TOBACCO CULTIVATION. VITOLA SIZES. CIGAR INVENTORS
How well do you know our Cuban Cigars online? From the plantations to the factories, we share some of the most fascinating insights. By the end, you will feel more confident as an aficionado, or be a step closer to becoming one.
A Double Figurado shape was once the most popular
Shared on our post Spotlight: Double Figurado, Cuban Cigars during the 18th and 19th century, were commonly rolled in the shape recognised today as a torpedo. This format has sadly declined in popularity, though Habanos SA have started using for Regional Editions Cigars and Limited. Only the most trained and experienced cigar-makers are able to achieve, as a Double Figurado is one of the most difficult shapes to roll. The Cuaba Salomones Cigar is a fine example, measuring 184mm by a hefty 57 ring gauge.
Top Left: Bolivar Royal Coronas Cigar, Top Right: Tobacco farmers in Cuba, Bottom: Cohiba Talisman Limited Edition 2017 Cigar
"on display at Windsor Castle playhouse"
Cuba’s smallest ever cigar is named a Delgado
It had a 20 ring gauge and was produced by Bolivar Cigars. A replica is on display at the Windsor Castle playhouse in England. Bolivar was initially established in Britain. The Bolivar Royal Coronas Cigar is considered a true classic with its smooth wrapper and beloved Robusto vitola.
Don Jaime Partagas was the first factory owner to have a storyteller
Lectors in factories are one of oldest Cuban cigar traditions. As an innovator, Jaime had a storyteller read to his tordecores to educate and entertain them whilst undertaking the stressful work of ensuring perfect craftsmanship of habanos. To discover other famous traditions respected and popular currently, read Cuban Cigar Traditions Still Used Today.
Cohiba was the name used by Taino Indians to describe their rolled tobacco leaves
When Christopher Columbus and his explorers landed in the New World of Cuba, they noticed the native Indians smoking a type of rolled up tobacco – tobacco leaves bunched together. Quickly they took the leaves to Spain, where the country ruled over Cuba’s trade, until the King of Spain declared Cuba free in 1818. Cohiba is today of course, the most successful Cuban cigar brand, and Fidel Castro’s favourite.
Top: Romeo y Julieta Wide Churchills Reserva Cosecha 2009 Cigar, Bottom Left: Cohiba Panetelas Cigar, Right: Romeo y Julieta Churchills Cigar
"considered the greatest Panetela"
Churchill generally smoked dark-leaf double coronas
According to Zino Davidoff, Winston Churchill favoured a double corona, but was also partial to a Lonsdale and a Panetelas. The measurements of different cigar vitolas vary from brand to brand, but the Romeo y Julieta Churchill Cigar is an aficionado favourite, measuring 178mm by a 47 ring gauge in a beloved Julieta No.2 vitola. The Cohiba Panetelas Cigar meanwhile, is considered the greatest Panetela and has an elegant leather, grass and barnyard essence.
Limited Edition Cigars changed in 2007
The Limited Edition series first came about due to the growing 90’s demand for cigars. Formed in 2002, all binder and filler leaves went through the same ageing and fermentation as regular production. In 2007 however, Limited Edition Cigars began an extended two-year minimal ageing process. This creates a more mellow taste and adds to the luxury of the range. Limited cigars are now highly-sought after and are seen as collector pieces. With just a year of production, we suggest acting fast if you wish to own a limited piece in your humidor.
Cuban tobacco seeds are typically planted in October
Cuban tobacco seeds generally start their life in a greenhouse for four weeks, before they are transported to fields and inspected for approximately 3-4months, after which the seeds are harvested. The process to planting is very particular, and farmers have a demanding job of keeping on track of the many manual tasks required to grow a year of ideal crops. You can find out more on our The Cultivation of Tobacco article.
Top Left: H. Upmann Epicure No. 2 Cigar, Top Right: H. Upmann Magnum 50 Cigar, Bottom: H. Upmann Connossieur A Cigar
"first to make comparisons between wine and cigars"
Zino Davidoff created the first desktop humidor
Zino is additionally recognised for being one of the first to make comparisons between wine and cigars. Other innovators include H. Upmann Cigars creator Hermann Upmann, who invented cedar boxes for cigar transportation and preservation, and Jaime Partagas who was one of the first to test and investigate cigar ageing methods.
Cuban cigars contain mineral rich soil
Cuba’s Vuelta Abajo region contains the greatest tobacco growing plantations, due to numerous factors such as temperature and environment. Moreover, the soil contains a seamless balance of minerals. This is why Cuban cigar ash sometimes burns at a slightly-grey colour. All the most well-known brands, from Romeo y Julieta, to Hoyo de Monterrey Cigars, seek their tobacco there.
The Cuban Cigars price for quality and craftsmanship, is demanding. From the torcedores to the farmers, Cuban cigars are one of the most luxurious artisanal pieces one can purchase. We hope you enjoyed our facts and can share them with other connoisseurs.