Aficionados… you’ll know that the world of figurados isn’t a straight road (much like their shape). Figurados cover a whole category of cigars. Today we will focus on torpedos. But to understand why you need to try these big boys, you need to know what makes them different, right? You can spot a torpedo from their shape (tapered at one/both ends – sometimes with a slight bulge in the middle). That’s not to say they’re all the same, it’s a broad culture to explore. We know your wondering: what’s so special about this shape? Well, they pack a punch. They burn more intensity, with more consistency. This shape of Cuban cigars is well-established among cigar smokers, but there are a few things that you need to know before delving into our Cuban cigar shop to find out what all the fuss is about.
"A MORE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT PROCESS"
COMPLEXITY - The complicated format of these beauties, means they are more challenging to produce. With factories having to put in a harder shift, you might find that they are slightly more expensive. Nothing that isn’t worth it! The producers need more experienced rollers when it comes to crafting Torpedoes. Lázaro Collazo (head of quality control at the Habanero factory) told Financial Times, “The main challenge is in the cabeza or ‘head’ of the cigar. In a Parejo cigar you cut the binder/filler after you have rolled a cylinder of tobacco. This creates the flat end onto which the cap is placed. With a Pirámide, you have to continue rolling the binder and filler tobacco into a Pirámide shape, and then also add the cap at the end. This is a more complicated and difficult process.”
Rafael Gonzales 88 Cigar.
“TORPEDOES ARE NOT FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED”
WHAT'S THE POINT - It goes without saying that the tapered end/s are the stand-out feature of Torpedoes. But it’s not all about the look. There are deeper and more complex layers than that of those in straight cigars. This offers a more concentrated flavour, as the smoke is channelled through the point. A larger ring gauge is expected on these, it allows for the roller to blend a wider variety of tobaccos (as well as larger amounts). The Rafael Gonzales 88 Cigar sizes with a ring 48 ring gauge! The smaller cut opening creates an intense smoke, much like the sensation you get from a smaller cigar. With the added bonus of time. It is fair to say that Torpedoes are not for the faint-hearted!
CUTTING WITH CONTROL - The taper gives you the power of controlling the intensity of the cigar, with one cut. The deeper the cut, the lower the intensity. Most aficionados would agree that the best cut would be straight. This should come easy to you experts, as it is the way you would cut most of your cigars. Loosing the tapered shape increases the risk of cutting too deep and causing the wrapper to unravel…a devastating blow. A more unusual approach is the angle-cut. Tilting the cutter at a 45-degree angle will expose a larger surface area. It directs the smoke straight to the roof of your mouth, allowing for maximum flavour. This may be for our more experienced smokers, unless of course, you want to grab the bull with both horns. Have a look at the St.Dupont Maxijet Cutter, if you want to take control, with a sharp and smooth cut.
Pirámide Cigar Samplers.
If you like the sound of this aficionado’s favourite, then why not check out our Pirámide Cigar Sampler. Where you can put Torpedoes to the test, after all, you wouldn’t buy a car without testing it first, would you? For those who have already been lucky enough to experience the Torpedo, then look at Cuban cigars for sale to stock up! If you are the dedicated aficionado that we know you are, then you can find out more on our Cuban cigar blog.
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