THE ART OF IDENTIFYING A GOOD HABANO
A good cigar is the result of a secret blend of five types of leaves. This blend gives the cigar the strength, flavor, and aroma that is later appreciated by the smoker.
HOW TO CUT YOUR HABANO
Use a small guillotine-type cutter or cigar scissors to cut the head, ensuring that the lower portion remains intact in order to prevent the wrapper from unraveling. Never stick a toothpick or matchstick in the end of the cigar as this will compress the tobacco and prevent the cigar from burning properly.
In addition to the leaves that form part of the secret blend of a good cigar, Habanos have a binder leaf that holds the tobacco filler in place. The wrapper leaf is the final touch that makes the cigar pleasing to the smoker’s eye.
HOW TO LIGHT YOUR HABANO
You should always use a butane lighter or wooden match. Avoid candles and lighters that use lighter fluid because the odors can be absorbed by the tobacco and affect the cigar’s aroma and flavor. How the tobacco is lighted is extremely important, and should be done slowly. Start by holding the flame close to the foot of the cigar until it begins to burn. Then you should blow slowly on the newly forming ember to establish an even burn. After bringing the cigar to your lips and again applying the flame, gently rotate the cigar while drawing from the head
HOW TO SMOKE A CIGAR
Cigar smoke is not absorbed in the same way as cigarette smoke. The enjoyment of smoking an Habano is derived from dilution of the smoke constituents with saliva and contact with the taste buds. As the smoke plays whimsically on your palate, you will sense the full flavor from the leaves that have been master- fully blended and aged for three years. Cigar ashes should never be shaken off. Instead, allow them to fall into an ashtray. After enjoying your cigar, place it in an ashtray to die a dignified death, its mission having been fulfilled.
Three types of leaves make up the heart of a cigar: volado, seco, and ligero (these three are known as the blend), in addition to the binder leaf and wrapper leaf, all of which come from different parts of the plant and have very specific functions.
For example, volado leaves have special burning qualities and give strength to the cigar. Seco leaves create the perfect balance between aroma and strength. Finally, ligero leaves give strength to the cigar.
In addition to the leaves that form part of the secret blend of a good cigar, Habanos have a binder leaf that holds the tobacco filler in place. The wrapper leaf is the final touch that makes the cigar pleasing to the smoker’s eye
Tobacco, like wine, improves with age, it has different aging periods. Volado leaves are aged for one year, seco leaves are aged for up to two years, and ligero leaves are aged for two years or more. The binder and wrapper leaves are aged for between one and three years.
This process often results in a limited edition tobacco.
The more aged the tobacco, the better its qualities.
