Cigars

Cigars are tightly rolled bundles of tobacco leaves intended for smoking. They generally differ from cigarettes in size, composition, and the way they are consumed, using whole leaves rather than shredded tobacco and paper.

A cigar has three principal parts: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The filler is the blend of tobacco leaves inside; the binder is a leaf that holds the filler together; the wrapper is the outermost leaf, which influences appearance and burn. Fillers can be long-leaf or short filler, and blends vary by region and tobacco type.

Production involves growing and curing tobacco, fermenting and aging leaves to develop flavor, and then rolling. Leaves are selected by grade and color; highly skilled rollers – or machines for some lines – assemble the filler and binder and apply the wrapper. The result is shaped cigar with a closed foot and a cap.

Sizes and shapes vary. Common shapes are parejo (regular, straight-sided) and figurado (irregular). Typical length and ring gauges include Corona (roughly 5.5–6 inches, 42–44 ring), Robusto (about 4.5–5 inches, 50), Toro (6 inches, 50), etc.

Storage and aging: Proper storage requires controlled humidity, usually in a humidor set to about 68–72% relative humidity and a cool temperature to maintain freshness and burn quality.

Regions and history: Cigar production has strong associations with the Caribbean and Latin American countries. Cuba is historically prominent, but today the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Honduras, and others are major producers, with diverse styles and brands.