Learn About Cigars

Knowing various and sundry facts about cigars is a pastime for aficionados. If you are just getting acquainted with the cigar world, you’ll enjoy some of the interesting tidbits we’ve provided below.

Learn About Cigars: History

• Cigars are believed to have been first invented by the Mayan Indians.
• Christopher Columbus is credited for bringing tobacco to Europe.
• In the 19th century, cigarette smoking was rare, while cigars were fairly common.
• Vicente Martinez Ybor, a famed Spanish cigar maker, moved his operations from Havana Cuba to Key West in 1869, creating an important cigar hub in Florida.
• King Edward the VII, son of Queen Victoria, was a cigar aficionado. A line of inexpensive American cigars was named after him.
• Winston Churchill was famous for his love of cigars, and is known for dipping cigars in port wine or brandy.

Learn About Cigars: Terminology

• Wrapper: The outermost layer of the cigar, which is made of the widest part of the tobacco leaf and can be in a range of colors, most notably:
• Double Claro: Very light and greenish
• Claro: Very light and tan or yellowish, typically shade grown
• Colorado Claro: Medium brown
• Colorado: Reddish brown
• Colorado Maduro: Darker brown
• Maduro: Very dark brown
• Oscuro: Black
• Filler: Typically a blend of different types of tobaccos, with varying strengths, to give the cigar flavor complexity
• Shapes: Cigars are made in several defined shapes, including:
• Parejo: a cylindrical shape with straight sides (most common)
• Torpedo: A cylindrical shape with a pointed cap
• Pyramid: Broad at the base narrowing to a pointed cap
• Perfecto: Narrow at both ends and wide in the middle
• Cutters: Cigars need to be cut if they are sealed on the smoking end. Using a good cigar cutter ensures that the tip is cut evenly and the cigar will burn evenly.
• Humidors: A humidor is designed to keep cigars at an optimal level of humidity to enhance and maintain their flavor.