Cigar

A cigar is a tightly rolled bundle of cured and fermented tobacco wrapped in a tobacco leaf or a substance made from tobacco. Cigars are typically designed for puffing over a longer period, and in most cases the smoke is not inhaled into the lungs; nicotine is primarily absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth.

Most cigars consist of three components: the filler (blended leaves inside), the binder (a leaf that holds the filler together), and the wrapper (the outer leaf). The tobacco may undergo fermentation and aging to develop flavor and aroma. Wrapper leaves vary in color and strength, from light Claro to maduro dark wrappers.

Cigar sizes and shapes fall into two broad categories: parejos, which are straight-sided, and figurados, which have unusual shapes such as torpedo or pyramid. Size is measured by length (in inches) and ring gauge (width in 64ths of an inch).

Production centers include Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and Honduras. Premium cigars are often hand-rolled and made with long-filler tobacco, compared with machine-made or short-filler products. Cuban cigars were historically dominant, but most markets now supply non-Cuban brands due to trade restrictions and competition.

Storage requires a humidor to maintain humidity and flavor. Recommended relative humidity is about 68–72% and a stable temperature around 18–22°C. Cigar smoking is regulated in many countries by age restrictions and smoking bans; health risks are associated with tobacco use.