Year Of
Year Of: A Brief History and Overview of Cigars
Cigars have always been associated with luxury, success, and pleasure. The word cigar comes from the Mayan word, sikar, which means “to smoke rolled tobacco leaves”. The Spanish word cigarro was derived from it, and the English abbreviation “cigar” entered general use in 1730.
The smoking of a cigar gained international recognition in the 1500s, following the arrival of Columbus in the modern-day islands of Cuba and Hispañola. Cigars quickly gained popularity as a form of luxury. By 1600, cigars had been introduced into Spain, where they were a symbol of wealth for two centuries before becoming widely available.
Today, cigars are popular worldwide and their manufacture, marketing, and distribution have become a billion-dollar industry. A variety of cigars are produced all around the world, using different techniques, sizes, and types of tobacco.
Cigars are handmade and come in a range of sizes and shapes. The composition of cigars is made up of three components: wrapper, binder, and filler. The wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar, it is made up of tobacco leaves and is responsible for the cigar’s flavour and aroma. The binder is the second layer of the cigar, and it holds the filler together. The filler, which is made up of tobacco leaves, is the core of the cigar that gets burned.
The size and shape of cigars can vary greatly, from the small and slender cigarillos to the larger and thicker Churchill-size cigars. The length of a cigar can range from 3 inches to 9 inches while the width can range from 20 ring gauge to 60 ring gauge, and even higher. The ring gauge is the measurement of the cigar’s diameter in 1/64ths of an inch.
Smoking a cigar is considered an art form. Cigar aficionados have developed an elaborate smoking ritual that is steeped in history and tradition. Unlike cigarettes, which are usually inhaled, cigars are not. Instead, the smoke is drawn into the mouth and allowed to linger, savouring the complexity of the flavours.
Marketing and distribution have played a significant role in the success and popularity of cigars. Cigars are marketed as a luxury item for the discriminating individual who enjoys the finer things in life. In recent years, cigar-themed events have become popular, including tastings, pairings, and festivals.
In conclusion, the history and culture surrounding cigars have enhanced their allure. Despite their association with success and luxury, cigars can be enjoyed by anyone. Whether you are a casual smoker or a cigar aficionado, there is a cigar to suit your taste and style.