffee dark and strong then give a fairly dark colored cigar a try. The lighter the cigar, the less intense the taste will be.

The bottom line is to experiment and have fun learning the incredible world of cigars.

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