- FillersThe majority of a cigar is made up of fillers, wrapped-up bunches of leaves inside the wrapper. Fillers of various strengths are usually blended to produce desired cigar flavors. In the cigar industry this is referred to as a "blend". Many cigar manufacturers pride themselves in constructing the perfect blend(s) that will give the smoker the most enjoyment. The more oils present in the tobacco leaf, the stronger (less dry) the filler. Types range from the minimally flavored Volado taken from the bottom of the plant, through the light-flavored Seco (dry) taken from the middle of the plant, to the strong Ligero from the upper leaves exposed to the most sunlight.View image »
- EtymologyThe word cigar originated from "sikar," the Mayan-Indian word for smoking, which became 'cigarro' in Spanish, probably from Maya 'sicar' "to smoke rolled tobacco leaves," from 'sic' "tobacco;" or from or influenced by the Spanish word cigarra "grasshopper". Although the word itself, and variations on it, did not come into general use until 1730. New names for cigars are a "Jules", "Havana", "Vitole" and Puro.View image »
- FillersThe majority of a cigar is made up of fillers, wrapped-up bunches of leaves inside the wrapper. Fillers of various strengths are usually blended to produce desired cigar flavors. In the cigar industry this is referred to as a "blend". Many cigar manufacturers pride themselves in constructing the perfect blend(s) that will give the smoker the most enjoyment. The more oils present in the tobacco leaf, the stronger (less dry) the filler.View image »
- BindersBinders are elastic leaves used to hold together the bunches of fillers. Essentially, binders are wrappers that are rejected because of holes, blemishes, discoloration, or excess veins.View image »
- ARTURO FUENTE HEMINGWAYThe Arturo Fuente Hemingway line of perfectos has captivated American cigar smokers since its debut in 1983. Since then, several cigars with the same shape— but not the Hemingway name—have come on the market, and most have been extraordinary. Our favorite is the Best Seller, a Hemingway in spirit, if not in name. The 5 by 55 smoke has amazing curves, with a nipple bottom that flares out into a fat bulb, which then gradually narrows to the rounded head. The cigar is as hard to make as it looks. Read more »
- ASHTON VIRGIN SUN GROWNFor those who desire a powerful and intoxicating flavor with a complex rich finish, look no further than the Ashton VSG. The VSG is blended exclusively for Ashton by Carlos Fuente Jr. using 4 to 5 year old aged Dominican tobacco taken from the finest and most fertile plants. The distinct flavor of VSG comes from its wrapper grown on a private estate in Ecuador...Read more »

Welcome to Cigar-ros!

As smoking restrictions become increasingly draconian across the United States and the world, it takes some creativity for innkeepers and restaurateurs to accommodate those who love a great cigar. Here we turn to two lodges with a focus on outdoor activities, each of which has a very intriguing way to allow cigar smokers to puff in peace.

Size and shape

Size and shape

Parejo Figurado Little cigars The most common shape is the parejo, sometimes referred to as simply “coronas”, which have traditionally been…
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Composition

Composition

Wrappers Fillers Binders A cigar’s outermost leaves, or wrapper, come from the widest part of the plant. The wrapper determines…
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History

History

Explorer Christopher Columbus is generally credited with the introduction of tobacco to Europe. Two of Columbus’s crewmen during his 1492…
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