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Welcome to a lesson on standard cigar terms! If you’re a cigar enthusiast eager to delve deeper into the world of cigars, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of cigar terminology, empowering you to confidently discuss and appreciate cigars like a seasoned aficionado. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned connoisseur, this article aims to enhance your knowledge and passion for cigars. Let’s embark on this journey together and unlock the secrets behind the language of cigars!
Cigar Terminology Every Brother of the Leaf Should Know
See what we did there in the heading? We used some cigar slang. We’ll get to the term further down, promise.
For now, try to learn as many terms as possible to deepen your knowledge about cigars so that you can hold your own in any smoking room.
Cigar Anatomy Terms
We’ve discussed these terms in an earlier post.
Band
They adorn the top portion of a cigar with a distinctive and visually appealing ring of paper, known as a cigar band. This band serves to identify the cigar brand and provides additional details, such as the cigar’s country of origin.
Cigar bands are often adorned with intricate lithography and meticulously designed brand logos, adding a touch of elegance to the cigar. Nowadays, some cigars feature secondary bands, while others have their main band placed at the foot of the cigar for a unique presentation.
Binder
Situated just beneath the wrapper, the binder is essential to a well-constructed cigar. Often made from sturdy tobacco leaves, the binder’s primary function is to hold the filler leaves together.
It acts as the “glue” that ensures a consistent burn throughout the length of the cigar. As a vital part of the cigar’s construction, the binder contributes to the overall smoking experience, influencing how the flavors are released and perceived.
Cap
The cap is the small piece of tobacco that seals the head of the cigar. It is typically rounded or flat and serves two essential purposes:
- First, it keeps the wrapper intact, preventing it from unraveling and maintaining the cigar’s integrity.
- Second, the cap allows the smoker to cut and open the cigar before lighting it.
Filler Tobaccos
The heart of the cigar, the filler is a blend of various tobacco leaves meticulously curated by skilled blenders.
These leaves hail from different regions and have diverse characteristics that, when combined, create a balanced taste.
The filler blend is responsible for the cigar’s core flavors, strength, and complexity. Master blenders skillfully select and proportion the filler leaves to achieve the desired flavor profile, making each cigar unique and memorable.
Foot
The foot of the cigar refers to the end that is lit before smoking. It is the exposed end of the filler leaves and is usually pre-cut or pre-shaped to facilitate lighting.
Frog’s Legs
Within cigar manufacturing circles, there exists a specific term for a filler tobacco leaf that has undergone a particular process.
This term is used when most of the stem has been removed from the leaf, except for the top third section closest to the tip. The resulting leaf bears a resemblance to a frog when viewed from above.
Triple Cap
Some premium cigars feature a triple cap, which involves placing three layers of wrapper leaf at the head of the cigar. This not only reinforces the cap but also adds to the cigar’s visual appeal.
Wrapper or Wrapper Leaf
The wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar, crafted from high-quality tobacco leaves that play a crucial role in the cigar’s appearance and flavor.
It is carefully selected for its texture, color, and sheen, as it contributes significantly to the overall aesthetics and aroma of the cigar.
The wrapper serves as a protective casing for the binder and filler, preserving their integrity and allowing them to age gracefully.
Different wrapper varieties, such as Connecticut Shade, Habano, and Maduro, offer distinct flavor profiles and characteristics, adding to the allure of cigar smoking.
Cigar Manufacturing Terms
Bunching
The process of arranging the filler leaves before they are enclosed in the binder. This step influences the cigar’s draw and burn characteristics.
Hand-Rolled
Cigars that are individually crafted by skilled artisans, known as torcedores, using traditional methods rather than machine-made.
Triple Cap
Some premium cigars feature a triple cap, which involves placing three layers of wrapper leaf at the head of the cigar. Thisreinforces the cap ando adds to the cigar’s visual appeal.
Primings
Different levels of tobacco leaves on a plant are called primings. These leaves contribute various flavors and strengths to the blend, with the higher primings typically being more robust.
Cigar Flavor and Aroma Terms
Cedar Notes
A flavor and aroma reminiscent of cedarwood, often found in well-aged cigars. This is considered a positive attribute and adds to the complexity of the smoking experience.
Spice
Refers to the presence of peppery, spicy, or even earthy flavors in a cigar. It adds a layer of complexity to the taste profile.
Creaminess
A texture or flavor characteristic often associated with cigars that have a smooth, velvety quality on the palate.
Cigar Accessories
Cigar Case
A protective container designed to hold one or more cigars, safeguarding them from damage and maintaining their freshness.
Cutting Tool
A general term for tools used to cut the cap of a cigar, such as guillotine cutters, scissors, or punches.
Draw Tool
A drawing tool, often called a ‘draw enhancer’ or ‘perfecdraw,’ is a small device used to improve the airflow in a cigar with a tight draw. When a cigar’s draw is too restrictive, it can lead to difficulty pulling in the smoke, resulting in frustration and reduced enjoyment.
