The importance of the different tobaccos in a cigar

Not all tobaccos are equal. That is why blending several types of tobacco in a single cigar matters, and is even unavoidable if the maker is to obtain the aromas being sought.

Growing tobacco: a ceremony in its own right

Preparing the soil, sowing, growth, sunlight, pruning, harvesting, drying and so on are the repeated tasks of the tobacco grower. Every year, growers have to do everything they can to make their tobacco as good as possible. But as with every kind of plant, there are several sorts of tobacco.

The finest tobacco leaves in the world are said to come from the Cuban terroirs, chiefly Vuelta Abajo, Semi Vuelta, Partidos, Remedios and Oriente. The region of the fertile plains of Pinar del Río offers all the conditions needed for tobacco of impeccable quality. In the Dominican Republic, another major growing area, the leaves harvested are also very fine, as are some of those from certain terroirs in Honduras.

The different tobaccos used in a cigar

In short-filler cigars, the tobacco leaves are cut into small pieces and may contain up to 10 different sorts of tobacco. In long-filler cigars, the leaves are whole and never contain more than 4 different tobacco varieties.

The binder surrounds the filler with a leaf that is both robust and supple. The type of tobacco chosen matters, because it influences the taste and the aromas of the cigar.

The wrapper, finally, is thinner and cut from the best tobacco leaves. Everything has to be right: its colour, its texture, its quality, its scent and above all its even burn.

A closer look at Corojo and Criollo tobacco

Corojo tobacco is a hybrid plant used for the wrapper. It is grown entirely by hand and under shade cloth. Each plant yields no more than 17 leaves, enough to make around thirty wrappers.

Criollo tobacco is easier to grow and its leaves are used to make the filler and the binder. The leaves are sorted into several categories with different aromas and characteristics, depending on where they sat on the plant.