Cigars are just like cigarettes: tobacco products that are smoked by persons in order to inhale the taste and effects of the burnt tobacco. Of course, cigars are slightly different from cigarettes. Usually, cigar smoke is not inhaled as deeply as cigarette smoke, as cigar smoke is usually extremely strong and concentrated and can be quite unpleasant for the inexperienced smoker.
Cigars also have a more celebratory air than cigarettes. Cigars are often purchased and lit up in celebration of special occasions such as the birth of children, or impending weddings. Cigars also have a certain air of sophistication about them, suggesting a refined and high flying lifestyle. On the whole, smoking cigars is usually seen as something men do together to relax.
The origins of cigars
Cigars originated in the cultures around the Caribbean Sea. Although it is not clear when exactly cigars were first invented, it is likely an ancient practice. Archeologist's and historians have found evidence of the production and use of cigars as far back as the 10th century. Cigars were introduced to Europe when Christopher Columbus and his crew came across early derivatives of cigars on their voyages to the Americas.
What are the main parts of cigars?
A cigar has three main layers, all of which come from various parts of the tobacco plant. Most of the cigar is made up of the filler. The filler is the leaves of tobacco that are wrapped up in the middle of the cigar. The filler is the main determiner of the eventual quality of the cigar. The better cigars will include whole leaves from a single tobacco plant as the filler, while cheaper cigars will have filler that is made up of chopped leaves from a variety of tobacco plants. Mixed fillers may also contain stems and other small pieces from the tobacco plant that are not really meant for smoking. The addition of these parts can make cigars burn and smoke less smoothly.
The part of the cigar that houses the filler is the wrapper. The wrapper is made from the largest part of the tobacco plant, and is what gives the cigar its distinctive taste and flavor (along with the filler). The color of the wrapper, which can range from green to a light tan or very dark black, is often used to classify the cigar. The final component of the cigar is the binder, which is the elastic band that holds the other two cigar pieces together.
What shapes do cigars come in?
There are two basic terms to describe the shape of a cigar: figurado and parejo. The most basic and common cigar shape is the parejo cigar. Parejo cigars are usually less expensive than figurado cigars since they are basic and easier to design and create. Parejo cigars feature a rectangular shape with the exception of one end, which is slightly rounded. Parejo cigars can be either panatela cigars, which are often longer and thinner in shape, or coronas, which are somewhat shorter and wider.
Figurado cigars essentially describe all other shapes. In most cases, figurado cigars are more expensive and more desireable than parejo cigars. Although similar to parejo cigars, torpedo cigars are technically figurado cigars as they have a pointed cap instead of one that is rounded. Other common types of figurado cigars include pyramid cigars, which, as their name suggests, gradually narrows to a pointed end, and presidente, which are also similar to parejo cigars in shape but are often much larger. Others include perfecto, Tuscanian and culebras cigars.
How are cigars made?
Like most products these days, machines are used to mass-produce most cigars on the market. High end cigars, however, are still made and rolled by hand. These finely crafted cigars are usually identified by a notation on the outside of the cigar box as being made "totally by hand."
What is so good about Cuban cigars?
Cigars from Cuba (or 'Cubans'), are generally considered to be the world's finest cigars. Indeed, cigars are almost synonymous with Cuba. Cuba produces such great cigars because the weather is ideal for growing tobacco, and the country is filled with fields of prime tobacco in support of a centuries old industry. Cuban cigars may feature tobacco from different parts of Cuba in the wrapper, filler, and binders. Many Cuban cigars are still hand made, which continue to add to their luster and prestige. Some popular Cuban cigar brands include Trinidad, Bolivar, Quintero, Fonseca, Partagas, Cohiba, Punch, Cuaba, and many others.
Of course, no matter how good Cuban cigars are, it is currently against the law in the US to purchase or import cigars from Cuba. The reason for this prohibition is the 1967 trade embargo in response to the rise in power of the Communist Party in Cuba. Of course, while the prohibition has stemmed trade, it has likely in turn made Cubans even more desirable and expensive in the US. Cuban cigars are available through additional means, including "black market" sales, and retailers in Canada.
Author Resource:-
Steve Dolan enjoys the finer things in life, like a good bottle of wine, an excellent port and a fine cigar. Click Cigars to find out more and got cigar humidors at Cigar Humidors
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