The draw tool allows the smoker to create a small channel or bore through the tightly packed filler, facilitating a smoother and more effortless draw.
Lighter
A device used to ignite a cigar. Butane torch lighters are popular for their precision and reliability.
Cigar Size Terminology
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Ring Gauge
The size of a cigar is determined by its ring gauge, which is measured in 64ths of an inch, just like how your finger would be measured for a wedding ring.
For example, a standard Robusto cigar typically measures 5 inches in length and has a ring gauge of 50, meaning it is 50/64ths of an inch thick. In recent times, there has been a rise in the popularity of cigars with incredibly large ring gauges.
Some of these cigars now surpass an inch in thickness, with measurements as substantial as 70 or 80 in ring gauge.
These large ring gauge cigars offer a unique and bolder smoking experience, appealing to enthusiasts who enjoy a more robust and substantial draw.
Vitola (Vee-Toh-Lah)
Cigars come in a captivating array of shapes and sizes, known as vitolas. Each vitola offers a unique smoking experience, and seasoned enthusiasts often have their favorites.
We’ve written about shapes and selecting the perfect cigar in this post. Popular vitolas (shapes) include:
- Robusto (Row-Boo-Stoh): A well-loved vitola with a sturdy and compact build, typically around 5 inches long, with a ring gauge of 50. The Robusto delivers a balanced and concentrated flavor, making it a favorite choice for many cigar enthusiasts.
- Toro: Slightly longer than the Robusto, the Toro measures around 6 inches with a similar ring gauge of 50. This vitola provides a longer smoking time, allowing the flavors to evolve gradually and delivering a smooth and enjoyable experience.
- Lonsdale: A cigar size between a Robusto and a Churchill, typically around 6.5 inches in length, with a ring gauge of 42 to 44.
- Churchill: Named after the renowned British Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill, this vitola is characterized by its extended length (approximately 7 inches) and often larger ring gauge (around 48 to 52). The Churchill vitola offers an indulgent and leisurely smoking session, allowing the complex flavors to unfold fully.
- Corona: A classic vitola, typically around 5.5 inches in length, with a ring gauge 42. Its slender size makes it a popular choice for those seeking a shorter smoking time without compromising flavor.
- Gordo: Also known as a “60 ring gauge” or “Sixty,” the Gordo is a modern trend in cigars, favored for its extensive ring gauge (around 60). With a shorter length, typically 4 to 5 inches, the Gordo delivers a bolder and richer smoke.
- Torpedo (Tohr-Peh-Doh): At times referred to as a Pyramid, a Torpedo is a cigar shape characterized by a closed head that tapers sharply. Technically, a Torpedo should have a closed foot, while Pyramids boast an open foot. However, many cigar-makers use these terms interchangeably, disregarding the subtle distinction in their naming conventions. Consequently, both Pyramid and Torpedo designations often describe the same type of cigar shape.
Cigar Smoking Terminology
Ash
As a cigar is smoked, a grayish-white residue, known as the ash, forms at the tip.
The ash is a visual indicator of the cigar’s combustion, and some cigar lovers enjoy seeing how long they can maintain ash before it falls off.
The ash can also influence the cigar’s flavor, as some smokers believe that a longer ash helps to cool down the smoke, producing a smoother taste.
Cut
Before smoking a cigar, it is necessary to remove the cap, the small piece of tobacco that seals the head of the cigar. This process is called the “cut.” There are several standard methods for cutting a cigar:
- Straight Cut: A straight cut involves removing a small portion of the cap in a straight line to create an opening for smoking. It is the most common and straightforward cutting method.
- V-Cut: Also known as a wedge cut or cat’s eye, the V-cut creates a V-shaped groove in the cigar’s cap. This method allows for a more concentrated draw, enhancing the flavors.
- Punch Cut: The punch cut creates a small circular hole in the center of the cap. It is a popular choice for those who prefer a tighter draw.
Choosing the suitable cutting method depends on preference and the desired smoking experience.
Draw
The draw of a cigar refers to the airflow or resistance experienced when puffing on it. A good draw is essential for a satisfying smoking experience.
If the draw is too tight, pulling in the smoke is challenging, resulting in less enjoyment. If the draw is too loose, the cigar may burn too quickly and become hot, leading to an unpleasant taste.
Achieving a perfect draw is a sign of a well-constructed cigar, ensuring the flavors are released and enjoyed optimally.
Retrohale
Retrohaling is exhaling the cigar’s smoke through the nose instead of the mouth. When done correctly, this technique can intensify and reveal additional flavors that might be missed when solely smoking with the mouth. Retrohaling requires practice, and some cigar enthusiasts find it enhances their sensory experience, unlocking extra dimensions of taste and aroma.
General Cigar Terms
Aging
The aging process is a critical aspect of cigar appreciation, during which cigars rest in controlled conditions over an extended period.
