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The Secret
of Cigars
by: Don Richards
Cigars are comprised of surprisingly few component
parts. Unlike cigarettes, which usually have filters, two different
kinds and colors of paper, and filler ingredients other than tobacco,
cigars are all tobacco. What makes one cigar so different from
another is the type of tobacco, where it’s grown, when the leaves
are picked, how the picked leaves are cured and fermented, and
how the finished leaves are cut and rolled. Because cigars are
made in so many parts of the world, there is a diverse range of
product, as you’d expect.
Wrappers The outermost layer of cigars is called the wrapper.
It is made from the widest part of the tobacco leaves, and it
has a big impact on the cigar’s flavor and aroma. Cigar wrappers
vary in color, and because the wrapper color is what is most visible,
cigars are often described by the wrapper color. Here is a list,
from lightest to darkest:
* Double Claro: very light color (sometimes with a green tinge);
color comes from leaves that are picked while still immature and
cured quickly.
* Claro: light-brown or yellowish-brown color, which is the result
of tobacco plants grown predominantly in shade.
* Natural: light-brown or brown.
* Colorado Claro: medium-brown; most often associated with Cuban
or Dominican Republic tobacco.
* Colorado (or Rosado): reddish-brown.
* Maduro: dark-brown; very popular color among serious connoisseurs
of cigars.
* Oscuro: very dark-brown to oily black; typically exudes a pungent
aroma and deeper flavor.
Fillers
Cigars are composed mostly of whats known as filler tobacco. Cigars
can have filler comprised of three basic types: Seco, Volado,
and Ligero. Cigars with Seco filler are drier and have a lighter
flavor. Volado filler produces a mid-range of flavor. Ligero is
the darkest, oiliest filler, producing cigars with lots of bold
flavors and aromatic smoke.
One reason to choose thicker cigars (Churchills or Double Coronas,
for example) is that these cigars obviously have more room for
filler tobacco. This gives the cigar maker the ability to add
blends of Seco, Volado, and Ligero varieties. You will find that
these bigger cigars generally produce more varied and complex
flavor combinations.
Filler is either whats known as long or short. Long filler in
cigars is comprised of whole tobacco leaves, whereas short filler
contains a chopped mixture of leaves (sometimes just the leaves),
stems, and other plant materials. In most cases, cigars with long
filler are of superior quality.
Binders
Many low-end cigars only use wrappers and fillers. But the better
quality cigars youll find on the market use another component
binders. Binders are an intermediate layer of more elastic tobacco
leaves that help cigars hold the filler material together in a
more cohesive manner. The best cigars have binders that also add
another complementary flavor to enhance the overall smoking experience.
About The Author
Don Richards who loves fine cigars can show you how to keep your
cigars at their best. Learn more Tips about Cigars at http://www.CigarHumidorNews.com.
callthecaptain@mac.com
article compliments of ArticleCity |
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