Altro
“Altro: The Anatomy of a Cigar”
Cigars are not just tobacco products made for smoking; it is an art that takes years of perfecting. The cigar industry can be compared to a fine wine; it is an acquired taste, and enthusiasts will do what it takes to have that perfect smoke. The main difference between cigarettes and cigars is the amount of tobacco used. While cigarettes contain only 1 gram of tobacco, cigars can have between 5 to 17 grams, depending on the size of the cigar.
Different tobaccos are combined in precise ratios to make up the parts of a cigar. There are three main parts of a cigar: the filler, the binder, and the wrapper. The filler is the core of the cigar and is made up of long filler leaves or cut filler mixed with tobacco scrap. The binder is a thin strip that holds the filler together, and the wrapper is the outermost layer of the cigar that gives it its distinct flavor and appearance.
Let’s take a closer look at the anatomy of a cigar. The filler is made up of tobacco leaves from different regions, including Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua, and more. The leaves are cured and fermented to create flavors ranging from spicy to sweet, leather to cedar. Master blenders carefully choose the filler leaves to create a blend that is unique to their brand and desired flavor.
The binder is a thin strip of tobacco that holds the filler together. It is made from the same tobacco plant as the filler but from a different part of the plant. The binder is also fermented, adding to the complexity of flavors in the cigar.
Finally, the wrapper is the most delicate and outermost layer of the cigar, responsible for giving it its distinct flavor and appearance. The wrapper is generally sourced from the top leaves of the tobacco plant, which receive the most sunlight and are the thinnest and most flavorful. The leaves are carefully chosen, fermented, and aged to create a distinct flavor profile for the cigar.
The cigar industry in China is undergoing a transformation that might be dubbed a revolution. China is a rapidly developing market for cigars, driven by two key factors - the rise of the affluent middle class and the Chinese government's crackdown on extravagance. Cigar manufacturers are taking advantage of the booming cigar market in China and are setting up shop to cater to the demand for high-quality cigars.
Cigars are produced in a variety of shapes and sizes, each with its own distinct characteristics. From the popular Robusto and Toro sizes to the smaller Corona and the larger Churchill, each has different smoking times and flavors. The shape and size of a cigar can also affect the way it burns and draws.
To properly enjoy a cigar, it needs to be stored in an airtight container at the right temperature and humidity. This is where accessories like a humidor come in handy. A humidor is a storage container designed to keep cigars at the optimal temperature and humidity level, preserving their quality and flavor.
In addition to the humidor, a cigar enthusiast will need a good cutter. A double guillotine-style cutter is the most popular among cigar smokers, and it is essential to cut the cigar correctly to ensure a smooth and even draw.
Cigar bars opened, cigar dinners flourished, and Cigar Aficionado’s Big Smokes brought cigar lovers out en masse. Cigar shops expanded and catered to enthusiasts by providing premium cigars and events where cigar lovers could come together to enjoy their favorite smokes.
In conclusion, the art of cigars is a refined pleasure that takes time and expertise to perfect. The anatomy of a cigar is a combination of precise ratios of different tobaccos to create a unique flavor profile for each brand. With the booming market for cigars in China and the rise of cigar culture worldwide, it is evident that the allure of cigars spans across cultures and demographics.