Aging makes the cigars’ flavors mature and mellow, producing a smoother and more refined smoking experience. The time required for aging varies based on the cigar’s blend, size, and personal preferences.
Some cigar enthusiasts collect cigars for long-term aging, appreciating the subtle transformations that occur over time.
Blend
The blend refers to the combination of different tobacco leaves used in a cigar. Master blenders skillfully select and proportion the filler, binder, and wrapper leaves to achieve a desired flavor profile. The blend is the essence of a cigar’s character and sets it apart from others. Blending involves careful consideration of the tobacco’s origin, age, and fermentation process to create a harmonious and well-balanced smoke.
Brother of the Leaf
Commonly abbreviated as BOTL, Brother of the Leaf has become a well-liked modern expression utilized to recognize a fellow enthusiast of cigars.
This term has flourished across various online platforms and social media, strengthening the camaraderie among cigar lovers.
Connecticut Shade
Connecticut Shade is a cigar wrapper grown under shade in the Connecticut River Valley, USA. The shade-grown process involves covering the tobacco plants with cheesecloth or other materials, providing filtered sunlight to the leaves.
This cultivation method results in a milder and smoother wrapper leaf, often favored by those who enjoy a more delicate smoking experience.
Habano
Often refers to cigars made from Cuban tobacco or cigars that closely resemble the flavor profile of Cuban cigars.
The term is typically used to indicate a cigar’s premium quality and association with the renowned Cuban cigar tradition.
However, it’s essential to note that the use of the term ‘Habano’ outside of Cuba may vary in meaning and may not necessarily imply that the cigar is made entirely from Cuban tobacco. Sometimes the tobacco leaves are grown from Cuban seed in their new location, e.g. Ecuador or Nicaragua.
Humidor
A humidor is a container designed to store and maintain cigars at the ideal humidity level, preserving their freshness and flavor. Sometimes they are also used for aging cigars.
Humidors are equipped with a hygrometer to measure humidity levels and a humidification system to add or remove moisture as needed.
Proper humidity is crucial for the aging process and prevents cigars from drying out or becoming too moist, which can negatively affect their taste and burn characteristics.
Maduro (Mah-Doo-Roh)
Spanish for ‘ripe.’ Maduro is a term used to describe a dark-colored wrapper that has undergone additional fermentation to develop its rich and distinctive flavor.
Maduro wrappers are generally aged longer and exposed to higher temperatures during fermentation, resulting in their dark hues and enhanced sweetness.
Cigars with Maduro wrappers are sought after by enthusiasts who prefer bolder and more robust flavors.
Oscuro (Oss-KOOR-oh)
The darkest wrapper you’ll ever encounter.
Darker than a Maduro. Powerful but generally well-balanced cigars.
Plume (Bloom)
A desirable powdery substance that sometimes forms on the surface of well-aged cigars. It consists of natural oils and indicates that the cigar has aged gracefully.
Stogie (Stow-Gee)
In the realm of cigar aficionados, there is a colloquialism for a cigar, employed to denote lesser quality or affordability cigars.
This term originated from the drivers of Conestoga wagons during the 1700s and 1800s, as they smoked elongated and slender cigars with a somewhat rustic appearance.
Cigar Lifestyle Terms
Cigar Lounge
A designated area where cigar enthusiasts gather to smoke, relax, and socialize. Some lounges offer a selection of cigars for purchase and provide a comfortable environment.
Herf
A gathering of cigar aficionados to enjoy cigars together. It’s often a social event where enthusiasts share their favorite smokes and discuss various topics.
Cigar Pairing
The practice of matching cigars with specific beverages, such as whisky, wine, coffee, or even tea, to enhance the overall tasting experience.
Cigar Presentation Terms
Cabinet Selection
Cigars that are carefully chosen for their quality and often packed in cabinets—wooden boxes with sliding lids.
Collector’s Edition
Cigars with special packaging, sometimes accompanied by accessories or extra content, designed to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts. A typical marketing tactic used by cigar brands to raise awareness of their premiums cigars.
Cigar Origin Terms
Cubanesque
A term used to describe cigars made outside of Cuba that aim to capture the flavor and style of Cuban cigars.
Puro
A cigar made entirely from tobacco grown in a single country, emphasizing the unique flavors of that region’s tobacco.
Cigar Myths and Misconceptions
Cigar Breath
The misconception is that smoking cigars leads to a strong, lingering breath odor, which is less likely than cigarette smoking due to the typically slower pace of cigar consumption.
Inhaling
Clarifying that most cigar aficionados do not inhale cigar smoke into their lungs; instead, they savor the flavors and aromas in their mouth and nose.
Conclusion
By familiarizing yourself with these essential cigar terms, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence to discuss cigars with other enthusiasts and deepen your appreciation for the art of cigar smoking. Embracing the language of cigars will undoubtedly enhance your enjoyment of this timeless and captivating pastime.
