O C B
O C B: Understanding the Terminology of Cigars
The cigar industry has a language of its own, with terminology that may be difficult to grasp for beginners. It is imperative to have a fundamental understanding of the language of cigars before embarking on your cigar journey. When selecting a cigar, knowing the terminology will significantly contribute to the enjoyment of the experience.
The annual consumption of cigars in the United States has doubled from 6.2 billion cigars in 2000 to 12.0 billion cigars in 2016. Cigar smoke contains several known carcinogens, making it important to understand the language and make informed decisions.
One of the most crucial terms to understand is the brand name. The brand name refers to the designation given by the manufacturer to a particular line of cigars. The brand may contain different types of cigars, such as Maduro or Churchill. Popular brands include Punch, Partagas, Macanudo, and Cohiba.
Another essential term is the cigar's size, which refers to its length and ring gauge. The length is measured in inches, while the ring gauge is a measurement of the cigar's diameter. The size influences the flavor, strength, and the time it takes to smoke the cigar.
The wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar and is responsible for roughly 60-90% of the cigar's flavor. Different wrappers impart varying degrees of flavor. Maduro wrappers, often known as "black," produce a rich and robust flavor, while Connecticut Shade wrappers create a light and mild flavor.
The filler is the blend of tobacco contained within the cigar. Expert blenders combine tobacco from different regions to create unique blends. Ligero is a type of tobacco grown at the top of the plant and provides a rich, robust flavor. On the other hand, Seco is grown closer to the ground and is milder in flavor.
The binder is a thin layer of tobacco that holds the filler in place and contributes to the cigar's flavor. Expert blenders will use a binder with a neutral taste to avoid overpowering the filler's flavor.
Proper cutting and lighting are crucial steps in preparing a cigar for smoking. A comprehensive site like Cigar Advisor provides instructions on how to properly cut and light a cigar, ensuring the best smoking experience possible.
In conclusion, understanding the terminology of cigars is imperative for anyone looking to embark on a cigar journey. The brand, size, wrapper, filler, and binder are essential terms to understand when selecting a cigar. Also, understanding the proper ways to cut and light a cigar will result in a more enjoyable experience. With the knowledge gained from this article and a desire to learn more, one can begin exploring the vast and exciting world of cigars.