The Origin
Cigars have generated much interest and passion, not only in their countries of origin but even more so in Europe and the United States. However, available historical references indicate that inhabitants of Europe were pretty much unaware of tobacco until after Columbus's epic voyage of 1492.
Cigars, as we know them today, were first made in Spain in the early 18th century, using Cuban tobacco. By 1790, cigar manufacture had spread substantially and small factories were being set up in France and Germany. However, cigar smoking became a recognized, widespread custom in France and Britain only after the Peninsular War that ended in 1814, when returning British and French veterans made cigar smoking, a habit they had acquired while serving in Spain, something of a fashion statement.
The cigar arrived in North America a little earlier than Europe, around 1762, when Israel Putnam, later a general in the American War of Independence, returned from Cuba, where he had served in the British army. He came back to his home in Connecticut with a selection of Havana cigars and large amounts of Cuban tobacco seed. Cigar factories were later set up in the area, processing the tobacco grown from the Cuban seed.
A Closer Look at the Cigar and its Different Types
Just like wine, there is much curiosity about cigars even amongst those who don't smoke. An important lifestyle product, the cigar has grown from being merely a smoking option to a true statement of style.
This article talks about all you need to know about the different types of cigars and the components that make a cigar and decide its quality.
The Structure of the Cigar
A Cigar has its three different parts that make it up: Filler, Binder and Wrapper.
The Filler: It is the filler that provides a cigar its essential flavor. There are three different types of leaves that are popularly used as fillers for cigars. These are Ligero, Seco and Volado.
The Binder: The binder is what encloses the filler and gives the cigar its proper shape and size. The bottom part of the plant where the leaves are thicker and have more strength is used as a binder for cigars.
The Wrapper: As the name suggests, the wrapper is the outermost covering of a cigar. Because its appearance is especially important, the quality of the wrapper is considered crucial and generally, can account for up to 70 percent of the value of the tobacco. It is said that a good wrapper should have the requisite flavor and steady-burning qualities essential for a truly great cigar smoking experience. Smokers examine a cigar for appealing appearance, texture and aroma, and this is where a good, painstakingly grown wrapper justifies the high cost of the cigar.
Different Types of Cigars
From a few local brands to tens of premium brands, cigars today, offer a number of options to choose from. Have a look at some of the best known cigar brands:
Cuban Cigars: Cuban cigars, considered to be one of the best cigars in the world, are also the most popular. It is said that their production is rarely ever able to match up to their demand! Also called Habanos, Cuban cigars are controlled by a government corporation, and demand much attention to detail from the cigar maker. Habanos need to be handled very carefully and call for a high level of monitoring for quality.
Macanudo Cigars: Macanudo was introduced in 1971 by the General Cigar Company and quickly became a leading premium cigar. Every Macanudo cigar is made with the finest Connecticut Shade wrapper, a flavorful blend of Dominican tobaccos and a select binder grown in the rich St. Andres Tuxtla Valley of Mexico. Each Macanudo can be relied on for consistency in smoothness and the same superior smooth taste and quality of experience.
Cohiba Cigars: The Cohiba came into into existence in 1966, but it was only in 1969 that it became famous. The tobacco used for manufacturing Cohiba Cigars is grown at full length in certain selected plantations in the province of Penar del Rio, and is considered quite special.
Padron Cigars: The manufacturing of Padron Cigars started in 1964 in Florida, the man behind the brand being Jose O. Padron. Padron Cigars use only sun-grown habano aged for a minimum of two and half years, and are available in natural and maduro wrappers. One of the finest cigars, Padrons are known as full-bodied and well-aged cigars.
Partagas Cigars: Though Don Jaime Partagas is the founder of Partagas cigars, it is the efforts of sons Ramon Cifuentes and Jaime Partagas Jr. that made Partagas cigars the leading Cuban Cigar. Partagas Cigars, known for their rich flavor, use high quality wrappers from Cameroon, known for its perfectly suitable climate for growing superb wrapper leaves.
Ashton Cigars: Ashton Cigars are produced using 3 to 4 year old Dominician tobacco, and get their rich taste from the golden Connecticut shade wrapper.
Acid Cigars: Made in Nicargua in Drew Estate by Jonathan Drew, Acid Cigars have a completely natural composition. They are prepared using the finest tobaccos and over 140 botanicals, herbs and essential oils. Acid Cigars are known to be the leader in the herbal and Botanical Aromatic Cigar Market.
Montecristo Cigars: Montecristo cigars, the famous Havana brands started becoming popular around the late 1930's. Popularized also by the Alexandre Dumas' 1844 novel Le Comte de Monte Cristo, the cigar is a medium to full bodied one with a sweet aroma and impeccable construction.
Arturo Fuente Cigars: Arturo Fuente learned the art of making premium, handmade cigars in Cuba at the end of the 19th century, and started producing his own line in 1912. The highest quality vintage tobacco is used for Arturo Fuente Cigars. The leaves are carefully selected from a private reserve and set aside for making these cigars. These are also known as one of the famous aromatic cigars.
About the Author - The author, A. "Mac" Levitt, is a well- known cigar enthusiast, distributor, and wholesaler who has been lending his expertise and experience to the Internet cigar industry since 1998. Having studied the scope and potential of secure online cigar shopping, Mac has been instrumental in providing advice and supplies to a number of secure online cigar shops like cigars-now.com
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Posted by: Alaska | May 23, 2009 at 01:02 PM
I like the acid cigars by Drew Estate. They never disappointed me and their price is not too high. I prefer the acid kuba kuba the most.
Posted by: Chris | June 24, 2009 at 09:36 AM
You are right. Drew Estate Cigars are really good and worth their money.I think they deserve their place in any collection and / or humidor.
Posted by: Jack | June 24, 2009 at 10:17 AM